traveler/

Congratulations to Barbara on reaching 3000 cruise points!

We were fortunate to have cruised with Barbara on Rhapsody OS this year, and shared some wonderful experiences we will always cherish. Thank you Barbara.(y)

A remarkable achievement, :)

Susan and Michael

Is an appointment needed to get with a future cruise specialist in order to book a future cruise while on a ship? If so, what is the process to get an appointment?

There is normally an appointment book at the desk to select the day and time you wish. If the specialist is not busy, walk ins are accepted.

This is the second day in a row that the courtesy hold feature isn't displayed! I've even tried different browsers and switched from my tab to laptop thinking just another RC IT glitch but NO :confused:

My TA just did a courtesy hold last Friday for us. :)

Everything went perfectly.

I ended up being able to cancel it without penalty but it took a call to the Resolutions department to get it done.

Thanks for posting the reply.

Glad to hear it was resolved.:)

Has anyone cancelled a booking that was made AFTER March, 2015 that had the option of OBC on the FUTURE cruise?

 

I just called to cancel one and was told that even if the OBC is taken on the future cruise the deposit is now non-refundable.

 

That's not what I was told when I booked it in April. I thought it was only the ones with instant OBC that are non refundable.

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/cas/onboardBookingBonus.do

This link has the policy regarding OBBC.

Draw your own conclusions how you think it applies.

Especially look at the first few sentences, which are cut and pasted from the flyer.

"NextCruise Confirmed Booking: Select your ship and sail date at the time of booking. A $50 to $500 non-refundable deposit per person is required to partake in the Next Cruise program when booking 5+ night voyages. The deposit schedule is the same as the Onboard Credit Schedule and is determined by category of stateroom and length of voyage. Reservations may be cancelled but deposit would be forfeited as it is non-refundable. Reservations may be changed to another ship or sail date up to 90 days prior to Holiday sailings and 75 days for all other sailings. Changes to reservations are applicable primarily to US, Canadian, United Kingdom, Ireland, European & Australian guests. Not all countries follow this cancellation/change policy. "

I think the question is: Does this policy apply to both the Instant OBBC Model and/or the Future OBBC model?

Also a lot of information towards the end of the flyer about changing or canceling which may be relevant to your situation.

I hope this helps. Best of luck getting a favorable resolution.

I have learned to "trust but verify" and get things in writing.:)

Thanks for posting this!

portoflosangeles.org

on 10/3 shows 3 other ships at B92, 93, 94 and does show Jewel OS at B46.

We are on Jewel OS 9/26, we depart from B92, and return on Oct. 3 to B46.

10/3 Jewel departs from B46, but returns 10/10 to B92.

Not sure of actual detail on getting to/from B46, but I will check and post if do find answer.

I think they provide a shuttle. Not certain.

Other options:

Call Ports America

Call Parking Concepts Inc. which operates World Cruise Center parking

Your TA

RCCL

Check/ post at the Meet and Mingle for Jewel 10/3 on Cruise Critic

My Correction:

I typed B94 for one of the berths on 10/3, it is actually B54 listed on the Ports America World Cruise Center Schedule.

Schedule is at: https://www.portsamerica.com/cruise/los-angeles-terminal.html

Anyone with ship berth questions should verify with their cruise line/ documentation, TA, or port schedules.

Thank you to the other posters for information, photos, and links they provided. Very helpful.

portoflosangeles.org

on 10/3 shows 3 other ships at B92, 93, 94 and does show Jewel OS at B46.

We are on Jewel OS 9/26, we depart from B92, and return on Oct. 3 to B46.

10/3 Jewel departs from B46, but returns 10/10 to B92.

Not sure of actual detail on getting to/from B46, but I will check and post if do find answer.

I think they provide a shuttle. Not certain.

Other options:

Call Ports America

Call Parking Concepts Inc. which operates World Cruise Center parking

Your TA

RCCL

Check/ post at the Meet and Mingle for Jewel 10/3 on Cruise Critic

I prefer to take the obc on the future cruise I booked, so the deposit is refundable. Also, If I book near the end of a cruise, not much time to spend the OBC. Good to see options now available, so you can choose whatever works better for you.

This scenario happened to us recently.

We received the upgrade at reduced rate email, and paid a reduced rate to upgrade to JS. We did not receive the double points either. I called C & A after to ask and was told no extra points. It appears that the computer looks at the cruise fare paid on the invoice (1st line) which was for a lower category.The extra amount we paid is listed on a separate lower line.

The policy is on the RCCL website, under C & A member benefits:

"Cruise points are given for eligible cruises per stateroom category paid. Complimentary, promotional and/or reduced rate upgrades will not receive additional Cruise Points if final berth category is in a suite when moved from a lower stateroom category. Cruise Points are awarded to the guest who's name is entered into the reservation at the time of booking and completes the sailing. Eligible cruises exclude all reduced cruise fares (e.g., employee/employee family rates, vendor rates, etc.), affinity groups and other cruises as designated by Royal Caribbean at its sole discretion. All questions or disputes regarding the eligibility for the Program or provision of benefits will be resolved by Royal Caribbean at its sole discretion."

IMHO, if we would have just paid the advertised price on the website and upgraded on the day we upgraded(after final payment) the invoice would have read differently, and I think we would have got the extra points. However, the cost would have been somewhat higher, which was more than I was willing to pay. The JS cabin was well worth the extra amount we paid, so we were pleased, even without the extra points.

Our New RCL VISA card is a chip card. We can use it by swiping the card also if the store doesn't have the new terminal.

I called also and got a very nice and experienced customer service rep and I was given the date of February 29 for the repositioning cruise.

Too funny! Or the date might be April 1.....:D. Meanwhile I have 5 other cruises booked, one on Quantum to check it out and one grandfathered Next Cruise Certificate ready if and when I need it. "It is what it is" or rather "It is when it is". Could be great itineraries!

Anyone have any experience good bad or indifferent in reference to switching to the new RC signature card ?

In addition to Priusprof's comments:

Other points I found of interest in My upgrade paperwork: "There's no application required, your account balance, MyCruise Points balance and credit history will automatically transfer, only your account number will change". ALSO: "No annual fee", "Your APR will remain the same". Part of The 2 for 1 airfare offer: "Use your new, upgraded card for at least three transactions totaling at least $3,500 within 90 days after the upgrade."

I have until June 30, 2014 to respond. Still thinking about it based on my requirements.

I'm wondering if it is a CHIP card or still magnetic stripe, so I might call the number listed to find out.

Search for similar threads here to get more opinions.

From what I have been told by RCCL...if you place a hold and need to add a NC, the hold is cancelled and the booking is recreated in the same cabin. That is the way it is normally handled. The representative told me it was not a normal policy to adjust the current hold.

 

The lesson is that I did not realize it would change the 48 hour price guarantee. Instead of 48 hours from the true decision to book it was really only 24.

 

I was told they would not honor the faxing because I had already passed the 48 hours.

 

In hindsight. I should have let the hold expire...recreated the booking with a RCCL, have all the credits applied THEN it would have been 48 hours from the time I paid in full (45 days exactly!) and I would have received the price drop.

 

EVERYONE JUST BEWARE AND LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE.

 

Sometimes things just don't work out the way we would like but it's okay. ;)

Thanks for posting this situation. I'm wondering: Did RCL use your NC booking number? Did you get the OBBC from that Cert? Was the final payment you made before the actual final payment date, which RCL uses?

The 2013 Annual report is available as a .pdf file at the investor relations website. http://www.rclinvestor.com

From that (pg. 21 of 108) GUEST SERVICES Section:

"Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and

Azamara Club Cruises offer rewards to their guests

through their loyalty programs, Crown & Anchor

Society, Captain’s Club and Le Club Voyage, respectively,

to encourage repeat business. Crown & Anchor

Society has over 7.8 million members worldwide.

Captain’s Club and Le Club Voyage have 2.5 million

members combined worldwide. "

The report is very interesting reading. Especially valuable IMHO to shareholders or cruisers looking for trends in the industry.

We love all kinds of travel: cruising, all-inclusive, road trips, etc. and do not limit ourselves to 1 type. I think of us as VALUE TRAVELERS who are somewhat loyal, since once we find a good product we'll book again.

It seems as though the travel industry providers are mostly reducing benefits, or changing them to suit their business plan, which is their right.

I don't get upset about any changes, but just adjust our travel bookings accordingly if they no longer fit my value test, or adapt to the changing benefit so it's still worthwhile.

With the internet, we have such a wonderful opportunity to research all aspects of travel. For me, part of the fun of traveling is the planning and the bargain hunting, which so far has really worked well.

Many years ago, I posted on CC a list about 75 ways to save money on a RCL cruise. Recently, I looked at that again, and many of the tips are no longer valid. The cruise industry has changed a lot since my first cruise on Viking Serenade!

Even though a window has closed, I'm finding more doors are opening, if I just take the time to look. So, I'm making a new list...

Best of luck to everyone on your journeys. Stay positive, you will be rewarded!:)

This will be our first time cruising on RCCL (only cruised Disney before), and I'm still torn on cabin selection.

 

Right now I'm booked in 7094 on the Jewel to Alaska. However, I have read many of the reviews about how great AFT cabins are. There are still some available--the cost would be approx $250 more.

 

Being able to spend relaxing time in the cabin is important to me, as well as having a great view of the Alaskan scenery. However, cabin 7094 does have a large balcony already, but it might be windy possibly because of positioning forward of the hump? Also, because it's floor 7, the life boat covers may block view down?

 

Any opinions/advice you can offer would be much appreciated. Is an AFT cabin worth the extra in your opinion, compared to 7094? If it's not, that extra $250 can be used on an excursion, but if it is, I'm willing to spring for it.

 

Thank you! :-)

For us, True AFT(stern) cabins on Jewel are great, because the view is unobstructed. Awesome for Alaska (Glacier viewing day!!!) or Panama Canal especially. Large balcony. Farther walk to cabin. On our Alaska cruise (on Radiance) the captain rotated the ship so every balcony could get a view of the glacier. We love the views on sailaways from port.

I'm currently on hold with C & A to move my cabin from inside to B2 boardwalk balcony. It is currently on website for $749 pp & I paid $819 pp for an inside. The rep cannot see this rate & wanted me to book the room as a new booking & when they could verify the rate they would give me the room at that rate. I didn't want to do this bc I would have to pay in full since final payment has passed so I asked if I could send an email with a screen shot of the rate I was seeing. He said ok. I have sent the email twice & he hasn't received it?? Then he told me to send it to crown & anchor mailbox & he would get it sometime today. What? I just want to switch rooms; why can't he see what I'm seeing?? Should I call back & get another rep?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

Check and see if the base price is the price you are seeing.Depends on what screen you are viewing, but I've noticed that now, it displays the discounted price already factored in. To verify base price click on summary of charges and it will show base price minus discounts clearly. Sometimes I think it's a deal, but once I check the summary I realize it's not. But sometimes it is a deal. Very confusing at first. Good luck, hope it really is a deal!

We sit at a table for 2, and our normal dining time is 1 hour and 5 minutes in MTD. MTD seems to have faster service than regular dining, which we really like. Our dinners in specialty restaurants onboard are usually 2 to 2 1/2 hours, too long for us, so we eat in those only 1 time per cruise at most.

I've called other companies for service and noticed several ways they often handle this:

1. They tell you about how long the wait will be

2. Offer other methods like "Live chat" (my favorite) or email.

3. One had me leave my number and they would call me back within a certain time.

I've never really had a problem calling RCL, but I call on the C and A line.

Once my TA has the booking, the TA handles any communication with RCL.

I have a question. I hope few of you may be able to answer me. I have a Chase Sapphire credit card. I always buy my cruise with that card. I also always buy cruise care from the cruise line. Today I happen to talk to an agent from the credit card company and she mentioned to me that I always have the insurance from Chase credit card when I buy my cruise, air line, hotel... from them. If I'm unable to make my trip from a medical reason they will pay. If this is true than I don't need to buy cruise care or any other trip cancellation insurance. My question is any of you who has this credit card is it true? Has any of you needed to use it? How does it work?

Thanks so much in advanced for all the information.

We have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Recently received the GUIDE TO BENEFITS(effective 11/01/13). Pg. 12-21 cover the TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE and TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE provisions. Suggest you read the extent of coverage. If you need the booklet or for questions, contact 1-888-320-9961.

On my last cruise I purchased a Next Cruise Certificate. I did not indicate that I wanted it assigned to my travel agent, but when I returned home and received the electronic certificate it indicated that it was assigned to the travel agent with whom I had booked my last cruise on. I really prefer being the one in control of my reservation. So.... I called Royal and they told me to fill out a Travel Agency Transfer Form, which I just did yesterday. I faxed it to the appropriate number.

 

Question: Does anyone know if I will receive some sort of confirmation that the transfer was completed? Do you know how long it will take?

 

Thanks!

I have set up a confirmation page on my fax machine that tells me RCL has received the form.

After that, I go to "my cruises" (RCL website) , click on purchased cruises and see all my reserved cruises with who has the reservation listed.

My last transfer was reported in less than 24 hours, however, my experience has been 48-72 hours is normal.

Not sure how long your transfer will take since you are transferring away from a TA.

We are going to Cozumel this March on Royal Carribean Liberty of the Seas/ We have been there before/ my daughter. set of twin girls 3 years of age, granddaughter 16 years old, son in law, my husband and I are both retired, my daughter needs a place that is user friendly for the 3year olds and 16 year old, We were thinking of going to Playa Mia Grand Beach, or Paradise beach, which would be better beach, or is there someplace better.

Look under "Ports of call", Caribbean, Cozumel.

Anyone else having trouble with Royal Caribbean Website this morning?

I was trying a price check and $ amount of discount was off. Then told me to call. I will try again later.

Please forgive me, but I tried combing the C&A Society website for the answer to this, but couldn't find it...

 

I have completed one cruise on RCCL, back in 2007. At that time, I was enrolled in the C&A Society, and I seem to remember there being some perks, even after one cruise.

 

We are about to book IOS, and I have been trying to look up my C&A number, to no avail (I will have to end up calling, I'm sure...). However, I noticed on the member benefits chart that "gold" benefits now start after 3 cruises? Is this correct, or am I misreading it? Has it changed since 2007?

 

(So, in other words, the only "benefit" to me getting my member number is to get credit for this upcoming cruise to eventually count towards gold?)

 

Thanks!

Gold benefits start after 1 ONE completed cruise. The 3 you see is cruise points, the new system.

Only time I have seen the "widespread" was on a tour at Monticello, Jefferson's home in Charlottesville, VA. The admission was $8 and anyone that paid with a $10 bill got a $2 in change (lol).

 

I just bring a lot of $1 and $5 in my neck bag (my kids called it the "3rd boob") or have them break down bigger bills on the ship at the desk.

 

Tucker in Texas

$2 bill has JEFFERSON portrait, and Monticello is on the reverse. Maybe why they gave those out?. We were at Monticello in Oct. Fantastic!