Ken at the beach

Not any different than Carnival and all their subsidiaries.

I was on the fence about buying it for my Utopia sailing and went in this morning and poof, back up to over $80 from $68. Oh well, it probably saved me money (and my liver) by not buying it

I was the one that told you there is still tons of availability and there still is in every category. If you are having difficulties then call Royal directly or use a travel agent.

No idea.

Rooms do not have to be "next to each other" One room can also be directly across the hall from the other. This opens up a lot of balcony and inside cabin combinations.

While Royal will certainly welcome existing cruisers on the short cruisers their main intention with Wonder and Utopia is to go after the new to cruise business which is a huge market. For existing cruisers it may not appeal but it has a lot of appeal to those who have never cruised. It is not as big of an investment in both time and money to try a new type of vacation that they may be hesitant about trying. It's all about offering up a brand new product that will draw in new guests to try cruising and then hopefully get them back on board for the longer cruises. Short vacations, whether it's a weekend to Vegas, Disney, a beach or another city is a huge market that Royal is now going after with some of the best ships they have.

Short cruises only get $50 stockholder OBC

How else would you describe charging solos 250% or 300%. Even 200% would a joke with the wifi and drink package vost for 2 built into the price.

Solo's still treated like crap on Celebrity

Your 19 yo could sail by herself on Royal in Europe. Just get extra keys issued on board.

Glad to hear things worked out for you. Seems the ships Dr. failed to mention that "Fit to Sail" letter or ignored it in the OP's case.

While I completely agree with the initial course of action taken by the ships physician based on the information he had at the time what I don't understand is why the passenger would not be allowed to reboard the ship after getting the all clear from the hospital that has far more specialized equipment. To me that is the issue here, not his initial diagnosis.

You should take a look ar Explora. Not out of Tampa but there are sailing from Florida. Great all inclusive cruise line.

Unless there is kids sail free promo the rate for 3/4 guests is the same regardless of whether they are 1 or 70. The 12 YO bracket is listed because KSF applies to kids 12 and under

They may not have held space for that sailing, they may not promote it as well. I know agents who won't tell their clients about it as they want the clients to book at the higher price.

Groups is just a term. Ifcthe traveled agency is holding space then one person can book into it.

There is a big difference between giving a discount (you are correct that TA's are not allowed to discount fares) and providing a group rate which is what is being discussed. The group rates are offered to TA's by Royal and are generally less than posted rates, refundable vs non refundable and come with additional OBC.

Back when group rates were available for the Icon interiors were typically $2300 to $2400 taxes included for a refundable deposit at group rates and included $100 OBC

That may vary by ship. I've seen ships that will only give you extra leys and not physically move people from one room to another.

After final payment there is no moving the cruise or "change fee". The change fee and ability to move a cruise only applies up until final payment with the exception of the start up period after Civid which has long passed.

Mistakes happen, deal with it and make the call instead of just assuming that it is not refundable

Correct

Just remembered, it could also be the TA adding it. New system for US TA's where they can add OBC on line without calling now and it shows up in the cruise planner. Sadly it hasn't rolled out to TA's from other countries.

Yes they would charge you the higher rates

As a TA I can positively confirm that after Royal's final payment you gain absolutely nothing by calling