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I don't know about you guys but the only time I feel packed in on a cruise ship is during the muster drill!!

Hello everyone. Throughout all of this very stressful, boring, frustrating, aggravating, (enter your words here!) time, the one place that I have been able to come to raise my spirits, keep my eye on the prize, and just plain have some fun is THIS website and message boards. Even in our frustrating moments with RCL, all of us here (save for the occasional troll), have remained a community. I love that! I have saved time and money and have learned so much from all of you and @Matt. Money saved? THOUSANDS! So, with that in mind, I have become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider. The amount I've paid to become an insider is small compared to what I have saved due to the knowledge I've gained from everyone here. My level won't stay the same, but I will continue to be an Insider as long as I cruise RCL. If I stray back to Disney, well, then I stray. So, if you're saving money and time because of this very website, please consider even a tish to become an insider.

The funny thing is I am quite optimistic about Nov and Dec sailings. I always believed anything under six months would not be feasible. We have cruised in the muck of flu season, ships didn't shut down. Even with a second wave as long as protocols are followed ships should be fine. I think, given the current attitude, by Aug the CDC will no longer be able to keep the ships away, nor will most ports. Filming and sports are coming in July, the CDC won't/shouldn't be able to legally extend such a ban without just cause. You cannot complain about the economy, nor can you praise it......unless all forms of entertainment, travel, and businesses are afforded the same opportunities.

Well, they do pay some taxes, just not the way people think they should pay. https://cruiseradio.net/fact-check-do-cruise-lines-pay-us-taxes/

...and guess who will swoop in and buy up the cruise lines ? CHINER ! They caused the plague in the first place and then they will be able to get the cruise lines for a song once they go down.

We have been to the beach twice within the last 2 weeks, staying overnight during the middle of the week as well as a Friday night. The first stay was in Clearwater Beach the second time St. Pete Beach. BOTH times the places were PACKED. People made attempts to social distance, employees wore masks and the out of State plates outnumbered the Florida ones. There were roving groups of people everywhere, the ocean water was 88 degrees and everyone was enjoying a dip. I was sitting there thinking if the cruise ships don't pack us in like sardines, maybe sail at 70% we could do it. Maybe a bit differently, but it can be done. The collective attitude was "I know what is best for me and my family" type deal. Everyone was smiling and just soaking up the vitamin D. Disney World here in Florida is opening in July. Universal is open now. I believe where we are in Florida they are opening the schools in August. The CDC guidance is sadly lacking, they should have been proactively on this coupled with transparency the entire time. I never sailed until 2016 and never understood the euphoric nature of being on the water, I fell in love and miss sailing a great deal. I believe if the CDC were really concerned about our health on the ships they would have facilitated guidelines well before now and implemented then. (Ever been on a winter sailing when everyone is coughing & sneezing the entire Holiday?) I wish I felt comfortable & secure with this agency, I don't. I am sure there is a lot going on "behind the curtain" I picture the CDC as the "WIZARD" in the land of OZ. That being said the goings on are most likely not what should be! END. RANT.

No announcement (yet) https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/06/17/royal-caribbean-has-not-decided-any-more-cancellations-following-norwegian-cruise-line

We own a TS in Playa Del Carmen and the Resort owns several properties, so there is an owners site where they do trip reports. Sort of like a blog without a lot of pic's, however there are plenty of pics they post on the site. I hope you enjoyed my RS Week 1 Trip Report. What the heck, I’ll do another report this week as long as you will add a reply to tell me someone is reading. SATURDAY: Still taking it easy in paradise. Woke up this morning to blue skies. The temp is definitely up a few degrees. There is a bit more humidity hanging in the air. YES! I like it. This is what Januaries are supposed to be like in Cancun. I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a great week! Today is moving day for those of us lucky enough to be staying another week but not lucky enough to have the same villa. Finished packing and called the bellhop station at 10am but was told that people had not yet checked out of my next villa. I called again at 10:30 and received better news: a bellman would be coming right up with a cart and my new keys. We were all pretty compact with our carry-on bags but lots of leftover groceries, beer, and liquor. Earlier this morning Amigo Glen (returning to MN today) added to the load by giving me a styrofoam chest full of his beer and liquor- almond flavored tequila, vodka, and Bacardi lemon flavored rum. We only had to travel 8 doors over, and now we have the straight-out-to-the-sea view that I really love. Check out the picture attached below and note this is the same L5336 that I own for Weeks 18 & 19 also. I had chased down Wilma (our maid for this week) yesterday and given her a tip. She was thrilled to see me and gave me a hug. When she saw us coming today she ran for our room and started cleaning like crazy. My guests headed to the beach and I made it to aqua aerobics just in time (11am on Saturdays); my 6th day in a row of perfect attendance. I hurried back up in time to shower and go to LaVeranda for lunch with my guests. The turkey soup was awesome; I also made several tacos out of the seasoned chicken. I picked up the tab as a going away celebration for my guests. Diane ran directly to the lobby for her T.More shared van to CUN at 1:20, and an hour later I waved goodbye to Christina and Avery. Then the bad news- my brother Randy FaceTimed from Fresno saying their flight was delayed and they would miss their connecting flight today in PHX. They were planning to take it anyway and spend the night in Phoenix, to fly out on an early flight Sunday from there to CUN. The good news: they will hopefully arrive in time for Sunday happy hour. I am here alone for the rest of the day so figured I’d sit and start this new blog. Then maybe a nap, until happy hour. Enjoyed some sunshine while sipping my Terry’s Mojito in the pool, but this time of year the sun dips behind the B building by 4pm so you have to catch it while you can. Yes, I’m taking a day off from tequila. These mojitos are pretty tasty also- Bacardi rum plus sparkling water and orange juice instead of the sugar syrup. Quietest day of the week at happy hour because so many people have left and others are yet to arrive. Left after two drinks and ordered room service for dinner by myself: roast chicken, rice, and cole slaw. Did some hand laundry in the bathroom sink while I was waiting for dinner to arrive; not enough dirty to bother making the trip to the laundry. Enjoyed a quiet meal while watching a movie on TV. Made a bunch of calls back home. Confirmed my brother did arrive in Phoenix for the night. Then called it a good day and turned in. SUNDAY: Woke up early enough to catch the sunrise; see my picture of it posted below. No aqua aerobics today so I dressed and headed to the gym. Lots of enthusiasts doing their exercise thing. The RS gym is always clean and fresh and their equipment is up to date. Best of all... it’s free. My workout felt good, particularly the stretching. I added in some stationary bike and stair climbing, then some of the equipment and a little light weight work. Not bad for a 72 year-old! Chris, who leads the aerobics guessed I am 56, but he may have been trying to be polite. Breakfast in the room: a couple of hard-boiled eggs with leftover guac and chicken, plus almond milk with my daily pile of vitamins and CBD oil. Then some reading of interesting magazine articles I had cut out over the last year to bring with me for reading here between novels. Texted and sent pictures to more friends back in the U.S. I got back a picture of snow on the ground in Utah. Twenty degrees, yikes! Took a nap, now it’s almost happy hour. What the heck, I went to the Welcome Party (as an observer only) at 2:00. I was surprised that some paella was still available so I placed an order for a late lunch as I continued swigging my gatorade+water jug to maintain hydration levels. The paella was disappointing, but that did not surprise me. It has been years since the paella here has impressed me with chunks of sausage and larger pieces of chicken. At least it had some small chunks of chicken and a few pieces of shellfish plus larger shrimp in addition to the tiny shrimp. The flavor was weak and there was enough rice to feed a family of six. It was not as bad as some past years when it was too salty and they sliced in tiny wieners instead of real chicken. The welcome party created huge amounts of noise but long lines persisted at the free (cheap) drink stands. No one got hurt as slippery water abounded on the deck after the balloon toss. At 3:00 sharp I arrived for happy hour at the far pool bar and climbed into the water. Water temp is a little cool though quite pleasant. David Vasquez, founder of this blog site, showed up seconds later and we introduced ourselves. I ordered two Terry’s Margaritas from Giovanni and I had a wonderful conversation with David. I headed to the Phase 2 pool bar in hopes of meeting an old friend (Miguel Manzaniero, a bartender who used to work at the RS), but he never made it. I heard he is bartending at a new resort and it’s tough for him to get a day off. Manuel mad me a Terry’s Margarita and I started a conversation with Bob from Chicago. He is here with family, who he claims are breaking the bank with endless orders of chicken fingers. He works in the financial industry (CBOT) and we had a very interesting conversation; we have a lot in common on investment strategies. Back to the room by 4:45 for a shower and fresh clothes because I am hoping my brother Randy and his wife Judy arrive today at about 5:00. At exactly that time they walked into the villa. Tired from yesterday’s long day due to flight delays, at least their hotel in Phoenix was nice and today everything went smoothly including a very quick transit through the CUN airport. They unpacked and we decided to have a simple meal in the room: chips, guac and salsa, with leftover chicken, rice, and cole slaw. He had some beers while I had a Kahlua in Almond Milk. Judy went to bed early. Randy suggested we watch the Packers-Seahawks play-off game. It was a good game between two good teams, though this was the first NFL game I have seen in many years. When Joe Montana retired in 1994 I lost interest in NFL football. Then in 2015 when I saw the Will Smith movie Concussion I began my active boycott of the NFL. I hate to think that my dollars are paying these marvelous athletes to cause injuries to themselves and others. The league is very rough. Watch the movie Concussion! I won’t be watching any more NFL. This was it for me. I had a long video-chat with my wife. She made comments about my growing facial hair; I haven’t shaved in the last week. Everything is good her way. I also chatted with my daughter Tracy who is looking forward to using my tickets for tomorrow night’s Charlotte at Portland NBA game. Asleep by 10:30. MONDAY: Slept until 8:00am. The sun is already partway up its morning climb, fighting to break through some cloud banks on the horizon. Overhead blue, blue skies. The winds are a little gentler today. It’s another gorgeous day! Six people lazing in the pool. A few blue towels on the pool lounges; not many. Some white flags blowing at lounges without the towels. I’m not sure if they are forgotten relics from yesterday or a new strategy for saving lounges without blue towels? I received flags when I was moved this week but have not yet thought to use them. I just take an available lounge whenever I want one; many seem to be available. Back home the temps are in the low 30’s F and snow is reaching further down the hillsides, though nothing yet for this year on Portland streets. I’m happy to be in Cancun. Lots of activities on my agenda for today. Reminds me of the famous line from the movie The Big Labowski- “The Dude abides.” I’ll work on that today most of all. Aqua aerobics at 10am was a huge success. Record turnout- about 76 people, but hard to count accurately with so many. Mostly seniors, plus some 40-something moms and the two always smiling (with white-white teeth) 30–something blondes in tiny bikinis. Hope you caught us on the webcam. I lingered in the pool afterward for awhile, enjoying the sunshine. Showered and changed in my room, then strolled next door to Soriana with Randy and Judy. They wanted to stock some snacks and a bit of wine. My favorite granola was sold out; I’ll have to bring my own next time and give up something else in my luggage to make room for it. Back in the room I enjoyed some light snacks while saving lots of room for today’s taco party. At 1:00 Mondays every week I pause for meditation and attunement. Some friends join with me wherever we each might be in the world. If you have read my book Sunseed’s Quest I devoted a chapter to this practice. Lots of reasons. In addition to cultivating an atmosphere of calm for myself, I feel that this calmness can reach out and touch many others through our energetic connections. Perhaps the entire world can be moved in this simple way one step closer to an experience of worldwide peace and kindness as we each play our part. I like to ask, “What would happen if everyone on the planet expressed kindness simultaneously?” I think it could unleash a transformative wave of energy that changes everything. 2:00- taco party. Same yummy little tacos. My bother agrees. 3:00- happy hour in the big pool with Patricio. Met new friends from MN; some of them are married now but have been coming here since they were tiny children. Their grandfather came first to Cancun in the early days, now two more generations are carrying on the tradition. We ordered a round of seven Terry’s Margaritas and had a wonderful time. Randy and I of course had several more. By the way, you should only order a Terry’s special from Manuel, Patricio, or Pedro. Giovanni is alright also. Randy ordered a couple for us from one of the younger bartenders while I wasn’t looking and it was horrible! We sent them back. The big pool was loaded but it will thin out this week as usual. Different ones told me of their plans to adventure out to Isla Mujeres and other points over the next few days. After cleanup, I headed across the street, with Randy & Judy in tow, to take the bus down to the Blue Gecko. I have never before seen it so busy. All the stools occupied and a line out the door. Well they don’t really have a door. More accurate to say the line formed in the parking lot. Once seated it took time to snag one of the running-like-crazy waiters to put in our orders, and it took even longer for the food to be delivered. They were all working as hard as they could, including the owner. We didn’t mind. We were having a fabulous time chatting with the folks around us, including the sales manager from the Royal Islander. I found him to be quite candid and full of information. We received our guacamole and chips and dove in; Judy claimed this to be the best guac she had ever tasted. Randy sipped his beer, Judy savored a martini, and I had a Coke Light. The rock and roll music through their sound system was thankfully turned down a bit more than usual since the crowd noise was pretty pervasive. The tacos finally arrived and they were all awesome. Randy had the beef brisket, Judy had the vegetarian (deep fried avocado), and I tried the Bang Bang Shrimp. We gave up our seats eventually as others still waiting in line eagerly took them. Crossed the street and hopped the next red bus toward the RS. We stopped for one drink and popcorn in the Sidelines Bar. Gerardo, our longtime favorite waiter greeted us with hugs. A smallish crowd was watching the NCAA Football championship game. I heard the place had been packed and was thoroughly raucous the previous night for the NFL game. Back in our room we played a game of cards and sipped another small glass of Xtabentune, then said our goodnights. I called home of course, then fired up my iPad to check the final score of the Portland Trailblazers game (knowing my daughters were sitting in my seats). It was close, but we won. Big day in paradise! Closed my eyes but It took me some time to settle... and eventually to sleep. TUESDAY: Up at 7:30. The sun is working to break through clouds on the horizon. The weather app predicts possibility of rain this morning, but it is often wrong. I updated this report to add yesterday’s activities, then Randy and I are headed to the beach for a long walk. I hope you enjoy your day. Peace! We walked down the beach past the 18-story Secrets, the Hard Rock, and the JW to the Marriott. Turned around and headed back. Water temp in the sea is exquisite. participated in aqua aerobics, again. I still have perfect attendance. The turnout was huge again today. Not quite the size of yesterday, but at least 60 people. The always-smiling blondes were among the missing. I wasn’t really looking for them. Well, maybe. After changing clothes I hustled to LaVeranda for a late breakfast buffet. Ate so much yummy food it served as both breakfast and lunch. A super value. While I hear many people lamenting that the quality of the food at LaVeranda has gone downhill over the years, at least for the breakfast and lunch buffets I disagree. The variety, quality, taste, presentation, and attention to detail are top notch in my opinion. Also the $14 price is a great value. The hard working waiters are well-trained veterans who genuinely care about our dining experience. The entire restaurant is clean and their food safety standards are excellent. I thanked Willie, the manager of all the RS waiters, for his good work and gave him one of my Terry’s Tunes music CDs. He has been collecting them for years and reminded me that his stack at home is growing. I lazed away the early afternoon as usual: cards, FaceTime, catching up on the news, and a nap. As I headed out the door for happy hour a tropical downpour began. I could see everyone around the pool running for cover. I chuckled, thinking to myself that it would probably end by the time I arrived at pool number one. In fact it did end just as I arrived. I eased into the waters and ordered a couple of Terry’s Margaritas from Patricio, while I turned to face the sun soon enough shining once again through the clouds above the B Building. I bought Terry’s Margaritas for several others I met this afternoon. Haven't found anyone yet who doesn’t like my TMs. Heard from one woman who is moving tomorrow to the Moon Palace that Dead and Company with John Mayer will be playing Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at a beach venue on the Moon Palace grounds. Don’t know how I missed knowing about this! My research indicates all of the shows are sold out and tickets were only available as part of a package for those willing to stay at the MP, according to playinginthesand.com. If anyone knows otherwise please let me know. Enjoyed leftovers for dinner again at my room. Fell asleep watching the Democratic Candidates Debate. Then woke up and turned it off. The once huge field is down to 4-5 contenders it seems. Quickly FaceTimed to my wife and quickly went to sleep for the night. WEDNESDAY: Up at 7:30 again. Dark clouds on the horizon again, but hopeful it will clear. Happy to be in Cancun, again. Got sucked into watching dramatics in the Capitol (D.C.) on CNN several times today. Made it to aqua aerobics. Ate lunch buffet with Randy and Judy at LaVeranda. We all enjoyed it very much, even though sometimes you choose something which ends up not tasting as you expected it to be. Judy had a mini-corn dog but the coating dough was sweet like a donut. I savored my custom made chicken fajitas and again the chicken soup was wonderful. Took a bit of a nap back in the room afterward. Happy hour again at you know where. Leftovers again for dinner. Not much in the way of details here in my report. Sorry. As I am writing this on Thursday, while trying to recall details of 24 hours ago, everything seems a big blurr. Too many margaritas? There may have been some shots, even though I told you I don’t do shots anymore. Randy went to bed early. I went to bed and watched Jason Bourne #2 & 3 again, for the umpteenth time. Called Kathryn and then went to sleep. THURSDAY: Woke at 8:00, refreshed. Long walk with Randy up the beach to the resort beyond Live Aqua, then back again. Started some breakfast prep, then to aqua aerobics. Cloudy and a bit windy. Good turn-out—about 60 participants again. Returned to the room, showered, and finished cooking. Great breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and fruit, while chatting and watching the waves. Love this villa, which allows a view straight out to sea from the living and dining areas. By late morning the clouds have cleared and it is a glorious day. As a team we finished a challenging crossword puzzle. Randy and Judy brought a bunch of them from home. FaceTimed with family back home and emailed some pictures. Then turned to catching up my writing on this report, with CNN in the background. Promise to be better at keeping up over the last remaining days of this week. Meanwhile, I have to get ready for happy hour. Lots of familiar faces in pool #1 at 3pm. Met Amy and David from Chicago; they loved my Terry’s Margarita. She had been drinking a cranberry margarita and switched to the TM. Such wonderful sunshine and blue-blue skies. I’m still wearing my SPF shirt, trunks, and hat for skin protection, but it felt so wonderful soaking up sunshine as much as possible. It’s raining cats and dogs back in No.Cal and snow flurries in Portland. I know that I am a lucky man to be here. Had been thinking about hot wings for hours (but couldn’t have them in the pool), so ordered some up through room service along with french fries and cole slaw. They always say it will take about 45 minutes. Today it only took about 20 minutes for delivery to our room. Randy and I had a feast, though I couldn’t eat the last two wings. All of a sudden it was 8:00pm and we were all ready for bed. Said my goodnights. Called Kathryn. Asleep.... until midnight. Woke up at midnight with a Beatles concert in my head: She’s got a ticket to ride, She’s got a ticket to ri-hi-hide, She’s got a ticket to ride, But she don’t care. Beep, beep, beep, beep, Yah. I couldn’t remember what album it was from and it was driving me crazy, so I woke up, got out of bed, went to the patio and watched John Lennon and friends play it for me through the magic of the internet and YouTube. Help!, that was the album. And the beep, beep, beep, beep part? That was from a different song: Baby You Can Drive My Car. Don’t blame me for mixing it up. I was only sleeping. Did some hydrating. Peacefully listened to the waves serenade me; they don’t seem to care that it is the middle of the night. The palm trees, continuing their rhythmic dance, didn’t care one bit either. The coolness of the air with its hint of tropical humidity was gently caressing my skin. Looked upward to look for stars, but could only see a few, so I closed my eyes and imagined the countless billions above and beyond... Eventually the moon rose above the seemingly ever present cloud layer on the horizon. I watched her climb the night sky for an hour or so. 2AM; I’m still not sleepy, but it’s time to try again for sleep. Good night, Moon. Good night stars. FRIDAY: Woke up at 7:30, just in time to see the sun begin his daily climb through the cloud bank on the horizon. The winds are really rocking the palm trees today. A couple of folks are lazing in the pool. The pirates (AKA Scott and Julia) are at their table and probably have been there for an hour. Not much else happening yet. Think I’ll take it easy for the next couple of hours. Maybe a couple of hard boiled eggs for breakfast. Almost 60 people at aqua aerobics again today. The wind is really strong, but blue skies are overhead with only a smattering of white clouds. I stayed after class in the pool, relaxing in the sunshine. As I departed I noticed that the wind had taken my blue towel. Ouch. Hope I can talk my way out of a charge. Switched into a dry shirt in the room and then went looking for my roommates on the beach. Found them, and just after noon I ordered some of the Friday grilled chicken and a virgin mary drink. The chicken was REALLY tasty, even better than last week. I ate it all. Then just quietly enjoyed watching the waves. The wind has died down a bit but the waves are even stronger today. Not many people venturing into the sea. The only annoying thing was that the beach vendors are coming right up to every row of the palappas and aggressively working to engage all of us who are trying to relax. Back in the room I chatted with my wife in No.Cal for a long time. They had a big day yesterday working hard to clear out the garage of our son’s old house so escrow could close today. In pouring rain he made several trips to a new storage unit (hopefully short term only) with things he didn’t want to bring to the new house yet had no time to sort through. Sigh! That was a big job and I wasn’t there to help. Feeling a bit guilty. I’ll feel better after a margarita. Don’t feel up to packing for tomorrow’s move yet. It’s only a half hour until happy hour. Happy hour was fun. Many people leaving tomorrow didn’t want their week to end and a lot of them were still in the pool when I left. Had leftovers for dinner. Started packing. I’m here one more week. Moving to the P Building in the morning. I’m taking the day off from writing tomorrow. Maybe I’ll take off the whole of next week. It’s been great spending the last two weeks with you. Thanks for your replies. I’ll be back for Weeks 17, 18, and 19- Cinco de Mayo! Until then keep your count down going for your next visit. Adios. Attached is a picture from this week’s deck and a picture of my new t-shirt that reminds me to “Take It Easy.”

Here's my rant. How are theme parks and casinos different than a cruise ship? Visitors are coming in from across the country via cars or airlines. Same as cruise ships. They have hotel accommodations, just like cruise ships. Wynn Resorts have announced that their buffets will re open in the next week or so at their casinos. IMPO, I would not go to a Theme park, regardless of a mask or not. We always stay on site at Disney, and in their higher end hotels (Yacht and Beach, Plantation, lowest end was the military Shades of Green) No way, shape or form would I say that their hotel accommodations are kept to the level of an RCL ship. Night time they are vacuuming and wiping down like a ship, but on a ship it is 24/7 that you always see them even prior to Covid, on the staircases wiping the hand rails through out the day. They are in your room cleaning it at least 2x a day. Hotel maids come in, clean your room in the a.m. and call it a day. I have stayed at hotels like the Williard in DC, and there is no turn down service for just the "avg" customer. RCL could go back out and do just a private island cruise to Coco Cay or Labadee. They could have full control. Compare that to Vegas. I book a room at the Venetian, but they are not going to lock me into the hotel. That means, if I decide to go to the M & M store they won't stop me. How is it that there is less likelihood of me getting the virus than getting off the ship in OSJ ? Where is the CDC stopping these hospitality industries? Don't even get me started on beaches being opened in NJ. Last I checked social distancing is not occurring. Anyone from NJ knows on any given day you will see a ton of NY and PA license plates. I truly feel that they have it in for the cruising industry. They industry shows they are in compliance, and their response is: OH Wait, we forgot to tell you that you must also do this too. It is as if they keep moving the goal post, or at least throw a technical flag on the field. Part of me wonders is if this is the one travel/hospitality industry they can control since they are not US companies like the others. They are not about to fight the governors for places like Vegas, NYC New Orleans or Miami that are demanding and needing those tax dollars from the hospitality industry. I think cruise lines need to stomp real hard on the governors of their ports and force them to fight their cause of re-starting sailing from a tax revenue aspect. OBTW I have no bone in this fight bc the only cruise now on my books is May 21. Just ranting bc I feel the pain on both sides. Passengers with sailings are ticked. RCL is trying to get back to sea, but the CDC is stopping them, yet, passengers don't see how the CDC are messing with their ability to do so. RCL than doesn't cancel because they need to see if they cleared the newest jump set by the CDC. Cruisers are ticked since the 90 day marker is there and they feel that RCL should have known.

The people are learning that safety can't be micromanaged by central bureaucracies. The CDC will never learn because they think they are too important. They need to continue moving goal posts in order to justify what they do. Any complaints to the US government will fall on deaf ears. Any appeals to using common sense and individuals taking responsibility for their own decisions will fall on deaf ears. Letters to elected legislators has fallen on deaf ears in my case. It is completely futile to expect control freaks to give up and let people live their lives. It could be a lot worse, but it is getting worse every day.

Finally ... a published article with some truth!

Love all those suggestions, and the one from @rjac too. All very appropriate. NOPE is my standard answer on forms when they make a field mandatory and I don't want to answer it ?

Joe, How about "Notice Of Potential Embarrassment". After all, Ashley's location is FloriDUH........

Never thought of that! Being scottish i just looked at the price lol Im pretty sure ABTA/ATOL is not for US Market however MEI cannot be faulted for the work they did, every sale in US i received an email informing me whether i could save money or not.

Because they are finally in charge of something. It's bureaucratic crap. This is the only time they are relevant and "important" and they are making the best of it. When else does anyone pay attention to them? It sounds like you are in a sarcastic and smart axx mood today. Maybe you should take a cruise and distress....oh wait...nevermind.

I have never paid my cruise in full prior to final payment date BUT I have, in the past, paid monthly "installments" so that my final payment was minimal at the end. Not any more. I am not laying out a single dime more than I have to up front now. That is going to really pinch when I have to pay for all those Star Class bookings next year in total, but that's just the way it's going to have to be. I don't want ANY more FCC's. There are too many restrictions. Cash refunds only for us from now on until all of this blows over.

Really, what is their function but to answer questions? The people who answer the phones are there to answer questions, that is their job, they are not policy makers. They are there to disseminate information to the public.

Checkin opened for my Sept Indy cruise yesterday ... we were all fighting to be first to get checked in ... felt great. Mid afternoon, NCL cancels through end of Sept and now im just waiting for Royal to follow. Hell i would sail today if they were allowed to go ... lets go already.

I may be making them again tonight for this very reason. Woke up to a fridge that had stopped working, and this afternoon my shorts got caught on a kitchen cabinet door handle...ripping it right off the hinges. ?? On the bright side, yesterday I got a $2000 price drop on our January cruise. Bring on the drink package!

I just called CDC 1-800-232-4636, they have NO idea what is going on. 1st went medical line, they have nothing to do with policy only health care answers. Nothing re: cruise lines,They sent me to the media line, all that did was tell me what I already know. July 24. They were not any help at all, would not transfer me to another supervisor, ẅe are very busy, click! Getting my wife and daughters and friends to call and just ask if they have any more answers.

At what point do we passengers grab our torches and pitchforks? I’m about ready to start making some noise. ? If you can sit in a movie theater on land, you should be able to sit in a theater on a ship. If you can sit in a restaurant on land, you should be able to sit in a restaurant on a ship. If you can fly on an airplane that can have upwards of 1,000 passengers in a day, all smooshed together breathing recirculated air, why not a cruise ship? So if we all did start being squeaky wheels, WHO do we complain too? Senators/Representatives/Governors of port states? Inundate the CDC phone lines and social media? I think it’s time they hear from US!

...or for being particularly annoying...whichever is applicable. ????

I never pay my balance until 90 days out. Why give them your money any earlier than you have to?

Just read Matt’s latest blogs and it’s so unfortunate (My opinion) that the CDC is making the call on when it’s safe to cruise unlike all these other travel / vacation industries. I’m afraid it’s going to be a really long time before the CDC says it’s safe. I was at a beach resort in Florida for Memorial Day week with a large group and we are fine. There was some capacity reduction indoor of restaurants and masks were worn in retail stores. Outside bars and restaurants ran at regular levels. Other than indoor stuff everything was basically normal especially the pools and beach. it was in Walton county on the pan handle and there has been no change in the local numbers. It’s just too bad that cruising has been targeted here. It would be interesting if it was the call of the originating port governor.....

Grab your torches and pitchforks! https://www.marketwatch.com/story/norwegian-cruise-investors-can-blame-the-cdc-for-extended-cruise-suspensions-analyst-says-2020-06-17

Radiance was slated for a "multi-million dollar" dry dock. They never did say what that meant. They could easily spend millions doing routine marine maintenance if they had to completely replace a generator or motor. Since they never qualified how much would go into guest areas we could only speculate. I think she has to get her periodic marine maintenance dry dock done. Without that they could lose their certificate to operate the vessel. So that much will get done IMO. That's all we know.

Something I've always preached - keep detailed notes regarding FCC. Always request copies of invoices, at time of original booking, with every change and after any FCC is applied, ask for another invoice. Even my TA has grown confused when I had several FCC in play. Without detailed notes it's easy to lose track of them especially when something else changes down the road.

I've followed the same approach. My remaining concern is that I have some in the "uncertainty" zone currently that might be Lifted and Shifted or rebooked if cruising doesn't resume on time ... and I really lament losing a good deal ?

My only concern with waiting until cruising begins again is that I fear prices on things like dining and drinks packages will shoot up once cruising resumes. There have been some incredibly good deals on drinks packages recently so I went ahead and bought when they were low. I fear they will jump once cruising starts again.

Depending on whether there was company in the house at the moment, that might have been the better of the two possible outcomes for something being torn off! My wife just got a cocktail shaker with jigger. Told her that just means that I now have to go out and buy some sour mix, anejo tequila, and the other ingredients to make a Mango Melon 'Rita like in Boleros!

Only times I have ever felt crushed in were the muster drills, pirate night (on the Disney Wonder), and the champagne waterfall (on Princess ships....mostly busy due to free champagne to all). Overall, I feel much more packed in when going to movies, shopping, on a plane, etc....

I live a debt free life, pay everything on my credit card, then pay off the balance every month. I want all the points. I hate owing anyone and haven't had any debt since 2012 when I paid off my student loans. Chase Reserve is letting you use some of your normally travel only points as a statement credit. Since I knew I wasn't traveling soon I used half this month. Have CP refunds coming in the next 30-45 days. I used to think paying up front meant less stress in the long run.....thanks Covid for changing that. RCCI is in a hard place, they have some legality issues with refunds, which is why cancelling is the last thing they ever want. Refunds must be staggered because if this and with no income coming in, it is just rough. Even the deposits on cruises are an immense help to the bottom line. i believe that paying in full just puts them over. In truth I would guess that those who pay in full allow RCCI to amp and expand on a faster basis.

If they cancel my Sept cruise I will be hoping to cruise on my Nov cruise. They have already canceled my April and June cruises. One more cancel and I am not booking anything till the ships sail again! All this keeping track of payments and FCC is wearing thin.

I think the issue might be very simple : If you ask CDC as an health organization they will tell you that the best way to fight the C19 (or any other virus) is to close everything , everyone will stay at home and the army will bring the food and water. few weeks/month like that and everything will be OK. On the other hand you have the local business and others organization that are pushing to open everything so the economy can recover. Theme parks = lots of local jobs and taxes at the parks/hotels/restaurants/laundries and many other business. They have someone to shout and push on their behalf. The cruise industry dose not have this , they do not pay taxes in the US and the number of local jobs they provide are limited. That is why the CDC allowing other things to be open while keep the cruise shut, Its not because they hate cruising they just could not keep all the other things close ...

EVERYTHING ISN'T A CONSPIRACY, PEOPLE

Seems to be one of those inconsistent polices that RCCL is famous for.

Ahhh...thanks. I knew what a patreon was but didn't put 2 and 2 together. I'll go check it out

It's about more than just when we will sail again. If the CDC continues to be like this they can successfully mortally wound if not kill the cruising industry. Let's just say that they stop cruising for an entire year, which is possible, then a good few of the cruise line will go belly up, Virgin probably being one of the first. If that happens it will effect many other travel industries and the economies of other countries that depend on the tourism. Many of us are tired of being told what to do by a group of people who don't seem to completely know what is going on as they keep changing their statements and their numbers always seem to just not add up completely. The CDC thrives on panic and confusion and (IMO) they are enjoying this sudden rush of power.

We also pay the cruise off early (save for around $50), pay the CC bill in full (every month)and take the rewards and apply to Cruise Planner purchases. However, there is no way I will continue this, at least not for a couple of years. To me, the reasons why there is such a lag between cancellations and refunds is two-fold 1) RCL laid off too many people, and 2) they've been banking on money that they didn't have, working that "Royal Math" to its fullest (rob Peter to pay Paul), and that concerns me. So much so that they will not be banking on my money until 90 days out from here on out. I will still watch the Cruise Planner, but also will not be purchasing, with one exception. There is a remote fly fishing excursion in Alaska via seaplane that sells out. When that hits the CP, I WILL be buying that one. Otherwise, Thanksgiving CP and 90 days out will be when RC will get our money. Warning! Obvious statement incoming: if you don't pay off your CC balance in full every month, those rewards will COST you. Only do this if you can pay off that CC in full. Don't carry a balance on a rewards card. Not even the RC Visa.

I sure hope Royal Caribbean doesn’t follow suit with NCL. It would be nice if RC would take the reins and be the first to cruise again. I took my May 17th cruise and moved it to August! I REALLY want to go!!

Mike after booking my cruise ( which should have been in 11 days time ??) with MEI i compared every sale in US / UK to see what was best and posted on a thread i created here. For my booking ( Balcony Cabin ) every sale from time of booking ( as soon as it was available) it was less expensive to book in US, HOWEVER if i had booked an interior or Oceanview stateroom, then once and only once would it have been better to book on UK site, this was when drinks package was included in price FOC. The cost for cabin on both sites was about the same however as UK site had thrown in Drinks Package the savings amounted to about £700 for a couple.

Not sure how any of these lines will survive if we go 10 months without sailing. I know they have loans and what not but they have got to be scared. I heard books for 2021 are up past their normal numbers but still can't help but think some major things may happen for them to survive. Wonder whatever happened to politicians supporting the cruiseliners...now would be a good time for someone to start telling the CDC to back off Cant believe I can book a Disney trip eat outside go to a movie theater get my hair done and fly on a plane but cruising is still the end all be all enemy.

If you don't want to L&S, I think your best bet is to just wait it out. That's the only way you'll have the full refund option -- if Royal cancels.

Heck I'd be happy if the Gov of Florida would let me into the state without a 14 quarantine at this point! Talk about dragging your feet.

I am frustrated by the lack of, how do I say this...junk holding a lot of agencies and people in power are doing. I totally agree that if you let something like Disney or Vegas open, cruise lines should be considered. But let's be real, there are news, well think-pieces, everyday about how those states who opened up early and/or disregarding the CDC/WHO recommendations are fairing. I can speak only for Chicago but a whole chunk are ignoring the guidelines. We are at phase 3: outside dining, no more than 10 people gathering. Yet when I go for my walks I see full inside dining at small restaurants. My mother attended a funeral that had more than 50 people inside, while allowing 10 people at a time to view the body. People are choosing what they want, a cruise line doesn't have the luxury of that. It is weird that states only have to post the CDC guidelines while cruise lines must obey them...I think it is both an optics issue and a flex of power. Even if the "floating petri dish around the world" hadn't happen, I am sure cruise lines would still be suffering as this is the only thing the CDC has control of.

After the Anthem Grand Suite sting last year I opened another Ally savings account with the nickname "cruise fund." I get paid twice a month, on or about those days I transfer money from my checking account to it. So, earn a little interest and it's like monthly payments - all automated. For a little bonus, Ally has these "no penalty" 11-month CDs that I put my emergency fund into. Since my emergency fund doesn't need the interest, it gets deposited into the cruise fund account too. (I swear I don't work for Ally LOL).

My TA confirmed with Royal that the vacation protection plan fees will be refunded because Royal cancelled on us. Still waiting for those refunds from the March, May and July cancellations...?

So.....does his mean you and Matt have something, "special", going on? Do tell........

Warning: This is mostly rant. I want to say that I'm not upset at RCCL. It isn't their or any of the cruise lines fault as to how they are being treated. They are doing their best to roll with the punches. The media was all too happy to make them look like "floating petri dishes" as if they are the ones that brought this mess over to the US in the first place. HOWEVER, the CDC is starting wear on my patience. They don't have power over much of anything except the cruise industry. They are saying one thing one day and something different the next about this virus. I'm not trying to downplay the virus, I have seen the numbers. But I also know that this is something that will be a part of us from now on. We are going to have to start learning how to live with it in our world as we did the flu in the early 1900s. I understand that getting things ready to go isn't easy, but how is it that everything else seems to be on a one way track to normalcy and the cruise lines are being told to just "hurry up and wait"? Most, if not all, of the cruise companies are trying their best to do what the CDC wants and yet they are still told that they must continue to lose money on a daily basis and the rest of us are stuck at home. If they cancel to many more cruises a few of these companies may never recover. There are small businesses in my area closing for good due to all of this. I'm usually a pretty perky and optimistic person, but all this is starting to get to me. It ticks me off when people try give others the run around.

Yes, MEI has a special arrangement with <whomever it happens to be !!> to be able to book for non-US clients. The only stipulation is that you must pay in US $$. Michelle Cunningham [email protected]