sargemrs

On 8/3/2023 at 2:03 PM, BirdTravels said:

-We haven't sailed with RC since 2018, because of the shutdown and having a child. Do we still need to print boarding passes, or are the passes in the app all we need along with passports. (Obviously print luggage tags.)

We always print our set sail passes. Can't be bothered fumbling around with a phone. Also works for drinks if you have a drinks package. 

 

-We also bid on Royal Up, if we are not selected will we get a denial email, or just never hear back? Not hopeful, but one can dream. 

Royal Up remains open until the ship leaves the dock. So, you will get a denial email sometime after leaving on your cruise. 

 

- Are the wrist band key cards a good $10 investment? Do they work well on board? Parents with a toddler, so something to help free up our hands sound blissful. 

To us, it is a waste of money. About the only think it helps with is opening your cabin door if your hands are full. Otherwise, you and your arm have to get to every point of sale (versus just handing someone a card). 

Quick question concerning Sea Passes.  First timer on RCL and we punched our NCL key and put it on a lanyard.  What is the best way to use the Sea Pass?

33 minutes ago, scotlady said:

Hi.

 

This whole linking thing has got me very confused.

I went online and booked Chef's Table ahead of our cruise.

I added two guests from another cabin online (they gave me their birthdates and reservation number).

All fine, but it seems that now we are completely linked.  They show up anytime I try to book anything and I can see their link to pay remaining balance.

I'm curious whether we will also be able to each other's check-in info, print each other's docs, etc.?

 

It seems like a weird system that just because you want to eat dinner together, you end up completely linked.

 

It also leaves me wondering what to do for our regular early dining times for MDR. 

We have 12 people total in our group and would like to be seated at tables together (either one or two, depending on whether a table for 12 is even a possibility).  Do we have to link reservations to get a table together?  

I know everyone will recommend just waiting till we get on the ship, but with the ship being pretty fully booked, I would feel more comfortably trying to request this ahead of time.

 

 

We’re kinda in your situation too!  I just called to request our reservations for  3 nights specialty dining for a group o 18. I was told it can’t be done until we’re onboard!  We’re all suites, so maybe our concierge can when he contacts us, don’t know but hopefully someone will answer us!  

1 hour ago, Newcruiser215 said:

Is that why August cruises are typically cheaper (kids back in school) or is it because of hurricane season? 

Well, it didn't seem cheap!!  We upgraded (ourselves) to OS and it'll probably be our last cruise....age related, but wasn't cheap!! 🙄😀

41 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

We've never had any major problems sailing in June/July either other than occasional poor behavior like running around the stairs or hallways.

Is August 27th too late for the big summer “kid” cruises?  Or will it be the last “hurrah”?  Opinions.

We just checked in for our Allure cruise in August. I understand we need a recent photo for our sea pass or their records.  Can we wait until boarding for them to take one (which is what we did on NCL) or maybe some one can help this old lady figure out how to upload a suitable photo.  Sounds like they want one like the passport photo.  I have one left from getting my passport but can't figure out how to get it on the form it needs to go on.  Please help!!

2 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

No, it's free. It used to be a common thing before the restart. Now they only do it if enough people ask. 

Oh my word!!!  The men especially in our group would be "over the moon" to go on that tour!  When we get our conscierge letter I may mention it for our group, we're all in suites, and see what develops!  That would really make our trip, I'm sure!!

9 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Yup. Pretty strict. 

 

Wonder of the Seas

Yes, I saw that picture and didn't want my steamer like that and the inconvenience, etc. of having to retrieve it......well.....I guess we'll not be so fastidious!!!

On 7/7/2023 at 10:10 AM, George C said:

Concierge can be really handy , they helped us several times , that’s one of the reasons we love suites.

Curious about the bridge tour.  I've seen several mention about the concierge helping arrange that, but it's at a price, correct?

1 hour ago, LilBlackDress said:

If you don't want to use the ship's laundry services, (I have used them several times for pressing when sailing in a suite) Your best bet is to bring some Downy Wrinkle Releaser (Trial Size). Spray the clothes, and hang them in the bathroom with steam. Use a hair straightener for touch-ups... 

Have never tried the Downy Wrinkle Releaser but guess I'm fixing to try it!!  My clothes are not the issue, but DH suit (for formal nights) and the occasional shirt might need a little help but I guess we need to not be so  OCD!!  So is there an iron for loan or use in a laundry room?  Do I understand that or will they let you use one and bring it back or what?  (that's if the previous suggestions don't work!)

At the risk of being “flamed” wondering if RCL is stricter than NCL in regards to small steamers?  I took mine on 5 cruises with NCL and never had a problem.  We dress up formal the 2 formal nights and dressy casual the other days and hate to be wrinkled!  I’m scared of irons (ships) because of the unknown quality but don’t relish my little steamer getting confiscated!  Before you judge I’m VERY dutiful and NEVER leave it unattended and cool, and put away before leaving the cabin.  Just opinions as I know it’s up to the X-ray scanner or whatever they use.  For anyone who cruises NCL and RCL.  

23 minutes ago, bayportkat said:

Just scroll down on the Your Upcoming Cruises screen and at the bottom it says”Don’t dee your cruise? Let’s add it now”. Then put in last name, date of birth and reservation number. If you don’t have that information, I guess you would have to ask your travel agent if they have all the reservation numbers and they can take care of it.

Oh Ok.  I think I can do that.  Helpful~~

9 hours ago, bayportkat said:

If you have the reservation numbers and last name/date of birth, you can link them in the app without the ta or rcl. 

Oh, that’s great to know.  I looked at the app but couldn’t see exactly where to input all of that information.  I already have their cabin numbers, but I have to have all the other information as well?

27 minutes ago, Longhorn Cruiser said:

 

When I select Check In, I can scroll down to each person under multiple reservation numbers and select Arrival Time for each one individually.

Okay, so at this point we’re not all linked.  I should get everyone’s reservation numbers and call RCL or my TA (Costco) then I’ll be linked at check-in? Please advise!

6 hours ago, bayportkat said:

We have to check in tomorrow for our August cruise. Our group has 5 rooms. If they are all linked to me on my app, can I reserve the checkin time for everyone or does each room need to do it separately?  Thanks for any help or suggestions. 

This is exactly what I needed to know for our group.  We check in the 13th for 5 cabins also.  We’re wanting a group embarkation picture and we’re all in suites.  I’ll see what exact answers you get!,

On 6/24/2023 at 12:22 PM, dna1990 said:

Echo'ing above...always contact your cruiseline's special needs department.  Not just for first/last day, but they may have helpful options for the whole week.

 

I would choose the assisted luggage option (place all but a small carry on outside your cabin door the last night).  You will receive new "numbered" luggage tags.  Enjoy the next morning as usual and await for that "number" group to be called off.  Once in the terminal, scout where there number sign is for your bags, but also scout for where best to hail a porter, they are often lined up, or sometimes there is a wait for a porter.  They will load everything as you point out your items.

 

At RCCL terminal, porters are really only going to get you out of the terminal and to the main sidewalk pickup area or to a shuttle pickup area.  On occasion, you might get one to go as far as the North Lot Covered, but this has seems to have been cracked down on.

 

At the CCL/Princess/et al terminal, porters are again going to get you to the self pickup sidewalk or the shuttle areas just across the driveway.

 

 

Grab a shady spot and/or have an umbrella to wait, if one person is going to go get car and pull back thru.  It can take a while at peak times to work your way back in thru the traffic.  Main point is to be prepped for this wait and be patient, and not to get stressed for either party knowing where the other is, etc.  Each self pickup zone has a number, so just know that is where the car will be coming back to.

 

"Logistics" of a cruise or any travel can be stressful.  Heightened for those will mobility or other issues.  I can tell you it will work out well though, because you are already "thinking ahead" and "asking questions".  That is the recipe for success in this case I believe.

 

 

Is all this information true for suite passengers as well as general population?  We're reserved in the uncovered North Park and we CAN walk to our car I'm assuming but hoping for an easier "out" with the luggage and all.  Advice would be appreciated!

9 hours ago, ORD1166 said:

All,

 

Here is the time line for our passport renewal.

 

Mailed in renewal forms on 1 Apr

State Department got forms 4 Apr

State Department approved new passport  23 Jun

Got new passport 28 Jun

Total time was 89 days or 12.5 weeks.

Hope this info helps everyone on what the time line is right now.

 

Vic

That was my experience as well, but if you're in a crunch, do the expedited.  You'll get it!!

On 6/25/2023 at 12:05 PM, tracyd1014 said:

The transfer service suggested Webster as a hotel location. Thanks for the info. 

We have several looking to stay Fri/Sat in August for Allure cruise.  We'll have our own cars so driving 30 mins or so won't be a problem.  We need reasonable but nice hotel.  Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

1 minute ago, Tlbecker1 said:

We have enjoyed the new menus, but things have changed.  You can always go to the Windjammer for more choices.

What about the dining in CK?  Have there been changes there?  We'll be on Allure in August and hoping the suite experience won't disappoint!!

7 hours ago, Destaw71835 said:

Just adding my opinion having recently sailed Joy in May, it felt very crowded in every single venue. There just did not seem to be enough space to accommodate everyone. 

Unless you're in Haven!   NO crowding, awesome experience!

13 minutes ago, rockmom said:

yeah, once you get spoiled, it's hard to go back.  For ours in February we have the CL and 2 GS.  My travel buddy and I are in the CL, she wanted me to go for the Aqua suite, but I absolutely love being so close to the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen on deck 17. But you do have to deal with it being a 2-story suite, so there are stairs. But there are two full bathrooms, which for two women traveling together, is heavenly.  

Two bathrooms are wonderful.  We had 2 on the Joy in Haven Aft.  Amazing luxury!

7 hours ago, topnole said:

I like oasis and allure SL/CK better than Harmony and newer.  The bar is so much nicer. 
 

Since this is your first RCL trip, I’ll mention to not hold back asking the concierge for anything.  They will help with show reservations if shows get cancelled, dinner reservations, key replacement, etc.   They can do almost anything that can be done at guest services (and more) so don’t wait in that line unless you have to.  Enjoy.  

We're not entitled people but we SURE DO enjoy the suite life!  We can't wait!!!  Thanks!!

8 hours ago, rockmom said:

you'll hear from the concierge sometime the week prior to your sailing.  DO NOT MISS THE SHOWS!  Aqua, Ice, Broadway.  All fantastic.  Booking for those will open up somewhere between now and 30 days out, and they book up quickly.  Use the online cruise planner, not the app for pre-cruise planning.   Try and reserve the aqua show early on in the sailing. It can get canceled if there's rough seas, so if you book it early in the sailing, it will be easier to rebook.  I wouldn't wait for the concierge on that--but if there are changes while onboard, that is who will help you.  Suite class (sky and star) is amazing on the Oasis class ships! I've got a crown loft booked for February on Harmony--can't wait! 

We have 2 OS in our group, 2 GS and 1 Aqua so we'll get to see several cabins.  We had NCL Haven's on our last cruise, including the wonderful Owner's Suite that was absolutely amazing!!!!  So we're coming to this cruise SPOILED.  Can't go back!!  We're elderly and this may be our last cruise but as long as our health holds out we want to keep "cruising"!

12 minutes ago, topnole said:

Allure is mostly all original.  She was in great shape last summer when we cruised.  As mentioned, never amped,

which for some is a nice thing.  If you don’t have kids and like the boardwalk, no huge ugly purple slide.  If you have kids, I have to admit, they liked Harmony and Symphony more due to the water slides and the huge ugly abyss slide.  If it was just my wife and I, we wouldn’t care either way.  Allure is fantastic.  

Thanks for the ramping of excitement!  We’re a family group and this is our 5th cruise, first on RCL.  Other cruises were Holland and NCL.  Anxious to compare.  We’re all in Suites so access to CK/ SL and have a blast in the evenings playing games and talking.  Counting the days!

58 minutes ago, rockmom said:

I love Allure!  She has held up well, I'm sailing on her again in October.  Be aware, if you weren't already, that since she wasn't 'amped' due to Covid, there are no slides.  I'm not a 'slide' person, so I love the more open views of the wake, and no big slides over the pool area.  But I know a lot of people, especially those with kids, are shocked when they see that there are no slides.  

Not a problem for us!  We don’t do pools!😁

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

She had a dry dock in early 2021 - it was mainly for maintenance, very little customer facing work was done.

Well since I haven’t read but 1 review about her being dated, I guess she’s held up pretty well!  Thanks for that!