The Scurvy Pirate

Changing to the drink voucher, at least to me, was a positive change. But, I believe that was the exception to the rule as other than that, I can't think of another "positive" change....

But, what if you pay for an upgraded room, does it then reverts back to $X off the cruise, so you can then get the OBC?

Only one device may be on-line at a time. You can both use it, but only one at a time.

I paid the $89 + VAT today. Paid $89 last year at this time for a different cruise, but no VAT. There was only one ship at the island when we went and really enjoyed it. I thought it was worth the now almost $100 (including the VAT) but definitely not at the $169 price it previously was on the planner.

My cruise "sailed away" as I was trying to book the items. I had tried to delete the Voom as the price increased when it went into my cart, and everything froze at that point. Went to call the main number and it said wait time was 60-90 minutes. Like the person above, called C&A and then #9 and was connected in less than a minute. Was able to "keep" the prices that had previously been shown on the web page (Coco cay beach club ($88.99 +VAT of $17.78)) without the mysterious increase some have been experiencing.

So, who do you trust more to give you accurate information? RCI's IT department (web page info being accurate/up to date) or their customer service operators? Again, most people assume a certain level of competence when calling customer service for any business. If I was concerned enough to call three separate times to make sure of something, I would assume what they told me to be correct. I have done this several times when ordering parts where the web site says one thing (or nothing) and I call customer service to make sure its the right part or will fit. Again, you assume customer service will provide accurate information about their products. Again, as members of CC, we understand what happens when you assume things, especially when it comes to RCI customer interaction (either on the phone or web site). I think another part of her problem is that she felt she could not find/speak with anyone at RCI with sufficient "clearance" to actually look into the situation (or maybe they did but she didn't like the answer). It seems like RCI needs a "same travel day" escalation department with a knowlegable staff that can actully immediately look into situations so that you aren't on hold for hours while everyone around you is boarding the ship. I can only imagine the conversation with the family... "but I called them three separate times to make sure...."

I was on Explorer in early October 2022 and there was no crown at any of the bars, even though bottles of it were for sale on board....

Nor did Carnival show a link between the sale of the full size liquor bottles to those who were unruly passengers. Carnival probably did find out that those that bought the full size bottles were not buying as much ala carte and not buying the packages, so they were losing money...

We've had as large as 16 adults (all extended family) at one table. The rule was you couldn't sit next to the same person more than 2x during the 7 night cruise. That way you spread out the family to insure everyone got to visit with everyone. Worked out well. Also, with a group that large, make sure you tip the wait staff extra because a group that size is really hard to handle and dominates their night.

October 2023 Harmony 7 day went from $208 up to $261. 3 meal from $102 to $113. Chops + 1 went from $84 to $85. Individual Hibachi went up $5 but others remained the same.

I was thinking about the simple Type C adapter but then read that if you try to plug in a true 110v device (like a small fan) that it didn't convert it from the 220v Type C outlet and would burn up the fan motor. It seems many USB chargers may accept the 220v without issue so the simple adapter would work. Since I was spefically wanting to plug in a small fan next to the bed (that only had a Type C outlet), I got from Amazon a Power Voltage Converter by E-POLAR Step Down Converter EU/UK/AU/in/US Worldwide Plug Adapter which worked great. It may have been overkill, but it did have 2 power outlets and 3 USB charging ports, so it did provide additional outlets as well. Very small/compact, no surge suppresser, and had no issues. Because the initial short power cord was a "normal" US Type A plug, I can also use it as a small charging station around the house if I needed.

I did the Curacao Highlights and Mamba Beach tour 10/5/22. Was disappointed. Although the city tour on the bus was nice, the distillary was a waste of time. Basically, they said we had 15 minutes to take the "tour" which consisted of walking about 100 feet through a "prop" distillery, getting 3 tiny samples of liquor, and then, if you wanted to buy anything, there were probably 100 people (apparently several different tours/companies) trying to buy stuff in a too small shop. The beach itself was nothing special, as far as caribbean beaches go. Having a designated area with beach chairs was nice. We had wished we had more time at the beach, which was maybe 1.5 hours.

That's the Diamond Superior level...

For several years I debated whether it would be worth it ($85 initial fee for 5 years or $17/year), but then I figured I would use it about 4 times a year flying domestically to/from smaller airports. This would mean 8 different check in's which is about $2.00 a check in. Earlier this year I renewed it online for another 5 yeasrs for $70, so now even less per check-in. Upon reflection, it is some of the best money I have ever spent. Even if it only saves 5 minutes, not having the hassle of removing belts, shoes, etc. it is worth it. Basically put my phone, watch and wallet (not sure if I need to do all that, but I do) in the bowl and walk straight through. Even at the smaller airports, the non-pre-check line can have 50-100+ people waiting where the pre-check line there is nomally no waiting. I can't imagine what it would be like going through a bigger airport.

Some pictures in the following thread...

My thoughts as well. It would have been clearer saying the friend's wife. I read the same thing about using the coffee card as I had always thought the other person had to have a refreshment package. But, I had never actually asked the customer service rep. I do agree that if you don't like the answer the first time, call back later.

So, does this mean you would have let them have your place and then you would then go to the end of the line? Otherwise, wouldn't you be negatively impacting everyone behind you, who may also have their own time concerns but arrived at the appriate time, only to then become late because people let others "jump" in line with them? The only rightful course not to affect those behind you would be for you to go to the end of the line... My favorite line was "yes, double shots are free and included in your Deluxe Beverage Package..."

We are going on a cruise with a couple, one of whose birthday is during the cruise. I have some unused OBC and was thinking of buying them dinner at a specialty restaurant as a "surprise" birthday present. I already have a 3 night package. Is it possible to for me to buy it in the planner and then "gift" it to them once onboard or do I have to wait until I am actually onboard? Will royal let me use my OBC on their account or how exactly can I make this work? Thanks!

Leave 10/1/22 on Explorer and just received my "congratulations" email at lunch today (9/19/22).

Non-cruise related, but one time traveling back from the Bahama's and went through customs. The customs officer started asking super detailed questions about where I lived, employment, actually down to the neighborhood and street address, which at the time I though was crazy. Come to find out, he lived in my same neighborhood and was on a 3 month duty for that customs post. A little nerve wracking going through that inquisition...

Current BOGO deals supposedly go off the onboard "list" price, so assuming that is the actual onboard price wouldn't it be the same?

A long time ago (7+ years ago) they had the beer/wine and also the deluxe.

Does logging into my credit card account all the time to see if the charge has "hit" count?

Also, there is the 30% off the deluxe beverage package if purchased on board. Other than a black friday sale, which is sometimes hit and miss, the most percent off I see in the planner now is the "BOGO 50" or 25% off. With the 5 free drinks, getting the deluxe is harder to justify, as it pushes the "break even" point to about 11 alcohol drinks a day.