Help Create a NEW "Cruising on Royal Caribbean FAQ"

[cruisenfever]

Thank you all for this great info, but I still have questions!

 

1. If I buy the alcohol package does that mean that the alcohol in mini bar is paid for? Do I have to have steward take what is there and ask him to stock it with favorite beer?

 

2. After reading health form. I am thinking I should have a doc note regarding my wicked allergies, and sailing last week in April on Brilliance.

 

3) Does anyone know how to find info. last day later disembarkation? My flight is not until 2pm!

 

4) Can you get Room Service breakfast the last day? When do the Windjammer stop serving breakfast on last day aling with MDR?

 

 

1. The items in the cooler in your cabin are not part of any beverage package. You are charged for each item you consume. It is normally checked on a daily basis.

 

2. Yes, if you have wicked allergies, a note from your doctor might be a good idea.

 

3. Every effort is used in clearing the ship by 10:30AM so that they can ready the ship for the upcoming cruise.

 

4. Room Service is not available on debarkation morning. Breakfast in the WJ and MDR is usually available from 6AM until 8:00AM

[Blacka_Reshi]

If I already paid, but didn't prepay my gratuities , can I still do it before I cruise? Also, what are the perks to doing so?

 

 

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[mick289]

We found that gratuities are included with the package. You can always tip for service that you feel is above the normal fee

 

 

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[Swath]

The Junior Suite comes with a private balcony, sitting area and some have a bathtub.

 

Enhanced Program for Suite Guests:

Dedicated suite attendant catering to guests' special requests

Tea and coffee service ensuite

Bathrobes (for use onboard)

Bathroom amenities

 

When was the Above in Red ADDED For JS?

2012

2013

2014

?

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cabinclass/cabinTypes/cabinType/home.do?cabincls=D&cabinType=DS

 

Edited March 11, 2014 by Swath
Forgot Source

[plymouthcruiser]

Just returned from a great 4 night cruise on Liberty to a Disembarkation nightmare! Elected to take our own luggage off at 7:30 am like another 1000 people....rccl procedure ...or "chaotic cattle herd" left us stuck half on/off elevator on 3rd floor ...people and luggage wall to wall! If a medical emergency occurred or fire we would have all died. We were in a line that circled us around studio b , around the hall on 3rd floor back and forth, then around entire main dining room on 3rd floor, then down stairs, back and forth again ( chairs were stacked or put on their sides to direct the line) then outside the entire length of the ship then back and forth again before even getting to the customs area. This was the worst disembarkation I have ever encountered and a potential disaster waiting to happen..stampede, fire without escape route, ... Rccl should have known better! This obviously has been an issue before...shame on rccl!

[CruizinKoala]

Is there Starbucks on the navigator of the seas?

 

Also, does anyone know where to find information about what specialty non-alcoholic drinks are available? Is there a master list anywhere?

 

 

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[Hysteri-cal]

Is there a pharmacy or 'general' shop/store. On board Allure ? Thanks x

[pamelajs]

Is there a pharmacy or 'general' shop/store. On board Allure ? Thanks x

 

Some misc general items in the shops. Pharmacy I would say NO But you can buy an aspirin But I don't remember anything more extensive

[OutofNJ!]

Hi there!

 

I’m wondering if I can get some help with a few questions that I have from some experienced RCI cruisers. Our gang is considering 11/12 night sailings next Feb. (’15) on the Quantum OS or the NCL Breakaway. Although we have a reasonable amount of cruises under our belts, none of us have any experience with these two cruise lines. I’ve found out some info on the Breakaway regarding dining/entertainment and I’d like to do a comparison of the two lines. I have just a couple of questions. I realize that no one has experience with the Quantum, so I thank you for any input you can give me.

 

1. Does RCI have early/late dinner seatings along with an “anytime dining” option, or is it just open seating like NCL? How far in advance do you normally have to make specialty dining reservations?

 

2. For shows and specialty entertainment: are there charges to see all of the shows? It looks like Mama Mia will be on this cruise. NCL charges to see Rock of Ages and it’s my understanding that tickets should be purchased far in advance of sailing. It’s kind of a turn-off for us to have to plan every minute of every day before you even board the ship.

 

3. Frequently, I've read over on the NCL boards that folks feel that they've been “nickel-ed and dimed to death”. Is that the general observation of RCI as well?

 

4. I found (on this forum) that the standard beverage package is about $55 per day. Does that include gratuity? Do both folks in the room need to purchase the package? It would take a lot of beer for my DH to reach $55 so it wouldn't work for him, but for me… wine and martinis will add up quite quickly!

 

5. I thought I read somewhere recently that RCI is now allowing one bottle of wine per person on board with no corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom. Does anyone know if this is true? It would make sense, because that is Celebrity’s policy.

 

Let me thank you in advance for any help you can give me with these questions!

 

Marybeth.

[cruisenfever]

Hi there!

 

I’m wondering if I can get some help with a few questions that I have from some experienced RCI cruisers. Our gang is considering 11/12 night sailings next Feb. (’15) on the Quantum OS or the NCL Breakaway. Although we have a reasonable amount of cruises under our belts, none of us have any experience with these two cruise lines. I’ve found out some info on the Breakaway regarding dining/entertainment and I’d like to do a comparison of the two lines. I have just a couple of questions. I realize that no one has experience with the Quantum, so I thank you for any input you can give me.

 

1. Does RCI have early/late dinner seatings along with an “anytime dining” option, or is it just open seating like NCL? How far in advance do you normally have to make specialty dining reservations?

 

2. For shows and specialty entertainment: are there charges to see all of the shows? It looks like Mama Mia will be on this cruise. NCL charges to see Rock of Ages and it’s my understanding that tickets should be purchased far in advance of sailing. It’s kind of a turn-off for us to have to plan every minute of every day before you even board the ship.

 

3. Frequently, I've read over on the NCL boards that folks feel that they've been “nickel-ed and dimed to death”. Is that the general observation of RCI as well?

 

4. I found (on this forum) that the standard beverage package is about $55 per day. Does that include gratuity? Do both folks in the room need to purchase the package? It would take a lot of beer for my DH to reach $55 so it wouldn't work for him, but for me… wine and martinis will add up quite quickly!

 

5. I thought I read somewhere recently that RCI is now allowing one bottle of wine per person on board with no corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom. Does anyone know if this is true? It would make sense, because that is Celebrity’s policy.

 

Let me thank you in advance for any help you can give me with these questions!

 

Marybeth.

Hi Marybeth, Keep in mind that Quantum of the Seas is a new ship so the operations of various venues may differ slightly from what is currently done on the other ships in the fleet. In fact, many of the venues have yet to be revealed.

 

I will try to answer some of your questions above using our experience from other ships.

 

1. On RCI there is Traditional Dining with First and Second Seating and also MyTimeDining. When booking your cruise, you should specify which time you would like. Depending on itinerary, First Seating can be 5:30, 5:45 or 6:00 and Second Seating can be 8:00, 8:15 or 8:30. MTD is usually 5:30 until 9:30 and specific times, by day, can be booked when reservations open up as your departure date gets closer. With MTD, gratuities will automatically be added to your booking and will be included in your final payment.

 

Reservations for Specialty Restaurants can be made when they open up for your particular cruise. You would have to keep checking your Cruise Planner on the RCI website.

 

2. On Oasis and Allure, all entertainment is complimentary. This link might answer your question regarding Entertainment venues' Showtimes at a Glance

 

3. You pay for anything that is not covered in your cruise fare. On Oasis/Allure it would be Specialty Restaurants, Starbucks, Cup Cake Cupboard, Ben & Jerry's Ice cream, Johnny Rockets etc. We are assuming the same will hold true for Quantum.

 

4. A 15% Service Charge is included in the beverage package at the time of purchase. No, the beverage package does not have to be purchased by everyone in the cabin.

 

5. Yes you are allowed to bring on board 2 750ml bottles of wine per cabin. If consumed in your cabin there is no corkage fee.

Edited March 20, 2014 by cruisenfever

[starlite91]

Why can't there be balcony rooms that permit smoking outside the room? I smoke and will NOT smoke in my house and I understand smoker rights. Do smokers have their rights? We pay the same for our rooms as nonsmokers do.

Effective for all sailing starting on and after January 1, 2014 a new Smoking Policy on board all RCI ships will be enforced.

 

Some additional information regarding this change is available on the Royal Caribbean web site. In their Onboard Policies FAQ listing, they've added some new FAQs related to this change including:

 

Why is the smoking policy changing?

 

When is the new policy in effect?

 

There are several more FAQs related to smoking listed on the Onboard Policies page.

 

In addition to the above, an email was sent out on September 9, 2013 and containing the following information.......

 

Dear Friend,

 

In consideration of ongoing guest feedback and evolving industry standards, Royal Caribbean International is revising its onboard smoking policy, effective for all sailings departing on or after January 1, 2014.

 

Under this new policy, all indoor public spaces will be smoke free, with the exception of the Casino and the Connoisseur Club on Freedom and Voyager Class ships and one designated smoking venue on ships sailing from Chinese homeports. In the Casino, there will be designated smoking and non-smoking areas.

 

Additionally, smoking will not be permitted in the staterooms or on stateroom balconies. Outdoor smoking areas will be designated on the starboard side of all ships; with the exception of Oasis-class ships that will allow smoking on the port side of the ships.

 

Indoor smoking areas permit tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. Cigars and pipe tobacco can be enjoyed in designated outdoor areas, or in the cigar club on the ships that offer this venue.

 

Please consult our Smoking Policy FAQ for more details.

 

Royal Caribbean International is committed to continually enhancing the guest vacation experience. To find smoking venues and areas while onboard, please consult your Cruise Compass, or visit Guest Services, where we will be happy to assist you.

 

Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

[mansibhatt77]

Hi, has anyone used the Royal Connect phones on Oasis of the seas? Anyone know where we go to pick them up? Thanks. We are sailing in the April 19th cruise.

[taninaus]

Why can't there be balcony rooms that permit smoking outside the room? I smoke and will NOT smoke in my house and I understand smoker rights. Do smokers have their rights? We pay the same for our rooms as nonsmokers do.

 

If you have some technology that keeps the smell and smoke just on your balcony you may have a case

 

TanInAus

[mansibhatt77]

When cruising out of the Port of Baltimore, a steamer will be confiscated and returned to you at the end of your cruise. I post this from experience.:o:D

 

 

Was this a travel steam iron, or a handheld steamer? Trying to decide if it is worth it for me to buy a travel handheld steamer ( not iron) for the cruise. Thanks

 

 

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[CalifGirl67]

Why can't there be balcony rooms that permit smoking outside the room? I smoke and will NOT smoke in my house and I understand smoker rights. Do smokers have their rights? We pay the same for our rooms as nonsmokers do.

 

 

Yes I agree, an E-Cigg is not the same thing as smoking a regular Cigg and does not smell or produce the same type of cigg smoke. This is stupid to say that a person can't smoke an E-Cigg on there private balcony or in there room as know one would even know due to the fact that they don't omit much smoke or smell. My hubby smokes a vapor E-Cigg and you can't even tell he has smoked it when in a car or house. Just saying there would be no real way of them even knowing.

[Joekie]

Does anyone have any information about the family suite on LOS?

Edited April 12, 2014 by Joekie

[Joekie]

Yes it is printed on your card. If you buy it after it sails they put a sticker on your card.

Do they swipe your card each time to keep track of how much you drink?

[wynstay]

Was this a travel steam iron, or a handheld steamer? Trying to decide if it is worth it for me to buy a travel handheld steamer ( not iron) for the cruise. Thanks

 

 

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It seems to vary for each ship and port of departure ! We packed one for use on Radiance OTS leaving from Sydney and had no issues at all. Others on these threads have had them confiscated . We rang our local RCI office to check before sailing and the advice they gave us was correct for our port. Maybe you could do the same if you think there's a chance they will confiscate one you bring ?

 

 

Angela, Sydney Australia.

Radiance of the Seas, Dec 2013.

[wynstay]

Do they swipe your card each time to keep track of how much you drink?

 

 

No for Soda package, yes for alcoholic drinks packages :)

 

 

 

Angela, Sydney Australia.

Radiance of the Seas, Dec 2013.

[Joekie]

No for Soda package, yes for alcoholic drinks packages :)

 

 

 

Angela, Sydney Australia.

Radiance of the Seas, Dec 2013.

Thank you Angela. Have a great day

 

Vickie from cold Nova Scotia:)

[grannyj473]

What night is Lobster served on the Radiance of the Seas? Want to book the Dinner Mystery Show but do not want to miss the lobster. Sailing May 30th to Alaska.

[CS-RN]

The baby splash pad that allows swim diapers is a very small, maybe 10 ft area with a couple inches of water in it and one little sprayer. It is adjacent to all the other pools/the main splash pad but it was a huge let down when we went with my just-turned-2, not potty trained little girl. And, my 6 year old was not allowed in the 10 ft Baby Splash Zone area. On a positive note, the water was warm in that area and the other pools were really cold. But, they are the same area....just be prepared for it not to be all that exciting! Other than that, the Freedom of the Seas was great for multi-generational...traveled with group ranging from 2 to 70 yrs old, and we are headed back next winter on the same boat (and with all potty trained kids!)

[Mike_from_ATL]

Was this a travel steam iron, or a handheld steamer? Trying to decide if it is worth it for me to buy a travel handheld steamer ( not iron) for the cruise. Thanks

 

Different person, same experience. We thought a small portable handheld steamer (not even close to an iron) would make it thru on our Legend of the Seas cruise last November... Wrong!

 

:)

[circus12345]

I understand we can bring on two bottle of wine each.....but....if we take to dining room is there a corkage fee?

[atb]

I understand we can bring on two bottle of wine each.....but....if we take to dining room is there a corkage fee?

 

Many reports of yes and no. They have posted a corkage fee of $25 (last I checked), but many reports of this being waived.