mcd1966

Well, seeing is how I'm booked on her, out of Singapore next February...... I sure hope it isn't moving haha.

But they better not remove the inline skating track! It seems so random and out dated in this day and age..... That I was actually looking forward to trying it out.

I don't believe it's on any of the other Voyager class ships so my guess is it will be gone during the refurbishment.

Is she moving somewhere else....if so they will have to de-Asianize her from what I saw when we were on her last in Asia ;)

I don't think she's moving she's just down to be refurbished.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com.au/contentSitelet.do?pagename=revitalizations&wuc=AUS

Concierge email here:

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hKBiGZ9Gqcp2G2owtX3RyQy7yQ0ijgxCL0nPjQKK8j4/edit?pli=1#gid=0

Thank you. Much appreciated.

Hi,

The Mariner Of The Seas is to be refurbished this year according to the RCI website. Does anyone know when this will happen and what changes will be made ?

Also, on a side note, does anyone know how to contact the Diamond concierge currently on board the Mariner Of The Seas ?

Many thanks in advance.

Hi all,

Does anyone know if Royal Caribbean participatesin the VIP Lounge program at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore and/orhas anyone used it before ?

I contacted Royal Caribbean about this and they were unable to provide me withany information.

I’m not sure why there is a need for thislounge unless the wait times at Singapore are always long ?

If RoyalCaribbean participates in the VIP Lounge program, what level in the C&A does oneneed to be or do you need to be travelling in a suite ?

Below is an extract from the MarinaBay Cruise Centre website.

VIP Lounge

The epitome of our service, this speciallounge offers premium passengers of participating cruise lines the highestlevel of comfort and luxury in sea travel. Passengers also get to enjoy thelounge's luxurious facilities, which include lounge seating, light refreshments,television and a variety of newspapers and periodicals.

Highlightsof our premier lounge include:

·Comfortable seating in a soothingambience

·Free flow of refreshments

·High-speed Internet connectivity andwireless access

·Cable television with a wide varietyprogrammes channels and movies

·A wide selection of internationalmagazines and newspapers

Thanks for your replies in advance.

Hi John,

Unfortunately what you are after is going to be more difficult and more expensive the more popular cruising gets. I would have to agree with your comments about cruising from Australian ports especially over the last few years. It would seem the more popular cruising gets the more Aussie bogans it attracts. I find it is more enjoyable cruising from an American port. It seems now days more and more cruise lines are making distinctions between passengers even on Royal Caribbean with their suite class. Good luck to those who can afford a suite these days as it's not cheap. They get what they pay for. I know people who have cruised on Seabourn and loved it. It would seem to me that is what you are after a smaller ship which is more up market and less kids. Even the new Celebrity Edge is catered towards adults so maybe give that a try but even they have something similar to Norwegians Haven. As I said it's the way of the future. Michael

Hi Folks

 

Yes we have cruised with Both Celebrity and Princess out of Australia , whilst the Solstice is a very nice ship we don't like their attempt to make some areas closed off IE Suites only in Michael's Club and the carving out of public areas to create Blu and The suites dining room , seems like they are trying to create a first and Tourist class ship . Princess are okay but we feel their food was not up to standard on our last trip on Golden Princess. Hence we are seeking other options and yes we were surprised by the number of children on board considering that it was not a school holiday period.

Kindest Regards

 

John

Hi all,

Does anyone know if Royal Caribbean participates in the VIP Lounge program at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore ?

I posted this question in the Ports Of Call board and have had no reply.

I also contacted Royal Caribbean and believe I got put through to someone in the USA and they had no idea at all and in fact they thought Marina Bay was the second cruise ship terminal in Sydney. Yes that's right I didn't make that up .....

If Royal Caribbean participates in the VIP Lounge program, what level in the C&A does one need to be or do you need to be travelling in a suite ?

Below is an extract from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre website.

VIP Lounge

The epitome of our service, thisspecial lounge offers premium passengers of participating cruise lines thehighest level of comfort and luxury in sea travel. Passengers also get to enjoythe lounge's luxurious facilities, which include lounge seating, lightrefreshments, television and a variety of newspapers and periodicals.

Highlights of our premier lounge include:

·Comfortable seating in a soothing ambience

·Free flow of refreshments

·High-speed Internet connectivity and wireless access

·Cable television with a wide variety programmes channels and movies

·A wide selection of international magazines and newspapers

Thanks for your replies in advance.

I'll assume that no one is aware of this information :-( I will contact Royal Caribbean and we all know how painful that can be at times.

Hi all,

Does anyone know if Royal Caribbean participates in the VIP Lounge program at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore ? If they do, what level in the C&A does one need to be ?

VIP Lounge

The epitome of our service, thisspecial lounge offers premium passengers of participating cruise lines thehighest level of comfort and luxury in sea travel. Passengers also get to enjoythe lounge's luxurious facilities, which include lounge seating, lightrefreshments, television and a variety of newspapers and periodicals.

Highlights of our premier lounge include:

·Comfortable seating in a soothing ambience

·Free flow of refreshments

·High-speed Internet connectivity and wireless access

·Cable television with a wide variety programmes channels and movies

·A wide selection of international magazines and newspapers

Thanks in advance.

Customer Service where? If general customer service contacts I doubt they would know what is happening as they are often the last to know.

 

I have been dealing with the executive head office in the USA where the decisions are made so at this stage I'm hopeful what they are telling me is correct. This sort of thing will not filter down to the mainstream staff for a few weeks I would expect.

 

But as soon as I hear from them further regards all the details questions I will post back here. :)

I hope you are right. When we sailed on the Quantum we loved Dynamic Dining and booking changes were easy to request when on board. I also hope bookings open up for the entertainment and on board activities before boarding as it makes life so much easier. As you said, Customer Service in Sydney at least knows less than we do at least that's what past experience has taught us :-)

Who said Royal doesn't listen to it's customers?? Well I must admit I did cast doubt on wether emailing them about Dynamic Dining being cut would make any difference. :o

 

BUT I am pleased to be proven wrong as I have been emailing with Royal about this for a few weeks & I'm pleased to announce the people have been heard! So everyone who emailed them - congrats - we made a difference & will now be getting what we were promised!

 

DYNAMIC DINING IS BACK FOR THE AUSTRALIAN SEASON ON OVATION!!!

 

Here is what Royal just emailed me (yes, before you ask, I have asked for further clarification on the finer points - like if it's DD in the original form or a my time/classic dining rotation through all 4 restaurants, if Grande is the formal restaurant etc).

 

EMAIL RECEIVED THIS MORNING:

 

Thank you for your additional email. I am happy to provide further clarification on the Dynamic Dining while the Ovation of the Seas is in Australia.

 

We have received a lot of feedback about the option being removed and believe that listening to our guests is the key to remaining successful. Therefore, we have opted to remove the Dynamic Dining while the ship is in the China market. However, during the repositioning of the ship to Australia we will be incorporating the Dynamic Dining prior to our arrival. I hope this additional information provides you with a full understanding of our anticipated actions.

 

We truly look forward to welcoming you onboard. I look forward to hearing from you after the sailing about your impression of the ship and your experience.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Executive Office

Guest Experience Management

Royal Caribbean International

 

:D:):D:):D

 

I'm so happy - wish we had a smiley doing a dance!

 

So a BIG THANKYOU to Royal Caribbean for actually listening & acting on feedback - an uncommon occurrence in todays world!

Sorry to cause confusion BUT I just got off the phone to Customer Service and they said the information provided to you was incorrect and that Dynamic Dining would NOT be coming back. I even read them the email you quoted. So I guess it's a wait and see situation. I was also told that in relation to on Board Entertainment & Activities these will NOT be able to be booked before boarding. Your guess is as good as mine on what will actually happen. I would suggest looking everyday to see what becomes available.

Same here, they are similar operations, I found I use Carmel more often then Dial 7 as they've been a dollar or two cheaper but I would not say one is better than the other from my experience.

Thnaks for replying. We're looking forward to the trip.

We've used both and been satisfied.

Check their websites for coupons.

Thanks for the info, I will check their websites for the coupons.

Hi all, I coming to New York City in a few weeks time with 5 other people (and our luggage) and have been recommended either using either Dial 7 or Carmel Limo. What are peoples thoughts of and experiences with them ?

Thanks everyone for pitching in with your replies. I'll take it all under advisement and rethink my approach.

I love hopstop dot com. It gives precise directions using mass transit. Besides the subways there are also above ground MTA busses that run on certain streets and avenues regularly. Since you are on vacation a few extra minutes to get somewhere and the ability to see some sights is something to consider.

I just tried HOPSTOP. It seems like it might be a good idea to try whilst we are spending time in the city. The car service is only required for the trips with our luggage.

I've used both numerous times as well without issue. I usually will look at their websites and compare the costs and go with whatever is cheaper for trips to the airport. With both of them the driver will contact you when they arrive, so you don't have to go outside until they are there.

 

Within the city, if I'm not taking public transit then I take cabs. Your hotel should be able to hail cabs for you, most in midtown have someone who does that. You'd have to split up into 2 cars, but if you're all going the same place, it shouldn't really be an issue. Or you can go with the car service, really it's up to you. I like the ability to leave when I'm ready as opposed to at a specific pre-arranged time but YMMV.

 

Enjoy your visit!

The car service is primarily for JFK to hotel and hotel to Cape Liberty and then from Cape Liberty to Newark and also midtown as some of us are staying a few more days (lucky them). Apart from that I hope I can wrap my head around the subway and taxi system. I'm sure it's not as hard as I'm thinking it is lol ....

I've used both, Carmelo more than Dial 7 without any issue.

Carmelo also has coupons on the web, dial 7 will email you discount offers.

They both have smart phone apps that you can see how far cars are from you.

Works well at the airport, don't use it much in Manhattan.

FWIW

Thanks for the info on the coupons and discount offers.

want to have a car not turn up or be late when it'll be so cold outside. Thanks for the suggestions. Here's hoping.

Alright, I'll contact both companies for some quotes and see what happens after that. The reason I need to be cautious is that 2 of our party are older and I don,t

I've used Carmel a number of times from LGA to and from Manhattan. They are somewhat "no frills" but generally reliable, clean, and prompt. The only problem we ever had was on a Thanksgiving and we were trying to get picked up at Penn Station; wouldn't recommend that!

 

I find Yelp reviews interesting, and a reason to do more research, but don't really believe them anymore...

 

Either company will typically do hourly rates if you want to go somewhere and have them wait. That can add up quickly. Your hotel can usually get you a larger vehicle for a cab; they do exist and for short trips in Manhattan, may be as good as trying to get a car service. The Escalades and Suburbans and the like are certainly available, but I've mostly seen them doing corporate work.

Thanks for that reply. I might contact the hotel where we are staying to see if they have a service or if they also recommend any particular company or companies. Have you utilized any service before ?

Are you just looking for transportation from Point A to Point B (such as airport to hotel and hotel to Cape Liberty), or are you looking for sightseeing tours?

 

If the former, I would check with with these two large NY Car services for transportation between JFK and your hotel, and from your hotel to Cape Liberty:

 

Dial 7 http://www.dial7.com

 

Carmel http://www.carmellimo.com

 

If you want to tour by limo, I don't have a lot of expertise in that area. Perhaps someone else can help.

Hi,

We are just looking at transportation from Point A to Point B.

Someone did tell us about these companies before but the reviews on Yelp are pretty bad. Have you used either of these companies yourself ?

Hi, we (6 persons) are staying in NYC for a week prior to our cruise on the Quantum Of The Seas on April 12, 2015 which leaves from Cape Liberty in Bayonne. We would like to have a car/limo service take us on a few trips and would appreciate some recommendations. We are flying into JFK and out of Newark and are staying midtown. Thanks in advance for your replies.

I hear alot of complaining. My wife and I always dine at the specialty restaurants. Do we have to ? No. But we choose to. They are there as a choice. Just like shore excursions are a choice. If you don't want to pay the extra for a nicer meal don't. We're Diamond with RCI and we love cruising. In fact if I was on commission I'd have retired by now lol. As has been mentioned before, if you don't like it don't do it. We're blessed to live in the countries we do. Enjoy life and every moment of it.

Carnival need to dump p&o and just have carnival ships based here. Time to move on.

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