Miamia65

Hi

I think I've read on here that once a passenger checks in and boards a ship in Sydney they cannot get off and get back on, on boarding day, is that correct? Thanks

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Thanks for sharing this, we are cruising on Ovation in February and my daughter has asthma. Not sure if she has had the flu shot so I will make sure she gets it before we go! thanks again!

We had it on Explorer in January this year and were told it's up to the Hotel Director/Food & Beverage Manager whether it's offered and is dependent upon alcohol revenue for each cruise.

You can also pre-purchase onboard credit OBC from RCI direct. The current rate is .77 cents. contact RCI call centre and follow the prompts to the 'shore excursions' option and then ask to pre-purchase OBC. You will need your RCI reservation number to do this. They will advise what the current rate is, but last I read (a few days ago on Facebook) it was still .77 cents.

No not for junior suites

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Hi Donna

Update for you regarding Frankie Portera ex RCI AM he advised me that he is definitely not moving to NCL.... he is still with carnival and will be moving ships but hasn't announced what ship he is moving to.

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Just found this on Jimmy Rhodes FB says he will be on ovation from 23 January for a full contract

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Keep away from the public toilets as well.

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There is a facebook group called royal Caribbean fans past present and future... there is conflicting information on there as well!!!

Sorry who knows, I will keep emailing RCI, it is very misleading and deceptive advertising on their part to continue to advertise that DD is on ovation!

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Thanks Avalon

I have written several emails, no response to any of them. I also posted a pm on facebook and they provided another email, still no acknowledgement or reply.

Maybe someone will reply soon!!

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***** UPDATE FROM ROYAL ******

 

I finally after a second email received a reply today from Royals Guest experience section in response to the email I sent saying I wasn't happy about not getting DD as promised.

 

This part of the reply was the most note worthy:

 

"We understand that you were looking forward to the multiple dining venues with each their own unique menu. We are sorry that we have disappointed you with this change and want to extend our sincere apologies.

 

Nevertheless, we have provided your suggestion to keep the Dynamic Dining for our Australia season to the appropriate operational team. We listen to our guests and believe their feedback is the key to remaining successful. At this time we cannot confirm which direction this suggestion may go but we can assure you that we are listening."

 

Soooo, are they really listening to us - we will see. But if more of you who feel ripped off by the decision to gut the whole DD concept then make the effort to also email them - it may make a difference.

 

I have also suggested to them that if the DD concept cannot be retained as is, then they at least need to open the 4 free venues for lunch (first come first served basis like lunch in MDR on all other ships) preferably with the original menus on offer so those of us that do care about trying each venue can have the opportunity to get the experience that was promised.

 

I think most Australians would consider this at least a more fair alternative than no chance at all to dine in the different venues?

 

I also advised that I think the Ovation staff will be getting a ear full once the majority of cruisers who don't frequent CC actually realise what that email about DD changes actually meant - most will be clueless that it's not simply a change in how you are seated that has occurred, but a complete dismantling of the whole immersive dining concept that Royal so loudly touted as one of the main attractions of Ovation class!

 

I'll post back with any further updates if/ when I receive any.

What email address should we use to write to RCI regarding DD no longer being on offer on Ovation. I'm keen to write to them.

Hire a car and go to the wineries. Make sure you prebook the car as it is very busy, most of the car rental companies are all together at the inter-islander terminal.

Try geisen winery and the chocolate factory. You can get lunch at geisen cellar door.

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Where is Athol Buoy?

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Thanks for all the great ideas, I've always wanted to go to the Salamanca markets ... If we purchase food can we take it back on the ship?

Also if we buy wine from the Barossa and because we are only visiting Australian ports is the wine classified as duty free and therefore limited when we arrive back in Sydney ?

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We are stopping in Hobart for 2 days - Saturday and Sunday, then Adelaide on a Tuesday.

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Thanks for the responses and the laughs, based on availability of cabins (I am booking 2 cabins and because we are doing B2B - this cruise and the 3 nighter straight after) I ended up booking starboard side.

I agree that we can be on any open deck but when the ship comes into the port early in the morning I like to get out on the balcony with my PJs/robe on and a cuppa.

Any tips on what to do in Hobart and Adelaide very welcome. I have only been to Hobart and Adelaide once separate work trips (overnight) so haven't seen much other than the airport and CBD.

The 3 night cruise to nowhere is just for fun!!!

Hi all

Which side of the ship is better when porting in Hobart and Adelaide? Starboard or port side? or doesn't it matter?

thanks

I have seen this in the concierge lounge on every cruise I've been on and it is just bad manners to ask.

One family even had breakfast in chops grille everyday without the suite guest and it was just allowed to happen, they were treated like any other suite guest.

I think it's awkward for RCI staff to manage.

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Hi Aleisha

 

 

 

Do it next year with us!

 

Oops ...... the land tour is sold out though (already).

 

 

 

Would be good it Greg could get the military discount like the Americans do.

 

 

 

Verona

Verona

I would love to but I can't have any leave next year due to a major project ..... Yes the military discount the Americans get is awesome.

Aleisha

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Hi Bill, thanks for the review it is fantastic.

We are from Australia and are planning a trip to the US in 2018 with plans to do the alaska cruise on Radiance. Also planning to do the southbound trip and am wondering what airline you use to fly from Seattle to Anchorage?

thanks Aleisha

Thanks for the detailed review! I'm the designated planner for our Alaska cruise next year and it's been very helpful.

 

One quick question - your blog post says that there is a link to your spreadsheet, but I can't seem to find it. Is there a way that I could get a copy of your spreadsheet form?

 

Thanks, Jean

 

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Jean

Here is a link to the spreadsheet, its saved in the blog....

https://app.box.com/s/cwmcw9c829w7bimigzexf3do84n5hws9

Thanks for the replies

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They should ask RC and get the answer in writing. This is not something you want to mess up.

They have approval from RCI and arrangements are made. St Maarten is the last port before the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale.

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Friends of mine are going on their first cruise on allure of the seas - eastern Caribbean in early December. They are jumping ship in St Maarten to then cruise around the Caribbean on a tall ship with star clippers.

How does the downline procedure work?

Can they leave it until say 3 pm to get their luggage off and disembark or do they have to disembark as soon as they arrive in St Maarten ??

Any tips would be appreciated.

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I would think they would have helped the passengers in some way but not necessarily to the same extent that they have now.

Really, so if they didn't organise the excursion and ten of their passengers were injured - they have no moral or other obligation to care for them and they should just then leave the port at the scheduled time?

I'm not asking you personally, just curious what people think is acceptable given the number of injured passengers and extent of injuries.

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