sargemrs

On 3/29/2023 at 8:19 PM, ssb said:

 

I used it and got the discount!  Thanks again!!

3 hours ago, ssb said:

 

Thanks so much!!

On 3/22/2023 at 10:38 AM, luniz97 said:

Thanks booked it with a $10 coupon I found.  Looks like Galveston is sold out mostly, so I decided to go to Nasa the day before

Could you direct me to the link for the $10.00 coupon? We’re cruising in August.

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

No, though some TAs don't participate so if booked with one of those, you can't bid.

Okay.  Appreciate it~

Just now, Biker19 said:

The offers start just inside final payment (90 days out) and come as late as the last week. You can keep going to the site and try it at any time between those dates.

AHH thanks for that!!  In your experience, does it make any difference on success, whether you booked with a TA or directly with RCL?

1 hour ago, Biker19 said:

You may get an email to bid or you can go directly to the site and bid, if eligible - not everyone is.

How late is this process started?  New to RCL.

1 hour ago, orville99 said:

On Allure IIRC there are 10 OS. The nice thing is that they are all fairly centered on the ship. The downside is that the four that are on Deck 14 are right under the pools, and some people find those a bit noisy.

 

BTW, DW has two bad knees and I have 1-1/2 bad knees and neither one of us had any difficulty with the stairs in the CLS on Allure. They have a very short "rise" per step so there are a few more stairs than you might find at home, but they were (at least for us) relatively easy to negotiate (and the walk in two person rain shower upstairs is well worth the climb😉).

Well, that’s good to know!  Thanks!

1 hour ago, orville99 said:

Which ship? The suite neighborhood location of the OS on Wonder are well worth a bid, not sure I'd bid on an OS on any of the other Oasis class ships, given that several of them are directly under the pool deck.

Allure of the Seas is our ship!

48 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

I was going to post almost the same thing you wrote! Good job!

 

I will add...

 

I actually like the CK/SL area better than the Haven lounge/restaurant area.  IDK, the Haven is a little stuffy and staff don't seem to be as friendly.  I like the more casual vibe of CK/SL.  Food IS probably a little higher quality in the Haven restaurant but not a lot of difference IMO. I'm one of those that doesn't think the Haven restaurant has the best food/service on the ship.  For sure the Haven restaurant needs rotating dinner menus.

 

With staying in a GS room service is included.  ALSO items from the MDR menu are included in room service during dinner hours.

 

The priority boarding is about equal.  Royal Caribbean's suite waiting area is nicer/larger than what I've experience with the Haven waiting area.  

 

Getting on/off ship at ports...seeing the Haven staff on the pier and bypassing the line is awesome! Having your own elevator is nice.  Great Haven benefit!

 

Oasis class ship.....though not a suite benefit per se...though the Oasis class ships are larger with more passengers, much less crowding than I just experienced on Escape.  So many entertainment venues that are larger and with MORE SEATING. Several shows I never saw because the venue was small and PACKED even an hour before time.  And BTW, you will have reserved seating at production shows.

 

If you've got a particular question or comparison that you'd like, ask away!  

 

 

 

 

Thanks SO much!!!!!  I'm sure I'll have more questions as we wait for our cruise in August!!

3 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Start looking a couple months out. It will say when you can bid. Says 30 days out but usually sooner.

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/booked/cruise-room-upgrade

2 minutes ago, poocher said:

It may also show up when you log into your account on the website.

Oh okay!  So to see if the ship is full, you run a trial booking?  Or another way?

13 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I doubt anyone knows the chances but I'd say look at if your ship is full or very close when you bid. Are the suites all sold out. Then someone has to cancel for you to get on.

 

The bid is X 2, no matter how many in the cabin, 1 or 4 it's still X 2. They dont tell you you won, they move you and bill your card, then send email. Whatever you get might not be your favorite location.

Thanks for that!  We’re in GS now but OS or higher would be nice but not necessary.  The Lofts are amazing but we can’t do stairs easily.  So when/how do you get the chance o bid?  Email from NCL? I booked direct!

On 3/22/2023 at 10:09 AM, mafig said:

What ship on RC are you considering.  That makes a difference.

Some of the larger and newer ships have more amenities.  Like their own restaurant.  Private pool deck.  The smaller/older ships give you only breakfast in a specialty restaurant (like HBCruiser stated).

We’re booked on Allure of the Seas!  Our best Haven was on Norwegian Joy!  Amazing!

Newbie to RCL and have read about bidding, which I am familiar on NCL.  Could you give some points on the process?  Chances? Thanks!

1 hour ago, ShillyShally said:

Yes you can, I think you can bring a 12 pack of regular size bottles, but you need to put it in a checked bag.

Oh thank you!!  Great news!!

12 minutes ago, ShillyShally said:

Ha, would love to know the instagram name - I have to drink water to stay hydrated so can't always be picky, and have used most every "safe" choice I can when available (mainly just try to avoid any source that would likely make me sick).  But when traveling and need to pick up some bottles to keep cold in a fridge, then I can be discerning 🙂

Quick question!  As a newbie to RCL, can you bring your own water on board?

18 hours ago, ajtaylor29 said:

We will be on Allure in 3 weeks, first time on that ship so i'm looking forward to it! We booked parking right across the street (port of galveston), this is our first time at the new RCCL terminal. In the past, we've parked further away and shuttled over, it's always been easy.

You're correct - you will be able to eat all your meals at Coastal Kitchen, including lunch on embarkation day. We've had access to CK on other RC ships, and I think the food is very good (definitely a step up from the MDR). We usually will eat here instead of MDR or Windjammer (buffet), then sprinkle in a couple of specialty restaurants as well.

There is a lot to do on this ship so the kids should have a blast!

You should be able to book shows a few weeks before sailing (on the royal app). 

If you have any specific questions, i can find out while i'm onboard April 16th!

Thanks for that!  I had looked at the parking lots and definitely need to book that closer one.  If it’s not too nosy, what category of cabin are you in.  And also if you you can review the conditions of the ship!  We don’t do most shows, etc. but play games and hang out mostly with our families!  Thanks again!

Thanks, I just did join the roll call.  Not too active, just 2 cruisers.

A group of 18 just booked Allure of the Seas last night. We’re veteran cruisers on NCL but schedules didn’t work.  We all got GS.  Our research sounds like we can eat at the designated suite restaurant.  We’re leaving from Galveston and need some parking tips.  Sounds like there are many activities for kids.  We have ages 2-15, total 8.  6 seniors and  4 young marrieds.  We’re on the August 27 cruise.  Any help would be appreciated as we’re not familiar with RCI.

Thanks for the responses!  Not what I wanted to hear, but needed to I guess!

I can’t compare either, obviously, but Haven is awesome!  Uncrowned, special treatment….amazing!

Oh, sure we could!  With our big bunch (18) it just seems easier and of course the food IMO better!

Two wheels only,

Pardon the hijack but could you give a quick comparison between Haven and Grand Suites on Royal Caribbean?

Good info, John. Thanks!

16 hours ago, johnrich said:

We had a suite on POA and we could eat breakfasts and lunch at Cagney’s every day. I think we only ate at the buffet once the entire cruise. We did a couple specialty restaurants but did the main dining room the rest of the time. 
 

As far as amenities, our butler, Spencer, brought us pastries and juice every morning and snacks in the afternoon. 

Thanks!