RCI secrets they don't tell you

[Lady Hudson]

An alternative to night lights, one that require no plug-in: when my kids were little, I used to buy them light sticks (the kind you break, and they last 8-10 hours) when we'd go camping. Each kid would have one to take to bed, and it was just enough light in a tent, even enough to carry to the bath house. It worked so well that we started bringing them to hotels too.

 

Need more light? Attach your light stick to a water bottle (perhaps with a pony tail band) and the water will magnify the light.

 

Light sticks are always cheap right after Halloween, but I have bought them off ebay.

 

If you forget your nightlight, turn your TV onto the clock channel (it's just a black background with white numbers) and leave it on all night. You can adjust the light up or down a bit.

 

I buy the scented wallflowers from Bath and Body Works. I purchase the nightlight type -- nice smell and nightlight in one!

[Clarea]

Really? I don't recall. Maybe 2 or 3 but 5%??

Well... STILL BETTER than paying 28% APR on your credit card for a cash advance. OR $5 for ship's ATM charge plus whatever your bank charges for not using their ATM.

 

You never know what some islands have to offer or how far you may need to go for cash. Also, believe it or not I have been on board a ship & the ATM was out of service.

 

Thanks for the update.

It was recently raised from 3% to 5%.

[LetsGetWet!]

Really? I don't recall. Maybe 2 or 3 but 5%??

Well... STILL BETTER than paying 28% APR on your credit card for a cash advance. OR $5 for ship's ATM charge plus whatever your bank charges for not using their ATM.

 

You never know what some islands have to offer or how far you may need to go for cash. Also, believe it or not I have been on board a ship & the ATM was out of service.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Need to do the math. If you get $100 it's better than the ATM. Get $200 or more and the cost is lower at the ATM.

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

[Clarea]

Need to do the math. If you get $100 it's better than the ATM. Get $200 or more and the cost is lower at the ATM.

Or use a Capital One debit card and pay no ATM fees, up to $30 a month.:)

[LetsGetWet!]

Or use a Capital One debit card and pay no ATM fees, up to $30 a month.:)

 

My bank charges no fees and rebates the ones you're charged by other machines too, but didn't want to bring that into the facts. :)

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

[MerriWthr]

My bank charges no fees and rebates the ones you're charged by other machines too, but didn't want to bring that into the facts. :)

 

Hmmm... we must bank with the same bank!! One of the many reasons I'll never leave them... :p

 

I love all of these tips! I've read all 49 pages now and am thankful you all have shared your experiences! This is my first RC cruise and I'm excited to see if I can put any of these to use.

Edited February 26, 2014 by MerriWthr

[Two 2 Tango]

I think it must be cultural because finding a table first when you are at a buffet and then getting your food is the norm, at least here in Minnesota!:) That way you can get out of your jacket (Minnesota remember) before you get your food. Plus at lots of buffets you order a drink from a waiter/waitress and they bring it to your table while you're filling your first plate.

 

So for me, walking around with a plate of food looking for a table seems odd -- definately a culture thing!!

 

We in the UK also have another idiosyncrasy that makes me fume. That is taking up all four seats for two people, sitting on opposite corners, or the outside seats at the side or bags on the seats. Only seems to be in UK as the rest of Europe can't wait to share and have a chat. I do expect some sharp replies but it is only the minority who do it.

[Dajbman22]

We in the UK also have another idiosyncrasy that makes me fume. That is taking up all four seats for two people, sitting on opposite corners, or the outside seats at the side or bags on the seats. Only seems to be in UK as the rest of Europe can't wait to share and have a chat. I do expect some sharp replies but it is only the minority who do it.

 

Most Americans, especially from suburban and urban areas tend the same way. Obviously many Americans also are more than happy to make new friends, but it is considered a faux pas in many American cities to even ask to share a four-top with a couple sitting there (even if they aren't taking up the other two seats to dissuade others).

[WetToes]

I don't have a problem asking someone if I can share a table, but usually only do this, if it a table for 6 or larger and there are only two using it.

[Anthony63]

Really? I don't recall. Maybe 2 or 3 but 5%??

Well... STILL BETTER than paying 28% APR on your credit card for a cash advance. OR $5 for ship's ATM charge plus whatever your bank charges for not using their ATM.

 

You never know what some islands have to offer or how far you may need to go for cash. Also, believe it or not I have been on board a ship & the ATM was out of service.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

Me I just carry enough cash that I don't have to worry about it. I keep my tip, play and spending money separate. And for any large purchases I always have credit cards and if they don't take credit cards then I didn't need it. But that's just me

 

Eat more SHRIMP

[Dajbman22]

Here's a secret to becoming the most unpopular RCI cruiser on CruseCritic:

 

Show up an hour late to dinner in the MDR on formal night and pull a Rum Runner out of your cargo shorts pocket, and pour yourself a drink at the table while loudly explaining you were delayed by the wait at Guest Services to get your gratuity removed, then disappear for another 15 minutes so you can put out your towel to reserve your lounger for the next morning and cut in the line at the windjammer for a roll before heading back down to dinner. ;)

[Dajbman22]

I don't have a problem asking someone if I can share a table, but usually only do this, if it a table for 6 or larger and there are only two using it.

 

I would definitely welcome people even on a 4-top if they ask, but at least in the Boston area, you would generally get funny looks for asking this (unless it's a small towney pub and people have already been drinking).

[sharpasice]

They do charge 5% when you take cash out at the casino against your SeaPass card.

 

You do NOT get charged in the casino to take cash off your seapass card IF you are an MLife member. The cashier told us this when she happened to see our MLife cards from then on we were never charged the fee.

[Clarea]

You do NOT get charged in the casino to take cash off your seapass card IF you are an MLife member. The cashier told us this when she happened to see our MLife cards from then on we were never charged the fee.

That's a really nice perk. I believe it's the same deal for Royal's player's club, Club Royale.

[LetsGetWet!]

You do NOT get charged in the casino to take cash off your seapass card IF you are an MLife member. The cashier told us this when she happened to see our MLife cards from then on we were never charged the fee.

 

That's a really nice perk. I believe it's the same deal for Royal's player's club, Club Royale.

Wow, that is a nice perk! Thanks for that info...

[srlafleur]

You won't be charged anything extra for getting cash if you put your seapass into a slot machine, load the desired amount into the machine (as if to play - you do have to set yourself up with a pin), promptly cash it out and take the ticket to the cashier.

Of course, this must all be done when the casino is open for business.

[Clarea]

You won't be charged anything extra for getting cash if you put your seapass into a slot machine, load the desired amount into the machine (as if to play - you do have to set yourself up with a pin), promptly cash it out and take the ticket to the cashier.

Of course, this must all be done when the casino is open for business.

What ship is this? I was not aware that Royal was allowing the SeaPass card to be used in the machines for other than keeping track of player points.

[srlafleur]

What ship is this? I was not aware that Royal was allowing the SeaPass card to be used in the machines for other than keeping track of player points.

 

The last few cruises I've been on other cruise lines, but...let's see, my last RCL was...Voyager, I think...

At any rate, I can't remember the last time I had to feed actual cash into the slot machines (unless I wanted to).

[lovesthebeach2]

I don't have a problem asking someone if I can share a table, but usually only do this, if it a table for 6 or larger and there are only two using it.

 

I don't have a problem asking if I can share a table, even if it's a 4 seat table if there's no others open. It gives us the chance to talk and meet new people. I also welcome someone to our table.

[velmasue]

here's a secret to becoming the most unpopular rci cruiser on crusecritic:

 

Show up an hour late to dinner in the mdr on formal night and pull a rum runner out of your cargo shorts pocket, and pour yourself a drink at the table while loudly explaining you were delayed by the wait at guest services to get your gratuity removed, then disappear for another 15 minutes so you can put out your towel to reserve your lounger for the next morning and cut in the line at the windjammer for a roll before heading back down to dinner. ;)

 

like

Edited February 27, 2014 by velmasue

[Pack My Bags]

You won't be charged anything extra for getting cash if you put your seapass into a slot machine, load the desired amount into the machine (as if to play - you do have to set yourself up with a pin), promptly cash it out and take the ticket to the cashier.

Of course, this must all be done when the casino is open for business.

 

 

That is also what I meant!!!

Thanks for the back up!

[Pack My Bags]

Here's a secret to becoming the most unpopular RCI cruiser on CruseCritic:

 

Show up an hour late to dinner in the MDR on formal night and pull a Rum Runner out of your cargo shorts pocket, and pour yourself a drink at the table while loudly explaining you were delayed by the wait at Guest Services to get your gratuity removed, then disappear for another 15 minutes so you can put out your towel to reserve your lounger for the next morning and cut in the line at the windjammer for a roll before heading back down to dinner. ;)

 

 

 

Don't forget...... Elevator Etiquette!!!

Meaning, if the door opens & it's full, don't squeeze in! Also... If the door opens in front of you & you see other people there before you they should go in first!

 

Happy Cruising folks!!

[Pack My Bags]

Ahhhhh another one. If you are cruising AGAIN & want to take advantage of the on board credit or promos for on board booking go to the loyalty desk & book your appointment IMMEDIATELY.

 

1. There is a book on the desk with desk hours & time slots. Find a spot, put in your name & cabin # to claim your appt.

 

2. If you research which ship, sail date & stateroom category you want ahead of time, it will be seamless.

 

3. Appts are better earlier in the cruise. The lines to squeeze in an appointment the last 2-3 days in the cruise are ridiculous!

Edited February 28, 2014 by Pack My Bags

[DrD]

Here's a secret to becoming the most unpopular RCI cruiser on CruseCritic:

 

Show up an hour late to dinner in the MDR on formal night and pull a Rum Runner out of your cargo shorts pocket, and pour yourself a drink at the table while loudly explaining you were delayed by the wait at Guest Services to get your gratuity removed, then disappear for another 15 minutes so you can put out your towel to reserve your lounger for the next morning and cut in the line at the windjammer for a roll before heading back down to dinner. ;)

 

You forgot smoking a cig on the balcony.

[sharpasice]

You won't be charged anything extra for getting cash if you put your seapass into a slot machine, load the desired amount into the machine (as if to play - you do have to set yourself up with a pin), promptly cash it out and take the ticket to the cashier.

Of course, this must all be done when the casino is open for business.

 

How do you set up the pin? Can you do it right on the slot machine or do you have to go to the cashier? Can you do this on the Oasis? Was on Oasis recently & no one ever told us that. Will try it next August when we are on again. Thanks for the tip.