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Showing content with the highest reputation on 07/07/2020 in all areas

  1. After reading the new post, I was wondering how many people will actually have a problem with social distancing on a cruise. I know many people have a problem with masks (PLEASE LETS AVOID ANY CONVO ABOUT THIS), but as I have found in my area, social distancing is an ok if not welcomed idea. I am a pretty social person, but I actually don't mind the idea of having to social distance. I know this will mean less people in the theater to watch the shows and dining may be more of a hassle. I'm not sure how this will work in the pool area though. Let's face it, pools aren't the best places for social distancing and kids (especially my youngest) aren't very good at it. I wonder what will happen with Adventure Ocean as well. I hope they keep it open because many parents use it to have an hour or two to themselves. So is social distancing a "no go" for anyone or is it a "no problem"?
    7 points
  2. OK, I'll bite. Here is the very short story. My family & friends found ourselves on the 2012 Freedom charter by the High Seas Rally group - essentially a bunch of bikers. They accounted for over 2200 passengers on that sailing. I would have never booked that cruise had I known and now always check (as best as possible) to make sure I am not booking a partial chartered cruise. The majority of the cruisers were smokers (muster was horrible), formal night attire was mostly leather (picture backgrounds catered to them), fireworks on the ship (thought this was against ship rules), pirate banners on balconies (thought this was against ship rules), and even sex in public! You get the idea. Anyway on the way down to dinner in an elevator with my family, a drunk Rally member jumped into our elevator with his wife. She was in a wheelchair, so he was carrying both of their glasses of red wine. At every floor we stopped at he proceeded to invite waiting people into our elevator - even though we were pretty full. He was drunk and having his own fun. Anyway, a guy on the elevator (not us) tried to get him to stop, but he was not having it. When we reached the floor above where we were having dinner, he got out with his wife AND as the door was almost closed he threw both glasses of red wine at us! My older sister is very proper and very well dressed. Unfortunately, she got most of the red wine on her dress. I was pissed so chased him down, got into a fight, and the captain had us both dropped off at the next stop in Jamaica. My mistake, I should have summoned security. Please learn from my mistake. So far, I have...
    7 points
  3. ^^^^This! is exactly why I love cruising so much. It's about the only vacation that I can truly unwind and step back. Saddens me even more that there is no start date in sight. I tried to explain to my family the other night that for me, it's not just a lost vacation. Cruising represents something far greater for me.
    6 points
  4. If social distancing involves my Wife on one ship and me on another, then yeah no problem ? Fact is social distancing is for the foreseeable future part of the new normal be it in shops, bars or cruiseships, we just got to get used to it
    6 points
  5. 11:03 ET - The expert panel formed by cruise operators Royal Caribbean and Norwegian in developing cruising protocols has gotten the support of the CDC and will share findings with the rest of the industry, says panel co-chair Michael Leavitt, who is former governor of Utah and HHS secretary under the Bush administration. Leavitt tells WSJ the panel will focus on screening and exposure reduction; environmental operations such as engineering controls; response contingencies and planning; and destination and route planning. (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 06, 2020 11:03 ET (15:03 GMT) Copyright (c) 2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
    5 points
  6. I agree. I dare say that most people need some time to relax. A "staycation" at home doesn't work for Moms, just saying. I need SOMEONE ELSE doing the cooking and dishes. I will gladly have a shirt made that says to keep your distance or wear a flipping pool noodle on my head showing the proper distance to stay back if it will mean that we can all get back to enjoying the open ocean. @Cruisin4ABruisin I don't know if you have children, but it's not easy to even keep "normal" children "under control" all the time. All I'm saying is that people need to be forgiving and understanding that kids are kids. I can only beat mine so much before people call the cops.
    5 points
  7. All I am going to say is that I am so ready for a cruise that I do not care what the requirements are as long as they are within reason. I would be perfectly happy spending time on the balcony watching the waves roll by, spending time with the wife, going to the gym, and just spending the time relaxing. Meeting others would be nice but it is not a deal breaker for me, just being able to get away from home and go on a much deserved vacation is what I desire the most!
    5 points
  8. Yeah, I agree. Of all the RCL policies, this one I really hate! They do not disclose any partial charters to non-charter passengers in order to protect the privacy of charter passengers. Really, what does that mean? What about my privacy? I guess it doesn't matter...
    4 points
  9. Sounds to me like you did exactly what you should've, and exactly what I would've done as well. My biggest booking fear (no pandemic) is for it to be a chartered sailing that they didn't disclose. At least they dropped you off in Jamaica and not somewhere like Costa Maya
    4 points
  10. 4 points
  11. When looking at suites, we stumbled across the 2 Bedroom Grand Suite - wife's reaction - "YES, SEPARATE BEDROOMS" ... LOL
    4 points
  12. At the start I was one of those setting conditions before I was prepared to cruise again, but after two cancelled sailings I have got over myself and am more than happy to waive them if it means getting back on board... So sign me up! You may well have alerted RCCL to a much needed revenue opportunity here... if only all guests can be trusted not to clamber over each other to bag a "I social distanced on Oasis and all I got was this lousy t-shirt" during the $10 sale ?
    4 points
  13. I'd be perfectly fine with and possibly even prefer a social distancing enforced cruise. I cruise solo for the most part and it's the atmosphere of fun, cheer, and lack of responsibility that keeps me coming back, the people I meet and the activities are just a happy bonus. A good portion of my days are spent sitting in a quieter area either reading, working planning for an idea (or brainstorming a new one), or working so I can afford to keep cruising. Long as I can continue to spend my evenings enjoying a beverage with some decent conversation and the occasional antics, I'm pretty good. To be honest the next cruise I have booked that's still going is in December, I'm more concerned with my flights to/from Orlando than I am of the actual cruises themselves. Depending on if it's canceled or not and the state of things I may cancel it myself for that reason. There's a good chance that for the foreseeable future I'll be booking only ones leaving from the northeast that I can drive to.
    4 points
  14. Sign me up I hate crowds anyway. I wouldn't mind wearing a mask while I wait to pick up my margaritas from my favorite Sky Lounge/Pool Bar bartender!!
    4 points
  15. But where will I get my fix of dirty people soup?!
    4 points
  16. Social distancing combined with frequent hand washing should be a no-brainer for everyone considering they'll run with reduced passenger counts on the big boats while still earning a profit. I'm all in if it means I can cruise again.
    4 points
  17. I'm all for it, and anyone who gets caught ignoring new health standards should get a warning, and then if there is another violation should be confined to their room or dropped off at the next port.
    4 points
  18. This seems to have elements similar to RCL replacing the Allure with the Liberty in Galveston.
    4 points
  19. WAAAYTOOO

    Cruise Planner Refunds

    I got a bunch of refunds yesterday for my cancelled August Symphony cruise. I have been very, very fortunate. So far (fingers crossed behind my back) all of the CP refunds have been accurate and complete for a single cruise...so I haven't had to go searching trying to and identify which refunds are from which cancelled cruise. My unprofessional observation is that they are working in reverse. I got my October refunds first, now August but still waiting for May.
    4 points
  20. It seems that there is a time honored tradition of people being negative about things they don't understand or, potentially, know anything about. I'm not sure what drives it, but the negative reactions come from a truly diverse crowd. Mention a cruise, and, unless a fellow cruiser is involved, the response is immediate: "Floating Pastry Dish .. " ?? (Yes, I know the actual term, but I refuse to write it ?... and 'Pastry' remains best autocorrect yet on this board) Like so many things, I think it is a case of legend always seems to take precedence over fact.
    4 points
  21. Is the last part allowed as you dont say its against ship Rules? ?
    3 points
  22. I would totally buy a shirt like that! Or even one that says I survived the first sailing after Covid. For the most part I am a very social person. I enjoy meeting people and learning new things. I'm not a fan of the suspicion all this has caused. Everyone is looking at everyone else like they are a ticking time-bomb of death. I'll be glad when all of this is behind us and it will be treated the same way as other "every day sicknesses" are.
    3 points
  23. This isn't inconsistent with @Bean79's post. Basically, the CDC has indicated that they approve of the panel that's been formed and will be willing to listen to whatever proposals they offer. But those proposals, as you noted, won't be going before the CDC any earlier than Aug 31. It's possible that the CDC's support could translate into a "fast track" review process, but I'd be very surprised. I don't think anyone is going to do anything on a fast track (outside of the vaccine research that's ongoing, and even that is still under FDA purview and approval).
    3 points
  24. The short answer is, sure, it's part of my daily life anyway. Here in NY it's rare to find a store (especially a big box like Home Depot or a supermarket) without markers on the floor indicating where to wait in line. Our grocery stores (and other types of stores too) have one way isles (not that everyone listens) and for the most part people try and keep clear of one another. That kind of stuff wouldn't be too bad at a reduced capacity sailing.
    3 points
  25. To answer the subject line question....
    3 points
  26. @Justwanttocruise I don't know where you are getting your info, but no ship is booked to 100% capacity....if they were they wouldn't be listed. But anyway I am 100% all about social distancing. My pet peeve is when people crowd on me, so this will be welcomed. I actually don't know why this would be an issue in the first place. No more sitting at dinner tables with that one weird couple or person who volunteers creepy or TMI stories. No more sitting in the theater or lounge next to that person who ate raw onions and is drinking an alcoholic beverage that makes everything worse...but they also want to talk about the weather or hometowns. I know it won't last but but it will be a welcome respite. I think with reduce capacity, it will be a little bit easier to enforce. Violators should get a warning, then be forced to lose their beverage or dining package. That will teach them to burst my tomato!
    3 points
  27. Who is going to enforce this as they dont even enforce the time or capacity limits on the hot tubs now?
    3 points
  28. I would definitely be ok with it. Hate big crowds to begin with so if it stops that I'm good!
    3 points
  29. In many ways, I would welcome "Social Distancing" (Odd term, should be considered an oxymoron ... but I digress ....) in some venues that are currently a bit crowded. Others are already set up that way, or mostly set up that way. Coastal kitchen on Oasis class, 270 tables on Quantum class, Specialty restaurants all are close to having 6 ft separation already. In the MDR, it would be a welcome change on those that are packed a bit too tight currently. Theatre seating could be a challenge, but it would be nice to have some elbow room!
    3 points
  30. Social distancing would not be an issue for us if that's what it takes.
    3 points
  31. AshleyDillo

    CocoCay

    I believe there is the equivalent of a "Hotel Director" for CocoCay that would fulfill that role.
    3 points
  32. Matt

    Multiple Canceled Sailings ?

    My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that you can only apply one FCC to a cruise at a time. However, there is a new means of combining FCCs that may be worth investigating to get around that issue. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/06/26/you-can-combine-future-cruise-credits-instead-of-separately-being-reissued
    3 points
  33. I cancelled my cruise planner items for a better sale price on 5/5... refunded on 7/1... 58 days
    3 points
  34. CDC - Hold my beer..
    3 points
  35. I think forgiving is normal under regular circumstances like at the grocery store, but during a pandemic, "kids will be kids" doesn’t really fly when health is at risk. At the end of the day, nobody on board asked that person to have children, and bringing them was a choice.
    2 points
  36. Not wanting to sail in the foreseeable future is not the same as anti-cruise. People who are anti-cruise usually have never been on a ship and base their opinion of cruises off all negative press. Like my cousin who knows I hate crowds, but doesn't understand why I don't do concerts or festivals but will cruise. She has never been on one, she just assumed that 4000+ people on a boat must be overwhelming. The same for people who think the ships are dirty, the food is nasty, the entertainment is bad etc. Also lets be real, there will be changes but not by much. Do we really think RCCI is going to spend unnecessary money? They will be sailing through the same ports, any of the ones willing, and utilizing most of the same procedures. I think at most if they could get rapid COVID test it would really work in their favor.
    2 points
  37. I'd be okay with it; no worries here.
    2 points
  38. I don't think that will be an issue for us.
    2 points
  39. WAAAYTOOO

    Grand Cayman

    Head's up re: Grand Cayman. It is expensive. Just be prepared.
    2 points
  40. Exposure time to the virus is known to be a factor in spread. Walking past someone on a ship isn't as likely to result in spread compared to sitting near someone for hours on a plane. I can understand US airlines receiving bailout money based on their American status but if our government is allowing or encouraging spread because the airplanes fly an American flag on their tail that is another matter.
    2 points
  41. Legally no, those radios work in the FRS frequency range in the US. Over in Europe the frequencies used by FRS are used for other purposes. Over in Europe a different frequency range is used for these type of radios and they would be called PMR446 radios. Now would they work, sure. But you run the risk of stepping on the toes of the licensed users of that frequency range.
    2 points
  42. @SteveinSC I find people who are anti-cruise to be ignorant. I'm not talking about people who hate the water or fear boats. But the ones who complain of crowds and disease. I hate crowds but cruising works better than Disney.
    2 points
  43. Yes, it is as close to an all-inclusive as you can get with Royal Caribbean. While there are a number of behind-the-scenes tours that you can take (complementary), the All Access Tour (which is a specific tour) is not included at no cost. I will say, the All-Access Tour is well worth the money that they charge, but it is not free for SC. There are some things with SC that others cannot get at any price. Nobody else on the ship can get room service delivered from the specialty restaurants. SC also includes unlimited laundry service. I suppose you could pay for individual bags of laundry every day if you wanted to, but for SC, it is complementary and they bring it back to you all hung up on hangers except for the unmentionables. Of course, the Genie is only available for SC. Only SC get individual reserved seating anywhere in the theaters and performance venues (some variation for some of the venues depending on ship and Genie). With SC you get unlimited water, soda and beer in your suite. If you want wine, you can have that delivered, but it is not complementary. They strongly discourage liquor in the suites but even that can be obtained at a very dear price. Not only do you get priority embarkation (and disembarkation) but the Genie meets you personally and escorts you directly to your Suite. No waiting until 1:00 for your room to be ready. Regarding the cost....you will probably not be able to justify the cost by adding all of the add-ons to a Sky Class room. I suppose there are rare instances where SC might work out to be less money, than adding all of the optional perks to a Sky Class fare, but I have never found one that did ! The difference in service is unquantifiable (as @Lovetocruise2002 mentioned). As I said above, there are some things that you cannot add on at any price. There are times when the Genie is worth every dime that you spend on your SC cruise. A particular instance comes to mind when all passengers had been required to disembark (I won't bother with all of the details) and we were stuck in a terminal full of very unhappy folks. One call to the Genie and she came and rescued us and got us back onto the ship before anyone else was being allowed back on. It was hours...and hours before everyone was allowed back on the ship. SC on O class is incredible. I love it....but to be honest, I think I enjoyed the Genie more on Anthem than on any other ship where we've been SC. Imagine your children or grandchildren being able to ride the bumper cars as many times as they want, going to the front of the line every time. Between the bumper cars, North Star and IFly, the Q class ships have so many unique activities and being SC allows you to go to the front of the line, every time.
    2 points
  44. Jill

    RCL to Resume Cruising 9/16

    Well now I need to go look at November dates. ?
    2 points
  45. So with RC and NCL collaborating (that’s new news to me) I guess that means they don’t get along with Big Brother Carnival. I would have expected an united front with all 3. Hmmm So health protocols due by end of August. Seems a little close to September 16. I’ll believe it when I see it. I’ve got Symphony October 17. I’m giving it a 10-15% chance of sailing. I think pigs will fly first but I’ll keep that sliver of hope.
    2 points
  46. We went in August of 2014 and only have good memories of the ruins at Tulum and of the Mía Restaurant & Beach Club who was the vendor for our beach break. Yes it was hot and humid, it would be disappointing if it wasn't. I have very high regard for the Mayan culture and I don't think I'm going to far out on a limb by saying and hot and humid as it was touring the ruins, it was very much likely hotter and more humid at other places inland. The Mayans chose the locations for their settlements for astrological reasons; but I also think the Tulum location was chosen for it's ocean breezes and therefore cooler than other areas. The Mayans were not dumb by any stretch. The ruins are wonderful and speak for themselves. It was the beach break that was the surprise! What a refreshing, well done experience! Yeah, it was hot back on the bus. I think it's fair to say nobody thought the air conditioning was adequate. I remember the ride taking 45 minutes or so. I also remember the road we took being no wider than the bus itself in places. But the Mia Restaurant and Beach Club more than made up for any discomfort. It was wonderful!!! A nice of a place as one could expect. Wave hopping in the surf, clean and friendly, and Oh! the buffet of food! The abundance of guacamole was stunning. Their molcajetes must only make guacamole in 5 gallon increments, and they are not shy about making another batch. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! Will your excursion go to the same resort? Well....who knows? Vendors change, prices change; and truth be told you will never actually find out until your bus pulls into their parking lot. A simple search on Google Maps will tell you all you need to know about the location of Mia Beach Club, what it looks like; and it's many neighbors who offer very similar services. OH! You could grab a quick shower just before getting back on the bus to go to the ferry. That bus ride was far, far less uncomfortable.
    2 points
  47. I pulled this up from early June because I want people who are anti-maskers, both ashore and if we ever cruise again, to see this video. Wearing a mask isn't about party or identity politics. Wearing a mask isn't about giving up your personal freedoms or being forced to do things like one horribly offensive cartoon suggests the Nazis forced Jews to do - be marked with a star of David. Wearing a mask is about stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2 so that we can all get back to the thing we love ..... cruising.
    2 points
  48. Congratulations on Star Class. It will ruin you for sure ! Yes, in-suite dining is not a problem at all. The Genie will coordinate with the specialty restaurant that you want to order from and with room service to get everything delivered and cleaned up. In-suite dining from the specialty restaurants is one of the completely exclusive amenities of SC. Any full suite can get room service from the MDR but only SC can get room service from the specialty restaurants. Since you want this service on embarkation day, it is particularly important that you coordinate with your Genie pre-boarding. This will be easy to do since the Genie will contact you a full month prior to sailing to start coordination. Your Genie should provide you with all of the specialty restaurants' menus so you will know what you have to choose from and plan your menu. I'm sure your Genie will make the birthday celebration very special. This is an area where Genies are particularly skilled. The SC drinks package basically follows the Deluxe Drinks Package rules. I will say, however, that I have only been charged any "overage" for a drink I've ordered as SC once...and that was in Vintages on Anthem. I can't recall the label that we ordered but it was super duper expensive (ordered without seeing the price first !!) and they charged us for it. We have never been charged any overage fee any other time. Of course, we don't drink much alcohol anyway so it's rare that we ever order anything in that category. There is nothing on any of the specialty restaurant menus that is off limits for SC. You can order anything, as much as you want, at the restaurant or for in-suite delivery - no extra charge, ever. I will offer this advice: on Anthem, if you are ordering breakfast for room service, be SURE to stipulate that you want it from the Coastal Kitchen. I assumed (incorrectly) that it would always come from CK, but that is not always the case. We once got powdered eggs from the MDR and it was horrible. Make sure you indicate CK and that you want FRESH eggs. Also, when you order anything for room service, be sure you ask for everything you want. They will bring you exactly what you ask for, so if you want salt, pepper, bread, butter, jam, juice, coffee, ketchup, etc., include that in your order. With SC you will have an ample supply of beverages in your suite (sometimes WAAAYTOOO many !) so those are not normally a problem, but some of the condiments can be an issue. If you don't ask for it, they will not bring it.
    2 points
  49. Scrumps

    RCL to Resume Cruising 9/16

    03:11 PM EDT, 07/06/2020 (MT Newswires) -- Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) said Monday it plans to resume sailing operations on Sept. 16. However, some of its ships and sailings will have an extended suspension. Canada and Bermuda sailings will be suspended through Oct. 31, and Voyager of the Seas sailings through Sept. 30. Odyssey of the Seas sailings from Nov. 5 through April 17, 2021, will also be canceled. Separately, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) collaborated in developing improved cruise health and safety standards by creating a group of experts called the Healthy Sail Panel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel will release its initial recommendations by August-end after starting work almost a month ago.
    1 point
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