RCI Newbie Question - please be kind.....

We are looking at a cruise out of SJ the end of April. We have cruised another cruise line many times. However, the ports on RCI JOS are incredible. Three would be new to us. Our question is this: what lounges, restaurants, etc are newbies allowed in vs not allowed in? We understand loyalty should be rewarded.....just not sure we want to be made to feel like second or third class cruisers....we normally cruise in interior, OV, or balcony cabins so we can cruise more frequently on our vacation budget so no perks for suites would be involved. Any other information would be appreciated. Thank you for your wise advise, knowledge, and helpful thoughts. This would be our 25th anniversary so we want it to be a good experience.

We are looking at a cruise out of SJ the end of April. We have cruised another cruise line many times. However, the ports on RCI JOS are incredible. Three would be new to us. Our question is this: what lounges, restaurants, etc are newbies allowed in vs not allowed in? We understand loyalty should be rewarded.....just not sure we want to be made to feel like second or third class cruisers....we normally cruise in interior, OV, or balcony cabins so we can cruise more frequently on our vacation budget so no perks for suites would be involved. Any other information would be appreciated. Thank you for your wise advise, knowledge, and helpful thoughts. This would be our 25th anniversary so we want it to be a good experience.

You can go anywhere and patronize any venue except for the Diamond and Concierge Lounges on Deck 13.

(as long as you are 18 or above. ;) :D )

You won't feel like second class cruisers! Only the Diamond Lounge (for C&A members of Diamond or higher) and the Concierge Lounge (for full suite guests and C&A Diamond + members) will be off limits.

Take a look at Adventure as well. You are close enough to final payment you might as well wait till the end of January to see if there are any sizable price drops.

Thank you for the replies. Decision made. New cruise line .......aka........RCI it is!

Thank you for the replies. Decision made. New cruise line .......aka........RCI it is!

I think you will really enjoy the jots. Have fun.

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Best place to cruise Caribbean out of - you don't waste several days getting to and from the islands. Just don't book a snorkeling excursion every day - did that once and it was exhausting.

On some ships they have an area near the buffet cordoned off for suite passengers for breakfast (it was in a specialty restaurant on Adventure and Navigator when we were there). You probably won't notice it unless you look for it.

Also, be aware that you have to put your bags through the agricultural inspection xray at the airport when leaving the island. Airlines won't let you check luggage without the sticker. And many airlines won't let you check bags more than 4 hours before flight home.

Enjoy the anticipation of your up coming cruise. Looking back at the first time we cruises with RCI I can assure you will not feel anything like a second class citizen. Other than the lounges that were mentioned above you will have no idea who is new and who has been around for awhile based on the way anyone is treated. Our first cruise on RCI was amazing and we have been coming back ever since.

When it is over come back here and let us know what you think.

Thank you for the replies. Decision made. New cruise line .......aka........RCI it is!

you will definitely enjoy RCL. All the lounges are great and do not miss any shows. Go for early dining and shows at around 9pm. works better for the rest of the night fun. Try the lounge Boleros. It is a riot and do not miss The Quest,(normally at 11pm, adults only) they will anounce when it will be.

Enjoy your cruise. :D

We really appreciate your suggestions! It helps tremendously.