Surprise birthday specialty dinner

[The Scurvy Pirate]

We are going on a cruise with a couple, one of whose birthday is during the cruise.  I have some unused OBC and was thinking of buying them dinner at a specialty restaurant as a "surprise" birthday present.  I already have a 3 night package.  Is it possible to for me to buy it in the planner and then "gift" it to them once onboard or do I have to wait until I am actually onboard?  Will royal let me use my OBC on their account or how exactly can I make this work?

 

Thanks!

[Biker19]

25 minutes ago, The Scurvy Pirate said:

Is it possible to for me to buy it in the planner and then "gift" it to them once onboard or do I have to wait until I am actually onboard? 

That might work - when they show up for dinner just have them use your cabin number. This assumes you will use your 3 night package on some other nights. If you want to join them, it might get more complicated but you should be able to arrange on board. 

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Are your reservations linked?  If so, I think you can reserve for just them. 

[Rogueperson]

I once did that a long time ago for Chef's Table.  I tried to surprise my wife.  They came by our table the night before and asked if we had any allergies they should be aware of.  She goes "What for?" and the cat ran out of the bag.

 

[3kidsncats]

If you want it to be a surprise, I would arrange it onboard.  Otherwise it could show up on their planner if you book in their names, or on a card in their cabin — can’t remember if my specialty dining bookings show up in the pile on the desk.  I’ve previously purchased specialty dining for others before the cruise, but never as a surprise.  If you book it in your name, you might or might not be able to have them use it.  

[flamingos]

4 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

Are your reservations linked?  If so, I think you can reserve for just them. 

That would ruin the surprise.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

16 hours ago, flamingos said:

That would ruin the surprise.

Good point.  My thought would be to make the reservation in *MY* name, then once on board, go to the restaurant, explain the situation and see how they suggest handling it.   It might be as simple as them making a note on the reservation that while "Joe Blow" has made the reservation and paid for it, "John Smith" will actually be the one dining with them. 

 

If for some reason a satisfactory solution can't be made, you can always cancel it.