Leaderboard

Airplanes, trains and buses don't have medical teams on them who are required to report illness on board. Neither do grocery stores, churches, schools or sports stadiums. It's difficult to track the movements of someone who flew domestically but stood in a line to get a coffee with someone who just got off a plane from China. Three minutes in that line in close proximity they now touch the credit card machine right after that passenger from China and now they have it without even knowing. Next they board a plane for a short flight within their country and by the time the plane lands 6 more are infected. On a cruise ship every visit to the medical center is logged and documented. Upon arriving from being away a ship is asked about any health issues and they are required to report it. A local ferry boat might see one infected person board and 20 minute later there are dozens of infected COVID-19 passengers but no one knows it so it goes unreported. Some of those now go to church or school or a grocery store but no one knows so it goes unreported. The fact is that community spread was occurring as passengers boarded cruise ships around the world but nobody knew it at the time. Guests unknowingly brought it on board a cruise ship but they caught COVID-19 on land and introduced it to the ship - the ship didn't make the virus out of thin air. At that same moment community spread was occurring at hundreds of social gatherings from school to church to bars to neighborhood card games but there is no way to capture that and document it like there is on a cruise ship. The media can't report that which is undocumented yet we all now know was occurring. It's unproven theory even though it's accepted within the scientific community. Hard counts in documented reports from ship medical logs are facts that are easily picked up by the media. "Seventeen guests with flu like symptoms" is a hard fact that a journalist can write an entire story around. Banning churches and school would be a hard sell for any free society to accept so they quietly get included in stay at home policies. Calling out and banning a luxury vacation industry is an easier sell that makes it look like governments are doing something despite the fact that it doesn't really do anything at this point and those same stay at home policies already cover the cruise industry.

Royal has taken out about $4 billion through its available lines of credit to shore up liquidity and “cash on hand”. That’s for short-term / near-term use, so yes, they will be able to continue issuing refunds if they do more cancellations.

This is great news ? if its from cabin to cabin via AC only then im just going stay in the bar 24/7 from now on.... ???

Just to keep the positive momentum, what’s your favorite spot onboard any Oasis class ship? For me it’s the area on the boardwalk right across from the Doghouse. I like to grab a hotdog & a beer and just people watch. I could literally sit there for hours if my wife & kids didn’t make me leave!

A dyslexic man walks into a bra.....

@twangster I wish I could hug you, this post is absolutely spot on!!!

A pirate goes into a bar and the bartender says: "Long time since I've seen you , man, you look terrible". The pirate says: "I feel fine". The bartender says: "Well, you didn"t have that wooden leg last time I saw you". "Well, I got into a battle and a cannon ball hit me in the leg, but I'm ok" "Well you didn't have that hook on your arm either". The pirate says: "Got in a sword fight and lost my hand". The bartender says: "What about the eye patch?" The pirate replies: " Well a bunch of sea gulls flew over the boat and when i looked up one of them crapped right in my eye." The bartender says :" How did that make you lose your eye?" The pirate replies: "It was the first day with the hook".

I was just pricing out upgrades to my Christmas cruise on Grandeur, and it turns out if my June cruise is cancelled, I'll be able to make a fairly inexpensive jump to a balcony cabin on Grandeur in December. Heck, before final payment is due in September, maybe even the leap to JS would be reasonable. I suddenly feel much more calm about all of this, knowing that whenever I cruise, I'll be able to treat myself. My obsessiveness has been in high gear since I booked my first RC cruise back in January, and my anxiety has been in fairly high gear since all of this started back in early March.

Why is being in a magic act so tough on rabbits? Hare today...gone tomorrow.

1. Deck 17 2. Central Park 3. Boardwalk/Aqua Theater

I hope RCCL doesn't cancel another round...I've had two in a row cancelled...Oasis in April, 2019 because of a crane, and Adventure in April 2020...I dont know when I'll be able use my FCC, maybe on a b2b on Mariner in October/2020???

How is Christmas like a defective alphabet? No L

I find it ironic that a state that has reaped the benefits of the cruise industry to the greatest degree was so quick to refuse them. Florida primary economy is the travel industry and the cruise industry has consistently poured billions into the Florida economy over the past decades. Without federal intervention those ships might still be out there.

I have Coco Beach Club passes for one leg, DX/Refreshment for both legs, and a UDP for one leg for our May b2b on Navigator. I'm keeping all of it and if they cancel will take the 125%. Money is already spent, and I will just roll over to whatever cruise we take next. On the off chance it doesn't get cancelled, then we plan on cruising.

Trellis Bar in Central Park!

I did catch it for $57 for our November Odyssey sailing....not bad!

The air handling system on a ship is the least of your worries with regards to a viral outbreak.

And we are back with Day 3, which has put us in Labadee. Out of all the ports on our itinerary, I would say this was the one we were looking to the most. While we were excited for Cozumel (we had an ATV excursion planned), Haiti for some reason had us the most excited to visit (and it doesn't hurt the food and drinks are included). So like I previously mentioned, needed to get up rather earlier (not for any fitness classes) to grab breakfast and make our way off the ship for our early morning jet ski ride. We originally had this excursion booked a little later in the day, but last minute we decided to add a trip to amiga island (have to love that mindset of money really doesnt matter (as much) on vacation). So to make this second excursion work with our schedule, we needed to bump up our jet ski time. *We really wanted to do this adult sandbar party excursion thing where you take a boat out into the water where I guess it is around waist high and are able to hang out and have a good old time. I saw it for the longest time in the cruise planner, but it seemingly disappeared a few months before the cruise. After contacting Royal I guess they removed it as the tour operator decided to not offer that excursion. Guess we need to find another cruise to Haiti in the near futrure... So after getting up we partook in a new tradition established on this cruise... Rebecca staying in bed while I go and have break by myself ?. I know, so sad, right? But I sucked it up, stopped by park cafe and got a quick bite to eat and even brought a little something back for Rebecca because you know, chivalry is indeed not dead. Once we got off the ship it was pretty simple to find where we needed to go, sign-in, and meet our group (it is literally right off the ship when you get to the end of the pier). When we got close to our time, we headed into a room where our guide and instructor went through all the safety rules and other logistics. From there we got our life vests and headed out onto our jet ski's. In total there were about 12 people in our tour. We were assigned a number based on the experience (or lack thereof). 1 was if you had the most, 12 if you were a newbie. Rebecca, the speed demon, started at number 3 and half way through she was knocked up to number #1. Myself? I just will keep the number to myself (I definitely was not knocked down a number ?). Overall, the excursion was a little over an hour and we had a blast. It was interesting how they had it structured in that it was like follow the leader. Our guide would go first then we would all follow. So it wasn't like a free for all in one particular area. We were a little skeptical at first. But it ended up being perfect. We still got our need for speed and were able to jet ski around some pretty big swells. And you really couldn't beat zooming past the the Haitian coastline. Those mountains are pretty spectacular. After we finished our excursion we decided to checkout out the rest of the island. Overall Labadee lived up to our expectations and would have absolutely no problem coming back. For the rest of morning we just hung out at beach, ventured out to the floating bar for a beverage and then swam back in for lunch. After we ate, we needed to make our way back over to the dock to catch our ride to Amiga Island. The boat ride over to the island was about 20 minutes. Again was definitely very cool to get a different vantage point of the island, and to get a close up of the ship... Once we got to the island, Rebecca and I took walk around and then a dip in the water. The excursion in my opinion was defiantly worth it. There were probably only 15 of us on the island so it was a nice quiet getaway. For the rest of the time we were there we pretty much just relaxed and caught a few Zzzzz's. If you wanted, they had a little hut that was used as cash bar but the complimentary rum punch and view was more than enough for us. After the ride back, it was unfortunately time for us to have to get back on board. *The ride back though was pretty eventful in that there were some pretty big swells. No one ever thought we were in danger, but it wasn't your average smooth ride back. It was almost like a two for one excursion. One being the island the second being the rollercoaster (I mean boat rife back). As far as plans for the night, we only had dinner booked at Chops for around 8. No shows booked. That being said we did our traditional late afternoon solarium and jacuzzi session followed by a few runs on the slide. For sail away we did head to back of the ship to I think deck 5 for a little less crowded view (and maybe had a hot dog from the boardwalk). From there we ventured back to the room to get ready for dinner. After that, we did some walking around, probably spending more money on the hot-shot basketball and and football toss on the boardwalk. Rebecca (along with every 8-year-old kid) was also on the prowl to catch that piano guy in the elevators. At one point we spotted him, but to Rebecca's misfortune, he zipped right past our floor. We then headed up to Chops for dinner and as expected there were 0 complaints. I think we both got the crab cake appetizer, maybe salads...cant remember, filets with their various delectable sauces. And then for sides, if my memory serves me correctly, we did the creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and the mac n cheese, because you know...#health. For dessert, I know we got it, but gun to my head I couldn't tell you what. Maybe Rebecca got something chocolate and I got something apple? After dinner was over and considering we had no real plans we decided to head to the Globe and Atlas to see my man crush. Again, our server Rudy made for great conversation. We always seem to luck out and get a great server in all the pubs when we've been on our cruises and Rudy may be our favorite. Would literally run over from wherever he was to greet us with a hello and would constantly be checking in on us. But like with most people, we just like talking to him about life, his family, about us, etc. Eventually Rudy needed to tend to some of the guests (how dare he). It was fine, I could let Adam start to serenade me. As the night went on, we ended up meting and joining forces with a group of 2 couples who were traveling together. So after chatting up a storm, having a drink or two we all headed to Blaze. From there me and Rebecca broke off and once again I needed to go and see if 22 Black wanted to be friends. While we did say hello once early on in the night, he then started to ghost me. From the casino we may or may not have stopped for pizza (ok i did, not Rebecca) and then headed back to the room to call it a night in preparation for Jamaica in the morning.

I was waiting for my Jan 2021 Cruise Planner options to open, and they finally have. I am seeing the same $72 for the Deluxe Bev. and $34 for the Refreshment pkg. The 3 device Surf and Stream is also $53.97 which is a huge jump up from what I paid for the same 3 device S&S just in February. Interestingly, if you add 25% to the normal-ish $58 DBP price, you get $72.50. Maybe this makes up for the 125% Cruise Planner deal on cancelled cruises? #RoyalMathWillGoOn

The bridge wings (accessible through the solarium I think? or Deck 14) give you a great, unobstructed view. Also, if you want an aft view, there is a hidden spot just behind the aqua theater that is very quiet as well for sail away. Also I agree @tonyfsu21, if you are in a suite, then take advantage of the helipad sail away party (but very windy sometimes). Personally, we love sail away from our balcony.

If you have a suite then the sunset sail away party on the bow of the ship is unmatched. If not, I enjoy watching any sail away from my balcony with a cocktail in hand.

Same can be said for buses, taxis, airplanes, schools, churches, retail stores and homes. I'm confident you have a HEPA filter in your home to capture the virus and prevent it from circulating in your home in case a family member brings it home. Does a taxi? How about a bus, subway, train, or an airport? Does you local court house have HEPA filters? DMV and license plate office? How about City Hall? Do they use HEPA filters? Ask you grocery store if they use HEPA filters.

The difference being that Florida as the capital of all home ports realizes much greater benefits. Hotels, bars, restaurants that feed guests about to board a ship. Port Everglades on it's busier days boards nearly 26,000 cruise ships guests - that's one day. Port of Miami even more. Think of what all those guest drop into the local economy, paying state and local hotel taxes, eating in restaurants before boarding. Taxi, ride-share drivers and shuttle bus companies. How many shuttle buses coming and go all day long for each ship? Think of the supply chain filling hundreds of ships week after week. Truck drivers, food and booze suppliers, fuel distributors. Taxes on those supplies we love to consume each cruise are revenue directly to the state coffers. Port employees, security guards, terminal contractors. Thousands of cruise line employees across multiple brands that live in Florida and pay Florida taxes, contributing to the economies of local communities. All those companies that support cruise lines and allow them to sail week after week hire employees and they pay state and local taxes. Everyone knows how cruise ship visits to a port of call floats many island nation economies but that dwarfs in comparison to the contribution of the cruise line industry to the state of Florida and the economy of so many parts of Florida. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you...

Usually OBC offers for bookings gets lost when they cancel except in some special situations such as NextCruise credit or OBC that was applied due to a cancellation. Your situation may fall under this latter case and then you could move it to another booking. But remember at the point where they cancel this one, nearly everyone (excluding new bookings after the itinerary switch) still booked for this sailing will be in the same situation as you. So they may make a blanket special case for you guys.

It most certainly IS airborne. Otherwise, there would be no need for filtering N-95 respirators (commonly incorrectly called "masks").

Did you hear about the chameleon who couldn't change color? He had a reptile dysfunction.

9/11 saw exactly that. Fortunately Canada stepped in and allowed dozens of planes destined for the US to land otherwise they would have run out of fuel over the ocean and thousands would have died.

Same for Harmony Mar 21. Pretty crazy considering we paid $59 CAD for our Adventure cruise this past Dec. That's literally double!

I wish they would limit the amount of alcohol people can have one day. Nothing I cant stand more that obnoxious drunks on the pool deck

Your use of the word Aussie does not even make sense. Instead of being bored, maybe you should have put in more effort and learned the language properly.

??????

You didn't mention which ports you will be visiting. If it were me, I would use the Salon on board for cleanliness and convenience, it's right there on board. Off the ship you'll have to spend time finding a place and if it's grungy looking you'll have to start your search over. Congrats on your wedding!

Odyssey Nov. 2020 deluxe beverage package is 61 $USD which is actually a good price for a 4 night cruise. It's long been noted that cruise planner package pricing 12 - 24 months out is high. Simple response is don't buy it that far out. In the aftermath of the $18 drink package mistake any occurance of a high price 18 months away was incorrectly blamed on attempting to correct for the $18 mistake. It's no surprise to me that once again people are seeing high package prices 12 - 18 months away and now incorrectly claiming that COVID is to blame. If COVID was the reason then all cruises for the rest of 2020 would have high package prices - they don't. Wait until your cruise is 6 months away and start looking again.

I believe that is the reason those stairs were removed

No worries fella. Your post has literally nothing to do with the topic, but thanks for your input.

You can add me for Dec 19th on Anthem (fingers and toes crossed that cruises are back up and running!)

Looks like they were dressed up for formal night too..

Why must you knock before opening the refrigerator door ? Because you wouldn’t want to catch the salad, dressing. ba-dump-bump

The pricing on that cruise is even more insane right now than the pricing on the one coming up. Maybe if they give 125% FCC I would consider it (still the first leg, from NJ to the new destination port of Southampton), but that would be a really bitter pill to have to swallow if I not only couldn't take the cruise now, but would have to pay even more to go on it next year, most likely with a cabin downgrade. And to then have to wait the entire full year for the next cruise. I know that could end up being a reality for everyone if this virus isn't trampled ASAP, but I've been counting the days to this trip since I booked in January of last year; having to start a whole new countdown for yet another year will be the ultimate of First World Problems, I know, but this is what's been keeping me sane for the last 6 months between work and being confined to my house while waiting for that nasty foot wound to finally heal. The reason I was asking if it could be used on a sister line was that I was thinking that if this cruise ends up canceled that I might book the usual December / January Anthem sailing for 11 or 12 nights out of NJ, just to have SOME kind of alternative that's still close to two weeks long and would give me a good breather. But if I have to stick with Celebrity to get the FCC, the 2021 Iceland & Greenland sailing may end up being my fallback. But knowing this is the limitation, I might end up taking the cash refund so I can book that alternate cruise, depending on my sanity level at the time and what the situation is with Covid and current cruise pricing.

Me too! I enjoy a cigar on the pool deck. I do wish it was the good old days where we could smoke a cigar on the balcony! That was very enjoyable to me.

My sailing is 28 June 2020 and my final payment was due a few days ago. (Harmony) I also paid it in the hopes that the mitigation works and we get a good handle on this pandemic. If RCCL cancels I have instructed Sharla (MEI) I would take the 125% FCC and apply it to my Thanksgiving 2020 sailing (Odyssey) if that doesn't go then apply to my summer 2021 (Allure) or my newly booked Thanksgiving 2021 (Oasis) where I believe I found an amazing price for that sailing. I am staying away from the cruise planner for now as my prices there have just sky rocketed. I know in my heart that RCCL will only sail if it is safe for their passengers and crew, I expect a much more thorough screening before embarkation but if they don't sail I feel just as safe with Sharla advocating for me and my FCC. Be safe & good health to you all.

I agree that smoking is gross but it’s a free country & if people wanna smoke then go ahead & smoke! The casino I would imagine is always going to be filled because smoking & drinking go hand and hand with gambling.

Knock, Knock Who's there? On a street of 25 houses, you're the only one without a doorbell!

Did you know diarrhea is hereditary? It runs through your genes lol

August 28th, 2020 Mariner of the Seas

The term "floating petri dish" can kiss my big butt. I'm so tired of people judging cruising and the cruise industry. I'm pretty dang sure that 90% of these so-called health experts have never even been on a cruise, and if they did, it was probably the tugboat line.

There will always be people that live in extremes. It will take time before some people think sporting event, theatre performances, and even movies are safe and acceptable. The issue today is the threat of TOO many people being sick at once and there not being enough resources to manage it. When that time has clearly past, most reasonable people will slowly resume their normal lives. The extremists will judge and argue that people should not be doing what they do and the fools may start doing it all too soon ? We can’t always make everyone happy and as much as some say we’re in this together it doesn’t really feel like that’s 100% true... on my neighborhood Facebook group there people arguing about what’s acceptable while walking in the neighborhood or kids riding their bikes. They feel that since other people’s actions could impact their health that it gives them the right to tell others what’s acceptable and what’s not. Most people don’t react well to others telling them what to do or not to do. It’s divisiveness and it’s going to get worse before it gets better. My wife and I will be patient and probably wait longer to use the impending FCC than some others but when we do cruise next year we will enjoy ourselves and won’t be thinking too much about who may or may not like it. I just believe that life’s too short to waste time judging or being judged.

Wow, the above is the first post I’ve ever made that got all six possible reactions. RCLBlog achievement unlocked! ?

While the lifeblood of any zoo is its visitors, the best time I ever had in my 16 years as a zookeeper when we were closed down for 6 weeks. We always did things like this, and we also got so much done when we didn't have to worry about maintaining an opening/closing schedule. It was a magical time ?

You cannot. All dining pkg reservations must be made on board (except for that first one). The price you pay for getting a discount on your specialty dining is that you cannot make your reservations ahead of time. ...but don’t be concerned. Take care of making the reservations as soon as you board and you will get the locations and times you want.