TheTruthCanHurt

August 11, 2017

Interesting that all of the changes are essentially negative ones for the customers. Oh well, I still love Royal and am looking forward to my September Oasis cruise.

I don't think they are all negative at all.

1. I LOVE the non refundable suite deposits. So many people ( which is why they started this new policy) hog all the suites across many sailings the second they are released. These people have no intention of taking all these cruises.. They are just selfish. So ultimately, for those of us that want those sailings, they are either not available or they get released right before final payment and the prices can and typically are much higher. So... as being a person that books only suites. I love this and am happy to pay the fee.

2. Although, it has not been confirmed about he 7.95 room service charge for us sailings yet ( at least I don't think so). I also really like this idea. Half the time room service does not answer, or it takes a very long time because , since it's free, people order way more then they want, need or can eat, then you just see plates full of food thrown away piled up in the hallway. So, I have no issue with a small charge for room service. )but for those "cruise ship campers" that bring on cases of soda, water and god knows what else because they really cant afford the cruise) I can see why they might be upset.

July 24, 2017

I have sailed in the crown loft suites numerous times and LOVE THEM. Since you are already in a grand suite, you are currently getting all the benefits of sky class. Let me break it down like this

Pros:

Closer to suite lounge and coastal kitchen

deck 17 very quiet (rarely kids running around)

Two bathrooms

cons:

stairs may be problematic for people with mobility issues

further from everything else

My Thoughts:

You have to weigh the pros and cons. If you dont need the second bathroom I would probably not pay an additional 1200 for it... since all the other benefits are the same

January 27, 2017

I learned something about NORO in November.

I was set to sail on the allure and the day before I sailed I received a similar email to what you received stating that boarding would be delayed due to "gastro" on the ship. I automatically assumed Large outbreak...

Once on the ship I was talking to some ship personnel (that I knew and trusted). They explained to me that There had only been something like 50 cases reported.. What triggered the Warning was that all of the cases happened within a period of something like five hours. (I had always assumed it had to be x % of the ships passengers, but as it turned out in this case it was more about # of cases in short period of time.)

That being said, those few of cases could have just as easily been food poisoning as opposed to NORO. but you may never know

I was happy that they delayed boarding, and truthfully It was probably the cleanest my room had been in a long time. Additionally all week on the ship they crew was CONSTANTLY cleaning everything. I was very very impressed with how they handled the situation.

I can not speak directly to the Jewel incident, however I thought it was important to share this information as I am sure there are tons of people (like myself) that assumed there were hundreds of sick people on board which turned out to not be the case.

January 26, 2017

So I talked to RCI.. the rep said they couldn't do it.. So I told them the situation.. She spoke to her supervisor and said yes.. no worries. it can be done but I needed my travel agent to make the call.. so she did and then RCI told her no way.. Not sure why they changed their minds..

delete

January 25, 2017

Disneyland is over 2600 miles away. I would hate to think what the cost of a Taxi would be. :D

Thank you Troy,

I edited my post to reflect the (closer) Disney...

January 25, 2017

I'd be grateful it was found & returned at all.

It would have probably been cheaper though to even fly something like Spirit/SW/JetBlue from Orlando to FLL and just pick the bag up yourself. I paid $59 each way to fly FLL to MCO once.

OK a couple things

1. They were on the oasis which is out of port Canaveral. It's only 60 miles from port Canaveral to Disneyworld.. they could have easily gone and gotten the bag from numerous transportation options.(shuttles, taxi, uber)

2. The OP said they called home. which means Royal went above and beyond. They found the bag, called the OP's listed number to let them know they had the bag, all within the couple hours it took to get to orlando.

3. Obviously the OP asked them to ship the bag so the responsibility would be on him to investigate the arrangements.

While I don't want to come off as a cheerleader... In this case I think the OP should be grateful that he got the bag at all and NOT post to bash the cruise line that

a. found his bag that he carelessly left behind

b. called his contact number to let them know

c. made arrangements with a shipper to get it back

what more could the cruise line do? It's not their fault that you were rushing to get to Disneyworld? I get it.. Your upset because you made a stupid mistake. I also am willing to bet that if the cruise line did not contact you, there would be a post labeled (warning cruise line stole my bag). Put your big boy pants on, place blame where it belongs.. ON YOU.

and maybe instead of complaining you could write a thank you letter to RCCL.. I am assuming the cost of the suitcase and the contents far exceeded the amount of shipping. show some gratitude...

January 17, 2017

Did it ever occur to anyone that this is a business, and the increase in prices may be a direct result of our fellow "cheap" cruisers actions.

1. People go to great lengths to take bottled water on board

2. People go to great lengths to take soda on board

3. People go to great lengths to sneak liquer on board, rum runners, etc

so.. If people are continuously avoiding purchasing anything on board. Is it any surprise that the cruise lines have to raise the prices to offset their losses?

This is a business after all.

January 16, 2017

Be aware that not all concierges send the welcome email.

Correct. I have not received welcome letters on some class of ships. BUT I have always received an email from oasis class ships.

January 16, 2017

We're booked in a suite on Allure, sailing in April. I've read that suite guests should receive an email from the concierge 8 days after booking and a second email 7 days before sail date. We switched from a JS to a 1-bedroom ATS a few weeks ago but haven't received an email. I'm actually more concerned with the second email since that's apparently the one asking if we'd like help booking things. Does RCCL send the emails to the TA when the guest booked that way?

Sailed in suites numerous times on both the allure and the oasis. I have never received an initial email (although sometimes I get one from royal that says. blah blah blah welcome to the suite life). However.. Usually around 1 week before sailing you will receive an email from the on board concierge . have always gotten that email.

something like this (from november sailing) (SKY CLASS)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Greetings From Your Allure Concierges,

My name is Dexter Fraser. My colleague Ana Jimenez, and I will be your Concierges onboard Allure of the Seas during your upcoming cruise vacation. We look forward to welcoming you onboard; however, we are available now to help you with recommendations, reservations and other preparations for your cruise.

As our Concierge guest, you will enjoy exclusive amenities and services such as:

Use of the Suite Lounge located on deck 17 aft.

· Breakfast from 7:30 am -10:00 am on port days and from 8:00 am-10:00 am on sea days in the Suite Lounge, deck 17.

· A la carte lunch from noon to 1:30 pm in the Coastal Kitchen, deck 17.

· Dinner served in the Coastal Kitchen from 6:00 pm- 9:30 pm, deck 17 (by reservation only - please dial 29305).

· A selection of complimentary wine, champagne, beer and soft drinks is available from 11:00 am - 11:00 pm in the Suite Lounge.

A select menu of complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres are served daily in the Suite Lounge from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

· Spa bathrobes for use onboard and upgraded bathroom amenities

· Exclusive Reception for suite guests with Senior Officers. (Invitation will be sent to your suite).

· Daily Dining Room and Specialty Restaurant menus displayed in the lounge.

· Full Dining Room menu privilege through Room Service, available when the Dining Room is open (please see the insert menus in the Suite Binder).

· Priority reservations for any of our Specialty Restaurants, Sports Activities, Shore Excursions, and Vitality Spa services.

· Complimentary pressing service on the first formal night.

· Private sun deck with loungers and cabanas on deck 17 forward. (Cabanas are limited and are available on a first-come-first served basis).

Show Reservations are not required to all suite guests except for the comedy show. Please show your SeaPass card at the entrance 20 minutes prior to show time as booked seats will be given away 10 minutes prior to show time.

· Limited VIP seats for the shows in Amber Theater (Deck 4), Studio B (center pavilion) and Aqua Theater (first 2 rows from the top). Please show your SeaPass card at the entrance 20 minutes prior to show time as booked seats will be given away 10 minutes prior to show time.

Additional information will be available in your suite.

We are also pleased to extend to you the opportunity to make advance reservations for any of our Specialty Restaurants including the Chef’s Table. At this small-group dinner in a private dining room, an Executive Chef and Sommelier will together guide you through a multi-course feast with wine pairings. If you would like to reserve a place at the Chef's Table, please let me know via email.

Finally, the Suite Lounge is a private area available to you on a 24-hour basis. We respectfully request that all guests observe a smart-casual dress code in the lounge. Please note that footwear is required at all times and that swimwear and pool attire are not allowed. In addition, guests below 18 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times and must well behaved.

Thank you for choosing to sail with Royal Caribbean International. We look forward to welcoming you aboard Allure of the Seas.

Hilltop Cabana 395 dollars for up to 6 Guests Very Private

-Few Steps to reach cabana

Standard Cabana for the price of 295 dollars.

This is the limousine to reach Barefoot beach

Dexter Fraser and Ana Jimenez

Suite Concierges - Allure of the Seas

al_concierge01@rccl.com

January 13, 2017

Yes, that is the way I understood it to be. It's not what you did back when but what you are doing now.

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hey Troy,

One thing to consider ( I too am a club royale guy, and always get my suites comped)....

If you pay the extra money to get a star class.. you are somewhat limiting your casino benefits.. What I mean by that

1. you cant make use of the casino free drink offer (because you are paying for it as part of the star class perks)**** fyi, if you do have a drink package or star class. make sure the casino servers

know that you are so your drinks dont get charged off to the casino ( which does affect part of your comp offers)

2. since Star class includes starbucks, the speciatly resteraunts, the ice cream, etc. if you do play a lot ( like I do) there will essentially be nothing for the casino to comp off your bill...

The star class is great, I am not taking anything away from that. but think of it sorta like this.... Since you would be getting free drinks in the casino, would you still buy a drink package?

Thats just how I look at it. HOWEVER, if everyone else in your group did not gamble, then it could be of value to have a star class room

January 13, 2017

drivers license is enough why worry be happy. Take pp if you need to fly in an emergency.

this is why you have to do your research and not just trust what people on cc say. This post is 100% wrong, and clearly have not been on a cruise ever using only a drivers license... As they would have been denied boarding... You must have as others that have sailed before reported. Proof of citizenship, traditionally a passport but on US closed loop cruises you can use a certified copy of birth certificate.

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

January 11, 2017

delete

January 9, 2017

I think A1 is in Sky Class.

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The One bedroom is definitely Sky class no star class...

The question I have is this.

1. You say that the suite lounge is too far away from your room, but in reality EVERYTHING is far from the aqua theater suites, which is why I never personally book them ( I prefer the crown loft suites).

However, since you seem to have booked the largest class ship in the fleet and are not to Keen on walking, why not look for a grand suite which would be closer to the elevators in a more mid ship location?

Just my thoughts.

January 9, 2017

ON the Exterior of the Port.

There was a door for "suites and pinnacles" and then the door for everyone else.

However, once through security there was absolutely a diamond/ diamond plus line (which could prove to be faster then the standard line)

December 22, 2016

Hello ! Need help, we are trying to book a cabana in Labadee private beach for suite guests, we tried Beach Cabanas and are sold out, we are traveling with our 5 yr old who loves to play in the sand and we have to keep an eye on him.. those of you that have been there which cabana type do you recommend Standard or On the Water ? Are the standard ones on the sand?

Thank you !!!! We are sailing this Friday !!!

1. they are typically not available on line for booking, in the past I have emailed the conceirge and they have handled the arrangements.

As for the type? The over the water ones are great but they have gone up tremendously in price. Personally they are not worth the current price, but I very much enjoyed it when It was $300.00

I was just in labadee back in november. There was five of us in our group. We chose not to get a cabana. Honestly, The suite beach is not that crowded, moving forward, I would just pay the suite check in guy 10 bucks to grab a few chairs near the water and do it that way. The last two times I was there, it was very mellow....

Just my opinion based on my experience, but everyone wants something different. The cabanas that are not over the water are set back closer to the suites beach entrance and further from the water.

December 21, 2016

All good points.

I guess if the title of his post had been, "Why YOU Shouldn't Book Oasis Class" I would have had more issues with it, than "Why I Won't Book Oasis Class".

As for the opinions without setting foot on a ship, here is mine...

I don't have tons of money to cruise several times of year (family of 4 and have to fly to most all of the ports)...so when I get to, I have to make a decision based on what I "think" will be the best experience for my family and I.

With that said, I "feel" being on the larger/monster ships is really cool, with all the stuff to do and gives my family and I the best chance of getting the most bang for our buck. Given that, I have pretty much excluded all of the smaller ships in the fleet when I search for cruises.

Now, they may all be great ships and lots of fun...but based on what I have read and learned, I just don't think they would give me what I am looking for in a cruise.

So in this case, I have formed an opinion on an entire class (classes) of ships without ever even seeing them (let alone setting foot on any) based on what I am looking for in a cruise.

Now...should I go make a post on that to tell everyone that....nah, probably not...you have a VERY good point there. Not because it is wrong...but why would anybody care about my cruise preferences. However, if I did, I might expect to be persuaded into trying a smaller ship or at least hearing why I may be "missing the boat"....not being told I am ignorant for just arbitrarily excluding them.

(Sorry for keeping this thing going...but VERY bored at work.)

Actually, Although I dont agree with much of your previous comments on this thread. ( sorry I have a much different view point)

The above post is actually more fact than opinion..

1. you can look at the RCCL ships, it is a fact that Oasis class has more food and entertainment options than any other class.. (Not that you wouldn't enjoy say the liberty or freedom) but There is more to do, see, eat on the oasis class.

so you are ruling out a ship for facts not opinions..

The OP on the other hand, is ruling out a class of ship based on opinon and not first hand, and many of the OP's concerns are across the entire fleet.

1. Fact: you can have bad service or rude people on any class of ship

2. Fact a show time can change or be cancelled on any ship

3. Fact any size ship can skip a port for many reasons ( weather, medical, etc)

4. Fact The small ships frequently skip coco cay

Now:

In August the OP had a thread ranting about how expensive NCL is... Then in that same thread the op directly contradicts this one by saying That they will probably sail the liberty because it has Saturday night fever, but was also considering NCL because they are rumored to have Jeff foxworthy and Jim Gaffigan... So when the op talks about only wanting a cheesy magic show??????? In just confused what the op is really after???

5. Fact If you want to see a cheesy magic trick. ABARA CADABARA THE PEPPER GRINDERS AND CHEESECAKE LOLLY POPS ARE GONE. lol

6. Fact (mostly) I would bet you could meet someone from kansas on just about any ship, and probably have a greater chance on oasis as they have more passengers?

Here is the Ops previous rant :

august 22nd 2016

It would not be fair to continue to hold knowledge to myself, because though NCL puts out a great product, their marketing schemes are at best, dubious.

Let me put it like this-if you are debating whether to do a Carnival ship, or an NCL and are deciding solely on the FREE drink package, or FREE dining, don't.

Go Carnival. Get on Carnival to find Guy's Burgers, as good as any burgers not named Dyer's on Beale Street in Memphis, and have a ball. Grab some Blue Iguana burritos, get some BBQ, try some cereal crusted french toast. Go get some pasta, and while you are at it, would you grab me some sushi at Taste Bar?

Drinks? CHEERS is $50 per day, plus gratuities. Oh you think you have me? Think again.

Pick a ship, any ship, that Norwegian is sailing. Find an inside stateroom. Let's say New Orleans, in FEB, on the Pearl. Grab an inside stateroom and your drink package, do a guarantee..oh wait, that inside stateroom is not eligible for the package, you have to upgrade to an...

Inside stateroom? You mean instead of paying $499 for an inside cabin you have to pay $649? Yes exactly. But wait..that cabin, with the free drinks, will also run you another $198 or so for drink package gratuities. So now your free drink package with your inside stateroom costs you, roughly, $500.

Want dinner? Three meals will cost you about $140 bucks all in, but if you want that package you have to go up to an oceanview room. That is another $300 or so. So now to get your FREE drinks, and FREE dining, you had to spend an extra $800. Or, you could just buy a guarantee, pay for a few meals, a few drinks, not try to disqualify your liver for organ donation, and come out way ahead.

But let me be real clear, the Jewel class of NCL in no way should garner more of your hard earned $$ than Magic class on Carnival, not even close. Besides the food options running deeper, the entertainment being more plentiful, there are the nightly comedians, an HD movie screen, a waterpark, and a full-sized basketball court.

All for ACTUAL free. How nice. And honest. In the end an all-inclusive experience on Carnival will cost you roughly the same price purchased than NCL's "free." All of this on a much nicer ship, with more fun, more energy, and more space.

So you think I am writing a commercial for Carnival, do you? Next cruise we take, in probability, will be the RCL Liberty, because Royal has Saturday Night Fever the stage show. But then, Carnival is getting Jim Gaffigan, and Jeff Foxworthy next season, so the battle continues. I don't know how much they will cost, but not as much as FREE on NCL.(not exactly a magic show)

I enjoy the Norwegian product, I really do. The food is good, the shows are good, and the ships are pretty. But the marketing practices, well, those are ugly, quite so in fact.

On Norwegian FREE is costly. But so is the growing lack of trust in their management.

Go Carnival, and save yourself from the expense of FREE.

December 20, 2016

So, just to be clear. You wont book the oasis ( A ship from your post you know absolutely nothing about) because you dont want a vegas show? Yet in your post from aug 2016 you are flaming NCL for being overpriced and that you were going to sail liberty of the seas next because of saturday night fever... And yet you said you were still deciding because NCL was supposed to get Jeff Foxworthy and Jim Gaffigan??????? Good thing you want a cheesy magician and not a vegas show? Very very confused by your post. (ps, this is why people get the wrong impression of ships, from something exacttly as misinformed as your post)

As the other post said. I think the oasis class is the least crowded and one of the friendliest ships I have been on. And I have done princess, carnival, NCL and over 25 RCCL cruises.

But... Just my opinion.

your post of contradiction below