Bucket29

54 minutes ago, Bucket29 said:

We got the apology email as well.  It is May 6th ... and nothing .... I think I will call them now .... I'll let you know

On the phone with Royal for about 45 minutes- they answered promptly though and were very nice.  To my surprise they told me my balance for a May cruise was processed today but about $ 600 would take another 3-5 business days or 2-3 weeks- yes they told me both time frames in this conversation.  While on hold I checked my credit card- no pending credits ... I asked the rep about this and they told me my credit card would see the credit in 3-5 days .... I am hopeful ... but at this point I just don't know .... I will keep you posted 

We got the apology email as well.  It is May 6th ... and nothing .... I think I will call them now .... I'll let you know

1 minute ago, Empehi said:

I could be wrong but I wouldn't be surprised if RCL and the other cruise lines knowingly let customers make final payment on cruises that they know will be canceled just to increase their cash flow. This way they can hold on to the full payment for months. Let's face it .... this is the only way these companies are getting any cash flow. Personally, I don't blame them for doing this (because they desperately need the funds) but as customers, we have to make a decision that is best for each individual.

 My sentiments also- minus the "I don't blame them"

21 minutes ago, Bucket29 said:

Sadly- we made the hard decision to cancel our July 31 cruise.  We had final payment coming up of appx 7K and had already paid 1200 in non refundable deposits.  Our only option was to pay the additional 7K or take the 1200 of deposit money in future cruise credit.  I really don't think our July 31 cruise will go forward and we would have received everything back once Royal cancelled, but, I have not received final payment monies back from Royal for a May cruise yet and it makes me nervous to shell out more money.

 

Of note to anyone in this situation- when I asked the Royal rep about final payment date they kind of hinted they would be willing to extend it.  Not for sure they would but worth a try if it helps anyone out.

And it makes me frustrated/angry that Royal has not cancelled this cruise before I had to make the choice.  I think it is wrong to put people in this position- there is NO indication that cruising will go forward in July.   My opinion!

Sadly- we made the hard decision to cancel our July 31 cruise.  We had final payment coming up of appx 7K and had already paid 1200 in non refundable deposits.  Our only option was to pay the additional 7K or take the 1200 of deposit money in future cruise credit.  I really don't think our July 31 cruise will go forward and we would have received everything back once Royal cancelled, but, I have not received final payment monies back from Royal for a May cruise yet and it makes me nervous to shell out more money.

Of note to anyone in this situation- when I asked the Royal rep about final payment date they kind of hinted they would be willing to extend it.  Not for sure they would but worth a try if it helps anyone out.

We cancelled all of our cruise planner items on 3-16 and received credit card refund on 3-20.  Agree with OP- probably got in before the high volume.  But have not received credit for final payment of cruise.

I received email confirmation on 3-24 (a Tuesday) that our late May Alaska cruise was cancelled.  The same day I used the link in the email to request a full refund- which indicated I would receive the refund in 30 days (so appx. 4-24).  After reading on the boards about people getting FCC instead of refunds I decided to call Royal to check on things.  I spoke to "John" in customer service on 4-4 and he confirmed I had a request for a refund logged in on 3-28 (ok- but not ok).  He assured me I would be refunded within 30 days of my request of 3-28.  I asked for email confirmation of my request for a refund ... he told me he did not have the ability to send me an email but that our call was recorded and he noted my request .... I'll let you guys know ....

Good news- I had cancelled all of our cruise planner items- drink packages, internet and arcade credits on 3-16 in anticipation of the cancellation.   I received credit to my credit card for all of those items on 3-20.

Not so good news- I've never been able to cruise twice in one year but this was the year I was doing it.  I have a late July cruise booked with extended family and final payment is coming up 5-5.  My family has never cruised before and are looking to me on what to do about making final payment .... I just don't know ........

Thank you- can you clarify- if the third guest cancels- does the price go up for the other two??

We have a cabin of three traveling in late July.  One of us is over 70 with diabetes (but it is very controlled).  IF the cruise actually goes, we still don't know what we will do, but can anyone give insight on what would happen to the pricing if only two of us decide to go?  We have only paid non refundable deposits at this time.

Cruising to Alaska in late May- would love input on whether people brought binoculars and if so any particular brand?

I've also read that some excursions provide binoculars- did people find this to be true?  Would you still bring your own?

Thanks!

Thank you all so much for the input- your experiences and suggestions really help in making the best decision I can.

I've decided to cancel the 5 day and am going to make the 7 day work.

I am thinking about booking a 5 night Alaska Getaway on Royal Caribbean the end of May 2020.  The cruise begins and ends in Vancouver, has 2 days of cruising and visits Icy Strait Point and Sitka.  Royal has advised me this is a new cruise itinerary for them and they have not yet decided if the days of cruising will be the inside passage or not- I assume then Pacific and Gulf of Alaska?

I have never been to Alaska and can't determine if I would be disappointed if we don't travel the inside passage.  Does anyone know if we go an alternative route if we will still see glaciers and other exciting things- or would it just be water? Will the seas be extremely rough?  A 5 day cruise works better with my work schedule over a 7 day but I don't want to end up regretting it.  Thanks for any insight.

Thanks- very helpful

We are arriving into the cruise port on a Thursday in early August. From what I can tell, we are the only ship in port that day.

We were thinking of starting our day in Marigot. Does anyone know what time the markets are open, are they fairly big, how much time should we allow to walk around?

Also, how many other things are there to see in Marigot- we have our eating plan all set!

thanks

Thank you-

would you say there is more to see and do just walking around in one of the ports over the other?

On Royal, you can have different packages for each person in the cabin.

You can easily rebook the other person's package but if you got a better price for the other person's package than they are currently offering I would call them before you change anything.

Cruising in early August, would love insight.

Port days in St. Thomas and St. Marteen/Martin. Trying to decide on which port to do water tour and which port to do "taxi/beach" tour.

Options include day of sailing and snorkeling in St. Thomas or day of speed boat and snorkeling in St. Marteen/Martin. Whichever port we chose to do water tour, the other port we would have a more modest cost day and either hire a taxi and see the local sights or just walk around. Cost is similar for both water days, equally rated for fun and reliability and both include food and drinks.

We are a group of 12. Six adults and six kids ranging 11-19. Some of group are slightly prone to motion sickness but plan to take Bovine.

General thoughts and anyone who has experienced either greatly appreciated!

Will also post under general Caribbean and St. Thomas threads

thanks

Cruising in early August, would love insight.

Port days in St. Thomas and St. Marteen/Martin. Trying to decide on which port to do water tour and which port to do "taxi/beach" tour.

Options include day of sailing and snorkeling in St. Thomas or day of speed boat and snorkeling in St. Marteen/Martin. Whichever port we chose to do water tour, the other port we would have a more modest cost day and either hire a taxi and see the local sights or just walk around. Cost is similar for both water days, equally rated for fun and reliability and both include food and drinks.

We are a group of 12. Six adults and six kids ranging 11-19. Some of group are slightly prone to motion sickness but plan to take Bovine.

General thoughts and anyone who has experienced either greatly appreciated!

Will also post under general Caribbean and St. Marteen/Martin threads

thanks

Cruising in early August, would love insight.

Port days in St. Thomas and St. Marteen/Martin. Trying to decide on which port to do water tour and which port to do "taxi/beach" tour.

Options include day of sailing and snorkeling in St. Thomas or day of speed boat and snorkeling in St. Marteen/Martin. Whichever port we chose to do water tour, the other port we would have a more modest cost day and either hire a taxi and see the local sights or just walk around. Cost is similar for both water days, equally rated for fun and reliability and both include food and drinks.

We are a group of 12. Six adults and six kids ranging 11-19. Some of group are slightly prone to motion sickness but plan to take Bovine.

General thoughts and anyone who has experienced either greatly appreciated!

Will also post under St. Thomas and St. Marteen/Martin threads

thanks

Just keep in mind that if you originally booked and recieved an onboard credit you may loose the onboard credit when rebooking at the lower rate, make sure you ask if that is your circumstance.

Hah! you're right

I've read different things about the wifi packages. Can you buy them before you board. Have people been happy with the packages? (this is on the Allure post dry dock)

Thanks all.

For Marsaille- does anyone know if we dock in Marsaille or Toulon?

Can anyone clarify the exact ports for the Allure Western Mediterranean Cruise. I thought I could tell from our itinerary but the Royal Caribbean agent is giving me different information than what I thought.

thanks

Thanks all!