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I know catchy title but the worst happened this week. I have a cruise for this Sunday, 8 March 2020 on Oasis of the Seas. We booked this cruise a year and half ago and was really looking forward to it. I woke up Tuesday morning with the room spinning out of control and feeling very nauseous. I knew that feeling, it was the flu. Knowing I couldn’t just ride it out I had to go to the doctors and get a note indicating my status to inform RCI. Under the rules I had to be 14 days well to sail and I was well within that window. So off I went to the walk-in clinic where they jabbed a cotton swab so far up my nose I thought they were hitting brain. Nurse puts it in a container and says I will be back in 10 minutes to let you know the results. PA walks in next and says what I already suspected- Influenza Type A....UGH! There goes the trip. At this point I send an email to @michelle at MEI to let her know what was going on. Michelle let us know our options - Go to insurance (always get insurance people) and get the money back or she would TRY and rebook us but no promises. She had me choose 3 cruises by priority and she would give them a call. This morning I woke up to a new cruise in December 2020 and all the previous items for the Oasis cruise will be refunded and the cruise money itself will transfer over to new cruise. I just have to replan the cruise for what we want to do. I love doing that already so I’ll have fun doing a new cruise planner. I found about MEI from this blog, as I have never had an agent before, and this is a classic case of why they are so important. I have learned so much from this site so thanks to @Matt for starting this blog forum. Plug for Michelle - she did an awesome job in a very short amount of time and I am so thankful for her help. If you ever thought of an agent but said no, I could do it myself, think again...I would still be on the phone with the flu trying to fix this mess. Instead I was home in bed taking Tamiflu and getting rid of this flu without having to rebook or fight the insurance for a refund! Thanks again and maybe this thread can help someone else in the future if the worst happens to you pre-cruise week. Oh BTW - someone should be getting a Royal-up for Junior Suite 12636 soon since I had to cancel. And, I did have a flu shot this year so It didn’t work so well.

Tim B. I am so proud of you and so happy that this was handled so quickly, appropriately and best of all, satisfactorily !!! I have been using Michelle Cunningham (MEI)([email protected]) for many years and know the dedication and professionalism that she provides. What I also knew, but have had little chance to share with everyone, is the fact that she is a GENIUS and can work miracles !!! So, #1 I'm happy and proud that this went so well for you but #2 I am SO shocked and thrilled to see that Royal did the right thing here !!! The bottom line is, they had absolutely no obligation to do ANYthing for you at all. But it seems, b/c YOU did the right they, THEY turned around and did the right thing, too !!! This is the kind of good news story that rarely gets shared. Bad news travels far and wide but good news usually gets left behind. It's so heart-warming to know that doing the right thing (as you did) is occasionally rewarded ! Well done !!!!!

Also found out this morning that my wife had insurance on the flights from Washington Reagan National to Miami, so although we lose $200, the rest is on a credit from Expedia so we can use it to fly to Orlando in December and should have no issue using the remainder of the credit for the flights. All well that ends well in these poor circumstances.

Alright gals and guys....Long time listener, first time caller. Heading to the Anthem March 15, 2020. We are in the Owner's Loft Suite. We normally do a Crown Loft on the Oasis Class and this is a change for us - our first Quantum Class and first Star Class experience. We are a young married gay couple who live in the midwest. We used to vacation twice a year in Hawaii, but have recently been converted to cruising! Even without going on a Star Class, we already have 6 other Star Class cruises booked throughout Feb 2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed everyone's live blogs highlighting the in's and out's of Star Class and hope that our experiences will help someone in the future. English is my first language - but I am not a skilled storyteller like most of you guys here! So bear with me as I try my best to document our experiences. We booked this while onboard the Allure back in September 2019. Initially in a corner Grand Loft; however after reading about a lot of frustrations with the corner loft, we were a bit nervous. In December, I noticed the Owner's Loft was suddenly available and grabbed that (without telling my husband). He maybe still doesn't know those details! LOL We got the generic survey from RCCL on January 27. Thanks to all the fine folks of the various blogs and Facebook groups, I already had my answers typed and ready to go! Within minutes of receiving it, I sent back our replies. On February 16 our genie reached out to us with fairly standard "Hello" email - asking us to book Shore Excursions and Spa appointments. We got Yen and I feel very confident that the feedback and reviews from her are going to make us have a wonderful vacation. Communication has been a bit challenging, but we aren't worried. I know they have families onboard as well as multiple families planning their voyage. I have been very literal in the email communication (as that was the feedback from several cruisers) and each email has been responded to with a short and simple answer. We are flying out on Saturday and staying at the Marriott at the Newark Airport and have a car service taking us to the port early in the morning. Yen sent detailed instructions on where to go and how to get our bags through security. The room won't be ready until 1pm (so she says, but I'm hopeful that it will be sooner). Yen arranged lunch for us at Chops at 11:30am. As it's our first time on QN class, we will be exploring the ship. We booked an Over Water Cabana at CocoCay - the price dropped dramatically since we first booked it and did the whole "cancel and rebook it" and ended up saving almost $800. That just means I have $800 more to spend at the Casino! If anyone has any additional tips, tricks, or helpful things to know about the Owner's Loft Suite or Star Class that might not be blogged anywhere else - please let me know! I look forward to doing my best to share our experiences later this month!

It's just like ex-girlfriends. Nothing gets you over the last one, like the next one!

@Tim B., Wow, thanks so much for posting your experience. While I am feeling so sad for you right now being ill so close, I congratulate you on doing the right thing. So many sailings I dive for cover when someone near me is clearly ill and doesn't make the choice you did, that you did this is truly appreciated I know it had to be quite difficult. Another MEI success story. Hearing what you stated about @michelle is an incredible positive regarding the MEI experience. I had experience with another TA and the MEI difference is a real thing, it's great to shout this from the roof tops (at least on the blog) helping anyone who is apprehensive about using a TA the information to take the plunge, the MEI plunge that is! Have a great day and feel better quickly, your post made me smile this morning, Be Well....countdown to December.....

When we went for our "my time dining" at around 8:00, we discovered we actually had assigned seating at 5:30, which we never requested. They did accommodate us and although MTD was full, they agreed to split the difference and seat us at 6:30. Today has been punctuated by between meals with a view, bars with a view, and spa treatments, with a view. I'd love to go to the silent disco tonight, if only it started at 8 instead of 10. Three old gals walk into a bar ...

Good thing you looked it up I was too scared to. ?

oops... yeah I paid to learn the big words so I use em. ?

runs to online dictionary. Now THAT is a word.

Well, it's only three more days until the Oasis!!!!! The high on Sunday is only 72, ugh!!!!! I guess wet-suits will be packed for the flowrider! I did have my buddy from another FD decide to go with me on the middle cruise so I won't be solo!

Wow, so glad to hear that MEI Travel, our sponsor, took care of your situation so well. A shining example of why using a good travel agent is important!

You, Pamici and my Dan would get along fine. He is also a single malt Scotch guy. I think it smells like a**. ??

I love this saying!! Going to have to use this one.

I also found out today that a guy at work I speak to a lot also just tested positive for influenza Type Alpha. I think he had it first so I can blame him. You always need a fall guy!

For our ultimate sailing enjoyment, We have 11 sailings under our belt (discovered cruising late in life, always thought the motion would be problematic) and while my entire family used to roll their eyes at me now they appreciate the following; (I think) I have a desk calendar and when the sailing gets closer at 14 days all extra activities pretty much halt. Besides work and school of course we don't go to movies, restaurants and take a 2 week break with notice from our volunteering in the Community. We are hyper aware of our surroundings and self "quarantine" each and every time to the best of our ability. We have been doing this since our first sailing in 2016 when we realized the discomfort for everyone an illness would result in, and we want to enjoy to the fullest potential what our monies have purchased. Now it is old hat and my family doesn't bat an eye, okay maybe the teen when she wants to go somewhere but too bad, so sad! We are going on an expensive cruise and you will not ruin this for me!! Hahaha, So reading this you may be like well that's a pretty good idea OR crazy lady glad I'm not her family!! Either reaction I just wanted to share something that seems to have been working for us, enjoy your day everyone, stay safe and stay well :)

We have arrived in Cozumel alongside Gargantua of the Seas Snapchat-677696526.mp4

Even though you got the flu, by getting the flu shot your symptoms should be greatly reduced. The flu shot this year while not 100% effective it is about 42%-47% effective. I am in healthcare and I always encourage all my patients and everyone I come into contact with to get the flu shot. Last season 2018-2019 there were almost 1 million hospitalizations and about 80,000 deaths in the USA alone from influenza. This season so far only 15k-30k have died. If you take care of yourself and follow your Dr's orders you should be fine, provided you do not have any underlying comorbidities.

KWong is obviously a first initial-last name. But normally I go by "starvenger" or "starvenger88" on message boards, and I've used it since the Usenet days. If you're on the DIS or CC, you'll find me using that handle. But as to what that means: 88 is lucky in Chinese. That's the easy part to explain. Starvengers is a late 70s/early 80s American adaptation of an anime called "Getter Robo G". Basically 3 jet-like vehicles could combine to form various robots. Don't know if this will help, but here's an image:

After muster we grabbed a roast beef sammie at the Park Cafe and peeked in at the spa. We cleaned up and went to Boleros for a bit before catching the early show of the comedy headliner. Our front row seats courtesy of the key were very nice. Comedian was good, but the sign language interpreter was the best part, especially when he signed the music. After comedy, friend Beth got in line for her free charm bracelet. It's pretty cute! The bracelet is free, the charms are 5 for $10, and every day for the rest of the cruise, you can get the charm of the day for $5, with another freebie at the end of the trip if you collect them all. It's a marketing ploy, but an effective one and a win-win.

Yippee ! A new SC blog. My favorite kind ! 1. You did the right thing by changing from the corner GLS to the OLS. While still a corner unit, it will be much bigger. Well done. 2. Yen is awesome. You will love her. Tell her Dan and Raye say “hi”. We just saw her a few weeks ago. It was nice to see her. 3. I’m sure you’ve received this information already, but be sure to keep your luggage with you until after you have checked in with the SC greeter. Make sure Yen knows that you expect your luggage to be taken upstairs. You will regret having to schlep it up the stairs yourself, if you don’t. I love being Star Class on the Q class ships. There are so many things for which a Genie is particularly helpful. Make sure that when you go to see Spectra, you are not sitting in the ver, very front. If you do, there will be activity happening behind you and you tend to miss some of it. I’m so excited for you ! First SC Cruise is so exciting.

^^This^^

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And a perfect day was had at Nachi Cocom.

We leveraged the Continental Breakfast daily (and do on all of our cruises)--- nothing better than Coffee and pastries on the balcony first thing in the morning.

Remember that continental breakfast through room service is free. Its a great way to grab a quick breakfast or as we like to do, have some fruit, coffee and such delivered earlier in the morning to have as you get ready for the day, even if we are planning a later breakfast, we often get something early to start the day. We like to think of this as breakfast "appetizers." Happy cruising!

I think limiting your exposure for a defined period of time prior to cruising is very wise. I actually never thought about it but it makes sense.

Glad it worked out! The flu shot (maybe you're already aware) is based on what "they" believe will be the most popular strain that season, statistics basically. You got another strain unfortunately. Kudos for doing the right thing. You wouldn't have enjoyed the trip anyway. I personally don't get the flu shot, probably should.

Good morning as we approach Cozumel

We pretty much went straight to the MDR and dropped the carry on bags. Had a nice lunch, all good except mac and cheese, and plenty of time to wander while waiting for rooms. We eventually wandered to the Schooner bar for cocktails. Our room is good, if a bit worn and grubby in the upholstery, and the balcony is awesome. The carry on bag we checked in the MDR was tucked away in the closet when we got here and the rest of our bags were delivered as we headed out for muster.

Nonsense, in the words of @betatke1480, the more the merrier. ? That and @WAAAYTOOO needs more reading material while she is recuperating. Lol.

Here is a toast to your Dan, and to you @pamici

I met sister at the distillery, where we fortified ourselves with a martini for her and a flight of whiskey for me. I prefer a single malt Highland scotch with some years on it, but these were definitely yummy. Sister helped pedal back down the seawall to my car (only took 30 minutes with two of us!), and we drove to Cajun Greek to meet our travel companion for dinner.

Unfortunately, that's a very vague question to answer without specifics to compare (your receipt vs online). Couple things to keep in mind: Prices can change hourly. So when you book onboard and then go home, prices can change. Onboard, they may have included things such as gratuity, insurance and taxes/fees. Make sure you are comparing "apples to apples" There are two types of cruise fares: refundable and non-refundable. Again, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

???

Hello, I don't think this is old news so sharing here. South Beach beach beds do not include loungers. It was just what I needed to prompt me to pull the trigger on a Cabana so yay but thought someone else may benefit from this information. South Beach is the only item mentioned below, but my guess is it's the same all over judging by the description and pictures that go along with the excursion in the CP. The loungers are no longer pictured or in the description. If anyone discovers different please let me know! Thank you for contacting the Shore Excursions team.Kindly note, the South Beach Full Day Beach Bed Rental tour ZHF7 will only include floating beach mats, stocked water cooler and beach towels.We hope you find this information useful and we thank you for taking the time to write Royal Caribbean International.Kind regards, Shore Excursions Inquiry Team | Private Journeys Assistant | Global Tour Operations Now to decide which Cabana to get!

Just read the news California's first death was on a cruise recently. Sometimes people might not even know they are infected and spread the virus.

Lol. Good luck with that one ! ?

I am pretty excited at the thought of waking up to doughnuts, danishes, bagels and fruit with my coffee.....EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING.

Are you on the same sailing, trying to outbid by a dollar?

This is the only time I'd not mind being hunted.

Yes, Denise, you are right. If FroggyFlo is upgraded into a full suite, the price of her VOOM package will be refunded as onboard credit. If the onboard credit is not used during the cruise (in other words, you end up with a negative balance), that $$ amount will be refunded to the credit card used to pay for your seapass account. So the bottom line is...you will NOT "lose" the money you spend on the internet package. It will get reimbursed to you, one way or the other.

On the other hand, Whovians will tell you not to blink if you spot a Weeping Angel.

Same here, I wash my hands BEFORE going to the Windjammer like ALL should. If that bothers somebody watching me walk through the entrance to the buffet, then maybe some of the people here need to find something else to do other than cruising with 3 or 4 thousand people in very close quarters.

Well crap - my blogs will pale in comparison to yours!!

I imagine it might also be people looking to book.. It seems people can "lock up" rooms pretty easily through the booking sites (including RC directly) just by navigating to the room selection and/or beyond. I've done this a few times to myself.. chose a room in one window, went to see reviews, get distracted for a few minutes, do a new search in different window and the room is gone only to reappear 10-15 minutes later. ?

Hotel and breakfast were good and the shuttle picks up every 30 minutes for the port. Nice shuttle, only ones on it at 10:30, zero delays, straight to the porters, portered large suitcases, walked straight to check in with no one ahead of us, same with the scanners. Ok so the key is 1000% worth it. And many thanks to the cruiser who told me not to sweat the Coast Guard inspection. We were on board by 11:30 after about a 30 minute wait with water and cookies in the waiting area.

Remember also that pre-cruise pricing includes the service charge. Onboard, any price that you are quoted will incur an additional 18% service charge. It is almost never more cost effective to purchase onboard.

Well, I assumed @Lovetocruise2002 generally prefers her drinks with a side of baby seal (so she feels at home), but I didn't want to be too specific.

Never ever EVER look at the percentage discount. It is nothing but a red herring. Just look at the bottom line - what is the product/event going to cost, in the end ? That's all that matters. The percentage discount is based on the full onboard price and they never disclose what that price is, prior to the cruise. Currently, if your Deluxe Beverage Package is $51 or lower and you are interested in buying the DBP, GET IT. It's more than likely not going any lower than that. Also, you must realize that, in addition to the $51 PP/PD, they are going to tack on another 18% gratuity, so it will be even higher than $51...but that's going to happen no matter what price they are charging. ...and finally, even if the price does go down after you purchase the package, you can always cancel what you have and rebuy at the lower price.