brentconn

On the Allure, from what I have seen in videos and comments here, it's not worth anything. Not really much of anything.

FYI, "land based" Las Vegas drinks on the strip normally run $15-$20 and sometimes more. They charge these prices because they can. Same with RCL. Again use the search box and type in UDP or DBP and most of those threads are people deciding if they are worth it. Almost all of the replies are overwhelmingly YES. It has never been about profit. It's about how much profit can we make?

What is so amazing about JR's? Apparently there has to be something to it. This thread may spawn 500 replies before its done with. I have eaten at JR's a few times at amusement parks and it was never bad but it was never special either. I have seen so many posters worried about if they can get a complimentary shake or meal at JR's. Heck, just plug in JR's in the search box and you get thread after thread about cruisers wanting to know about JR's. There is a good reason why many may be disappointed with JR's. Because it's meant to be average.

The cruise price is what the customer is willing to pay. As long as their profit margins are met whether a cruise sells out or not, I don't think things will change. It's the same with any other product.

After seeing how big the chipped cup is, I don't blame people for wanting to cut out the chip. The video I just saw showed some kid smash the cup by jumping on it. LOL. I bet you that some people have accidently cut into that chip and disabled it. I guess at that point you would have to tell them that you lost your cup instead of showing them what you did. It's a shame that you have to carry that big cup around with you. All they need is a card reader on each machine.

I was just reacting to your comments. If you want to speak hyperbole, can you please put an asterisk by any of your statements that are embellished or exaggerated? Thanks.

3 hours ago, drrich2 said:

 

Has it really? I did a little quick Googling and didn't turn up any basis. My suspicion is that it's likely arbitrary, perhaps based on average (or low average) heights associated with some age or grade group. 

 

Recommendations aren't always based in experts having proven much of anything, and sometimes catch on like they're natural law. The recommendations that one should drink 8 glasses of water per day, and the assertion that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, have both come under scrutiny. Many people just believe what they hear said. I would to know the evidence base for that. 

 

I agree. Be interested to know what that's based on. 

 

 

I doubt it is. I suspect it's based on arbitrary assertion, but no way to know for sure. 

 

 

That's a bit extreme (but the kid could be a midget, and the safety concern mental not physical!). 

 

If people had received false advertising, I'd probably spot them 4 inches or so if reasonable if I could. 

 

We're not changing the world here. Just sharing me view about what I perceive to be another example of an over-paternalistic nanny state that seems to have cheer leaders.

 

Richard.

I think everyone on this board needs to pray that you have no children and/or you do not supervise children in any capacity. So you would spot a kid 4 inches on a ride? I'll bet you think it's ok to leave a gun on the night stand as long as you talk to your kids about firearm safety.

Are there coffee shops or cafes that serve premium coffee? And when I say premium, I am talking about coffee that doesn't come from concentrate. Our last cruise had coffee machines that had concentrate that would mix with hot water before being dispensed. However the coffee card for purchase could be used in premium coffee shops.

8 minutes ago, Thorben-Hendrik said:

Yes - that one was just OK but again not easy to access......frankly at this point I am too spoiled to go out of my way to try any spots in the Caribbean...for me Egypt is SO much more fun and relaxing....so doing it on a cruise - jumping through hoops for a not so good experince is a waste of time!👎

Keep hearig about good spots in the Caribbean and when I get there - keep being disappointed...😱

That is why anybody should not expect much in the Caribbean when they have been to REALLY good spots before!👍

Why are you even on this site? Tooting your own horn about gibberish is not a good way to go through life. Good luck.

24 minutes ago, Thorben-Hendrik said:

I stand by that statement - have yet to see a decent snorkeling place in the Carbbean...must suck big time!🙄

Still remember how exited the guide got in Cozumel - to see ONE pale octopus and a few lame parrot fishes.....🙄

Not my idea of a great snorkel trip!👎

I think what happened was you went on this fabulous trip and the snorkeling was fantastic!!!!...........TO YOU. But  even National Geographic and the Smithsonian don't list anything in the Red Sea as being top notch. Now outside of the Red Sea in the Arabian Sea are much better places to snorkel. Even Buck Island, St. Croix and Ambergris Caye, Belize are listed in the top ten. Australia, Indonesia, Brazil? Yes definitely! Red Sea???? Eh...... Not so much. Sorry for your loss.

Thanks for the info. That was the one thing I was worried about.

We are going in February. How cold is that water going to be?

1 hour ago, Host Clarea said:

I've not yet seen an alcoholic drink package for two that only costs $100 on a Royal 7-day cruise.

Could they have meant per day for 2? That is odd.

Well, not really but an interesting read.

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-royal-caribbean-gets-customers-spend-more-money-2018-4

Why can't you book a cruise with it? We pay everything through our credit card including all vacations. Is it a credit card with some restrictions?

The more menus I see being posted the more I see that a lot of cocktails are $13. The deluxe beverage plan states it will cover all drinks up to $12. If you drink say 7 cocktails a day at $13 per, then your package could cost you an extra $50. I emailed RC and this was the response I got.

We are happy to advise that all beverage packages are honored at all bars, lounges, dining venues and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Included are individual shots and beverages up to $12; however, this amount may be higher based on ship and sailing. You will be provided the redemption value onboard. If the beverage you order exceeds the maximum value, you will be charged for the difference.

Brent, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Allure of the Seas.

Sincerely,
Michelle Peacock
Royal Caribbean Customer Support

Since this is an Oasis class ship, is it possible that the maximum might be increased to $13?

I'm just trying to take in a rounded view of what's going on. Complainers do not represent the majority. The majority of posts here are questions. I'm sure the average wait time is not two hours at the park but the fact is that people have experienced wait times that are that long. That doesn't make them complainers. If I had to wait two hours on anything then you'll see me posting about it. BTW, I just counted the threads on the first page and here is what I see.

10 questions

1 review

1 complaint

2 announcements

and this thread

Probably look for one that pays at least 1.5% on everything and 3% on a category that you can choose and change every billing cycle. Also there are promotions for credit cards where you can earn $100 - $150 cash bonus as long as you charge at least $500 on your card within 3 months. Some of these card have a higher rate but if you're like me and pay it off every month it doesn't matter.

41 minutes ago, CRUISEFAN0001 said:

We would without hesitation...knowing that many of the negative posts are based on limited perspective reports (lines), lack of homework (prices can be gotten for less in many cases), and crowds only apply (maybe) when an Oasis and another larger ship are in port together.

 

People can see what they wish to see. Others do their research and enjoy things based on the facts.

 

Is it a limited perspective that people have to wait up to two hours to go on some water slide? Cruisers reporting what they see is a fact. Perspective is a point of view and is not limited. Cruisers posting about higher prices for cabanas is not a perspective. This thread is one of the best one going right now and I have paid attention. Now your post is perspective and nothing wrong with that as I do the same thing often but posters reporting what they see with their eyes is helping me decide what I want to do on this island if anything.

Thanks for the replies!

We are thinking about taking the railway tour in Basseterre, St. Kitts. It says complimentary drinks are provided but doesn't say what that includes. If that's just water, juice, soda etc. that's fine but it would be nice to have a glass of wine or a cocktail(purchased or complimentary). I looked at the T&C but nothing was listed.

Thanks

All good points. I think 3D secure is provided by Visa and MasterCard under the name Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code.

I wasn't trying to make a blanket statement but I was trying to point out that in general it is better to use a credit card rather than a debit card. I've seen bank accounts drained entirely because their accounts have been linked to their savings. I am glad you had a good experience with getting your money back. It was really just my opinion based on information from my own bank and most legitimate banking sites say the same thing. There are advantages also to using a debit card especially if you can't pay off your balance every month. I use debit cards from time to time to get cash when I need it. Twice I had unauthorized charges on my CC and I didn't have to make a phone call. I clicked a couple of times on my laptop and I never heard another thing. I also get around $750  per year just using a CC. Just another perk. I agree that it might have taken weeks for them to resolve what ever happened but the point is that they took care of it and I never heard another word while all along MY money stayed safe in my accounts. I just googled credit cards and debit cards and you'll get links like this.

https://www.aarp.org/money/credit-loans-debt/info-2017/which-is-better-debit-or-credit-card-fd.html

I understand your position but I think the advantages of a CC out weigh the DC.

4 hours ago, PelicanBill said:

We use our VISA endorsed debit card all the time. Never a problem with excessive hold times.  It may have to do with your bank but with Chase never had an issue.  Nobody is going to get your PIN # to drain your account and fraudulent purchases, if that ever happen, will get processed as credit so you have all your normal protections.  My funds have always been restored immediately when my card was used fraudulently (happened twice over 10 years.)  The only way anyone gets your PIN# is with a skimmer at an ATM or POS terminal.  Which is why you should always process as credit and not use your PIN#.

Just because it says VISA on your debit card, IT IS NOT in any way like a VISA or Master Card. Wait until there is a problem or you have unauthorized uses on it. Then you will see that it is handled differently. A real credit card doesn't affect your bank accounts but a debit card will.😉

Though we have only cruised three times, We have decided the most important person to tip above and beyond is the one person who enters your room beside you.😉