grouchomarx

For my upcoming cruise (solo) Vibe is $259. That is per person so double it if you're traveling together. The cabana which covers vibe access was $599 so if you're a couple it's a very good deal, bit expensive for a solo but I would do it again.

I agree, no Vibe, no cruise. I’m just too spoiled with it! It’s such a nice little community to become a part of. Everyone is so cool and you can socialize or be on your own. For the price, it’s amazing.

I did a cabana on Joy. I felt very isolated. I was traveling alone and got the cabana all the way at the farthest end of the vibe. So if you want some privacy, it’s a nice thing to have and more real estate than just a lounger. If you want to socialize, you might not want it. I did not use Spice H2O but several people told me it gets so crowded you’re practically elbow to elbow. I’m sure that depends on the ship and sailing though. All I can say is Vibe is worth every penny, knowing you will have a place to sit and your own bartenders who are better than the non vibe bartenders is so great. They creat a fun, festive atmosphere. No kids, plush loungers, hot tub, it’s the best.

On my invoice for my Symphony cruise, the dining is listed like this: Dining (Waitlist): MY TIME () What does this mean? I have my time or I'm waitlisted for my time? Sorry if I seem dense but I don't know how to interpret it.

You are correct, whatever you bid they will take twice that.

I was invited to bid on an upgrade for my last two solo NCL bookings. I ended up withdrawing the bids for a few reasons but I got the offer in my email. ETA first one was solo balcony, second one was solo inside.

I'm on the Joy to Bermuda 8/28. I will call again and see if someone different can help me.

I have the Vibe booked for my upcoming cruise. It was not an option to book a cabana online. But on my last cruise, it wasn’t either, but I got one when I called. However, after booking the Vibe online because I was desperate to make sure I secured it, I called to ask if I could upgrade to a cabana. And the rep told me me the only way to do that was to cancel my Vibe booking and then look for an open cabana thereby possibly lose my Vibe reservation, which I declined because Vibe is a dealbreaker for me and I must have it. Anybody know if once you board the ship you could go somewhere and ask if there is a free cabana to book? Where is the place to do so, if it can be done? I can certainly live without it but I kind of want to have it. TIA.

I mean this is from RCCL website so, is it debatable? https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/booking-cancellation-refund-policy

No there is an option to place a larger deposit than $250 to make it refundable. It is very clear. I did not choose this option. It’s almost double. I did get the $500 savings today. On Royal’s website it clearly states that the deposit ($250) is not refundable for any reason. I know this because I have reworked some NCL cruises recently and they fully refund your deposit no prob when you cancel. I was surprised to learn Royal doesn’t do this only after booking so I know there was no option for this at $250.

I have a cruise booked for about a year from now on Symphony. Today I was bored and did a mock booking for my sailing and it was significantly lower by about $500 (I am sailing solo). So I called Royal and asked if I could reprice. He saw the lower price and said it was lower because that was for non-refundable deposit and that I originally booked with a fully refundable deposit. A) I do not recall making any such selection or even knowing that was an option and b) I am under the impression from everything I’ve read including Royal’s own FAQ that the only way to have a fully refundable deposit is to pay the higher amount which I did not. I paid the standard $250. The rep was trying to convince me to keep my original fare in case I wanted to cancel so I could get a refund on the deposit. And I was like no, I would save $500 off my current fare so I’ll take my chances that I might have to cancel and accept that risk. What do you think? Was he lying or is this a thing? Nothing I read says that for $250 deposit you can get it refunded in any situation. I’m happy with my savings, just curious about Royal’s policies, I know little from only sailing twice with them.

Ok I'll wait and see. Yesterday when they cancelled it it was immediately reflected in my account that's why I was wondering if there is a problem.

I had booked a thermal suite pass for my December cruise and decided I no longer wanted it. So I called and cancelled it an didn't realize at that moment that they simply deducted the amount from my final payment number, rather than reversing the charge on my Amex which is what they have always done with cancelled things. Today I called and said I don't want it like that, I want the money back on my Amex. The rep was nice and put it in the system to happen that way. But my final payment # has not changed back to what it was before. Do you think this will self correct, or I'm gonna have to call again? Just wondering if anyone ever saw this happen before and can chime in.

I have a cruise booked for June 2025 on Symphony and it's available for purchase right now.

People don’t always show up to the solo meet ups, be aware. One night only one person came, I heard it was like that at least one other time. People say day 1 is the most important meet up. Personally I find 5pm to be highly inconvenient to my evening schedule, I’m still getting ready for the evening at that hour.

There was one day I was literally the only person in the thermal suite! It was never crowded. I did not have the nerve for the plunge pool! One dip of the toe was enough.

I kind of regretted buying a full week pass. Did not get to use it that much to justify the price. Next time I would do a day pass when I felt like it. It would be worth it for a cold weather sailing but not hot weather, you’re outdoors too much. It’s very tranquil and lovely though.

Just off Joy yesterday, NYC to Bermuda. Overall, I loved this ship. It was classy and elegant in every way. Food and drinks were top notch all around including the main dining room which I normally hate. The Vibe was a perfect escape from main pool madness and its own little hot social spot. The thermal suite was nice but mostly empty and very silent, except for loud voices in the hot tub sometimes. All specialty dining was delicious. I never used the race track or mini golf, nor the water slides. I did not see night time entertainment, I was busy with friends I met. This was a first solo cruise and I found it easy to make friends and find dining mates for many nights. Eating alone was super comfortable. I had a solo balcony cabin on deck 11, silent and never heard a sound of another human being anywhere. The observation lounge is a wonderful respite for a quiet place to relax, read, play cards, get a light bite. I ate breakfast here every day. Even when busy on a rainy day you can find a seat. Never visited the gym, it was very small by comparison to other ships (and I am a gym rat but needed a break). Service was excellent everywhere. Navigation took a few days to master. Some major venues are hidden in the far corners beyond the elevator banks, no sign. Never had any trouble finding a table in the buffet at peak lunch hours. If you have any questions I will try to answer them all. Joy was a joy, in conclusion.

Here is what I love about it. I want to get away from kids. Sure there is Spice H2O but no guarantee you’ll find a space. Vibe will always have a space for you. The loungers are more plush, the bartenders create a very fun festive vibe and it makes it very easy to meet and hang with fellow passengers at the bar. The liquor is top shelf if you have the upgraded package and it flows very freely. It is peaceful and relaxing and an escape from the madness of main pool deck. Service is excellent and you really want for nothing.

Thanks for the info. I am sailing Miami to western Caribbean in December. Glad to know they were so helpful.

Thank you for letting me know! I didn’t know they would do this.

Call and check, it’s how I got in when online said sold out. Was forced into a cabana to get in which was the best thing that could have happened. This was 6 weeks out.

You’ll be fine. I booked most of mine only 6 weeks out and did the ones I couldn’t get online once I boarded and even changed some midweek. Always got what I wanted.

Can anyone comment on whether the Bliss Vibe cabanas provide full or partial shade at any point in the day? The roof appears to be slatted which makes me think being fully shaded will be difficult to impossible. I’m just off the Joy and the cabanas there are awesome providing full or partial shade when you need it. I am so glad I had it as the Vibe didn’t have a ton of umbrellas available and it was burning hot out there. It’s too early to book so I have time to do some research on this.

Sailing on the Joy from NYC to Bermuda tomorrow and I’m very excited! I just came here to say a huge thank you to all the CC community people who answered all my questions, gave me great advice and tips so I can make the most out of my first ever solo vacation/cruise. You guys are the best and so knowledgeable and helpful. I would not be so well prepared without you all. When I come back I’ll give a review and take any questions if anyone has any. I would like to give back if I can.