RCI secrets they don't tell you

[jalynn]

Fleckle--I have had the same problem, but what an ingenious idea to photograph the newsletter the night before. Thank you for that tip!

 

Jo Ann

[Jaxxgent]

I too love the beak of the ship! Boy was I upset when I found out I couldn't go there on Oasis! I had to do my king of the world picture in another (fake) location. :mad:

 

We were on Oasis in October and were pleasantly surprised that Crown & Anchor Diamond and above members were invited to a champaign sail-away on the helicopter pad as we left Nassau. It was beautiful!

[Trickie Dickie]

We were on Oasis in October and were pleasantly surprised that Crown & Anchor Diamond and above members were invited to a champaign sail-away on the helicopter pad as we left Nassau. It was beautiful!

 

Lucky Ducks!! :D

[pvmkmyer]

My plan exactly, plus I have both the kindle and the nook apps on my smart phone and plan to have plenty of books downloaded before I go. I also added a currency converter app today. Also, this is my first cruise after becoming disabled and I will be on a scooter. After posting some concerns about getting thru crowds on the disabled forum, someone suggested bringing a fog horn (which I personally think would be rude and annoying) but I found a great app which I added to my smart phone that has several "horn" sounds including the fog horn, mexican hat dance and whoopie cushion. May be fun for giggles and grins:rolleyes:

 

Great idea about adding new peeps to your contact list with photo. :D

 

My wife uses a scooter. Able-bodied people are often completely oblivious to your presence, so use caution. They will stumble over you, or just not see you. I often go in front of my wife to clear a path for her. We have often joked about needing a horn, AND back-up "beeps."

[MrsDowFire]

I have an IPhone 4 with an app on it for RCCL. Once out to sea I put my phone on airplane mode and use the deck plans on my phone to get around. On the Majesty someone asked if I knew where a bathroom is, I pulled out my phone and showed them.

 

 

I have an android phone and looked for a similar app but didn't see one. Anyone know if there is or isn't an app for android phones?

[Carpe Diem Gal]

Just found the app on itunes to download. It has great reviews. Ship Mate by Jan Jirout

Edited January 13, 2011 by Carpe Diem Gal
UPDATE:

[lpizzuro123]

Wow, I just got through this whole thread and some wonderfel ideas. Can't wait for our cruise this coming February.

 

Linda

[PudgiPoo]

Any idea how to find 'mini' versions of deck plans, versus printing out individual pages for each deck ?

 

Print a copy of the deck plan or better yet get a copy of the deck plans out of a brochure, find a copier that will reduce and make it the smallest size you can read. I did this for up to the Voyager class. I don't think it will work well for the Allure, but I think I will try. Now, I scan in the deck plan, save as a jpg file, and download to my Nook.:D

[NittanyLioness]

In the Women's Public Restrooms, each stall has an outside "Occupied" indicator on the handle...When occupied, you'll see a small red circle...When free, you'll see a small green circle. (No more trying every handle or bending down to "check for feet"!) Of course, I'm not sure if this true in the Men's Rooms!!!:cool:

 

Also, to conserve space, we always try to "nest" our luggage...Carry on's inside small suitcase, small suitcase inside larger, etc. To store in an "out of traffic" spot, we place the "nest" in the far corner of the room, behind the balcony drapes, or if room, under the bed.:)

 

A glow-in-the dark travel alarm acts as a nice night-light...The ship telephones display the time, but are impossible to read in the dark!;)

 

When cruising with our teens, we usually bring along a magnetized "White Board/Marker" (like those used outside college dorm rooms) and hang in on the inside of our stateroom door...We use it to keep everyone abreast of plans, locations, etc. When we cruise with a large group of people, we'll hang it on the outside of the door...But, beware...you might get some interesting "graffiti"! :rolleyes:

 

Some Pool Bands offer a CD for sale...We always buy one to play at home...And, when packing for your next cruise, there is nothing like Calypso to put you in the mood!!!:D

 

If a beer drinker, bring along your favorite "koozie" or "huggie"...Not only will your beer remain cold, but it can be a great conversation starter! (Note: If you bring one of your favorite "sports team", and that team just finished another lousy season, be prepared for some ribbing! <sigh>) :o

 

Hope some will find these useful! Happy cruising to all!!!

[Pack My Bags]

Nittany - Those tips were good!

 

We usually bring an insulated water bottle that we carry around the ship. We fill up at the promenade (with A paper cup because you shouldn't fill up your personal vessel from a public spout) and use it from casino to trivia to the beach, etc...

 

We also find that it's easier to find your stateroom if you decorate your door with a magnet, photo or your CC door sign! Those long hallways look alike & sometimes feel like they never end!

 

There is different artwork displayed at each stairwell. Memorize which one is outside your closest elevator bank so you know which way to go or NOT go, when heading back to your stateroom.

 

If you've never been to the "Quest" you should go at least once. Adult fun guaranteed to make you laugh!

 

At the buffet, you dont need to put everything piled on top of your plate. If you're still hungry, you can always go back for more... And please take a new plate when you do. (Usually it's the younger kids that are unaware of this ethic, but they learn. :-)

 

At buffets, if you are seated by yourself & going up for seconds, or your entire party is at the buffet, leave your silverware and hat or another personal (not valuable) item on the table so the staff knows the table is still occupied.

 

Lastly, if you're going to indulge, bring tums!

[Calker]

Thanks everyone for all of the tips - I'm sure there are many I will be extremely grateful for when we board the Allure for our first RCCL cruise in May!

[Wasser]

In the Women's Public Restrooms, each stall has an outside "Occupied" indicator on the handle...When occupied, you'll see a small red circle...When free, you'll see a small green circle. (No more trying every handle or bending down to "check for feet"!) Of course, I'm not sure if this true in the Men's Rooms!!!:cool:

 

Us men would just be glad to have doors on the stalls :eek:

 

No more bending down to "check for feet"!

 

Is that why you ladies take so long in there?

[maileenm]

My wife uses a scooter. Able-bodied people are often completely oblivious to your presence, so use caution. They will stumble over you, or just not see you. I often go in front of my wife to clear a path for her. We have often joked about needing a horn, AND back-up "beeps."

 

I think there are just as many oblivious walkers as there are scooter people. Just last summer at an amusement park I witnessed a woman standing still looking at a map and her 3ish? year old son was holding her hand. Then before I knew it I saw a man on a scooter run over the son, while they woman was still looking at the map. Yes, ran him over. Her 3 year old son was underneath this man and his scooter and the man was totally confused as to what was going on and didn't even get off the scooter. Two older teenager type kids ended up lifting the scooter (man still sitting on it) off of the boy.

The scooter man's adult daughter started yelling at the mom that it was her son's fault because her dad was visually impared and couldn't see things very well. What on God's green earth is a man who can't see doing driving a scooter!? :eek:

[Jaxxgent]

I think there are just as many oblivious walkers as there are scooter people. Just last summer at an amusement park I witnessed a woman standing still looking at a map and her 3ish? year old son was holding her hand. Then before I knew it I saw a man on a scooter run over the son, while they woman was still looking at the map. Yes, ran him over. Her 3 year old son was underneath this man and his scooter and the man was totally confused as to what was going on and didn't even get off the scooter. Two older teenager type kids ended up lifting the scooter (man still sitting on it) off of the boy.

The scooter man's adult daughter started yelling at the mom that it was her son's fault because her dad was visually impared and couldn't see things very well. What on God's green earth is a man who can't see doing driving a scooter!? :eek:

 

That's sad! Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw on a van: "Caution: Blind Man Driving!" What the?!?! (Then I realized the van was for a company that specializes in window blinds. LOL)

[birdcat]

I think there are just as many oblivious walkers as there are scooter people. Just last summer at an amusement park I witnessed a woman standing still looking at a map and her 3ish? year old son was holding her hand. Then before I knew it I saw a man on a scooter run over the son, while they woman was still looking at the map. Yes, ran him over. Her 3 year old son was underneath this man and his scooter and the man was totally confused as to what was going on and didn't even get off the scooter. Two older teenager type kids ended up lifting the scooter (man still sitting on it) off of the boy.

The scooter man's adult daughter started yelling at the mom that it was her son's fault because her dad was visually impared and couldn't see things very well. What on God's green earth is a man who can't see doing driving a scooter!? :eek:

I am using the store provided scooters more and more and will tell you while I am still somewhat new to this, it amazes me how many people, with and without shopping carts, just cut me off or stop right in front of me - I have been lucky so far (or they have = depends on how you look at it) but some of these folks would run me over while I was in the scooter as soon as look at me.

[beaumontbhoy]

are the rooms signposted when u leave the elevetors?

[pileosnafu]

Do I remember hearing that there is a bathroom somewhere on Voyager class ships that looks out over the water? I can't remember where (it's been awhile), but I remember people telling me not to miss that on my first Voyager-class ship. Anyone help out here?

 

Yes, it is the Men's room on deck 10 on the Voyager.

 

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1528200718071433157vQrfyR

 

Awesome room!

[Debbb1]

Any pointers on how early you can board on RCL? Our ship leaves at 8:30 pm.We were hoping to check-in early,then go explore Old Town in Puerto Rico the rest of the day.....cant wait ...learned some new pointers,Thanks

~Deb

[jackretired]

are the rooms signposted when u leave the elevetors?

 

NO, you must enter the hall that leads to the cabins to see a sign.

You will learn which way to turn. Look for art work, color of carpet, and try to keep in your mind where the front of the boat is at.

[subtchr]

Any pointers on how early you can board on RCL? Our ship leaves at 8:30 pm.We were hoping to check-in early,then go explore Old Town in Puerto Rico the rest of the day.....cant wait ...learned some new pointers,Thanks

~Deb

 

On our Serenade cruise from San Juan last month, we boarded at noon and spent the afternoon relaxing and exploring on the ship.

 

Just to make sure you are aware, the dock where you will board for the cruise is at the Pan American Pier, across the bay from the one adjacent to Old San Juan:

 

 

You can certainly still spend some time in the afternoon of departure day exploring OSJ, it will just take a 10-15 minute taxi ride each way to do it! We did our OSJ tour on our departure day after leaving the ship, since our flight was not until about 5:30.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Sue

[Debbb1]

Sue....Thank you so much for telling me the pier is not in Old Town !!! I had no idea :eek:.We just booked this cruise a few days ago so trying to figure everything out. Would have been upset had we gone to the wrong place. I think we will try to get there 11/12 and see if we can get check-in and then hit Old Town.

 

Thanks again!!!!

~Deb

"

"Just to make sure you are aware, the dock where you will board for the cruise is at the Pan American Pier, across the bay from the one adjacent to Old San Juan:"

 

[PudgiPoo]

Here is a pointer I have not seen on this thread. I don't know how this works on the Oasis or Allure (I will find out), but on the ships I have sailed on it is true. When you first get onboard look at the light next to your cabin door. Look at the design. The side that is curved is toward the bow (forward) and side that is flat is towards the stern (aft). When I am lost I always look at the lights to get my bearings. :o Notice I did not say if, I said when, because I always get lost.

[MMLEsq]

another thing RCL does not tell you is that they are PAID to promote the shops in the port. The shops pay up to $100,000 per year to advertise and have their shops highlighted on the map. And RCL girl gets 10% of all sales from what her cruise shoppers buy. Bigger is not always better. Yes those shops have the "guarantee" but if you know what you are looking for, try the smaller shops for better jewlery deals. We found a great place down the strip in St Thomas called House of Diamonds. Got some wonderful, one of a kind pieces including a nice chocolate diamond ring! So just beware of the PUSH from RCL to go to only the stores they tell you. But also beware of wrip-off artists in other shops. Get their business cards, have them write up an appraisal of their jewlery. Tell them you saw something at Diamonds International or the ship had a better price....

they will DEAL for sure to compete!

 

My understanding is that they get a promotional fee for suggesting stores, but they do not get a percentage of the costs of sales.

 

I'm an attorney and interviewed for a position in Royal Caribbean's Law Dept. in 2008. They told me during the interview that everyone THINKS that they get some sort of percentage of sales made at the stores they've suggested in port, but they actually don't.

 

Now, this was back in 2008, so things might have changed. The reason why they were interviewing attorneys was because they realized they were missing out on an opportunity to become involved in the shopping that cruisers do at ports. So, RC was planning to build out stores in some of the ports....those stores RC would own. I think they were going to be right when you get off the ship. But, if I remember correctly from what they said during the interview, that was still a few years off. The job entailed negotiating leases with the ports, etc.

 

But, totally agree with your main point that you might get a better deal from a non-suggested store, as long as you're comfortable that you know what you're getting (esp. with jewelry).

[Parkaboy]

yes the sauna/steam rooms and showers are among the hidden gems of voyager class ships, usually very quiet, free and good facilites.

[sammylou]

It appears that I have hit upon a cultural nerve. Which was most certainly not my intention. I know only too well from these boards that Americans do not appreciate criticism of their ways and customs.

 

It only takes a "few minutes" for my food to get cold while you are sitting there not eating.

 

At times the Windjammer is extraordinarily busy - I appreciate that it is clearly acceptable in your culture, it is quite rude in ours.

 

Well I have to totally disagree with you, don' know what part of Kent, Uk you are from, but even if we were in McDonalds or on a cruise ship we would always find a table before one or two of the four of us goes up for food! What's the point in wandering round with food on your plate with nowhere to sit.

 

Afraid I'm with the Americans on this one lol