Glad it was helpful! I forgot to mention to include your lunch reservations on sea days in the plan... that's why we include the port arrival and departure times on our planning document!
I do belive tipping culture has turned an act of gratuity into an expectation, however, most Royal Caribbean crew members deserve what one can afford to give!
It’s been a couple years since I have cruised on RC so I don’t recall but can’t you make your specialty dining reservations on the app? As well as show reservations? Thank you. Great video and very informative
Show reservations yes but only on Oasis class ships. Dining reservations only if you but the one night or two night specialty dining. With three night and unlimited you have to wait until you are on the ship.
I have yet to see a dining package worth any of the prices offered. People often forget that you have already paid for your meals at the main dining room PLUS you have paid for gratuities for the main dining you should NOT be charged for if you get speciality dining. So if you get it, then you are paying for 2 main meals per day, plus double gratuities. I've noticed you will typically pay about 50.00 per person per meal/day with the gratuities even at their lowest "discounted" prices. I don't think it is really worth it to me, but to each their own.
I think you captured it perfectly when you said to each their own. It is a great point about 'double paying' since you already paid meals and gratuity. However, I find people fall into one of two categories. The first doesn't care about the atmosphere in which they eat, they want to dress casually, and they don't consider themselves foodies. In this instance, the main dining room is more than formal enough, and people often also eat at WindJammer or other complimentary eateries just to get the meal done. The second likes the elevated experience of the specialty dining because it is a bit quieter, more similar to a restaurant, and the waiters take their time and don't shuffle you in and out. The food is also 'by far and away' better than the main dining room. If you fall into this second group, no amount of money (that you can afford) isn't worth investing to get what you want out of the vacation. To me, an extra $500 on the unlimited dining package on a 7-day cruise (especially a larger ship with more specialty dining options) is the best investment you can make prior to the drink package or a shore excursion. But that's just me, and to each their own!
What about if your on the Adventure of the Seas ship which does not have all the specialty dining options as the Oasis , do you still think its worth the $340.00 a person for the unlimited Dining Option
We were just on Adventure and still did the package. The meals do get repetitive, and the Izumi on Adventure has a limited menu so we only ate at Chops and Giovannis. However, while not as much value as the newer ships with various options, we still think its a no brainer.
How does the package work for lunch? Can you only eat on sea days? What if we are at port but do not want to get off (Nassau). Is there someplace we can eat to use the package or are we stuck at the Windjammer?
Correct unfortunately... typically one or two restaurants are opened on sea days (check the app) but they are all closed on port days. However, if you are in a boat with a Johnny rockets, you can eat there as an alternative to Windjammer or wherever else. Also, don't forget to grab lunch on boarding day if you board early enough as Chops or Giovannis is typically open.
Loved your advice! Can’t wait for our cruise will make it so much easier was worried about making reservations.
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice! Thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful! I forgot to mention to include your lunch reservations on sea days in the plan... that's why we include the port arrival and departure times on our planning document!
Sean, thanks. I shared this video in my FaceBook cruise group for the Brilliance of the Seas cruise next September.
Glad it brought value and thank you for sharing... good luck on your September cruise!
Thank you for suggesting the extra gratuities for crew members - they work so hard!
I do belive tipping culture has turned an act of gratuity into an expectation, however, most Royal Caribbean crew members deserve what one can afford to give!
It’s been a couple years since I have cruised on RC so I don’t recall but can’t you make your specialty dining reservations on the app? As well as show reservations? Thank you. Great video and very informative
Show reservations yes but only on Oasis class ships. Dining reservations only if you but the one night or two night specialty dining. With three night and unlimited you have to wait until you are on the ship.
I have yet to see a dining package worth any of the prices offered. People often forget that you have already paid for your meals at the main dining room PLUS you have paid for gratuities for the main dining you should NOT be charged for if you get speciality dining. So if you get it, then you are paying for 2 main meals per day, plus double gratuities. I've noticed you will typically pay about 50.00 per person per meal/day with the gratuities even at their lowest "discounted" prices.
I don't think it is really worth it to me, but to each their own.
I think you captured it perfectly when you said to each their own. It is a great point about 'double paying' since you already paid meals and gratuity. However, I find people fall into one of two categories. The first doesn't care about the atmosphere in which they eat, they want to dress casually, and they don't consider themselves foodies. In this instance, the main dining room is more than formal enough, and people often also eat at WindJammer or other complimentary eateries just to get the meal done. The second likes the elevated experience of the specialty dining because it is a bit quieter, more similar to a restaurant, and the waiters take their time and don't shuffle you in and out. The food is also 'by far and away' better than the main dining room. If you fall into this second group, no amount of money (that you can afford) isn't worth investing to get what you want out of the vacation. To me, an extra $500 on the unlimited dining package on a 7-day cruise (especially a larger ship with more specialty dining options) is the best investment you can make prior to the drink package or a shore excursion. But that's just me, and to each their own!
Awesome video-thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What about if your on the Adventure of the Seas ship which does not have all the specialty dining options as the Oasis , do you still think its worth the $340.00 a person for the unlimited Dining Option
We were just on Adventure and still did the package. The meals do get repetitive, and the Izumi on Adventure has a limited menu so we only ate at Chops and Giovannis. However, while not as much value as the newer ships with various options, we still think its a no brainer.
Can I make my reservations for the specialty restaurants on the Royal Caribbean app instead of walking up to the kiosk?
Only if you buy individual dinner reservations which is much more expensive. With 3-night or unlimited you have to wait until you are on the boat.
How does the package work for lunch? Can you only eat on sea days? What if we are at port but do not want to get off (Nassau). Is there someplace we can eat to use the package or are we stuck at the Windjammer?
Correct unfortunately... typically one or two restaurants are opened on sea days (check the app) but they are all closed on port days. However, if you are in a boat with a Johnny rockets, you can eat there as an alternative to Windjammer or wherever else. Also, don't forget to grab lunch on boarding day if you board early enough as Chops or Giovannis is typically open.