Royal Caribbean secrets (merged)

[thecoop]

There is a place on the top deck where everyone goes to exercise/walk around the entire outside, that has air conditioning coming out of the vents. I found this by accident nd walked past it, I assume it is some type of vent from somewhere on the ship. One day it was so warm out that I did not even want to sit in the sun but wanted to take a nap. That vent was long enought to pull two lounge chairs under it. I pulled over one (it was in the shade) an was air conditioned while taking a two hour nap. Yes I could have went back to the cabin but enjoyed being outside and sleeping with air blowing on me. I saw numerous crew come over to the vents to cool off, they were working outside on the ship and were sweating profusely. So at least the crew knows of this big vent.

[kasowell2]

Explorer of the Seas is getting very WISE to this trick...

 

Last week, at separate times, both my father AND husband tried to get cash out of the casino. The people behind the booth insisted on giving them chips instead, and it was a fight to have to get cash. They ended up getting the cash, but I think they're on to us! :D

Take the chips. Walk around. Go back to cage and cash them in. Problem solved.

[cruisefeen2304]

I Love all of you guys for these tips. i'm just grinning from ear to ear thinking i'm gonna be using these tips in 89-90-something days( so far away)!

[cruisefeen2304]

how do I request that my kids don't have purchasing privledges? I'd hate for their bill be more than MY alcohol bill:D

They will ask you when your getting your card if you want to have separate accounts, linked accounts or whatever. I talk to your kids.... you know them best and you should know if they are responsible enough... I had signing rights when i was 13 on my first cruise and i didn't buy anything without asking first anyway.... i still don't buy without asking first:D.

[sandune]

This quote is the best posting I have ever read on these boards. I wish I had said it. Cruising is the only true vacation. Room and board, meals and entertainment, sightseeing and sun - all taken care of for you at the price of a good hotel room - and all you have to do is get yourself onboard! :D

 

I just read this entire thread (yes, all 18 pages) and it really gives a person a perspective on American cruisers. We recently sailed (6th cruise with RCCL) on the Voyager out of Galveston (

's last cruise with RCCL), and he was asked why the Voyager was leaving Galveston for the summer. He was very polite and articulate, but the message was clear - Europeans aren't looking for bargains around every corner and under every chair. They fill every cabin without offering discounts. RCCL, like every other cruise line, is a business - and profit is the bottom line. I agree with the poster who suggested that some of you stay at home and go to Burger King. I like bargains as much as the next guy, but if you can't afford, or are not willing to pay on board prices - or to abide by published policies - you should consider another type of vacation.

 

If you are still with me, and still reading this posting, I will add my 2 cents to the topic at hand. (hint: the topic is NOT deck chairs or casino cash) What they don't tell you is that the Internet is excruciatingly S..L..O..W. We had a $7 voucher for the internet on the Voyager, and tried to check email. It consumed the $7 and had not yet opened the gmail homepage! I went to the Purser's Desk, and they were polite about it and credited the $7 back on my account. I figured, well, the ship is moving about 21 knots, so I'll try again in the next port while we're sitting still. No difference. I gave up. It did not ruin my vacation at all. Afterward, I asked myself this question: "What was I thinking about anyway? I took this cruise to GET AWAY from my email for awhile!" haha - So really folks, Don't sweat the small stuff! And if you pay for Internet service, but don't get any service, they will refund your money. They know it is slow.

 

Frank

Who sent that post???? It says it all...short,sweet and to the very point of the matter. It should be put on all cruiseline threads!!!!! Susie

[stompy]

Take the chips. Walk around. Go back to cage and cash them in. Problem solved.

 

Now you don't do advances at the cashier's... They have you do it right at the table and so we just bet a couple of hands (DW won) and then cashed in our chips

[ORD1166]

My friend won $10,000 on bingo on their cruise. Not sure what line they were on, but she didn't play all week until the last day and won!!!

On 5 night cruise in Mar07 out of Galveston, DW and I won something 4 out of 5days. Day 1, I won a 20 inch chain and braelet, 2nd day DW won a watch at the shopping show, 3rd day DW won 5 night cruise:eek: playing bingo, 4th day no joy, but last day I won a watch, with a pen and flashlight as bingo door prize. But could not win anything playing the slots.

[dnoble74]

Who sent that post???? It says it all...short,sweet and to the very point of the matter. It should be put on all cruiseline threads!!!!! Susie

 

Susie, I was quoting from posting #242, from MamaNeedsACruise.... I did not know how to properly use the Quote feature, and inadvertantly left off the poster's name. For those wondering what we're talking about, here is the original quote:

 

Finally, don't sweat the small stuff. I know that sounds so simpleton but really don't center your entire vacation about that one thing, that one little thing..a pool chair, a less than gourmet meal, a crowded elevator, a child being a child. There is so much that every cruise offers. Quality time with your companion or family. Time to watch the sun rise and set. A time to socialize with your neighbor around a dinner table with no TV or phone ringing. No dishes, no errands, no homework, no cleaning. A time to stroll, to breath the cleanest air, to get lost in the endless horizon that contains no smog, no office buildings or strip malls. All that and a chocolate on your pillow every night. This is why I cruise.

 

 

Frank

[DangerCruise]

The casino pays out more money on the first night of a cruise, then the winners slow down on subsequent nights. This gives people a false sense of how "easy" it is to win money. Folks win a bit on the first night, then lose it and more by the end of the cruise.

 

 

A-HA!!! That is brilliant. Excellent tip, and it makes perfect sense!!!:D

[bayonne]

How does bingo work? Do you have to play all week long to be in the big drawings? Are the prizes spread out or are the big ones only on the last day? Do you have to buy special cards (that are more expensive) for the bigger prizes?

 

Thanks

 

 

I usually don't play bingo on the ship. However, on our last cruise I used the free bingo coupon. I won "wipeout bingo". Cleared my tab of 476.00! I had just added our tips to the card the day before.

[patnolen]

A friend of mine said he used electrical tie straps to secure his luggage. Security can cut them if they want, but anyone walking down the hall on the last night would have to have scissors/knife to get in. I thought this was a great idea!

[deppong]

great tips! keep em coming!

[TRacanoUK]

Originally Posted by Silque1964

The casino pays out more money on the first night of a cruise, then the winners slow down on subsequent nights. This gives people a false sense of how "easy" it is to win money. Folks win a bit on the first night, then lose it and more by the end of the cruise.:D

 

 

A-HA!!! That is brilliant. Excellent tip, and it makes perfect sense!!!:D

 

Except for the fact that its blatantly wrong.

 

Let's start with the table games. Since the table games use cards or devices that have fixed probabilities that are independent of how you play or bet (with the exception of blackjack, but even then, without being an extremely skillful player and counting cards or playing basic strategy, which still guarantees the house wins in the long run), there is no way to change those probabilities and accordingly the odds of someone winning (at any point, let alone a specific day on the cruise!).

 

Since most people seem to focus more on the slots and video poker being looser on the first night, I turn my comments to the electronic machines. Firstly, these machines are governed by pre-set electronic chips that generate a random number. These chips are not easily re-set and when they are, the various gaming commissions (which RCI does fall under one of--I just don't remember which one), require that the machines be audited to certify that the desired results will come out. Its not something that you just do overnight. Once that random number generator is set, it influences an algorithm that determines where the slot reels stop or what cards are produced (in video poker especially, your odds are fixed by the probabilities of the various cards that can be produced--anything else would be simply fraudulent). So, once that chip is set, no one has any influence on the outcome--other than the randomness of when the player pulls the handle on the slot machine (or in today's world, presses the button). Without getting too technical, you press the button, it stops the random number generator, which runs an algorithm (which ironically produces the desired odds of winning/losing) and the translation of that is what appears on your slot machine. Nothing different on night one versus night 12. I will admit that in the case of video poker, there are certain strategies of playing (i.e. a skillful player) that produce a better potential return than other strategies; however again, the odds are fixed and the house will always win in the long run.

 

Personally, I think you see more winners early in the cruise is that there are just more people playing on the first night (first day of a vacation, etc.). People do win (on individual pulls, etc.) even though in the long run the greater population loses. It stands to reason that the more people are playing, the more individual wins there will be, while the greater population is basically subsidizing them. And that's where I think this myth comes from.

 

Sorry for the long post . . .

[mamaza]

A friend of mine said he used electrical tie straps to secure his luggage. Security can cut them if they want, but anyone walking down the hall on the last night would have to have scissors/knife to get in. I thought this was a great idea!

They do make TSA locks now that are coded for different TSA keys or combos. When leaving the ship, I think TSA and customs are the only ones interested in your luggage. If you want to use nylon ties upon entering the ship, that would be helpful to the "checkers" and you.

[PudgiPoo]

Here is a tip I have not seen in a long time. Before each cruise I hit the bank for new/uncirulated bills (1s, 5s, 20s). I group my bills for use each day and use my food sealer to make little packs. This helps me control my spending off ship or at the casino. From reading posts I may have to look at adding some $10 bills to my collection. I have been known to iron my bills to get them as flat as possible, new bills are better.

[mamaza]

Here is a tip I have not seen in a long time. Before each cruise I hit the bank for new/uncirulated bills (1s, 5s, 20s). I group my bills for use each day and use my food sealer to make little packs. This helps me control my spending off ship or at the casino. From reading posts I may have to look at adding some $10 bills to my collection. I have been known to iron my bills to get them as flat as possible, new bills are better.

You aught to add a few $2 bills to that. I use them for tipping those who give special service. I'll have to remember to iron them next time. Thanks.

[dbub]

After reading (in 2 sittings) all the ideas on these 19 pages, I think the following has yet to be mentioned. It is more relevant for frequent cruisers. This post in no way is a solicitation for the sale of stock, it is just another potential perk for those interested.

 

A few years back I bought 200 shares (100 in my name and 100 in my DW's name) of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. stock (ticker = RCL). The link provided (if link fails google search "royal caribbean shareholder benefits") gives the perks available to shareholders with 100+ shares. You must have them in your name and the benefits are not transferable. Since we usually travel with our children, I book with 1 child and my wife with the other thus the need to have 100 shares each.

 

http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/10/103045/Cruise%20Discount%20%20Letter%20FINAL.pdf

 

The stock closed at $27.40 (6/6/08) and if you cruise 2x/yr on RCL ships for 6+ days each; the minimum "dividend" is $200 for the $2740 cost (7.3%). Obviously there is a risk with any investment, especially right now, and RCL may pull the offer at any time. However, I have been very satisfied with the outcome so far. FYI - the Crown and Anchor benefits (balcony/suite benefits) are not affected, or, in other words, can be combined. See the fine print for the restrictions.

 

I have used this 5 times and have sent documents via email, regular mail and fax without difficulties. Certainly, if you like the idea but do not need room credit then some of the previous posts may help you liquidate these assets from your account.

 

Happy cruisin'

[TerribleWone]

Its not much of a RCI secret, but its a mega tip.

 

When boarding the ship from an excursion the elevators are always backed up and the lines are a joke. To get around waiting in line for a elevator ride back up to your room use the stairs and climb to the floor above the boarding one. then click the down elevator button. The elevator will stop on your floor before reaching the boarding floor. You can then get in and then go down to the boarding where the people will get in. This tip just lets you kip the mega long lineups that happen sometimes at peak boarding.

[ciocia]

Another thing that I have found helpful is bringing your own surge protector. I usually find the cabins to have less outlets then I am used to. This works great if you are traveling with your family and allows you to have everything you may need in one general area. :)

[SylviaB]

 

- If you like high octane Belgium beer try the Royal Caribbean brand beer (I think it's called Royal?). Don't know if all the ships have it or not. I know it's available in the english style pub and Scooner bar. This beer is NOT for everyone but for those of you that enjoy thick trappist beers, you won't be disappointed.

 

 

However, if you actually are Belgian and used to drinking strong beers, you are not likely to consider this to be a strong beer at all. Also, it's far from being a trappist. Those who know Belgian beers will think it is more in the "neighbourhood" of beers like a Palm.

 

I have learned a lot from reading the posts....Here are a few things that Everyone likely knows, but if not:

 

1. Colored Luggage tags for disembarking, go to the pursers desk to get any color you want to leave any time you want, they are very accomodating.

Not always, we tried this on our last cruise when the ship was several hours late getting to the port (due to a medical emergency a few days earlier). We really need to get off as as soon as possible due to other travel arrangments (not a flight). They gave us a higher up colour but not the kind that would get us off asap. Luckily we had some friends who were kind enough to give us their luggage tags, we managed to get off straight away and just made it in time for our other travel plans.

 

 

My tip: For those prone to seasickness: EAT GREEN APPLES!!! I learned this trick from a crew member on a previous cruise and it really works.

[Reijo]

yeah, I didn't think so either.

 

Last month (:( ) on Mariner we were at the pursers desk trying to add grats to our sea pass...last minute...and were too late. They TOLD us to go to the casino to get cash, just don't tell them why!

 

 

 

My secret: Stairs are WAY faster than the elevator if you can do them, however going from deck 3 to 11 in high heels is not recommended!

 

Each Deck has it's own art theme if you get lost (I just realized that on Mariner...may not be a secret though!)

 

No one I ever know wins bingo! (maybe they are people that work for the ship and its all a conspiracy??? LOL)

Some relatives who cruised with us last year won a little over $300.

[Reijo]

Oh my goodness........popcorn smell on a cruiseship. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE popcorn but I can't imagine how the ventilation systems would handle the smell. My husband will almost get sick smelling it IF it's around for a long time.

[kissnfrogs]

You want to see some cute lanyards..check these out. I just bought 3 for cruising ! :D

 

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZjenniferhineline

 

Those lanyards are adorable, I'm going to buy one for all the girls in my party, looks more like jewelry than a lanyard!

[JPackerFan]

Not sure how much of a "secret" this is, but it's worked for three cruises in a row...

 

For you bingo players, arrive 10-15 minutes before the session and sit up front near the bingo caller. Once the session begins that caller will ask for a volunteer to be the "bingo commissioner." Raise your hand immediately, and you'll probably get picked. Your responsibility is to simply walk up, introduce yourself to the crowd, and confirm that all of the bingo balls are there (B-O, 1-75)

 

For his, I've received the "drink of the day" in a souvenir hurricane glass, a t-shirt, and a keychain each time.

 

Usually works best on the first day of the cruise, as regular bingo players catch on to this. Plus, this only works once a cruise as they almost always choose a different commissioner for each session.

[packercruising]

Hi JPackerfan,

 

Did you ever comsider going on a cruise with Packer Players? It's a blast! :)