aprime23

I think it's another way of saving money seen how most sailings out of Southampton come with a free drinks package.Do ye think if someone is looking a bit tipsy and orders a $150 bottle of wine he would be refused.I don't think so.

? I'm sailing on the IOS in 4 weeks out of Southampton and didn't see any mention of a free drink package. You got a link?

Staying onboard while in port means you get to enjoy the ship without the crush of people, the bars, pools, buffet, whatever are all available without lines. It is also one of the best times you can actually take a nap.

How much to walk up to a bar and have them pour a glass off the gun

As a jeweler, please don't buy jewelry while on a cruise. We hate telling you the bad news and even worse some (like me) won't take it in for sizing or repair because when you get it home don't assume that just because it's stamped 14k, 10k, SS that it actually is. Or when that beautiful emerald turns out to be a green tourmaline.

Since Royal dosent offer bottle service and running to the bar for glasses of wine is a PIA how much are and could you just buy the singles in the buffet and keep a few in the mini fridge.

By chance has anybody seen 10 day cards on the Independence?

The only thing that comes to mind is the number of empty tables I see in traditional, most every night. Those tables cannot typically be used by folks in MTD waiting for tables, so the space goes wasted.

 

I don't think the current system (traditional and MTD) can last with the way it's currently implemented. I think they either go to an all MTD system, or give the traditional folks some set amount of time to get to their table, after which they lose that spot for the night and have to go to MTD if they still want to eat in the MDR.

NO Lets not do that, that is why MTD is so full, Traditional diners who miss their table then take two tables for the night. If you choose Traditional DO NOT wander over and take my MTD table, you had your choice and missed it. Please enjoy the buffet or any of the other food options, but to play both sides of the fence is disrespectful and rude IMO. If you card says Trad you should never be let in to MTD and it should be strictly enforced. MY 2 cents

I would like to remind everybody that a piece of paper with their contact information and itinerary simply placed on the inside before closing of their luggage will do far more for recovery and routing than concocting more ways to outsmart bag handlers and carousels.

If you already paid then you won't be charged any difference (at least according to what they are saying). I think that's why they're giving people a chance to sign up for pre-pay now.

 

Tom

Doh!! if had just read down the RCI Statement a little further I would have answered my own question.

Sorry and Thanks. Happy sailings:D

Hello All, New to RCI, When I booked our cruise we prepaid the gratuities, cruise fare everything paid in full in advance . Will we now be billed the for the difference?:confused:

So, how much are those mini bottles of vodka on the ship?

I would consider it a generous favor easily repaid with a few cocktails of their choice.

New to RC, are there happy hour specials?

It would be a nice change if they offered water at a reasonable price.

It would be nice change if they offered drinks from the bar at a reasonable price.

Drink packages are for one person.

 

If you don't drink enough for a package, then give your SeaPass card to the bar server and they will charge you for your drink. Simple solution.

I agree with you however, I do think RCCL drink pricing is disingenuous as they have gutted "affordable" drinks and clearly pushed the math towards packages. To me they are saying your all in or nothing, being a casual/ social drinker myself the gouge at the bar speaks volumes when it comes to booking. I am new to RCCL and if it hadn't been for the med itinerary and the great cabin #7414 on the IOS I would consider pulling my booking, that said I cruise for the ports and not the party but the ala carte bar pricing could very well mean one and done for us regarding RCCL.

Our JS we just booked last week on the IOS for June 2016 dropped $300.00 we are new to RC, would most of you call and get them to honor the best rate guarantee?

Sorry to ask such a stupid question and risk getting flamed off this board but, "can you buy a churchhill on princess" I might actually enjoy a cigar and brandy after dinner - gasp

I confess, I am a sucker for a tray of umbrella drinks. I cannot help myself and cave instantly if asked if I would like to buy a drink while on vacation. I apologize for singlehandedly trying to drive the KPI you fear through the roof.

Thank you for your time and effort. These are very much appreciated.

Were we reading the same review? Not sure why you would say that. I thought this review was very positive. What did I miss?

Its the little things, No poolside grill that's not an upcharge. He is spot on about the Guys burgers - they are amazingly good. Overpriced drinks, my favorite is a couple bucks more on RC . No self serve laundry we like to pack light, and no we don't go on vacation to do laundry but it would be nice to pop in and press a shirt for the evening changeover. A lobster diner included one night usually on formal night is a staple on Princess and Carnival. Also like the OP we like to eat at the buffet and we are early eaters(5:00) so 6:30 is too late for us. Add in a B2B with 2 really good port intensive itinerary's split between the Baltics and the med VS RC med of 14 days and 6 are sea days. I don't think this is a good fit or the experience we were hoping for, although the Indy looks like a fantastic ship, so to be fair talk me into booking with RC.

Thank you for the honest review, we were going to book the Indy for a14 day med, I think we will instead opt for a b2b princess-ncl instead.

Are a lot of things up charges. I just found out there is no self serve laundry? What else is an extra charge.

The fine print in the best rate guarantee says its only valid for 48hrs. What I really want to know is if I book now and that better offer comes along with OBC will they honor that.

Hello all,

We are seasoned cruisers but are new to RC and are looking at booking the Independence June 2016 for our 30th anniversary. So the cabin availability is good now and the second person half off seems to be a recurring offer. I noticed that every June they run a 3 day sale and include a $200 OBC for balconies. I checked the best rate guarantee and its basically crap.

How would you suggest a newbie book to get the best rate and OBC offers.

P.S thanks to the folks who pointed out the JS is a waste without perks.

I would like additional training on how to lower the lifeboats and how to start the engines. All the basic stuff I would expect a crew member to completely screw up. I would feel a lot more safe knowing I didn't have to rely on the crew and I could do it myself.