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Practicing my new hobby. Paddle boarding. 2x this weekend.

I have nothing to say, cruise related. Just wanted to say cheers, and hope everyone is having a great weekend. I'm spending the week at the beach with the wife and kiddos...NO WORK. It's not a cruise...but things could be worse..... I hope everyone takes a moment, in the near future, to reflect on this time, and hopefully come away from it with a better perspective. Easy for me to say, I know, but all the same....hope we can all approach this crazy time with some positivity and optimism.

Should have been on FOTS today for my wifes 50th birthday Since we couldn't go on the cruise decided to take part of the cruise to us ? ??? My wifes favourite wine from our previous cruise, Not the easiest of wines to find during a pandemic ?

Capri, the Blue Grotto....if it is low tide. High tide the boat can't enter the grotto. Be sure to tell the boat captain/driver what your plan is (secretly of course) and he will serenade you. Italians can be VERY romantic.

Last cruise I learned an interesting fact...I enjoy Pina Colada's. I am also becoming quite creative. Here is my Pina Colada with a Strawberry Daiquiri "swirl" it was delish! We are planning a little beach getaway end of July / beginning of August ourselves, cannot wait. Anyway - Cheer to you too!

If you are thinking about doing it on the ship, and I can not stress this enough, GET THE CRUISE DIRECTOR INVOLVED! They live for this kind of thing and are really good at it. I proposed to my wide on Enchantment of the Seas nearly 20 years ago now. The director managed to lure her on stage between acts in the main theater on formal night after finding her SeaPass card that she had "misplaced." While doing a really funny bit with her about why it's important to never lose it, blah blah blah, the Assistant Cruise Director had met me at the back of theater, rushed me through backstage and had me appear on stage to propose. She had NO IDEA it was happening, and we got copies of the whole thing on tape from the ship's videographers. This was the plan we arrived at, but he had a number of ideas and possibilities: everything from quiet and romantic to a huge public declaration.

Only have the weekend off but we spent this afternoon on our local beach and then went out for dinner afterwards. Note that the pic of the beach is from last month on our first outing after lockdown was eased but it's the same beach. ? It feels good to be able to do some (almost) normal stuff.

Insurance is the only thing I can think of that people buy and never hope to use.

I cannot speak for the ports of call, but Central Park can be romantic at night, small crowd so not overly embarrassing, and there *should* be a ships photographer there that you can alert to your idea a few ahead of time; a small $20 dollar tip will go a long, long way here. My wife personally wouldn't have wanted a big spectacle, so what I did (which can easily be applied to a ship) was propose in the hotel room in Las Vegas. I went to a local florist and asked to buy rose pedals (most will have tons they sell as they are destined for the trash anyway), a ton of mini led lights, and a precious moments figure to hold the ring (I flew with this stuff from NY to LAS - my anxiety!). It was a bit more challenging to set everything up in Las Vegas, not easy to sneak back to the room ... so, while she was in the shower, I quickly set everything up so that she would exit it to it. It was rose pedals leading to the table which held the figure with ring inside a heart shape from the mini lights ... as well as mini lights leading to the table with more rose pedals. She loved it! On a ship it wouldn't be hard to run back to the room and set stuff up. If you have a balcony or higher, you can have rose pedals or something lead out to the balcony where there is a bottle of bubbly waiting (might need room stewards help with this) and something like led lights around it... (rose pedals outside might blow away). I don't want to hijack your thread with my story, but if you would like me to share the photos for an idea for yourself, I'll be happy to add them. Welcome to the forums, congratulations, good luck & most importantly, share your story!

The only problem with applying the ban to all of the U.S is that includes regions or states that are doing quite well, as good or better than the EU. The U.S. is pretty sizable both in population and land size. The EU is made up of a number of small countries that are easier to apply labels to and definitions. I get it, it's easier to create definitions based on a passport compared to driver's license but if we stop for a moment and try to reimagine changes to better determine how to move into reopening we must think beyond traditional measures. This applies to domestic policy within the U.S. as well. I get it, it's easier to label people from their state of residence rather than their county but in so doing we prevent areas that are less impacted from reaping economic gains. Expecting government to be dynamic and agile is an act of futility but that is exactly what we need to minimize the economic impact and hardship caused by the pandemic. It's a shame that it's governments that are causing as much or more pain than the virus itself. We need to find a way to allow commerce when there is less potential impact from spread regardless of the state or country or continent or hemisphere. The virus doesn't know borders and neither can our response.

Well I honestly believe that you cannot go wrong with either depending on your preference. Capri is beautiful, there is a boat tour that takes you to this grotto that is absolutely gorgeous. With Rome you have so many great ancient artifacts to choose from: Sistine Chapel, Trevi fountain etc. Even some of the basic statues along the palazzo will work. Haven't had the pleasure of sailing Harmony but if you want to do it there, I am sure the crew can help sort things out.

Because I am worried Royal won't go for an outdoor bungee jumping area next to an open air beer garden. ?

This is how I feel about hubby’s service. He tells me it was clear early on that he was not cut out for the military and, due no doubt to a little too much partying on his off days in Sicily, he received a General Discharge under Honorable Conditions. But he DID SERVE and I am proud of him for it.

Hagar, It doesn't matter that you were an E-4. What's important is that you stood up, pledged the oath and served honorably. Which is A LOT more than many young Americans did nor have done......even now. Thanks for your service to our Country from one Vet to another. By the way, what type of missiles?

First cruise in 2002 was us and the two kids in an oceanview cabin on Empress. Our reintroduction to cruising in 2018 was in a GS on Majesty. Earlier this year we did a quick 4 day with our grandson on Mariner & said yeah a balcony stateroom will be fine. Well NO! Both hubby & I said never again. We are already suite snobs. Happens fast ?

The best Galveston run down I've seen so far.

Guinness is almost a diet beer given it's relatively low calorie count. At least that's how I justify it.

I cruised on Independence over Christmas one time and it was a very good experience. There will be more kids but for the most part they were well behaved on my cruise. Some families have made it a tradition year after year and some kids from different families knew each other from past Christmas cruises together. The best thing about a Christmas cruise is that everyone is happy! It's a magical time but they tend to be more expensive because traditionally demand has been strong for Christmas cruises. It's strong because people like it.

Coastal Kitchen is definitely something to explore since you have a JS. Closer to sailing the menus will be available in the app. I'd suggest you review the menus then consider what nights are higher priority based on your tastes. I view CK between specialty dining and the MDR most nights and for one or two menus they are equal to or superior to specialty dining. Most nights they are very good but not as good as specialty dining. The ambiance and service is usually better than the MDR but also review the MDR menus to see if any are less appealing or more appealing nights and balance that against the CK menus. Sometimes a JS will have a harder time securing reservations in CK however there is odd reservation smoke and mirrors used for CK reservations as they try to balance full suites, pinnacles and junior suites during dinner. I've seen where they say there are no reservations available but visiting the suite lounge you'll discover CK is half empty. It never hurts to drop by and ask how it looks tonight or if anyone didn't show up. Sometimes a JS can get in but not always during prime time every night so if there is an early show that would work with a later CK time that can often yield CK reservation success.

So sorry to hear about your experience! We too purchased a policy with Allianz for our 5/31/20 cruise. Fortunately, when it was cancelled we were able to successfully move it first to 10/4/20, and then most recently they allowed us to move it again to our existing 4/24/21 cruise after we did a L&S on the 10/4/20 cruise. Once we explained the reason each time, they just moved it to the new trip dates with no penalties or hassle, etc. Due to the current climate they have been very flexible.

Not a craft beer person, when I am not on a "diet" (drinking diet beers) I'll indulge in a nice Guinness, Smithwicks, or similar; I do enjoy a nice Irish Whiskey too. Vacation mode, pool deck, I always enjoy a fruity beverage, whether from the Island Oasis machine or a non-frozen fruity beverage like a Rum Punch, Mai Tai, or similar. Just something about Pina Colada I thought I wouldn't like, then my friend "made" me try one... glad I did! Something about a fruity frozen beverage to put me in a good mood too, even if it's in my backyard looking at my dying grass! LOL

Over the past few years, I've embraced enjoying fruity concoctions and things like Corona Refrescas and hard seltzers. My "coronavirus drink" has been Mai Tais, followed closely by Piña Coladas. Before it was all bourbon and craft brews. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good bourbon, and a good beer....but there is something about "vacation drinks" that just put me in a good frame of mind... probably the liquor.....but either way, enjoy! That sounds amazing!

I called royal Caribbean and had them apply my FCC to my Odyssey Cruise on 12/12/21 and I was told that since I would have a remaining balance on my FCC and that I would be issued a new FCC with the remaining balance after my November 2021 cruise is completed that the new FCC WOULD BE VALID FOR 1 YEAR AFFER THE NEW FCC WITH THE REMAINING BALANCE IS ISSUED. Hope that helps and is the answer that you were hopping for!

OMG I wanna play!!! WISH LIST An aquarium at sea- We are obsessed with dinning venues and we think it would be awesome to sit down for a meal and watch fish swim by ? Because of course it's not enough to be sailing over them... Indoor Bungee Jumping - Why purchase travel insurance if you're not going to use it? Open air beer garden- One more reason to purchase the Deluxe Drink Package ? S'mores Station- Yup you heard me. You can't tell me if you walked in the Windjammer and saw a "S'MORES STATION" you wouldn't beeline immediately. If I am already destroying my diet I am going for a home run! Ribbons or medals for completing specific onboard activities- How awesome would it be if you had a little token or coin given to you after completing an escape room or laser tag session? My husband won a medal for a rock climbing competition on Jewel of the Seas but we haven't seen anything like it since. Who doesn't love a lapel pin am I right? Ok I can go on forever but that's my input ?

Only thing i would like to see is passengers ????

Yes. CK is amazing! And yes, it is a good idea to make reservations for dinner (breakfast and lunch do not require reservations). For Junior Suite guests, CK is available for dinner only and only if there is availability so just be aware of that. JS guests have better luck getting into CK on some ships than others. YMMV. You definitely should try to make reservations on the first day for that. What is so good about CK? For starters, they have their own kitchen so the food is more fresh and hot. The venue is much smaller than the Main Dining Room so they prepare it when you order it. The flavour is also much better. And the menu is much more varied that the MDR. I have always said that CK rivals any other specialty restaurant, in fact, some dishes are the same as those that can be found in specialty and sometimes taste even better! The best example of that is Filet night in CK, their filet is the best onboard, better than Chops and Giovanni (IMO lol, some will disagree with me). The other thing that CK wins out on is the view! Especially on Oasis class ships, which Symphony is. No specialty restaurant, or MDR can beat the view and the ambiance of CK. Floor to ceiling windows, beautiful views of the sunset over dinner, I miss it so much just thinking about it! And the last thing is the service. Because the venue is a much smaller one, wait staff have the time to spend with you. They are not running around like crazy like in the MDR. I have a lot of photos of CK menus and food pics in my blogs (links are in my signature). I have on from Symphony from last July. It might be helpful so that you can get an idea of what it looks like and what food options there are available to you. #teamCK forever!

Let's deviate, even for a moment, from the shut down of the cruise industry & talk of corona. What would you like to see, in the design of the Icon of the Seas or anything that has to do with ship, ports of call, itineraries, number of days, or anything else one can think of.

Welcome to the Blog and congratulations on the Star Class suite. If you have a choice I recommend 8724 or 8324. Stay away from the corner GLS if possible. While it will be expensive to do what you suggest (which you obviously already recognize), I think it would work. I have never gone to the water park so I cannot comment on that, but I do think the cabana is worth the money if you are looking for a place to use as a home base. Since you will have a Genie, you can have him/her help you with arrangements. While the Genies can no longer reserve specific cabanas for you, I believe they do have some leverage in getting you what you want. I recommend that you reserve the cabana ASAP so that you will be a higher priority (earliest booking) for cabana assignment. I love SC on the Q ships even though the suites aren’t as nice as the O class SC suites (IMO). There are many activities onboard where the Genie can be particularly helpful - especially for the kids. Lots of fun things to do. Congratulations again.

Wasn't National Lampoon's Christmas vacation during Christmas? ?

I was very fortunate to get my premium from one canceled cruise transferred to its replacement sailing. But I was prepared for them to say no.

I think the Tutti Bar is technically a buffet, so we will have to see what the future brings, and how quickly it returns. I hope it isn't gone forever, it is the highlight of our sea days!

I 2nd that!

This is exactly why one of my children chose AF. Subsequently they are finding themselves aerial being refueled where the saying is... There are two types of people: Those that have already vomited and those who are about to. Service is service and we thank you both for it.

I love the bungee jumping idea. But why not make it outdoors? I'm picturing a ledge jutting out over the ship...

You are so welcome. I forgot to mention - double Crown &Anchor points, too !

This also counts for cruises.

I reached out a few times and @AnnetteJackson responded not only on this blog but also via the private message. I am so sorry we are loosing some very fine individuals that we have learned to count on, they will be sorely MISSED. I wanted to publicly shout out to Sharla Manglass of MEI and the countless others of MEI TA's who are still sticking it out for us, I can't imagine how this situation has upended their lives as well. I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for continuing to take great care of us during these unprecedented times. I for one appreciate every single thing they do for us, please know you ARE appreciated Sharla, more then you know! Thanks for sticking it out with us, you are the BEST this industry has to offer.

Well I think I top that.... On Mariner, heading to Jamie's for lunch, I was waiting on my mother, who gets lost all the time, and people watching. I was standing by the entrance to Jamie's so only a salad and fruit area was available in the Windjammer. I saw a man do "washy, washy" then scratch his butt for a whole minute after. He then grab a plate under another plate, because the first was apparently not clean enough. Adjusted his shorts and starting making a plate of salad. We only ate at the Windjammer twice, both times they were literally just opening up. So I am all about them serving people.

Welcome to the message boards! Cafe Promenade will have lattes. The bar in the Windjammer will be able to make them as well.

We just booked AFT Corner Balcony for 08/2021 on Deck 7 of Freedom Class with our FCC from 03/2020. Went from Interior to almost the biggest balcony on the ship... ? Love the drop-down ceiling bed for our daughter vs the sofa bed... That Balcony.... drool.... Trying to decide to show this video to the family or just surprise them...

If you like camping... very nice with some really private, peaceful sites... multiple wooded "loops" generally with a large main building in the center with 24/7 bathroom facilities with outlets. The usual mix of sites with or without electric hookup for RV's, etc. We've camped at Watkins Glen State Park about 4 or 5 times, but not within the last 10 years. We need to get back out there!

Worrying about being infected with covid is like worrying about being struck by lighting. People say what are the odds of dying? So nothing to worry about. Unless you end up being the unlucky one to die. But that's life, so let's all get back and cruise. What have we got to lose? What could happen on a floating petri dish? Ya the ship might put you off in a foreign port, if you are sick. They would rather abandon you, than being denied entry into a port and the ship being quarantined. Don't want any bad PR. But hey, it will only add more fun to your vacation.

OK, since I've gone down this rabbit hole this far, I'll share one more thing and then I'll be done. My friends (who are all breed enthusiasts and one is the breeder of my lost girl) collaborated with an artist (painter) friend of ours and this arrived at my door yesterday.

I'm sorry for your loss. With Leslie working from home for the foreseeable future, we had decided when this craziness started to foster some dogs. We have had 5 so far. One just overnight and one for as long as 5 weeks. They have been a little sanity in all this craziness. They have been good for the heart.

I have same mix but also i was told im 1/8 english. So i donated 2 pints of blood just to make sure the 1/8th was gone ??? Ok so thats Americans and English picked on who's next lol

Omg I thought the same thing....

Some pics of the gorge in Watkins Glen State Park in western New York right on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region. A beautiful place to visit, camp, see a NASCAR race, visit wineries, etc. ... not my pic, but here is the racetrack... Watkins Glen International...

Maybe for the short haul they will resort to an old fashioned cafeteria type set-up where the food is dished out by RC staff. Or maybe a limited menu that dished up and brought to your table. Time will only tell.

@Neesa I will never forget that passenger, we were on Adventure. It occurred in the hot tub in the Solarium. He may have had 1 too many drinks, but man oh man he was ticked. I kept my mouth shut as he ranted. Everybody was talking about how excited they were about going to the new Perfect Day. That was when he went loose. To him RCL screwed him big time. He felt rightly or wrongly, that he purchased the cabana, and now it was all about getting it re-priced. RCL sees it as you returned the item, it was placed back in stock and someone picked it up faster than you did. What made matters worse for him was by that time there were no bungalows, beach beds or clamshells available. Cabanas are the best impo. My brother 1st said to me, you are crazy to pay 400 for a cabana, just get a lounger. He is a finance advisor for millionaires. Than he stopped for a second, and said, ok, you are there for 8 hrs. It holds 8 people, basically 50 bucks per person. They give you guaranteed shade, sofas, loungers next to the beach and deliver food/drinks to you all day. That is 1 cheap excursion since it actually turns out to be $6 an hr for a higher level of service. We will not take a cabana on our next cruise since it is just hubby and I. We picked up the Coco Beach Club day pass instead. Got it really cheap. (79 pp). The fact is, like the cabanas, it is limited in numbers which we like. The lunch menu to me is also worth it since it feels like buying a specialty restaurant. I am a pool person. Husband is a beach guy. This is the best of both worlds for us as a couple. My only hope is that the seagulls have not found out that Coco Cay Beach club exists. @WesKinetic tieing into the seagulls. If you want to get glares, feed the gulls. We actually saw teenagers in the water at Chill throwing veggie straws in the air. People were leaving the water and telling them to knock it off. They just kept laughing at how funny it was with more and more gulls coming. Again, I don't know about south beach, but on Chill the attendants were amazing. Remember to tip them. Little known fact your bartenders on the shp will also be there at the bars on Coco Cay. The attendants are contracted for only 4 weeks at a time. My favorite memories of our cabana are: I ordered a drink and told her that I was going to the bathroom (2-3 min walk) I thought nothing of it. I just thought she would leave it in the cabana. Walk out of the bathroom and there she was with drink on the tray. What, huh? You actually stood outside of the bathroom waiting for me? This is ridiculous. Mat floats come with the cabanas. Chill beach has a roped off area in the water for only cabana guests. Hanging with people on the mats that were in another cabana. The attendant is ankle high in water delivering drinks to those guests. They never left the float. They brought us fruit trays of sliced melons in the a.m. Fruit kebabs in the afternoon. We had an amazing attendant. The cabanas come with towels, don't check any out from the ship for the cabana. While we were in the water, she would take our old wet towels and swap them out so we had nice new dry towels as soon as we came out of the water. You will get a special menu. You can order anything and everything on it. I got the portabello mushroom sandwich and a salad. I told my hubby of the off the menu chicken parm sandwich, not on our menu, but they got it for him! My BIL ordered so much food I was full just listening to his order. He got a Portabello sandwich, grilled chicken breast, greek salad, funnel cake and salted caramel brownie (he weighs 160 lbs and is 5'9) You also can go their version of the WJ on Coco Cay

Like @Vancity Cruiser said I'd like to see a greater emphasis on public venues with views to the sea, particularly at lower levels, not just on pool decks. A Schooner Bar with floor to ceiling glass views for example. Outdoor promenade deck with sitting areas on each side - full length outdoor decks with ample chairs (more than Quantum class outdoor sitting areas). Non-smoking ship would be awesome but let's not go down that road here. Public helipad. Something wild and crazy on the pool deck. Go karts have been done. Sky obstacle courses have been done. Roller coaster? Probably too much maintenance on a moving ship so something that no one has thought about. Dedicated suite only outdoor space like Edge but not at the cost of space or views for the regular cruiser. Coastal Kitchen restaurant for suites but not in prime real estate like a VCL. A Central Park like space. Outdoor big screen TV's at the pools, not just in the aqua theater.