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Royals - All Inclusives

dukebigtom

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It seems like most of the Royals now show up as All inclusives. We loved staying at the Royals, but do not want to pay for AI. When and why did this change? Any way around it?

Thanks,
BigTom
 

T-Dot-Traveller

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AI - optional vs. required at Royal Resorts locations

I believe if you rent from an owner you do not have to do AI
If you exchange in from RCI I believe AI is required

We have never stayed at any Royals - but were in Cancun last Feb. at (non AI) Raintree / Club Regina so I was paying attention to Tug posts related to Cancun
area resorts .

I am sure an tug member / Royal owner will post details
 

RFW

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If you rent from an owner, the all inclusive plan is optional.
There is no all inclusive plan available at all at the Royal Islander or Royal Caribbean .

So if you don't want all inclusive, rent from an owner or exchange into one of the 2 resorts where the plan does not exist.

FYI, the RTU at the RC expires in the next few years. 2018 I believe.
 

buceo

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What RFW says and add one, the Royal Cancun (aka VCI), they have AI, but it is optional there for exchangers too. The "why", in short it is what so many vacationers want these days and it promotes ownership let alone the pre-purchasing of food and drink on-site. There were many much LONGER "discussions" in the past. The AI-optional for owners appears to be going vey well to me, others will disagree. The independent Royals publication, "Owner's Manual" speculated they may try again to buy back the RI and RC and they would go AI too. First I'd heard of that, interesting. We own at both the AI-Royals, but have never opted to take it, many others have.
 

dukebigtom

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Thanks for all the info. In my experience, if I want AI, it is not worth using my timeshare exchange. I can book through Apple or GoGo or Sunjet or any number of charter companies and get just as good a deal without exchanging a week and paying an exchange fee. Just my opinion, but I have not yet seen any real advantage to doing AI anywhere through timeshare exchanges.

Also, with all the good food options in Cancun, cheap transportation, etc., AI just doesn't make much sense to me in Cancun anyway. AI in places like Jamaica, Domincan, etc. I definitely think AI is great, just don't see the benefit of doing it through exchanging a timeshare.

Last time we stayed at the Islander, someone told me in advance that the best restaurant at any of the Royals was on your balcony. We had a ocean front balcony and ate from the takeout restaurants at several of the Royal properties several nights on our balcony. I agree with the advice I got, no better place, quiet, beautiful view, my great wife and I alone in peace looking at the ocean on the Caribbean, listening to the waves.................it really doesn't get any better. But, I digress....................

Thanks again!!!!

BigTom
 

T-Dot-Traveller

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AI vs non Ai in Mexico

I am pretty sure the " pop up restaurant " concept was invented in Mexico .
They just did not know they were starting a foodie trend .

From street food to premium restaurant - Mexico is full of interesting food - so why do AI .

Glad We own Mayan - no AI
 

buceo

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...

Last time we stayed at the Islander, someone told me in advance that the best restaurant at any of the Royals was on your balcony. We had a ocean front balcony and ate waves.................it really doesn't get any better. But, I digress....................

Thanks again!!!!

BigTom

AI does include room service, just sayin'
 

frankhi

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If you get an II trade for a week at say, the haciendas, but are only there 5 nts, do you pay the AI for 5 or 7 nts?
 

buceo

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You only pay for the time you are there. You can call and ask directly at the number below.
Exchangers must purchase the REFINE All-Inclusive Package for the duration of their stay and may pay upon arrival. Pre-purchase is available now by calling 888-721-4454. By pre-purchasing you can pay 50% of the package up front and the balance in equal monthly installments to be paid no later than 30 days prior to your stay.
 
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