Is it shady to phantom book a child to be able to select a balcony stateroom?

[binro01]

So odd dilemma here.

A cruise I'm looking to do last minute only has guaranteed Oceanview balcony staterooms for the Allure of the Seas if I try to book just my wife and I. We can not choose our stateroom.

But for a few dollars more, I can book an Oceanview Balcony Stateroom with a our grandchild's name and be able to choose our balcony stateroom. We are more than happy to pay the small amount more. (We are talking only 50.00 more over the port fees because of the kids sail free promo.) And from what I have heard, if the grandchild is a no show at port, which he will be, we get the port fees refunded to us as a refundable on board credit to our shipboard account.

So I'm basically doing an end around the system so we can choose our cabin for 50.00. We really are afraid of getting a cabin on deck 14 under the pools or a cabin in a very noisy location.

Is this poor form? Or should I just do it. And is what I have heard about getting the port fees refunded to the stateroom account accurate for no shows? Thanks in advance for your responses.

[klfrodo]

2 thoughts

1. I doubt it falls within the spirit and intent.

2. If it’s not specifically forbidden, it must be allowed.

 

You only lose $50 at the end of the day after the No Show?  Go for it.

[DaKahuna]

Let your conscience be your guide.

[WinksCruises]

I can meet you at the port and play your grandchild for the week if you'd like! 😝

[BND]

Why exactly are you asking here?  Either you're going to do it or you're not. 

[nzdisneymom]

33 minutes ago, binro01 said:

So odd dilemma here.

A cruise I'm looking to do last minute only has guaranteed Oceanview balcony staterooms for the Allure of the Seas if I try to book just my wife and I. We can not choose our stateroom.

But for a few dollars more, I can book an Oceanview Balcony Stateroom with a our grandchild's name and be able to choose our balcony stateroom. We are more than happy to pay the small amount more. (We are talking only 50.00 more over the port fees because of the kids sail free promo.) And from what I have heard, if the grandchild is a no show at port, which he will be, we get the port fees refunded to us as a refundable on board credit to our shipboard account.
 

 

Is the reason you can only get guaranteed because you're only booking for two guests, but if you add a third to your stateroom, it allows you to select a cabin?  I'm always confused about how it works as to what can be booked by who and when and how many.... 

 

As for your question, the answer is usually If you have to ask.... then you already know the answer.

[easyqueasy]

You have my permission. I’m a fellow Royal Caribbean cruiser. Diamond at that. Hope that helps. Enjoy your cruise. 😀
 

 

[HicksRA]

You get to pick your cabin and Royal gets a free $50. 
It’s not like you’re sharing a drink pkg or anything like that…. 😉

[binro01]

20 minutes ago, nzdisneymom said:

I'm always confused about how it works as to what can be booked by who and when and how many.... 

Yes, I was very confused too. I basically stumbled into this situation because I was checking for a friend that was going to bring their 3 yr old grand child with them to give their daughter a break and noticed that they were able to select a cabin while I was not.. That got me thinking... I just kind of feel a little dirty about doing that and potentially taking a cabin from a family looking to do a vacation, but the odds are I'm not and it will probably be given to a person who booked a guarantee anyways and its the luck of the draw. getting one of these rooms vs one on the 14th floor. Thus why I'm going to most likely do it. I'll have a couple of drinks in the bar to wash away any regrets once I board.

[binro01]

43 minutes ago, WinksCruises said:

I can meet you at the port and play your grandchild for the week if you'd like! 😝

Now that's funny, right there. 

Edited February 26, 2023 by binro01

[Coralc]

Sure. If you don't mind being out the money. It is between you and the cruise line. I'm sure kids are probably no-shows frequently. 

[Morecruisesplz]

1 hour ago, binro01 said:

So odd dilemma here.

A cruise I'm looking to do last minute only has guaranteed Oceanview balcony staterooms for the Allure of the Seas if I try to book just my wife and I. We can not choose our stateroom.

But for a few dollars more, I can book an Oceanview Balcony Stateroom with a our grandchild's name and be able to choose our balcony stateroom. We are more than happy to pay the small amount more. (We are talking only 50.00 more over the port fees because of the kids sail free promo.) And from what I have heard, if the grandchild is a no show at port, which he will be, we get the port fees refunded to us as a refundable on board credit to our shipboard account.

So I'm basically doing an end around the system so we can choose our cabin for 50.00. We really are afraid of getting a cabin on deck 14 under the pools or a cabin in a very noisy location.

Is this poor form? Or should I just do it. And is what I have heard about getting the port fees refunded to the stateroom account accurate for no shows? Thanks in advance for your responses.

It will keep a family of 3 from booking the cabin. Why do people come to CC for permission to cheat?

[MommaBear55]

6 minutes ago, fredmdcruisers said:

It will keep a family of 3 from booking the cabin. Why do people come to CC for permission to cheat?

Or you can look at it as Royal gets to sell another cabin and someone will be happy to cruise.

[Morecruisesplz]

8 minutes ago, MommaBear55 said:

Or you can look at it as Royal gets to sell another cabin and someone will be happy to cruise.

You might look at that way. But its a lie.

[Mapleleafforever]

Seems like a no brainer, do it. 

[Jasukkie]

Go for it! There's been plenty of time for that mythical family of three to book that last minute cabin. Have a great cruise!

[Starry Eyes]

Book it and invite that grandchild.😀

[Ourusualbeach]

2 hours ago, binro01 said:

So odd dilemma here.

A cruise I'm looking to do last minute only has guaranteed Oceanview balcony staterooms for the Allure of the Seas if I try to book just my wife and I. We can not choose our stateroom.

But for a few dollars more, I can book an Oceanview Balcony Stateroom with a our grandchild's name and be able to choose our balcony stateroom. We are more than happy to pay the small amount more. (We are talking only 50.00 more over the port fees because of the kids sail free promo.) And from what I have heard, if the grandchild is a no show at port, which he will be, we get the port fees refunded to us as a refundable on board credit to our shipboard account.

So I'm basically doing an end around the system so we can choose our cabin for 50.00. We really are afraid of getting a cabin on deck 14 under the pools or a cabin in a very noisy location.

Is this poor form? Or should I just do it. And is what I have heard about getting the port fees refunded to the stateroom account accurate for no shows? Thanks in advance for your responses.

Port fees and taxes for no show guests will be refunded to the credit card used to book the cruise and not issued as OBC. 

 

 

[PolicromaSol]

2 hours ago, WinksCruises said:

I can meet you at the port and play your grandchild for the week if you'd like! 😝

 

All well and good until they don't let you drink because you're supposedly 10 years old...

[Luke gs Daddy]

Go for it.

 

[nelblu]

9 hours ago, WinksCruises said:

I can meet you at the port and play your grandchild for the week if you'd like! 😝

Will you be diapered.😊

[A&L_Ont]

 

8 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

You might look at that way. But its a lie.

More like they aren’t following through on bringing three people. RC still keeps their $50. 

[molly361]

Do it

[MommaBear55]

9 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

You might look at that way. But its a lie.

Bet you are really fun when playing Truth or Dare or Two Truths and a Lie. 

[Steeler Nation At Sea]

It's done all the time.  Solos have to add the phantom 2nd guest to get a guarantee offer, so add away.  Enjoy your cruise.