RFerrington

Not Wonder. At least, not this week

Our experience has been mixed with whether or not the server actually uses a voucher for your drink or not. We bat about 500 with this rule. While technically [non-suite] Pinns must use a voucher for any beverage at any time in the SL/CK, we are generally “charged” a voucher about half the time. I think tipping probably affects that number (not that it should) but that’s about the way it’s been working for us.

That's a shame. They DO cross match the lists on Wonder - or at least, they have for the past 2 sailings. There is a great deal of overlap between the Pinns staying in Suites and the Masters who almost always are awarded full suites. I guess we've been very lucky. Only been turned away once and that was on EX where it didn't matter anyway...nobody wants to go to that dungeon SL on deck 9 !

Honestly, it seems like the danger of being shut out of the SL and or SL/CK has largely gone away or at least been significantly diminished -with the obvious exception of trans ocean cruises. We are VERY junior Pinns and cruise a lot. We have only been excluded from the SL once and that was on a recent EX cruise. As most know, EX still has the dungeon Concierge Club on deck 9. It’s tiny (and unappealing, but that is not part of this discussion ! 😂😂). Limiting access to the Concierge Lounge on EX makes absolute sense since there is such limited space and no place for overflow. Other than that, no limitations except for one cruise on OA where we had to eat breakfast in Chops. Big deal. We are currently on Wonder and we had a great conversation with the Suites Concierge about this. He told us that between Pinns who are also Suite guests and Masters who are nearly always suite guests, there had really been very little need to restrict the rest of the Pinns and as someone above mentioned, so many Pinns (us included) often dine in specialty restaurants and enjoy their drink vouchers elsewhere, that the SL/CK have not been overcrowded. Obviously, the crossings present an entirely different situation. I was glad to hear that they factor in the Pinns and Masters who are also suite guests before making any limitation decisions. The Concierge told us that there are 41 Pinns on the next cruise on Wonder (5-12) and that all are being given full access. We had 36 this week.

@Dolby1000 are you playing UTH ? I have been playing most evenings. Probably sat with you and didn’t even notice ! I’ve had good luck the last 2 nights but dismal luck earlier in the cruise. Heading to the CK for breakfast shortly. Enjoy our last day !

Availability of seating in the CK for non-suite guests is largely dependent on the number of Pinnacles and other JS guests on your particular sailing. Suite guests have priority and JS and Pinns will compete for any remaining availability. I agree with @lovesthebeach2 that your best approach is to go directly to the CK maitre’d upon boarding as it will most likely be first come first served for the available seats. @bajathree also has a good point about the lack of accessibility to the restaurant for JS. If you can’t get into the restaurant you can’t check on availability and Pinns will be able to get in once they have their Seapass cards. I also agree that the menu in the CK isn’t “all that”. It’s really the ambiance, service and views that make the CK appealing, IMO…but it’s nice to have a different option at least a couple of times.

If you receive a letter it will be to tell you that you will NOT have access to the SL/CK. That letter will likely come 2 days before boarding. If you receive no letter, most likely you will have full access. On OA a number of weeks ago, we had full access except for breakfast, which was in Chops for us. We found out about that once we were onboard, but we were ok with that one restriction.

Yes, I’ve noticed in the past week or so that some of the packages have the grats already included in the quoted price…and most importantly, there are actually some “discounts” on the 3 night packages, which is awesome ! I’ve saved quite a few $$ repricing some of our dining packages. …but be careful b/c some of the prices include grats and some do not.

You are very welcome.

Not free unless you are in a full suite. I believe the RS delivery fee is $7.95 plus 18% gratuity (comes to about $10).

I read recently that Royal is no longer doing the complimentary shuttles between ships/terminals or between PoM and PE. Apparently you can still book those transports but there is now a fee. I think it said something like $35 PP. Not sure when this will take effect (if it's even true).

Yes, you will feel more motion in the panoramic ocean view room but it hasn’t been a problem for us. We’ve been in this location 3 times. The rooms have always been very quiet. I prefer the rooms on either side (port or starboard) as opposed to the ones that look out over the bow. The view in the “side” rooms is unobstructed where the very forward cabins have an obstructed view of the bow and various comm/navigational equipment. My primary objection to these rooms is their location….meaning they are on the opposite end of the ship from where we spend the most time. If you don’t mind walking, these rooms are very nice. The prices on the 1L have gotten a little out of control, IMO. Oftentimes you can get a balcony for less than you can get one of these rooms. Just check prices carefully.

Just once, unfortunately. I should say....you can only book 1 cruise per certificate....so if you have 2 separate certificates, you can book 2 cruises (or apply the $$ off value) but only 1 cruise per cert.

You cannot combine casino offers, so if you have already booked a cruise using one offer, you cannot combine another cert to that booking - even if it is "just" a $$ off.

We are on this one with you. Just got back from the CK. Filet was a bit underwhelming this time. It’s usually excellent. Tomato soup was good. Peanut butter bar for dessert. Yum.

Although I have never tried to do that, I don't see any reason why the annual tier comp couldn't be transferred to a TA as long as it is done by the deadline (30 days, I believe). I would be very surprised, however, if a TA would award any kind of perks to a casino comp as the commission is negligible and I cannot imagine a TA being interested in giving a perk on something that is going to yield virtually nothing to them.

You can definitely apply the cash value to a new cruise booking as I have done this a couple of times. Actually, I didn't realize they would allow you to apply the cash value to an existing booking. I always thought that you could only use it on a new booking. Good information.

I cannot confirm anything for Brilliance, but I can tell you that I had 1D 7090 on Radiance in February and I would not recommend that room. #1, it was small. I'd estimate that it was at least 3 feet "shorter" than the 1B OV balcony (9530) that we had on the first leg of that B2B. Instead of a full sized couch, it was a small love seat. #2, the obstructed view was very noticeable. The overhang for the life boat was really an eyesore. I don't know if the stateroom you are interested in is the same as the one I had on Radiance, but if it is, I recommend getting something else.

No. You cannot convert a casino offer of any kind for FCC.

^^This, exactly^^. We are on Wonder in 2 days and I was very surprised (and happy) to see that low number. Who knows what it will be on our cruise, but I now have hope. Actually, it has been my recent experience that they are not banning Pinns from the SL/CK on the O class ships unless the number are VERY high. So far, the only ship I have sailed on where the baby Pinns were excluded was on Explorer but that’s very understandable since EX has that crappy dungeon Concierge Lounge that is tiny. Even when I WAS allowed in there I went up to the Crown Lounge instead ! 😂😇

It was when we sailed Radiance several weeks ago.

I don’t think they make this exception anymore…at least, they didn’t in our case. We turned Pinn during the first leg of a B2B on Mariner and while we were recognized on the first leg, we did not get any of the Pinn amenities until the second leg. I will say, though, the Loyalty Ambassador was wonderful and made sure that everything transitioned smoothly so that we enjoyed all of the Pinn amenities on that second leg.

Is this true ? I thought everyone who purchases the Key (which is everyone in the cabin) gets a 1 device plan. I have never used the Key so I don't know, but that's what I thought....

I just read where the first ship had arrived in Baltimore since the accident. I thought they were only allowing the “trapped” ships to exit. Didn’t realize they were allowing new ships to enter the harbor.

Nice to have John back !