Hi The family will be onboard the Independence from the 21st May. This is the first RCI cruise as we usually go NCL or other lines. Can someone just help regarding the following questions please. Which are the non chargeable restaurants/cafes where the children will feel happiest. Are there any free ice cream/ soda or do I have to purchase a separate card and where do i buy it. Are the menus in the main resturant full of choices eg.could i order plain food. how do i enrol the children in their respective clubs. I have loads of things to ask maybe i'm just apprehensive but i am being led to believe by others that RCI have loads of hidden extras which only show on the account at the end.
Hello annj52, I believe you're going to be in awe when you board the Independence. The children are going to love the H20 zone and the Adventure club. You can sign them up for the Adventure on deck 12. The only chargeable restaurant would be Johnny Rockets which has a $4.00 cover charge per person. There are free ice cream machines both in the Windjammer and around the pool area. Soda is not free, if you think the children will drink more than 3 or 4 sodas a day, you can purchase a soda sticker for $6 a day; you have to do this the first day. With the that they can have an unlimited amount of soda any where on the ship. They also get an insulated mug. You can order alternative food at the main dining room table. The promenade on deck 5 you'll find free sandwiches, cookies, pastry, and pizza any time of the day or night.
The soda sticker is per person, usually a good thing for the kids, because they can get refills anytime. If you have diet restrictions and only can eat plain food, talk to the matre D' after you board, he will give you a special menu. I know this from my friends having to do it. Sonny answered your other questions, but if you need more answers do come back and ask. This group is very helpful. And enjoythe cruise don't worry, it always turns out well after you are boarded and settled in.
Originally posted by fllady: If you have diet restrictions and only can eat plain food, talk to the matre D' after you board, he will give you a special menu. I know this from my friends having to do it.
You don't have to go the the matre d', your waiter will take care of all your needs.
In reference to your hidden charges- I don't remember any HIDDEN charges but there are many charges that add up fast. They tell you straight up when and what things cost but one of my disappointments with RC cruises is I feel nickel and dimed when I leave. It starts when you get on and they ask for your card for your soda card, and to buy a drink, and then it goes on and on the whole trip. Of course you just have to say no but they are very good salespeople. Just be conscious of what you are spending. Anytime they ask for your card they are charging you.
I knew juice was free so I ran into a bar to get a glass of juice for my preschool daughter and they charged for it b/c it wasn't in the machine. Little things like that.
I knew juice was free so I ran into a bar to get a glass of juice for my preschool daughter and they charged for it b/c it wasn't in the machine.
Juice has never been free at a bar, at least since the cruise lines started charging for soft drinks. My experience has been that the bartenders will often remind you that "free" juice can be obtained at the Windjammer.
thaks so much for your help. Could someone please advise where to go to buy a couple of soda tickets and also how to enrol for the childrens clubs. thanks again i really appreciate the help.
When you go to the Windjammer on deck 11 to get something to eat, they will be selling the coke sticker at the enterance. The Adventure Ocean is above the Windjammer on deck 12 on the port side…you can sign the children up there—you can't miss the sign…
To enroll your children in the Adventure Ocean programs, you will need to attend a brief presentation and tour on the first evening of the cruise. There, you will get the rules and hours and such and fill out all of the appropriate consent forms. The best of the meeting is getting to meet with the staff and hear about their resumes' and such. RC only hires college graduates with teaching certificates for their children's programs and our experience has been spectacular.
Good luck, I'm sure your children will love it just like mine did.
And, don't forget that you may track your charges to your Sea-Pass card in your stateroom by name and card via the television provided. Take a few minutes, when you get settled in, to explore the many features available for information and expenses via the TV. On the last night of the cruise, your room attendant will leave a paper will ALL your charges for the cruise. IF there are any errors, go to the customer service desk (I believe on deck #5)and speak to them. The other two restaurants that will be an extra fee would be for the adults (Chops and Portfino's) next to the Windjammer. Also, I'm going to restate that I (me) think that the soda stamp for ADULTS is a ripoff. For young kids, maybe not, but ADULTS, noway. Buy a can of whatever at the many bars around the ship. Other than that, have a Great Time!!
We were on a cruise in January on the Radiance and my kids had a blast. They went to the Adventure Ocean club the very first morning and were surprised with a visit to the bridge and met the Captain and even had their picture taken with him. And make sure they also go on the very last evening as well. On the Radiance they had a big party for the kids and each one came back with a Adventure Ocean beach bag and towel. Take advantage of the kids dinners. You have to sign them up at the club in the morning and they take the kids to the Windjammer at 6pm (before it opens) My kids loved it. One day we even left the kids on the ship for the afternoon as my husband and I went into San Juan. The soda pass for the kids was great - even for me worth every penny as I am not a drinker. Some places you can even get lemonade and fruit punch. The youth staff are amazing. Look for the orientation time and place on the Adventure Ocean newsletter in your cabin as soon as you arrive. Have an amazing time - I know your kids will!
