Royal Caribbean secrets (merged)

[Texwell]

When back from an excursion and there are lines for the elevators I always walk up to the first deck you can walk through and go to the other set of elevators..

 

Can someone tell me what "walk through" means? Do you just look for the elevators on the first deck?

 

Great idea - I'm all about avoiding crowds!

 

Thanks.

[Pootle]

If you are British and on a b2b you don't have to attend muster drills....;)

 

 

Edit: I guess I should really point out that this is said completly tounge in cheek, before the cruise police turn up and have me thrown overboard!

[watsor1]

You can board faster if you walk past the picture taking fiasco (after you get your sea-pass card). It's supposed to be a souviner (sp) boarding pic, but it costs $7.50 or so. The people in the long line will look at you like you're nuts, but you're not cutting in line, you're just bypassing it.

 

But, if you want the pic, then by all means stay in that line...

[ebandive]

Can someone tell me what "walk through" means? Do you just look for the elevators on the first deck?

 

Great idea - I'm all about avoiding crowds!

 

Thanks.

 

I believe it means to walk down the hall to the other side of the ship (or to wherever the next set of elevators are). :)

[Texwell]

Thanks for the replies. I hadn't even thought of skipping the photo on the initial boarding but it's certainly an option, as I won't be looking my best after a 9-hour flight!

 

Leave it to me to parse a couple of simple words. Of course it means to just keep going!;)

 

Thanks again.

[RevSmith]

could someone tell me if platinum gets to board with their cabin mates, if their cabin mates are not platinum?

In a word yes...and usually if you ask they will get the robe and a few of the amenities also...but you do have to ask.

[In the Pink]

I have heard this before. I would think it applies to slots only? Anyone want to say this is more than rumor or conjecture?

 

Well, I can't say for sure, and I've always heard the slots are loser the first night too, but I asked somebody about it once and was told that the ship has no control over the machines, that the gaming commission checks them in port before sailing, and there's no way the ship's personnel can change when they pay out. Made sense to me.

[VAHockeymom]

I know I am acting like a wet blanket, but because of the poster saying to get money from the casino without using it there, it is going to cost all the rest of us. How long do you think it's going to take RCI to realize that people are getting money from the casino and not using it?

 

That's why other lines charge 3%. It's like everything else, some people take advantage and the rest of us pay for it. That happened with liquor, then wine, next will be money from the casino. I personally don't care if you took a little, but to brag about taking tons of money just because you can, shows me how small a person you are. Sorry, I guess I will be flamed big time. But, there have been posts where people have been refused money and I applaud RCI for doing so.

 

Get money from the casino if you need it, but don't be greedy.

 

Just so you know, this practice of getting $ from the casino has been going on for years. The casinos are not "owned" by RCI, they are a separate company (Casino's at Sea or something like that), therefore RCI probably doesn't really care one way or the other. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Brandis]

Probably depends on the captain, but it worked for us (on Brilliance):

 

I sent the captain a note (through guest relations), that my uncle, who is a retired engineer would be interested to see the bridge.

 

A couple of days later, while we stayed in Venice, I got a call from the International Rep, that we should meet her at a certain time and she would take us to meet the captain.

 

He then showed us around the bridge for almost an hour, then he asked us to leave because they had to prepare for sailaway.

 

Marc

[ottawapuppy]

Does anyone know if using any other credit card not the RCI cc effect the way transaction fee or if it shows as cash on your credit card? I was thinking of using my Visa not affiliated with RCI. I don't want to come home to a bill showing finance charges for a cash advance balance. :)

 

I do it on every cruise. The cash gets posted as entertainment on your sea pass account, and added to your total tab The credit card company (in my case it is a Canadian bank's Visa card) has no idea that a couple hundred of that was a cash advance in the casino.

 

Mike

[sagiv666]

You are correct :D Someone please do something bad to get this thread pulled before RCI's mgmt arrives for work tomorrow :p

 

###

 

Yes, a "hot topic" on another thread. From what I read, most, including myself, are against abolishing them!!!:D :D :D :D

[Bagbklyn]

You can board faster if you walk past the picture taking fiasco (after you get your sea-pass card). It's supposed to be a souviner (sp) boarding pic, but it costs $7.50 or so. The people in the long line will look at you like you're nuts, but you're not cutting in line, you're just bypassing it.

 

But, if you want the pic, then by all means stay in that line...

 

What I usually do is bypass it and then after I settle in and a little before sailaway go back out after I've freshen up and taken the pictures then. the photographers believe it or not are more laid back and for some reason they take more pictures. I guess they know their about to go on break soon.

[tim_alabim]

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.

 

Is this really a fact or is it rumor/speculation?

[krmlaw]

Probably depends on the captain, but it worked for us (on Brilliance):

 

I sent the captain a note (through guest relations), that my uncle, who is a retired engineer would be interested to see the bridge.

 

A couple of days later, while we stayed in Venice, I got a call from the International Rep, that we should meet her at a certain time and she would take us to meet the captain.

 

He then showed us around the bridge for almost an hour, then he asked us to leave because they had to prepare for sailaway.

 

Marc

 

My DH would LOVE THIS. Im going to try it. He's an engineer too and has always said he would love to see the engine room :) I think he would settle for the bridge. Did you just hand write a note?

[want2gosailing2]

We just returned from Liberty. The biggest secret that RCCL won't tell you unless it happens is you are only allowed to be away from your chair by the swimming pool for 30 minutes. If you are away longer your chair can be taken by another guest. We had great chairs in the second row right in front of the dance area where all the pool shows are, we swam say in the hot tubs all morning then went down to get a bite to eat at the windjammer our son stayed at the pool he saw them come take th chairs but being a kid there was nothing he could of done. We were gone 37 minutes and our chairs were taken by the rudest guys from Brazil I have ever met. To make this a short story words were exchanged (mainly in spanish and directed to my wife because I guess in Brazil they attack the weaker sex) to the point we were ready to go to the fists but being the very first day I decided they really werent worth ruining my whole families vacation. Management got involved and they apologised several times for the other people because they were very rude to the staff as well.(This was not pool Management it was the Hotel Mangaement the pool management did'nt know the rule even existed) As for the seats well we lost them because RCCL in fact did aknowledge there is a rule somewhere (they said it was on something we signed?) we lost our seats to the rudest people we have ever met on a cruise ship. At this point I am concidering going back to Carnival. RCCL should of stepped in and solved the situation before it got out of hand.

I want to add that it was overcast and there were many chairs with towels on them all day and not once did anyone sit in them or even come by to check on the towells. We gad 3 bags and drinks on our chairs The Brazilians watched us leave than timed us. So if you have good seats don't stay away longer than 30 minutes(even if you are swimming) because RCCL will not stick up for you they would rather allow the rudest people to enjoy the pool.

 

ON RCCL FOR THE BEST SEATS BRING A TOWELL AND A STOPWATCH AND YOU ARE SET!!!!!!!!!!!

[going2cruz]

I like to use Splenda in my iced tea. Since so few restaurants offer them, I always have the packets in my purse. While at Chops, our waiter saw the empty wrapper on our table, and asked if I needed more. He said they "have it," but only give it out if asked for. Otherwise, they only put the other sugar substitutes on the table. I assume the dining room would have it as well "if asked for."

 

WOW, no robes in the rooms, they cut out most of there live bands and I have to ask for Splenda.....why did I switch from Carnival??

[VAHockeymom]

We just returned from Liberty. The biggest secret that RCCL won't tell you unless it happens is you are only allowed to be away from your chair by the swimming pool for 30 minutes. If you are away longer your chair can be taken by another guest. We had great chairs in the second row right in front of the dance area where all the pool shows are, we swam say in the hot tubs all morning then went down to get a bite to eat at the windjammer our son stayed at the pool he saw them come take th chairs but being a kid there was nothing he could of done. We were gone 37 minutes and our chairs were taken by the rudest guys from Brazil I have ever met. To make this a short story words were exchanged (mainly in spanish and directed to my wife because I guess in Brazil they attack the weaker sex) to the point we were ready to go to the fists but being the very first day I decided they really werent worth ruining my whole families vacation. Management got involved and they apologised several times for the other people because they were very rude to the staff as well.(This was not pool Management it was the Hotel Mangaement the pool management did'nt know the rule even existed) As for the seats well we lost them because RCCL in fact did aknowledge there is a rule somewhere (they said it was on something we signed?) we lost our seats to the rudest people we have ever met on a cruise ship. At this point I am concidering going back to Carnival. RCCL should of stepped in and solved the situation before it got out of hand.

I want to add that it was overcast and there were many chairs with towels on them all day and not once did anyone sit in them or even come by to check on the towells. We gad 3 bags and drinks on our chairs The Brazilians watched us leave than timed us. So if you have good seats don't stay away longer than 30 minutes(even if you are swimming) because RCCL will not stick up for you they would rather allow the rudest people to enjoy the pool.

 

ON RCCL FOR THE BEST SEATS BRING A TOWELL AND A STOPWATCH AND YOU ARE SET!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wow, sorry you had such a bad experience. But just for the record, I've known for several years about this 30-minute rule, but I've never seen it enforced even when after an hour or more I've asked that a particular chair be given to me. I will have to find where the rule is posted, but I can attest to seeing it several times. With that said, no one should have to put up with abusive behavior from another guest PERIOD. I don't care if there was a language barrier or what the story was, these people verbally attacking your wife is unnecessary and here is where mgmt should have stepped in and let them know that their behavior would not be tolerated onboard.

I hope you don't let this experience sour you to RCI, it really is a great line. But like in any business, there will be glitches now and then.

[cruisePRN]

we swam say in the hot tubs all morning then went down to get a bite to eat at the windjammer our son stayed at the pool he saw them come take th chairs but being a kid there was nothing he could of done. seats

 

!

 

hot tubs All morning and then lunch, you were gone more then 30 minutes and we have a word for you CHAIRHOGS. :eek:

[VAHockeymom]

hot tubs All morning and then lunch, you were gone more then 30 minutes and we have a word for you CHAIRHOGS. :eek:

 

Now, now...let's not get nasty. They may have been back and forth between the chairs and the hot tubs / pools etc. No matter what the situation, the other guest had no right to verbally acost them. And furthermore, the poster mentioned that there were plenty of other chairs available because it was a somewhat cloudy day.

[want2gosailing2]

hot tubs All morning and then lunch, you were gone more then 30 minutes and we have a word for you CHAIRHOGS. :eek:

 

Actually we were not chair hogs My mother laid on the chair the whole time. 10:30 till we went for lunch at 11:55 and returned at 12:32. I should of mentioned we got the chairs at 10:30 a.m. Hardly enough time to be a Chair Hog.........Are you from Brazil too? Thanks for making my mind up I do hope you don't switch to Carnival too!!!!!!

[English Jane]

Hate to be pedantic but ...

 

If they were from Brazil, they would have been rude to you in Portuguese, not Spanish.

[want2gosailing2]

Hate to be pedantic but ...

 

If they were from Brazil, they would have been rude to you in Portuguese, not Spanish.

 

 

OK I don't know either language. When we were with the RCCL people we told them the words they used they told us what it was in English. Portuguese or Spanish my wife did'nt deserve what they said, it was me that was talking not her but Fabio the persons actual name given to us from RCCL and the name that was filed on the report was doing the talking to my wife. The other guy was arguing with me in english until the pool Manager came then he did'nt know English? Thats when the upper Management got involved . Its done its overwith the topic was things RCCL don't tell you and considering the Pool Manager did'nt even know the rule I will forgive myself for not knowing it either.

 

I learned a lesson the next cruise I take I will read the FINE PRINT!!!!

[robntawn]

We just returned from Liberty. The biggest secret that RCCL won't tell you unless it happens is you are only allowed to be away from your chair by the swimming pool for 30 minutes. If you are away longer your chair can be taken by another guest. We had great chairs in the second row right in front of the dance area where all the pool shows are, we swam say in the hot tubs all morning then went down to get a bite to eat at the windjammer our son stayed at the pool he saw them come take th chairs but being a kid there was nothing he could of done. We were gone 37 minutes and our chairs were taken by the rudest guys from Brazil I have ever met. To make this a short story words were exchanged (mainly in spanish and directed to my wife because I guess in Brazil they attack the weaker sex) to the point we were ready to go to the fists but being the very first day I decided they really werent worth ruining my whole families vacation. Management got involved and they apologised several times for the other people because they were very rude to the staff as well.(This was not pool Management it was the Hotel Mangaement the pool management did'nt know the rule even existed) As for the seats well we lost them because RCCL in fact did aknowledge there is a rule somewhere (they said it was on something we signed?) we lost our seats to the rudest people we have ever met on a cruise ship. At this point I am concidering going back to Carnival. RCCL should of stepped in and solved the situation before it got out of hand.

I want to add that it was overcast and there were many chairs with towels on them all day and not once did anyone sit in them or even come by to check on the towells. We gad 3 bags and drinks on our chairs The Brazilians watched us leave than timed us. So if you have good seats don't stay away longer than 30 minutes(even if you are swimming) because RCCL will not stick up for you they would rather allow the rudest people to enjoy the pool.

 

ON RCCL FOR THE BEST SEATS BRING A TOWELL AND A STOPWATCH AND YOU ARE SET!!!!!!!!!!!

While I don't advocate rudeness, they had every right to take those seats after 30 minutes.

[sassmofi]

OK I don't know either language. When we were with the RCCL people we told them the words they used they told us what it was in English. Portuguese or Spanish my wife did'nt deserve what they said, it was me that was talking not her but Fabio the persons actual name given to us from RCCL and the name that was filed on the report was doing the talking to my wife. The other guy was arguing with me in english until the pool Manager came then he did'nt know English? Thats when the upper Management got involved . Its done its overwith the topic was things RCCL don't tell you and considering the Pool Manager did'nt even know the rule I will forgive myself for not knowing it either.

 

I learned a lesson the next cruise I take I will read the FINE PRINT!!!!

 

 

I realize you don't have that many posts, so I am going to assume you are more of a lurker. However, you have been a member of cruise critic since May 2005. Are you telling me you have never read one of the many chairhogging threads? They appear on most of the cruise line specific boards. This could have just as easily happened on any of the major cruise lines.

[want2gosailing2]

Ya your right according to RCCL rule they do have rights to the chairs. (still have'nt found it in writing)

The whole issue would not of been as bad had the Pool attendant or the Pool Manager even known of the rule. The Manager told us he had never heard of such a rule which made me think these people were blowing smoke up my xxx about the rule. In no way shape or form were we hogging chairs it was overcast and there were plenty of seats we found new ones that was'nt and is'nt the issue!!! The issue is the names my wife was called by another guest of RCCL and the way RCCL handled the whole deal. Had the pool Manager known his own rules it would of been over in a matter of minutes but he like myself and all the people around us when it happened had no idea it was a rule.

 

I hope the rule is out in the open now at least CC members will have seats by the pool now all the time. I can see total chaos when people come back and there stuff is gone. To be swimming or hopping in all the hot tubs 30 minutes is nothing, real chair hogs are the ones who arent even using the pools and put their towell out in the early morning light to get a seat anyway. I also don't know any cruisers that would come move wet towells, drinks, and bags from a seat and take them over:D If you would I don't want to be on a cruise with you either sorry just would'nt. If I were to call someone the names my wife was called I would bet you money CC would boot me off.

 

Back to all inclusives I guess.:D