Watch out for RC extra charges

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 9

Helpful Votes: 140

Review summary

RCL profits before passenger satisfaction policies really put a damper on this cruise. I expect to pay extra for alcoholic beverages, spas, etc. and to pay gratuities for actual services performed. Instead, many items are extra and there are duplicated and inappropriate charges. RCL does not permit water bottles to be brought onboard. I have a medical condition that requires me to stay hydrated. From the first moment onboard I was harassed by crew members trying to sell me unwanted items and upgrades. I wanted to find the water stations onboard. Ultimately, I only found one on Deck 5 and one on Deck 11. There is a mandatory $14.50 per person per day gratuities charge even for days when one is off the ship and not using the services onboard. But the premium meals also add an 18% gratuity even though it is being served by the same waiters and staff as the regular meal. This blatant double charging should stop. I never ordered a special meal because of this policy. There is also an 18% automatic charge for buying a water bottle when leaving the ship or at a station at the pool. The only service provided is swiping a card. But the most outrageous hidden pricing occurred on Coco Cay. There are self service beer taps (see photo). There is no pricing information shown. Only after buying an unknown quantity of beer at an unknown price and presumably plus an 18% gratuity charge did I learn what I spent. With more transparent pricing I would have spent more. Sailing with RCL has its' pleasant moments but expect to be overcharged in some way.

Embarkation

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Children's Programs

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

Nassau, Bahamas

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

Disembarkation

Other reviews of this sailing