RFerrington

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.

22 minutes ago, jamin jul said:

Hi.  Do you recommend hump rooms on floor 7 obstructed view on Brillance of Seas? I think they are above Vintages? Pros/Cons? Thank you. 

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.

59 minutes ago, rdhed said:

can I trade in the trade in the rest for a future cruise that isn't booked yet(say I want to book a cruise for December but haven't decided what yet)?

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

29 minutes ago, Starry Eyes said:

Posting that graphic might give heart to newer Pins that that they may sometimes make the 30 Pin cut-off for CK access, even on big ships.  You never know…

^^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 ! 😂😇

2 hours ago, Brandis said:

Is the Tango Buenos Aires production show still on Radiance?

It was when we sailed Radiance several weeks ago.

2 hours ago, cruiseguy1016 said:

 The exception to this I believe, is when you reach Pinnacle.

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.

13 minutes ago, Smiley_Man said:

even if you buy The Key for two people in a cabin, you only get the internet for one device

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.

8 hours ago, CSHS1979 said:

Daybreak in Sri Lanka

 

Nice to have John back !

Only guessing, but I’m expecting there to be few real perks for the Prime folks.  I expect any real perks will be offered to Masters and perhaps a few to Signature.  

2 hours ago, js said:

I have one complimentary specialty dining from my TA and debating on

3 night package or UDP, which will bring my dh and me to four nights. 

We will be on the Odyssey.

Can we go to the same restaurant twice?
Are there any restaurants where we would have to pay extra on top of the UDP (or even 3 night)

to dine?
Thank you.

Yes, you can go to the same restaurant every time, if you want to, assuming they have reservation space for you.

Chef’s Table would be an additional charge as would Izumi Hibachi.  No extra charge for Izumi sushi.

My very recent experience is that they are no longer making a "place holder" reservation for you on night 1 or 2.  I think this is a first step in implementing the pre-boarding reservation system.  I never understood the utility of that first "fake" reservation anyway.  I'm glad they're doing away with it....and hopefully that means that the pre-boarding reservation system is coming online soon.

This has been an on-again, off-again FUBAR and I've quit worrying about it.  They have neither asked nor questioned the fact that the health questionnaire wasn't completed.  I think this is a relic that is on its way out (thankfully).

I will add my thanks to you for all you have done to keep us in the loop, @LadyZolt and also add my concern for your family situation.  It's a double whammy for you and your family and I'm deeply sorry that it's happening.  Best wishes to your family and sending good thoughts your way that things are favorably resolved.

While I have not yet sailed on Icon, in the past all suites, regardless of which category, boarding with the suites....meaning that even regular JS would have priority boarding.  Icon may be different, but I doubt it.  I'm guessing you will have priority boarding with all of the other suites (and Pinnacles/Key).

2 hours ago, LeeW said:

Ocean World.  Dolphin show and experience, shark demo, beach, snorkeling in tank, great bird house where you can feed them.  Pretty good park food.  We would go again. 

We did Ocean World as well. We did the Sea Lions and Shark Experience.  I was very surprised at how large and well-maintained the Park is.  It’s a bit pricey but we thoroughly enjoyed it and would go back again.

32 minutes ago, BNR091496 said:

I am new to the deluxe dining plan as well.  In order to purchase the dining plan, I had to select a reservation for day one but it didn't give me a choice as to which restaurant.  How do I know where to go?  How / when do you make reservations for dinner?  lunch when at sea?  TYIA

When you get onboard, go to one of the specialty restaurants or to one of the specialty dining kiosks and ask where they have scheduled you.  Of you want to change to a different restaurant, different time or different day, you can do it at that time.  You can also make the remainder of your reservations at that time.

I’ve noticed that they seem to be removing VP machines and not replacing them.  They’re becoming extinct

49 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

@RFerrington was just there and went to "Aqua World", a sea life park that she spoke highly of if that's of interest to you. Maybe she'll chime in.

Yes.  Ocean World.  It’s a very nice aqua park with sea lion, shark and dolphin shows.  There is a nice beach area and fresh water pools.  There are 2 (smallish) aviaries and 3 separate “performance” venues.  There is a nice, big aquarium full of lots of fish and coral in which you can snorkel.  It is a bit on the pricey side if you use the Royal Caribbean excursion (~$200 PP with taxes, etc) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Our excursion included interactive experiences with the sea lions and the sharks.  There was also a package that included dolphins. Note:  the Royal Caribbean excursion included the buffet lunch which would be an additional cost if you went on your own.

Ocean World is not far from the port (~15 minutes by bus) so it might be less costly to do this “on your own” as opposed to going through Royal.  I simply do not know how much admission is, if you were to buy it individually.

My main concern in doing Ocean World on my own would be the time.  It’s actually a pretty big park with lots to do and our ship departed PP pretty early (I think 3:00 ??) so just be sure you give yourself enough time if you do this on your own.

You cannot reserve BOGO reservations in advance.  Go to one of the specialty restaurants when you board and book the reservations.  As long as there are 4 D+ involved, you will be able to cover 8 people regardless of the others’ status.  

3 hours ago, birdofsong said:

 Can you get that rate before sailing by calling the Casino Royale Prime number?

No.  The discount is off the full onboard price so you must wait until after you board to apply for the discount.

We recently tried Hideaway.  I paid $19.99 PP

IMO it is not worth paying extra for.  I did like 2 things:

Heated pool

Some overstuffed furniture

other than those 2 things, there is nothing there that I can’t get for free on the “regular” side.

Welcome to Club Royale !

If you want to choose your own room or are considering an upgrade, I strongly recommend against using the “redeem online” link.  This amounts to basically a Guarantee reservation.  I have read that some people have requested a specific room in the “comments” section and been successful, but there’s no guarantee that you will be awarded your requested cabin when doing it online.

The cash value is just that.  You are entitled to apply the cash value of the certificate to a new booking.  In the past, you used to be able to use the certificate (either the “full” value or the cash value) to an existing booking but recently there have been only a few reports of being able to use the annual tier cert on an existing booking.  YMMV

You can always upgrade your tier comp to a higher category.  In the past, there was a “casino rate” applied to comp upgrades but those days are over.  Nowadays, you pay the full retail price difference between the value of your comp (typically a 4V category for Prime) and whatever the current sticker price of the upgrade you desire.  No discounts whatsoever.

Something to keep in mind.  Sometimes (rarely) the cost of a higher cabin category will actually be less than the cost of your award (the 4V I mentioned earlier).  For example, I booked both of our annual Prime tier comps on Symphony for March 2025.  For both of these bookings, an ocean view balcony guarantee (category XB) was lower than the interior (4V) so we will get an OV balcony at no additional cost as opposed to a dungeon inside !  So be sure and do some research (and ask the rep with whom you speak) to see if there are any “hidden” upgrades.  These are rare…so you have to do your homework.

The staff that I really feel sorry for are those poor servers in Johnny Rockets who have to stop and do a silly routine from time-to-time.  They always look like they would rather be ANYwhere else.