kmorg1234

5 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

Prices are up in my category 

 

Pretty sure same thing happened to suites last year

That surprises me, but then again I am certainly no expert on any of this.   So while this may seem presumptuous of me, I would like to say that I have so appreciated your helpful advice and comments over the years.  Would there be any way we could meet for a drink and chat in November?  

3 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

When was original booking?

John, it was late Nov 2018.  I think you are going on that trip as well?

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

RCI must have thought so too but apparently the pubic is not buying at those levels.

I think you are spot on.  I’m looking forward to the “surprise entertainment” but perhaps the premium was too much; didn’t fool or tempt people.  Now that it is priced back in the normal range for that time of year, perhaps it will be more popular.  Regardless, I am hoping everyone that is booked on that cruise notes the price drop and saves a few $$ before final payment.

So I keep checking on the prices for the Nov 2 2019 Symphony Anniversary Cruise, and the prices keep dropping dramatically, at least for the suites.  So far have saved 21% from original booking to June 21, now today another 6% from the June 21 price.  Total of 25.7% off original price.  Seems odd to me, since it should be a popular cruise.  Has anyone else noted these price drops?

1 hour ago, awestover89 said:

 

Honestly, I know it isn't always possible, but if I were in that situation I would try to fit in a short 3 or 4 night cruise to trigger the level up. We're also in Florida, so it's a lot easier for us unfortunately

We did this on a weekend cruise to make it to D+.  Thought it was worth it for the perks on the next cruise, which was longer.  Since it left from Bayonne, it was a quick drive to the port, and quite a fun weekend!

I usually budget $1000 for the week.  Seems like the offers increase if I happen to win a big jackpot.  They want their money back, perhaps? 

Thanks for taking the time for this great review.  Love all of the photos.  

HooToo TripMate works for us too- we even take it with us when we leave the room to use on different decks when we are lounging around.  Great purchase.  Always take it with us even to shore vacations.  

To get the deal you want, you click on the offer and enter your request.  They get back to you via email within a day.  But then when I saw what a great deal a balcony was, I called the casino TA number to upgrade to a Genie cabin.  Was very easy.

I get the postcards, then sign into the Casino Royale site to see all of my “offers.”

My casino rate is a HUGE discount.  I just booked a $9500 suite on the Anthem for $3300.  Had to pay in full despite the cruise being months away, but I thought it was a great deal.

Hey Dana, your review was beyond amazing- the detail, the descriptions, everything was just on spot. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it- we found ourselves on the ship saying “Deladane said that this would happen now.....” or “deladane recommended this.....” and we did it, and it was fabulous!!!! We too stayed in Moorea for 3 days pre-cruise, and enjoyed the sights. The MAC guys were fabulous- and when we mentioned your names, they lit up. (You might think about asking for commission!!!! JK). Their jetski tour was so much fun. We wound up doing the PureSnorkeling tour in Bora Bora, which was beyond amazing- the reviews are good, but fail to differentiate completely between the different operators (in my opinion). We took 2 different snorkeling tours in Bora Bora, and both were fabulous but VERY different. Our fave was with Fabian with PureSnorkeling who spent the day with us in the water, snorkeling, showing us things, pointing at things, really getting us into the water and seeking out the harder-to-find species. THAT WAS THE HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PS AND THE OTHER OPERATORS. The others dropped you off at great spots in the water to investigate on your own, but never went into the water with you. Regardless, we had a great time on ALL of the tours, but want somehow to let folks know that if they want a truly totally immersive snorkeling experience, look for these guys.

Also going along with your recs, we bought the Olympus TG5 for this trip. Great purchase! It was perfect. Is there an easy way to post pics to this thread? Regardless, we came home with amazing pics, thanks to your recommendation.

Thanks again for your time and effort, and happy sails to you!

How about a little cruise around French Polynesia? Get to explore a different part of the world. Not RC ships, but so port intensive, you will be exhausted enough to not care about the ship’s activities. Several of the luxury cruise lines go there.

I say that the peeps booking the Suites are only allowed into the Suite lounge. Pinnacles are NOT allowed into those lounges, as they may be sailing in a non-suite cabin. D+ and Pinnacles have their own lounge, and Ds get the vouchers.

This way, people can truly mingle with like-minded people- isn't this what everyone says this is REALLY all about? Luxury minded folks that may sail only occasionally on RCCI, vs the ones that are really committed to Royal Caribbean, vs the ones that most likely have achieved status via a familiar or other relationship, or by pure persistence?

Royal has gotten themselves into this mess. They need to fix it to the satisfaction of their consumers. In the meantime, I suggest we vote with our feet and $$ and spend our hard earned monies on the lines that understand how to treat loyal customers. There are plenty of them out there.

Let the lobbing begin!

I wanted to post this in the Roll Call section, but apparently there is no roll call for the PG July 18, 2018 sailing. Otherwise, I'd be looking to meet my fellow travelers, as well as coordinate some fun meetings! What we are looking for right now, though, are 8 more folks to join us on Ato's Blue Lagoon tour in Fakarava on July 23rd. This tour has received many great reviews, and we'd love to go, but he (understandably) needs a minimum of 12 people.

We are a party of 4: 2 young at heart adventurers, 1 26 year old, and an 11 year old who has already been bitten by the travel bug. Please join us! We are SO excited for this whole adventure- first time to this part of the world.

Also, any advice for us first timers is most appreciated.

Thank you!

Kathleen

Looks like next July 2018 will be a popular time on PG! My husband and I just booked the 10 night cruise leaving on July 18, 2018. This, too, is our first time on this ship and to French Polynesia; we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary and a milestone birthday. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us Dana, it is getting me very excited about this special trip next summer!

:) Lisa

Lisa, we are booked on this as well. This trip report is getting me super excited! Is there a roll call for this sailing?

Gorgeous photos, and great tips. Thank you! Am taking notes for out trip next July.

Looks like next July 2018 will be a popular time on PG! My husband and I just booked the 10 night cruise leaving on July 18, 2018. This, too, is our first time on this ship and to French Polynesia; we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary and a milestone birthday. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us Dana, it is getting me very excited about this special trip next summer!

:) Lisa

We are booked on that sailing too! This great review is getting me so excited.

Wonderful review- we are booked for this trip next July, just need to get the time off from work to make it happen. After watching and enjoying all of your slideshows, I more than ever want to be able to go!!! Thank you for taking the time to do it. And please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Sorry for not updating yesterday, guys, but I discovered that Princess's internet is slower than molasses. In Brugge today on my data plan. So it turns out that he secretly did renew the passport after the last trip, leaving a copy of the face page on the table in the midst of the rest of ours. Glad he got it done, but he could have just told me! Even funnier was upon reaching customs in Heathrow, said passport was again missing.... He had left it on the plane. Fortunately the really nice flight crew had found it and came looking for us. Harrowing 45 minutes, but all ended well.

Thanks again for all the advice and supportive comments- love this community. Happy cruising, everyone!

I would hope the bus would wait 5 minutes for people. But if there is a tight connection or the bus needs to be somewhere else later, I can understand why that didn't happen.

 

We were late once when we were taken to some awful "authentic" town near Ephesus. The place was littered with stalls selling garbage, with one sign stating in English they sold genuine fake watches. We wandered off the paved streets and found a really good authentic restaurant, but got lost coming back. We were running around trying to find the bus and I was shocked when we ran into other late people who were slowly walking around. They had no idea where the bus was either but they figured they'd find it eventually and the bus would wait for them. Thankfully everyone got on (us first since we were running) but if we'd been left behind it would have been our fault.

SMH on this one. Please be cognizant on your surroundings, esp when traveling abroad- it's for your own safety.

I'm sorry, I don't usually post negative thoughts. But I find this just another example of people blaming others for their actions (or lack of) and not wanting to take responsibility for same.

 

When you are told what time to be back, you should not only confirm that you heard correctly but should make certain that your watch is set the same as the tour guide's. This isn't kindergarten, they shouldn't have to come FIND you. It is YOUR responsibility to get back in plenty of time. Why should others on the tour waste their time waiting for you? That's plain inconsiderate to expect them to do.

 

I find it petty that you will sever ties with a particular cruise line that has served you well because of something that was your fault to start with. We have sailed with Carnival, RC, NCL & HAL and have taken excursions both ship sponsored and independent on each. I really don't think you will find any that will treat a similar situation differently.

This, exactly. Thank you so much for expressing it so succinctly and precisely. When I am on a tour, I do not want to wait for anyone else who decides to be selfish enough to show up late- we are all paying good money to go on an adventure. Why can't people do the right thing to show up on time, to be considerate and thoughtful of everyone else? If anyone is even one minute late, and the bus has left without them, then they should realize that it was their own mistake. Accountability- a lost trait.

Thanks, all! Very helpful info. SO and I have the AIBP and son has the soda package. Guess I'll bring insulated cups for sodas by the pool. And did look on the European ports boards- lots of info there too, but cold not find much for Helsingborg. Guess we are winging it..... but that has its own charm!

How does the Club Class fit into all of this? Do they have both TD and ATD in that section? Can we request to be seated at a large table with others? First time on Princess. Had no idea it was so complicated!

Will Android pay work?