mandream

Good to know. Thanks!

I've very much heard mixed reports on this. Some say yes, some say no. Our personal experience on the Oasis in 2022 was that we could only use the 50% off coupons, but not our drink vouchers. Don't know if there has been any official change or clarification to the policy since then, but I have seen a number of posts on this topic. Mike

The taxis there charge per person, not for the ride. Around 20/25pp seems right round trip from what I recall.

I didn't ask specifically with Chase. Often TAs set their final payment a week or two before the cruiseline - but generally the same time frame. Mike

So in the end, I decided to not use points. It was just too low a redemption value, especially when factoring in the OBC from my TA that I would be losing out on by using Chase. That being said, I did look into this and spoke to two different Chase cruise representatives who were consistent with each other and sounded knowledgeable. They confirmed that I could make my initial deposit with RC directly, then transfer to chase. I would NOT need to pay anything to Chase until final payment - at which time I could use points. There was no fee for cancelling. I would call yourself and confirm, but I was very comfortable that this would work the way I had hoped. But in the end I decided to pay for this cruise with cash and use my points for a higher return. Good luck! Mike

That doesn't sound like a problem that needed fixing... Mike

I think you are reading too much into my comment. I agree with you - if they were getting them for free, of course why would you pay for them. All I am saying is that on our Oasis cruise a year ago our kids were told they couldn't use their vouchers so I paid for them - no big deal. My original post was more to point out the inconsistency that over a wide timeframe of about 15 months, there have been mixed results in being able to use vouchers at JR. My only JR disappointment on that cruise was that they hadn't yet started (or had started and stooped) opening for breakfast post restart. We were looking forward to going for breakfast. Mike

Not disagreeing or complaining. Just commenting in response to all the posts above where people were able to use their vouchers. If I can't afford the milkshake, I probably shouldn't be on the cruise.

March 2022 on the Oasis, my kids (10 and 11) were told they could not use their Diamond vouchers for the shakes at JR. Maybe if they tried again the next day they would have gotten a different answer. They still got their shakes and it was free for them either way..... 😁 Mike

What's the current cost one way / round trip?

Thanks. While that does sound like a good deal - we're cruising with our 11 and 12 year olds so unfortunately Virgin Voyages isn't an option . Mike

I posted a similar question on the Royal board as I am considering booking a Royal cruise with Ultimate reward points - but my questions aren't really line specific. The thread (no replies as of yet) is here: I know you mention you hadn't done a transfer - but wondering if you think that might be a way around the 1 shot at using points. If I made a direct booking and paid deposit with cash - could I then transfer the reservation to Chase with nothing immediately owed and then wait until final payment to use my points to pay the balance? The cruise I'm booking is 18 months out - and I'm a bit uncomfortable spending all those points now. I'd rather just have the deposit at risk. Also do you know what their policy is with respect to change fees? Some TA's charge for reservation changes (above and beyond what the cruise line charges) while others don't. @Redduk - what did you end up doing, and how did it work out? Thanks for any additional you can provide. Mike

I am considering booking a 2024 cruise using a substantial amount of Ultimate Rewards points. I have a Sapphire Reserve card, so I will be getting 1.5 cents per point. I know this isn't maximum value - I typically don't use points unless I get 2 cents or more, but decided in this case I'll be happy with the lower redemption. I've done a bit of research - but other than sites providing info on "how to book", I haven't found a lot of detail. Looking for input from anyone with real world experience here. I understand I only have 1 chance to use points. I'd prefer to pay only the deposit in $$ or points when I book, then use points at final payment date to pay the balance. But I don't believe I can do that. I think I have to pay the full balance with points when I book? One scenario I'm not sure about is if I book and pay deposit directly with Royal and transfer the reservation with nothing immediately owed - can I then wait until final payment to pay the balance with points? While we are fairly set on the date and itinerary - the cruise would be 18 months away, and life happens. How are changes handled through Chase (we wouldn't cancel as we don't want to lose the full deposit)? I know there would be $100/pp change fee for Royal - but does Chase charge any change fees on top? How does trip insurance / CFAR coverage work if I used points to book? Can I still get coverage if I choose? Any other considerations I should be thinking about? Thanks in advance - Mike

We found exactly the same thing on Solstice in December. I had pre-purchased the unlimited package as we always do and at the end of the cruise had only 2 photos. I mentioned my disappointment with the changes to the photo manager and he refunded my package. Too bad. We always travel with our kids and have a collection of really good pictures from the past. Mike

We had a group of 13 together at LPC on the Solstice in December. It wasn't one table, but it was an entire row of 3 or 4 tables along the back wall. The tables were close together so it almost felt like one large table. Worked well for us. Layout on Edge is different - but if there is somewhere you want to go - ask and they may be able to work it out. Mike