New to RCI, pricing/room selection questions

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genki3

I'm on a seafood diet. I see food, I eat it.

Joined

Sep 25, 2014

• May 22, 2015

• #1

Hello RCI experts, I took my first DCL cruise last month and I'm looking into a last minute RCI cruise next month. Not sure how the pricing works for RCI, as I'm more familiar with DCL's. So is RCI pricing like DCL's pricing where all the prices are the same for every TA? Or are the prices different?

Any advice on room selections? I'm only interested in Interior and Oceanview. We're a family of 5 so does RCI have rooms that fit 5 ppl? Or do I have to do 2 staterooms?

Any advice on Galveston, TX port? Should we fly into Houston and then drive to the port?

Thank you in advance!

 

bumbershoot

DIS Veteran

Joined

Mar 5, 2007

• May 22, 2015

• #2

It should be the same price no matter where you book the cruise.

What ship are you looking at?

I think that for a family larger than 4 you'll need to call to book anyway, so you might as well call now.

As for TAs, you might be aware that the TA owner of the boards, Dreams Unlimited, books Royal now, so you might look into them.

I personally use costcotravel.com for bookings (with Royal they give onboard credit vs the cash card they give for Disney cruises) and have found them to be VERY helpful on the phone.

 

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drb116

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jun 10, 2012

• May 25, 2015

• #3

Royal Caribbean pricing is different that Disney and what we have found is that the cost of two connecting rooms can be cheaper, or only marginally more than one room with 4 people. For example, our spring break cruise next year on Oasis was $4400 for two rooms and $4200 for one room with 4. So keep that in mind as you look. Definitely check this week as their current buy one get one 50% off sale ends at the end of the month. Getting that second person at 50% off is what puts the pricing close.

Second, as the previous poster eluded to, you should call to book because Royal Caribbean has family interior rooms specifically designed for 5 or 6 people (although it will depend on the ship). If you go to book on their website, yo will see a section that says "Stateroom categories were omitted because they aren't available for online booking." These rooms cannot be booked with less than 5 and they are only available to book by calling.

 

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Frozen2014

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 12, 2014

• May 25, 2015

• #4

We booked directly through RCL. I've found their support great the times that I've called. Also on some ships you book your dining and show times. So by booking directly , you'll have control of these bookings and can do so directly. (But not sure what ship you're looking at as this may not apply to your cruise).

I suppose only advantage of booking through a TA is if they throw in extra bonus such as drink package or OBC that RCL isn't offering at the moment of your booking.

As for rooms, I believe they have family suites that you can book via phone as others have said. Or you can book 2 connecting rooms.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

 

bumbershoot

DIS Veteran

Joined

Mar 5, 2007

• May 25, 2015

• #5

Frozen2014 said:

Also on some ships you book your dining and show times. So by booking directly , you'll have control of these bookings and can do so directly.

Click to expand...

We were able to book dining times and the ice show even when using a TA. And buy drinks packages. You don't lose ALL control.

 

twopeasonepod

DIS Veteran

Joined

Oct 19, 2010

• May 30, 2015

• #6

Be careful. Some itineraries do not have traditional dining. I am specifically speaking about sailings RT from China, but others may be that way as well. They also have My Time Dining on several ships. I'm not aware of the breakdown.

You can get a much nicer/bigger room on RCI for the same price as DCL. We stayed in the Royal Suite during spring break for less than what we would've paid for a 4A on the Wonder (we were originally booked on a B2B). The Royal Family suite is the one you need to call and get, if possible. That's the one that holds more people. I also use Costco for the cash card and the service. They are super nice.

 

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genki3

I'm on a seafood diet. I see food, I eat it.

Joined

Sep 25, 2014

• Jun 2, 2015

• #7

Thanks everyone! I will have to put off my intro to RCI cruising. There's not much RCI ship selection from the West Coast, specifically port of LA, where I'm from. I'd like to avoid airfare as that adds a big extra cost for my family that I just don't want to spend. I'll keep your booking suggestions in mind for the future though. thanks!