AZAficionado

I used to work in the IT field as a Software Developer. I'm horrified they let the "code" that is causing this issue into production. "Bugs" of this magnitude should never see the light of day. At the same time, I'm not surprised. It is pretty clear to me that we (those of us using the RCI web site) are effectively RCI's Quality Assurance department. I see no evidence that anyone else is doing any testing. Having worked in a shop that didn't do QA, I can say it is no way to run a business.

On the positive side of things, I'm fairly certain this all falls under the category of gross negligence rather than a deliberate nefarious act. Frankly, I don't think RCI's IT department (so-called) is capable of creating something deliberately nefarious. On top of that, given the timing and the repeat cancellations, RCI is running a huge risk of sailing "fully booked" ships with lots of empty cancelled cabins. While the pricing surprises that come from this look like corporate greed, the risk of sailing with an empty cabin has a much greater economic impact. If it is greed, they are stepping on dollars while reaching for pennies.

I hope all the cancelled cabins get resolved so that everyone gets the cruise vacation they booked and purchased.

The last few years, I've gotten the survey "talk" in the MDR. All of my experiences were positive, where the waiter explained how all of the MDR ratings on the survey are directly attributed to him, including the food. Seems unfair, but I've seen this kind of thing in other places.

When purchasing a new car recently, the salesman explained that every item on the survey was directly attributed to him. Even though the styling and cleanliness of the dealership showroom were items on the survey.

In every case, the "pitch" was a polite request with an explanation of how things work. I suppose I can see where the companies are coming from. With both the MDR food and the car, the "product" quality was set by the company and they don't want any feedback on that. In RCI's case, they have clearly cut back on the quality of the food they purchase. With the car, the price was set, no negotiations. Then it is up to the salesman/server to make the customer happy about it. It's kinda crappy, but every business is entitled to run themselves into the ground however they want.

Advice: I wouldn't get involved in any kind of discussion with the waiter/service-provider. Just smile and nod, and placate them until they leave. Then fill out the survey however you want. To be sure, if I ever got "it's my LIFE", that's a guaranteed 1 in every MDR category for that guy, including the food. I get that many cruise employees are under tremendous pressure, but that is no excuse for "bad service", which is what I'd call a comment like that.

I've done several b2b's and never got a discount. I know many people who've done b2b's (or more) and never got a discount. However, many people have asked me if there is a discount for a b2b: I tell them "Yep, you get two cruises for twice the price.":rolleyes:

Although, there is the free glass of super cheap champagne/mimosa at the b2b meeting. I suppose that is something...kind of...OK, not really.

Me and my husband just booked our honeymoon cruise on the Anthem for February of 2018 and just wanted to know if everyone is spread out or are you right on top of each other like sardines in an can?

 

 

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I can't speak directly about Anthem, but I've sailed Oasis and Allure (same class of ship). There's no getting around the fact that ~8,500 people (6k passengers, 2.4k crew) will be on board. However, except for certain circumstances, everyone is spread out. The neighborhoods and four pool areas help spread everyone out.

The exceptions I saw were immediately after muster drill, the windjammer, getting back on board at Labadee (the line was quick, but you got a sense of how many people there are), and right before and after showtimes if you are near the theater. The Promenade is a zoo on formal nights, but you get that on every class of ship (except those without a Promenade).

The drink package works great for me, but that doesn't mean anything unless you happen to have the same consumption habits and preferences as I do (not likely). Nobody can tell you if the package is a good choice for you, except you.

So, here's what you do. First, come up with a pretty realistic estimate of how much and what you'll drink (it matters). Are you a "three martinis before lunch to get warmed up" person? Or a "nurse two beers over 16 hours" person? Or something else? You can find current RCCL drink prices online (martinis are $12, beers $6-8, mixed $10). Then, do the math. If your estimated cost is close to the package, it doesn't matter which you choose (they cost the same). If the package is cheaper, get it. If not, don't get it and pay as you go.

Sailed on the Majesty in 2007 and then just got back from Rhapsody yesterday. Prior to that did Vision in 2005. I noticed in '07 a slight change but a big change last week.

 

Gone are the shoe shines

Gone is the Platinum departure lounge with continental breakfast. We did however have coffee but plastic glasses. Fortunately I kept my mug from earlier in the morning.

Gone is enforcement of no shorts sandals or tshirts for dinner in the main dining room.

Gone is the welcome back gift unless you are Diamond or higher I believe. Platinum gets nothing.

 

When did all this go away?

<snark>Back in 2008, duh. Where were you?</snark>

Seriously, I applaud many of the the changes they've made. They went from Titanic-era cruising with steerage locked below decks while the "elite" pretend that they are above the masses to "we're all just folk now." They've also been narrowing in on the "discount cruiser", making it so RCCL doesn't take a financial bath when those people cruise. Giving out large amounts of goods & services for free is a really bad business model, or so my MBA tells me.

The formal experience is still available with RCCL and you can make the cruise as upsacle/foo-foo/whatever as you want it. You just can't force it on others. And if you want all the bells and whistles: I'm sure Azamara (a RCI line) or Crystal (I go broke just thinking about them) will shine the crap out of your shoes for you. They'll also empty your wallet for you, too (that's complimentary and mandatory ;) ).

To be sure, the changes will keep coming and I have no doubt there will be plenty of crying. I know I long for the cruising days of old when there weren't enough life boats - women and children first. Oh, wait. I'm a guy... D'oh. :eek:

Actually, it is different. Depending on the situation as to where you are, other traffic, etc, going the speed limit when everyone else around you is speeding can actually be dangerous. Or how about an emergency situation. There are plenty of other circumstances where exceeding the speed limit is the right thing to do. I can not think of any circumstance where sharing your drink package is the right thing to do.

I know two different people here in AZ who have been pulled over and cited a ticket (and not a cheap ticket) for impeding the flow of traffic (aka going too slow) on the freeway. Both were doing 85+ mph in a 75 mph zone.

On to the topic: Cheating on the drink package is not a crime. However, just like a crime, there are potential consequences if you are caught and they choose to enforce their policies. The potential consequence regarding the drink package is to be cut off for the rest of the cruise with no refund. I suppose in a very extreme case, a violator could be put off the ship at the next port of call. Like anything else, it is a risk and each person has their own risk tolerance.

*pounds on the equine corpse some more* :cool:

We are not huge drinkers - but like to have a some on our cruises. Thank you for your help.

When it comes to determining if a drink package will be economical for you, you're going to have to "do the math" with actual numbers and realistic estimates. "Not huge drinkers" is not very meaningful.

The ball park of 5 or 6 beverages each day really isn't sufficient, either. You have to consider how much and what you expect to drink (I know, that isn't easy). Five-ish $12 martinis each day will make the Deluxe package economical. Five-ish domestic beers will not.

Another monkey-wrench is the tip. Make sure you either compare pre-tip prices to pre-tip prices or post-tip to post-tip. That 18% included tip messes up the math if only added to one side. Also, you'll have to do all comparisons in the same currency.

So my wife and I purchased the deluxe drink package for our 9 night cruise in March. With 4 sea days and a day in Labadee, we aren't huge drinkers but I think it will be pretty easy to get our monies worth with basically 5 full days of it and we prefer mixed drinks/frozen drinks over beer. With that being said,

 

1) if we both order a drink and both also want a bottled water, will they do that all included?

The packages are technically one drink at a time. However, I've yet to find a bartender who wouldn't throw in the bottle of water at the same time.

2) is there a list somewhere of drinks that wouldn't be covered and we'd have to pay extra for because of the $12 limit? I know souvenir cups wouldn't be included but I thought I remember some frozen drinks/mixed drinks on the regular menu being more than $12

3) what's some awesome mixed drinks/other stuff to try since it'll be included and it'll be the time to try stuff out that people get at dinner/pool side??

I thought daily afternoon naps were mandatory for all passengers on RCI ships. :eek:

I can't imagine cruising without quality nap time in the afternoon. Wine and cheese plate makes it even better. Some of my fondest cruise memories are waking up on the balcony near sundown feeling sheepish for having "rested my eyes for a moment" a couple of hours earlier.

The hairdryer is IN the cabin, and must be used there...not in the bathroom!

That is very true. My point was that not only will the three ladies have to share the bathroom, but they will also have to share a hairdryer. Something the OP may not be aware of, since it is her first cruise.

I have to echo the last poster.

Ships aren't all that different from airplanes. Most of the time, they arrive on-time as advertised. And sometimes they don't.

Your 10 am flight is plenty doable, but know that you are taking a risk. Conventional wisdom says any flight before noon is taking a risk. Having said that, I take that risk all the time on the way home.

The Spa/Gym is an option. I know many men use it to give their wife/girlfriend use of the cabin.

Compared to anything on land, the cabins and bathrooms are very small. With three of you (and only one hair dryer), I suggest working out some kind of system to share the limited facilities. I'm certain you'll figure something out that works.

Above all, enjoy your cruise.

I have to put in another vote for Captain Johnny - sailed with him on a "Hogs on the High Seas" cruise on Mariner and he rode his motorcycle down the promenade. The crowd went nuts.

And I'm going to vote for Captain Shawn McDuff. The only (or one of the few) non-nordic captains. Although, not by much. Is there that much of a difference between Norway and Canada? Either way, a fine captain and great guy.

My first times at Quest were on my last B2B on Adventure. I don't think anything posted here will change anyone's experience, except those that have no idea what Quest is about and are very easily offended (because of what they see in this thread, they won't go and won't be offended).

First, the specific items changed significantly from one week to the next, so it is hard to know what they will ask for. Although bras and men's pants made a strong showing both weeks, including being worn by the opposite gender. :eek:

Second, the largest factor regarding "winning" seemed to be where your team was located. They played it in the Ice Ring (Studio B) and divided it into sections. For some sections, the aisle lead directly to the rink. For others, the path to the rink was either hop the railing (a serious no-no) or move across an entire row of people on another team (go figure, they didn't stand or make it easy to pass). Both nights, the teams with easy access to the rink won. Frankly, who cares? Quest is about the spectacle.

To the OP: Many of the things at the Quests I went to involved not just the items, but doing something with them.

Example: A photo of a woman's underwear while she is wearing it, on your phone. So, a woman has to drop her pants/lift her skirt while someone else snaps a photo with their phone.

Or a woman wearing a man's trousers inside out and backwards. Some guy is now pantless.

I've done the Premium package while D+ and with a full suite. It was entirely worth it for me, but I'm a bit of an "alcohol snob". The vouchers and lounge drinks are not the kind of things I'll drink, so they are wasted on me.

I'm a drinker, so the package is economical for me. However, if I were the kind of person to hang out in the lounges and have 3-5 drinks or hit a bar and use the 3 vouchers, I'd have trouble staying within the Alcohol Policy, Guest Conduct Policy, and making the package economical. Maybe on sea days. Taking full advantage of the "freebies" and making the package economical is a lot of drinks (not judging, just saying).

December 2 and December 9, 2017 will be our first B2B and we are really looking forward to this trip.

We have 25 times on RCCL on a variety of ships, but never B2B.

Any hints, words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

Bonnie & Jack (California)

First and foremost: Enjoy it. Personally, I think a B2B is the best way to cruise.

As for the turnaround, "staying on the ship" has a certain novelty, but you'll only get a few hours "alone" on the ship at best. Most of the crew is either busting their tails working or getting some much needed rest. So its really just you (and a few other B2B'ers) with not a lot to do until sail away.

I'd suggest considering getting off the ship and treating it as a port day.

Everyone on the ship works their tails off, at least that has been our experience. If it is going to be too much then we will not put any more on them.

It is not too much for them. I've done exactly what you're planning (glass with each course), but it was several years before there was a package. From what I've experienced since then, I think the package has greatly improved wine by the glass service, since they are seeing more of it.

I wouldn't hang everything on the bar waiter. We had the same MDR table both weeks, with different wait staff each week. I didn't see the bar waiter until week 2. The wait staff handled all the drink orders during week 1. However, with week 2, the bar waiter came by before each course. Despite the difference, I saw identical service. I'm guessing they have some kind of schedule/rotation where some wait staff are "covering" for the bar waiter. That sounds bad, but I don't mean it that way.

Bottom line - go forward with your plan. Let the staff in on it and you'll get a 150 Central Park experience (sort of). :cool:

It depends on how good your bar waiter or assistant waiter is. We never saw the bar waiter except for our end of meal Bailey's. Our assistant waiter took care of all of our wine orders. if they are good, you can probably tell him your wine selections up front at the begining of the meal and tell him which ones you want with each course. Depending how busy he/she is, it may or may not happen. It is alot to ask when you are not their only table. We usually stuck with one type of wine with dinner unless the wine just didn't pair well at all. We had GREAT waiters.

On all of my cruises, I've never had a problem getting a drink in the MDR. Sometimes it wasn't the bar waiter taking the order, but that shouldn't matter. You can place a drink order with any of the wait staff and they will make it happen. Place an order with the head waiter and watch the amazing service you'll receive. ;)

I have gotten slow service when ordering drinks that required the bar waiter to go to a bar outside the MDR (like the champagne bar). But there is nothing anyone can do about that.

I have seen that the staff does best when they can anticipate. I've sat at dinner with people who always had the same drink. Many times, it was already at the table or arrived shortly after they sat down without them placing an order. By the same token, I've seen people at other tables have trouble when they impulsively order drinks after the food arrives - go figure. :rolleyes:

As I have said before a great review. My wife and I will have the premium package on my upcoming cruise, two weeks from tomorrow, and was curious about how easy, difficult etc, it is to get drinks on the main dining room.

 

I would like to do my own wine pairing at dinner and have a different glass of wine for each course. I know that will probably be easier in Giovanni's but wonder if it is feasible in the main dining room. We have had the wine package on our previous cruises but usually used one bottle for the entire meal regardless of the the courses.

 

It would be nice to plan out the meal ahead of time and what we would like to each and what glass of wine to have.

 

I am hoping that the package will give us some flexibility.

I'm glad you enjoyed!! :)

The drink service in the MDR was quite good and I think you can easily do a glass of wine with each course. It will probably help to let the bar waiter know that, so he can plan accordingly.

My wife and I were in Charlotte Amalie last summer and also found many shops and restaurants closed during the day. And of the ones that were open, many closed down for the day at 3 PM. We were told that some stores only open when a ship is in port.

Yea. According to the bartender at Senor Frogs, the USVI's become quite dead unless there is lots of tourism and even then *everything* is closed by 8:00 pm (food, gas, whatever). Understandable given a small population that relies very heavily on having a few Oasis-class ships in port at once.

The two other times I went to St. Thomas, everything was open until at least 3 PM. But that was on Freedom and Allure. Both times there were two other big ships in port.

Are you going to be on the March 18, 2017 cruise? If so, that's what we're on and we'd love to meet you sometime.

That's the plan, right now. :) We'll see when March rolls around.

I'm reading through everything, and I am enjoying your photos and tips so much! I cruise AOS once before, so I didn't know enough ahead of time. We're sailing again next March, and I'm taking notes from your fine report. Especially about the Duty Free shop before security. We will certainly get something from there rather than the crazy high prices from the little shop across from our hotel. Thanks so much again, I am really enjoying your report.

You are most welcome and I'm happy you found some good info!! :)

Absolutely loved your review and a B2B is most definitely on my bucket list! All of the beaches you visited are definitely swoon worthy!

 

If you're ever in OSJ again, there's two gentleman who hand roll cigars, one is usually at the plaza by Starbucks (he wore a white fedora back in 2010 and 2013) and the other one, an older gentleman is usually situated at a plaza by the ferry to Catano (Bacardi Factory). There's also a fantastic hand rolled cigar shop called Don Collins. The gentleman in there gives fantastic recommendations.

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :D

It just so happens that I will be in OSJ next March. Thanks for the great tips. I will check those out. :cool:

Awesome review! I loved all the many beach pictures and your food descriptions. I love seeing food reviews from foodies as I'm a picky eater and will always be a chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and salad kind of girl. I had all of those meals vicariously through you lol. You have quite the sense of humor and made me chuckle quite a bit. Thanks for posting! :)

You are most welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed reading it!! :)