Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[Ocean Boy]

5 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Only refundable deposit for us too 👍

I did a dummy booking for a cruise I have booked in January. RCI wants $602 for a refundable deposit. It was no where near that when I originally booked.

 

It looks like RCI is really tying to discourage people from booking refundable.

[dani negreanu]

Dense urbanic living -- we were invited to friends to dine in their "almost" sukkah [A sukkah is a temporary hut constructed for use during the week-long Jewish festival of Sukkot. It is topped with branches and often well decorated with autumnal, harvest, etc.].

 

We went inside when our only smoking friend needed a cigarette...

 

 

[dani negreanu]

12 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

I did a dummy booking for a cruise I have booked in January. RCI wants $602 for a refundable deposit. It was no where near that when I originally booked.

 

It looks like RCI is really tying to discourage people from booking refundable.

 

It sure seems like this.

 

Not so long time ago, the difference in price between ref and non-ref was a mere 150$ pp.

 

I never even considered non-ref, and my default at my TA's site is automatically set on ref.

 

I prefer not to see the huge difference in rates.... Ostrich is me 😉

[bobmacliberty]

12 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

The TA deserves at least a latte a day 😂.  It was the first time I noticed the $300 limit mentioned and I am noticing the 5% paid by some but not all.  No biggie. 

 

I think the 5% fee has to do with your casino status.  If you have no status or are Choice (lowest level), you pay the 5% fee.  If you're Prime or higher, no fee.  Wouldn't surprise me though if some ships are just different than others.  

 

I got $200 in chips at a Craps table from my room account on the second night.  It took a minute and the dealer said that the pit boss was checking my status to see if I had to pay 5% or not (I did).  At the time, my OBC had not been added and I was given regular chips.  I read somewhere in the pile of paper that we received, that getting chips from your account meant getting "promotional" chips that couldn't be cashed in.  You must play the promotion chips and receive regular chips back.  I did not get promotional chips but it could be because I had no OBC at the time. 

 

If you play table games and are willing to make $10-20+ bets, I'd guess that you could take out $500 or more and play it all before turning it into cash.  You obviously risk losing.  I don't think the casino would turn down your money, whether it's cash or OBC, so long as you play.  I'm not sure though.  As has been said here many times, Royal is consistently inconsistent.

[Momof3gurlz]

We’re on our way home from Disney. I hope my two favorite threads are active today because I’ve got lots of time to kill riding in this car! 
we had a great trip, crowds in the parks were some of the lowest we’ve seen in years.  
Tried sharing some pics but cc is being glitchy again- either the upload fails or they’re upside down. 

Edited September 28, 2021 by Momof3gurlz

[Momof3gurlz]

@bobmaclibertyI really enjoyed your cruise summary, thanks for sharing your thoughts. 

Being on vacay in FL makes us really want to cruise!  We just have too much going on the rest of this year.  Disney again 11/6-13 with the whole family this time, 12 of us altogether. DH and I will need some R & R after that one!  We’re thinking of a couple of nights at a beachfront resort.  In the past we’ve stayed at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast but were disappointed with it in May.  Maybe Hilton Head or Destin area.  Oldest DD also suggested the Omni on Amelia Island.  Her in laws have a house there and when DD & her family visit Amelia they always spend time at the resort.  
 

I’d appreciate any input from the Floridians here.  

[Arzeena]

15 hours ago, Keksie said:

Our cat Elmer is very laid back and has never gotten upset with the dogs or other cats - he just shrugs it off.  Samantha is no exception.  He was eating and she thought his tail was the most fun ever.  He just kept eating and raising his tail out of her reach.  LOL

 

Smile of the Day .🥰

[George C]

46 minutes ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

I think the 5% fee has to do with your casino status.  If you have no status or are Choice (lowest level), you pay the 5% fee.  If you're Prime or higher, no fee.  Wouldn't surprise me though if some ships are just different than others.  

 

I got $200 in chips at a Craps table from my room account on the second night.  It took a minute and the dealer said that the pit boss was checking my status to see if I had to pay 5% or not (I did).  At the time, my OBC had not been added and I was given regular chips.  I read somewhere in the pile of paper that we received, that getting chips from your account meant getting "promotional" chips that couldn't be cashed in.  You must play the promotion chips and receive regular chips back.  I did not get promotional chips but it could be because I had no OBC at the time. 

 

If you play table games and are willing to make $10-20+ bets, I'd guess that you could take out $500 or more and play it all before turning it into cash.  You obviously risk losing.  I don't think the casino would turn down your money, whether it's cash or OBC, so long as you play.  I'm not sure though.  As has been said here many times, Royal is consistently inconsistent.

Celebrity has a much better deal for gamblers, you can prebuy chips or slots credit at a great rate for 50 dollars you get 55 in chips. We had 600 in OBC so I got 660 in chips. Plus non smoking casino.

[Arzeena]

14 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I was surprised to see the poster mention a $300 limit, that must be a new rule.    Also surprised to hear that some people are being charged 5% fee and other people are not being charged, guess it depends on the ship.

That will be lots of starbucks and lots of lobster 😂

5% fee is based on your casino tier.

[BonTexasNY]

2 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

 

Only refundable deposit for us too 👍

 

If it is, go for it. The best trips are those which didn't involve a lot of planning to begin with 😉

AND the best part is we drive to the port.

 

I couldn't open your succah photo.

[bobmacliberty]

30 minutes ago, Momof3gurlz said:

Oldest DD also suggested the Omni on Amelia Island.  Her in laws have a house there and when DD & her family visit Amelia they always spend time at the resort.  

 

I'm biased because I live on Amelia Island.  The Omni has a very nice pool and beach area.  Decent spa according to Micheline but still somewhat Covid restricted when she was there a few weeks ago.  The Ritz probably has a better but more expensive spa.  Lots of other fun stuff to do like Kayaking, deep sea fishing, biking, skydiving, etc.  Great restaurants everywhere.  Be aware that it does get cooler here in the winter.  It can dip into the 40s, but also be back into the 70s a couple of days later.  I wouldn't suggest Amelia Island in the winter months if you want a beach vacation.  You'll need to head further south.

[dani negreanu]

53 minutes ago, BonTexasNY said:

AND the best part is we drive to the port.

 

I couldn't open your succah photo.

 

Sorry, I'm trying again [this time not from the computer], for the first time, to post from my Iphone.... If it doesn't show, it does show my "challenging" filming talents....

 

Well, it didn't..... 😢

Edited September 28, 2021 by dani negreanu

[Ozark_Kid]

1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said:

I don't think the casino would turn down your money, whether it's cash or OBC, so long as you play.  I'm not sure though.  As has been said here many times, Royal is consistently inconsistent.

Thanks.  It sure sounds like you said, consistently inconsistent.  I will surely try.  I would rather lose it in the casino than just leave it.  If not the casino, maybe TSOTDs 😂 That would be a lot.

 

I notice you plan to cruise the Hawaiian TA in October.  We are doing the reverse in May.  I have never been to Hawaii and Sharon was a kid last time she was there.  Our cruise friends tried it 2 years ago and plan to join us.  We plan to go a few days early.  But one vacation at a time.

[dani negreanu]

Just now, Ozark_Kid said:

I have never been to Hawaii

 

It is a dream destination. I'd so like to go back.... Good that you're planning a few days early, since there is the time difference, even for you.

 

For us it was 12 hours difference, leave time to adjust 🥰

[George C]

3 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

It is a dream destination. I'd so like to go back.... Good that you're planning a few days early, since there is the time difference, even for you.

 

For us it was 12 hours difference, leave time to adjust 🥰

Totally agree , definitely would love to visit Hawaii again.

[Ozark_Kid]

1 hour ago, Momof3gurlz said:

We’re on our way home from Disney. I hope my two favorite threads are active today because I’ve got lots of time to kill riding in this car! 
we had a great trip, crowds in the parks were some of the lowest we’ve seen in years.  
Tried sharing some pics but cc is being glitchy again- either the upload fails or they’re upside down. 

Hope you have a safe trip.  I bet the crowds will pick up when you go back in October.  Many are getting excited for the 50th anniversary celebration.  We went last year right after it opened up and there was few people. I remember a few times looking forward and seeing only a couple of people.  It was like a weird dream.  
I have had problems with upside down pics. I have found if I edit them by cropping, even just a small bit, they will post upright.  Looking forward to the pics.

[island lady]

20 hours ago, Ozark_Kid said:

We were just notified we are being moved from an OVB to a GS on our 10/2 Symphony cruise!  Not bad for a first try at RoyalUP.

 

Congrats!!  Good move...literally!!  Have a Fantabulous cruise!  🙂   Free WIFI for GS cabins on Oasis class as well....enjoy!  

[bobmacliberty]

21 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

I notice you plan to cruise the Hawaiian TA in October.  We are doing the reverse in May.  I have never been to Hawaii and Sharon was a kid last time she was there.  Our cruise friends tried it 2 years ago and plan to join us.  We plan to go a few days early.  But one vacation at a time.

 

I've been to Hawaii 3 times.  We typically go to Maui and stay in Kaanapali.  We like the Westin Maui because a) I have points, b) it has a great pool area, and c) it's right next to Whaler's Village and the Hula Grill/Barefoot Bar.  We've never stayed at the Sheraton Black Rock but it gets good reviews.  After our cruise to Hawaii, we'll change things up a bit.  We'll either try the Wailea area of Maui or more likely will try Kauai, since we've never been there.  Details still TBD.  For your first time, I'd definitely spend a couple of days on Oahu.  Honolulu is a city, complete with traffic jams, but Waikiki is worth a visit just because it's Waikiki, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a must see.  There are several other worthwhile places on Oahu to visit away from the Honolulu metro area.

[island lady]

19 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Congratulations. I've got my fingers crossed for my bid on a JS to 2 BR GS on Explorer.

 

Hope you get it!!  🙂   My sister loved hers.  She would move over to the other smaller bedroom when hubby was snoring too much.  😄 

[Ozark_Kid]

15 minutes ago, dani negreanu said:

 

It is a dream destination. I'd so like to go back.... Good that you're planning a few days early, since there is the time difference, even for you.

 

For us it was 12 hours difference, leave time to adjust 🥰

For us, Hawaiian time is 5 hours earlier than ours.  So if I am seeing this correctly it’s Monday 10am here, 5am in Hawaii and 6pm Tuesday where you are.  My daughter and her husband has gone to Hawaii a few times and love it.  We love the pics from there.  I am sure we will enjoy.

[island lady]

16 hours ago, Keksie said:

Our cat Elmer is very laid back and has never gotten upset with the dogs or other cats - he just shrugs it off.  Samantha is no exception.  He was eating and she thought his tail was the most fun ever.  He just kept eating and raising his tail out of her reach.  LOL

 

 

Sooo funny!   Thanks for the morning laugh.  🙂  Great picture!  

[Lionesss]

Once again having trouble posting!

 

Third attempt.  I’m debating whether to even try doing a live thread from Symphony next week if this frustration continues. 
 

Only thing new around here is “The Cat” is now in her 10 hour cat coma after upgrading her to premium cat food.  Should be awake by 6 for dinner. 

[Momof3gurlz]

1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said:

 

I'm biased because I live on Amelia Island.  The Omni has a very nice pool and beach area.  Decent spa according to Micheline but still somewhat Covid restricted when she was there a few weeks ago.  The Ritz probably has a better but more expensive spa.  Lots of other fun stuff to do like Kayaking, deep sea fishing, biking, skydiving, etc.  Great restaurants everywhere.  Be aware that it does get cooler here in the winter.  It can dip into the 40s, but also be back into the 70s a couple of days later.  I wouldn't suggest Amelia Island in the winter months if you want a beach vacation.  You'll need to head further south.

Thank you,  this is just the kind of info I’m looking for.  

[island lady]

2 hours ago, Momof3gurlz said:

@bobmaclibertyI really enjoyed your cruise summary, thanks for sharing your thoughts. 

Being on vacay in FL makes us really want to cruise!  We just have too much going on the rest of this year.  Disney again 11/6-13 with the whole family this time, 12 of us altogether. DH and I will need some R & R after that one!  We’re thinking of a couple of nights at a beachfront resort.  In the past we’ve stayed at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast but were disappointed with it in May.  Maybe Hilton Head or Destin area.  Oldest DD also suggested the Omni on Amelia Island.  Her in laws have a house there and when DD & her family visit Amelia they always spend time at the resort.  
 

I’d appreciate any input from the Floridians here.  

 

If it is the beach experience you are after....the Destin Beaches have the most beautiful beaches in the world....IMHO.  And I live near the coast on the east side.  The sand and water near Destin is  more beautiful, and less rough.  Pure white powdered sugar sand, with clear aquamarine water.  Gentle slope to the water, no rocks.  

 

Was supposed to be there right now, and may still get a chance to go...depending on what we find out about our ailing land yacht currently in the service department.  😮 

[Ozark_Kid]

10 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

Congrats!!  Good move...literally!!  Have a Fantabulous cruise!  🙂   Free WIFI for GS cabins on Oasis class as well....enjoy!  

You might wish I didn’t have free wifi when I start bombarding this thread with pics 😂 Maybe it will be weak and I will not be able to load a lot of pics.