Anybody Considering the President's Cruise 2017? Barcelona on Freedom!

[cjdixon4]

I just got my e-mail from RCI about the President's Cruise for 2017, and it looks interesting. Sailing out of Barcelona, Spain on Freedom of the Seas sounds quite appealing. Seriously considering it...anyone else giving any thought to it?

[George C]

Check the roll call for it, I am sure they will have a bunch of people, we sailed out of Barcelona in September great cruise, try to spend a couple of days there before the cruise

[voyager70]

I'd love to do a President's cruise someday, but having visited those ports multiple times (yes they are all great) I think I'll take a pass on this one.

[butterfly529]

I'm considering! :D Just got off Oasis and it broke my wallet a little bit... but might see if I can talk DH into it!

[forkcreek]

We had signed up for the Presidents cruise leaving Barcelona on 9/17. We then found that the cruise before it and the one after visited the same ports and were expensive. . Also, there were no transatlantic cruises we could match it up with. Considering the cost of the cruise/airfare/on board costs and offshore costs, all for a week, we cancelled. If you have never been to Barcelona and can stay there a few days before or after the cruise it MAY be more practical, Having been there several times before, it was not a good idea.

[troykahack]

We are booked and waiting to see who just might be the Entertainment. We got a huge discount as they asked me to ask people to give up their seats in the CL for Suite guests. See you there

[CRUISEFAN0001]

Took the same basic cruise last year on Allure (wonderful, by the way)...so a repeat isn't gonna happen here.

[SHIP TRAVELER]

We got the e-mail also. Just what makes a Presidents Cruise special?

Are there extra perks? Is the food or entertainment special?

I would assume the Diamond Lounge would really be crowded as would

any top tier events. That is not a plus for us.

I guess I am just asking what is the big deal? Why would we want to

do this cruise over the one before or after it.?

Thanks

[troykahack]

When do you suspect Royal will announce the headliner talent for this cruise?

 

Glad we booked while Michael Bayley was making the announcements as most all the Suites went quick. We got what we wanted.

 

I suspect this cruise will be heavy weighted on the top end of Status. Does the CL get packed on a cruise like this? Do they ever move D+ to the DL if the CL is packed? We can go to both but like the CL better as it is typically less crowded and seems to be a more friendly set of people (our experiences only).

[FLACRUISER99]

I did one members cruise (that what they used to call them) never again.

[CapeCoralCruiser]

When do you suspect Royal will announce the headliner talent for this cruise?

 

Glad we booked while Michael Bayley was making the announcements as most all the Suites went quick. We got what we wanted.

 

I suspect this cruise will be heavy weighted on the top end of Status. Does the CL get packed on a cruise like this? Do they ever move D+ to the DL if the CL is packed? We can go to both but like the CL better as it is typically less crowded and seems to be a more friendly set of people (our experiences only).

 

On the 2016 President's Cruise on Allure D+ & D were moved to Entertainment Place, one level down from the Promenade. E. P. consists of three "lounges," Blaze, Comedy Live and Jazz. We could go in any of the three and they were set up similar to the DL with bar service & food. Staff checking cards at each entrance, and absolutely NO "friends/family" of D/D+ allowed, saw several turned away. There were 112 Pinnacle onboard. I believe D & D+ were over a thousand, but can't remember the exact #.

 

We enjoyed the 2016 cruise and would not hesitate to do another - lots of extra entertainment and events. And how often do you get a chance to ask the RCI president anything you want, in person?

Edited December 28, 2016 by CapeCoralCruiser

[irishgal432]

We were on the allure in a grand suite and because of th numbers they used the diamond lounge for pinnacles and the 2 nightclubs for the d d plus lounge and the suite lounge for suites.

 

 

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[forkcreek]

As Pinnacles we looked forward to the Presidents cruise on the Allure in the Caribbean in Sept. As expected, it was top heavy with "frequent floaters" To compensate, in addition to the CL and DL, other overflow venues were opened. It was crowded but the size of the ship helped make it reasonable. Depending on C&A status, there were some very nice perks including special meals. As to the entertainment, most of it was what would be for any other cruise. There was a hyped performance by Patti Labelle which was well attended. Unfortunately the back up band was very loud,and Ms Labelle did little singing with most being done by her backup singers. Gifts of RCCL "mementos" were put in cabins most nights. To us, the best part was the ability to speak directly with some RCCL Miami staff although from hindsight, it seems they only politely listened.

[mcatmcat]

I was super close to buy airfare for the Barcelona cruise when I got the email. There is no way I'm choosing this sailing. This cruise will be packed to the roof and forget about a future price drop

 

 

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[troykahack]

On the 2016 President's Cruise on Allure D+ & D were moved to Entertainment Place, one level down from the Promenade. E. P. consists of three "lounges," Blaze, Comedy Live and Jazz. We could go in any of the three and they were set up similar to the DL with bar service & food. Staff checking cards at each entrance, and absolutely NO "friends/family" of D/D+ allowed, saw several turned away. There were 112 Pinnacle onboard. I believe D & D+ were over a thousand, but can't remember the exact #.

 

We enjoyed the 2016 cruise and would not hesitate to do another - lots of extra entertainment and events. And how often do you get a chance to ask the RCI president anything you want, in person?

 

 

Do they still Reserve seats for the main shows for Suite Guest? I heard it was difficult to get a seat for Patti Labelle?? I would hope Suite Guest would get a seat for the live concert.

 

 

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[cjdixon4]

I did one members cruise (that what they used to call them) never again.

 

I'd be curious to know what your challenges were on the Presidents Cruise that you sailed on. Could you share?

[CapeCoralCruiser]

Do they still Reserve seats for the main shows for Suite Guest? I heard it was difficult to get a seat for Patti Labelle?? I would hope Suite Guest would get a seat for the live concert.

 

 

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I believe they did have reserved seats for Gold Cards. I think we arrived a half hour early and easily got a seat. As forkcreek said above, Labelle had a LOT of help from her back up singers & the band. However, she can still hit the high notes. She doesn't really fit my music preference, but she was OK.

[troykahack]

I believe they did have reserved seats for Gold Cards. I think we arrived a half hour early and easily got a seat. As forkcreek said above, Labelle had a LOT of help from her back up singers & the band. However, she can still hit the high notes. She doesn't really fit my music preference, but she was OK.

 

 

Not our music style as well. Michael Bayley mentioned during his announcement of this cruise that he would like to get someone of the caliber of Rod Stewart or Lady Gaga. I doubt they will be able to pull off either of these two but it sounds like they are looking to upgrade the special talent.

 

 

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[FLACRUISER99]

I'd be curious to know what your challenges were on the Presidents Cruise that you sailed on. Could you share?

No challenges except events, lounges were very crowded. Just not my cup of tea.

[cjdixon4]

Based on the responses received it doesn't sound all that appealing anymore to me. :( Seems as though I should research the other Barcelona Spain itineraries for a better deal.