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Showing content with the highest reputation on 08/14/2020 in all areas

  1. Your ULTIMATE cruise ship home that you are guaranteed NOT to have withdrawals !!!
    8 points
  2. You and Waaaytooo are very bad influences!
    4 points
  3. I am still hoping my January '21 sailing will head to Labadee, and on the cruise planner over water cabanas are available for under $400. If you have reserved a cabana, check the sale against your receipt.
    4 points
  4. WOW ! Waaay to go ! If it’s showing up in your online account I think you’ve done it ! That’s the best deal I’ve heard of yet !
    4 points
  5. I'm in the process of Lift and Shifting my Jan 2021 Empress sailing to 2022 Odyssey. I haven't received confirmation from Royal Caribbean, but the sailing is showing up on my Cruise Planner, so I'm assuming that's a good sign. The difference between the Owner's Site on Empress and the Owner's Suite on Odyssey is $9200. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!
    4 points
  6. I converted mine. Hubby had $144 worth of travel funds. They gave him 11,262 points. If I were to USE points to book a $144 flight, it would only cost 10,262 so by converting we gained 1200 points.
    3 points
  7. Short answer, you don't! Welcome to the suite snob club lol.
    3 points
  8. And I have YOU to thank for it, because you encouraged me to have Michelle check again. So THANK YOU!!!!
    3 points
  9. ehw51

    Anthem of the Seas

    Anthem is done with her dry dock and is heading to Southhampton. At least it is heading to where it is supposed to be but I thought they had canceled her transatlantic.Hopefully she will be headed back to Port Liberty for Nov sailings. Probably wishful thinking but I have to keep a positive outlook.
    2 points
  10. I dont trust the health officials, here's a shitty YouTuber i trust!
    2 points
  11. JLMoran

    Anthem of the Seas

    I was looking at available sailings earlier today (got a promo for Gold C&A members), and saw that Anthem is still currently scheduled for her Nov 2020 8-night Bahamas sailings, along with her Dec 2020 & Jan/Feb/Mar 2021 11-/12-night Southern Caribbean sailings. So there's that much, for whatever it's worth. And that promo would have been nice if it included the winter Anthem sailings for December 2021 and January 2022 that are currently available; but the offer ended with Nov 2021. I'm thinking that one of those Jan / Feb / Mar 2022 winter sailings might be the next chance I get to cruise out of Bayonne with reasonable certainty, and since I have 23 C&A points at the moment doing a 12-nighter in a JS for 24 C&A points would get me to Platinum and a good chunk of the way to Emerald.
    2 points
  12. I was reading Matt's excellent article on the front page about health protocols and came across the distancing part. I mean, it's obvious that we are all going to have to adhere to that as much as possible, even on a cruise ship. However - I'd like to see security enforce that policy when they put all those racks of discounted t-shirts out on the promenade! ?
    2 points
  13. It is very common for the refunds to be refunded in parts and over a number of refund events...unfortunately.
    2 points
  14. Crossing mine for you ??. I know it sounds too good to be true but it worked for me and it will work for you. My only question is how do we go “back to the farm after we’ve seen Paree?” ??
    2 points
  15. We had out first Celebrity last year on Summit and loved it. Will be spending our "couple" cruises on Celebrity, and save Royal for group cruising, starting in 2021. We have a couple more Royal to get through first, that we booked before we sailed Celebrity. Will most likely end up cancelling a B2B on Freedom for Oct 2021 to sail Celebrity instead.
    2 points
  16. We had the premium drink package on Summit last year and got no receipts. The gratuity was figured into the cost of our drink package.
    2 points
  17. It will be interesting to see how many of the former cruise ship employees return to their previous jobs. It's good money for them, but, I think this damn Covid-19 has probably scared a good number of them away. I hope I am wrong. And. how long of a training program is it for waitstaff, room attendants, engine room workers, etc??
    2 points
  18. The Cuban government contracted a 3rd party to expand the port capabilities before the travel ban imposed by the US. Global Ports Holding had plans to increase the Havana port to six berths by 2024. https://www.globalportsholding.com/ports/17/la-habana-cruise-port Global Ports Holding has also contracted with the Bahamas to upgrade the Nassau port facilities. They are also involved with Antigua's port expansion. Given Cuba's history with both foreign and domestic land owners it wouldn't make sense for anyone to build their using their own money.
    2 points
  19. I've done this before when I was between cruises. I live in the Atlanta area, but am in Central Florida quite a bit (well, pre-COVID...). I routinely take the time to drive out to Port Canaveral if I'm able just to get a glimpse of my happy place.
    2 points
  20. In their press release they said they were doing that because it wasn't profitable, it's not about the kids health, they don't care about them, just money
    2 points
  21. That's a good bonus! But of course, the number of points needed to travel could increase once normal travel traffic returns. I've noticed the number of points needed for my more frequently flown routes has increased over the years. Southwest also has a shopping portal where you can purchase items and a variety of gift cards using your Rapid Reward points. So it's almost, sort of, a little bit like cash, so you're not stuck with just flight credits. I used all my points loading up on Starbucks and Target gift cards so it's like free shopping and coffee trips for me! ?
    1 point
  22. This is going to be with all contact surfaces on board. Slot machines, elevator buttons, bathroom door handles, pool deck chairs. The list goes on and on.
    1 point
  23. I think the greater concern would be that the cup that might have come into contact with someone's mouth comes into contact with the dispensing nozzle. I'll admit, looking at the Freestyle system this is less likely than a traditional lever type soda fountain, but not out of the realm of possibility.
    1 point
  24. As to how long it would take to each D or D+. It really will be YMMV situation as if it wasn't for this virus I would I have made Diamond in less than 2 years. I mostly cruise solo and have a set amount of vacation each year. Since I live in the Midwest, I would have to fly, which means I am not going to just do one cruise. I had a Jr. Suite booked with family for 7 days and a Jr. solo this year; that would have been 21+14. I was going to have a S2S in Jan 2021 as a solo that would give me 16. In Oct 2021 I am staying in a 2br GS which is 14 and I have another 5N solo, so that would be another 15 points. So I would have made D in Nov 2021 but having lost so many cruises, I will probably just make Platinum....if things improve I am hopping to be D in 2022.
    1 point
  25. Certainly if things go well in Europe it will help the Global restart, by the end of September/early October there should be 4 cruise lines sailing, TUI will have 3 ships, Costa are starting up sailing with Italian residents only, as mentioned AIDA are due in September and Marella (also confusingly owned by TUI) are looking at the beginning of October. I've seen no negative press from the first couple of TUI cruises, funny that, had there of been a problem the press would of been all over it
    1 point
  26. I agree that it varies. We finally hit Diamond in 2018 and took our first Royal Caribbean cruise in 2007. Not counting this year, we missed two years of at least one cruise on Royal Caribbean. One was to try NCL the other was for an extended (and expensive) Hawai'i trip. So, 11 years and several cruises we traveled in a Grand Suite (never higher yet). For the last 5 years we only sailed the 5 Night Bermuda from NJ itinerary which slowed us down but luckily we were able to splurge on a Grand Suite for the last 3 years. Side note: we LOVE Bermuda, favorite island thus far, but unless it's not the only cruise that year, I am definitely over that itinerary. So glad Royal has started offering other trips from Bayonne. (Not that we will not fly to port but we like to sail with friends where it's easier to just drive). Edit: I'd like to say my guess is it takes an average loyal to Royal customer 15 years. That's taking into account an average sailing of 7 nights in a room category below a Jr. Suite as 80 / 7 = 11.43 (rounded). Figure 1 7 night cruise a year means year 12 is the Diamond year but add a few more years to try other lines or just not cruise that year.
    1 point
  27. Thank you so much for your update! I really appreciate it and this eases my mind! :).
    1 point
  28. Great pictures ..... we were on it at the beginning of january and had a great time on it ....
    1 point
  29. Yippee ! I won’t steal Michell’s laurels. She’s THAT good. I can’t tell you how excited I am for you. Only problem is, that OS is going to ruin you. You might as well know that, up front. That is just the BEST news I’ve had in the past couple of weeks. Sooooo happy to hear it.
    1 point
  30. Hopefully this will stop the knee-jerk overreactions that have been so prevalent. What a shame and such a high cost to everyone involved. Those antigen tests have an unacceptably high false positive record. They just aren’t reliable enough to put your entire livelihood (not to mention, vacation) on. So glad Royal is taking time to let others make these mistakes, first.
    1 point
  31. I strongly suggest you Lift and Shift to next year.. The chances of your cruise happening at all is so small.. I was in the same situation as you. I had a family cruise booked on Allure for Dec 27 and then I lifted and shifted it to next year on Odyssey of the sea Dec 26.. I got a fab deal because I got to move to a brand new ship still during the holidays and they locked in the lower price so I can now go on Odyssey for the price of Allure
    1 point
  32. We L&S our April 2021 cruise to April 2022. We stayed with the same ship and itinerary, our rate actually went down significantly.
    1 point
  33. I prefer the "Unofficial Breakfast Sandwich of NJ" -- smoked salmon (ideally belly lox), cream cheese, tomato, red onion, and capers. Personal preference is on a poppy seed bagel, but just about any standard (proper) bagel variety works with that.
    1 point
  34. The last few rounds of cancellations have offered L&S, if that's what you're asking. No, that's the appeal of L&S. You keep this year's rate, but get to move it to next year. That price protection is very popular.
    1 point
  35. Yes, I moved my March 2021 on Rhapsody in an owners suite to the same basic itinerary in an owners suite on Harmony March 2022. Harmony is over $5000 more than Rhapsody but I only had to pay $100 difference in port fees. Sweet deal!!
    1 point
  36. Do the lift and shift. You do not have to pay the difference that's the whole point of lift and shift it locks in the lower price.. I lifted and shifted our family New Years Cruise.. We were supposed to be on Allure of the Sea Dec 27 and I was able to lift and shift to Odyssey Dec 26 2021 for not 1 penny more. I got a fab deal as Odyssey was worth $1000 a person more!
    1 point
  37. Not my field of expertise either... So... I ask... No such thing as a dumb question if we don't know the answer... I just really want the itinerary... Coco/ Coz/ Roatan/ Costa...The kids would get their first "real cruise on a floating city"" and my Fiance would get her 7 nights of pampering and hopefully a lobster night... ?
    1 point
  38. I asked this same question once in the Cruise Critic boards and was told that the Vision Class ships cannot dock in Cuba. They gave a technical reason which now I’m forgetting.
    1 point
  39. That's a good question - wondered that myself. I still have a cruise on the books for this November, and while the APP works, I get the message "We're still working on the fun". I think the normal preview is out the window while under the hiatus. But normally its as described above - you'll would see things at least within the 90-day window, and usually far earlier. Maybe the company furlowed the employees who maintain and keep the APP updated.
    1 point
  40. Nope, shameless plug coming up! Get a hold of one of the MEI Travel agents (they sponsor this blog). They might be able to help you out here (admittedly I'm not sure if they can jump in on an L&S, but it may be worthwhile just to visit and pick their brains!)
    1 point
  41. Canceled my Oasis February 2021 cruise. Decided to book a Celebrity Alaska 2022 when they release the schedule. This will be our first Celebrity Cruise.
    1 point
  42. Since it's August as I write this I've decided to start this cruise in Alaska. I'll be flying to Anchorage and taking the train to Seward. Fortunately the flights are near empty and I scored an upgrade to Presidential Class. The Cruise Denying Consulate (CDC) initially denied the plan I submitted but after the 443rd revision they not only approved my plan but they were so impressed with my protocols they offered to fly me to Anchorage and they came to the airport to see me off: Apparently the plane was available briefly between jaunts to the golf course so I jumped at the chance to fly this beauty.
    1 point
  43. poached salmon ,served with spring vegetables.... served a la carte in a restaurant while staying in Aviemore Scotland ....never tasted better salmon before or after
    1 point
  44. Maybe bring back some of the cold soups
    1 point
  45. JRT

    Cruise Planner Refunds

    After waiting since the middle of March we have received all of our refunds. We would also like to say a big thank you to Michelle @ Mei Travel for all the hard work she has done for us during this crazy time.
    1 point
  46. Matt

    Is it safe?

    I understand you had a bad experience with a TA, but I can assure you that is not the typical experience. Moreover, your idea of "surrending all control" is a bit over dramatic characterization of what occurs. If you don't care for travel agents, that's totally fine. But please stop spreading painting all TAs with a broad brush. There are so many hard working agents these days, and pretty much all of them are struggling.
    1 point
  47. We did KW almost 4 yrs ago on Enchantment (Nov 2016) Here are my takes. 1. Be prepared to wait a long time for that photo at the buoy. We walked from Hemingway's house to it and there were about 100 people in line waiting to take a pic. My husband and I looked at it, looked at the line, looked back at each other and said....nope! I do actually have a picture of us in front of it from across the street with the 100 tourists waiting in line! 2. Best restaurant to this day that we ate at in any port was in KW. https://blueheavenkw.com/ It is such a cool place. Order their Key Lime pie. It is insane. Basically as tall as your wrist to the top of your index finger. The building has history. Through the years the property has hosted cock fighting, gambling and Friday night boxing matches refereed by Ernest Hemingway. The outdoor courtyard is paved with the slate pool table tops from the days the downstairs operated as a billiard hall and ice cream parlour. A dance hall, a bordello and a playhouse have occupied the second floor. Today inside the Bordello Gallery above the restaurant, one can still peek through the sliding peep holes into the tiny rooms 3. Beware it is an expensive place for buying any gifts. It is an artisanal town, but expensive. 4. The roosters make that town so much fun! They roam freely up and down the non-busy streets. Our niece was our tour guide so she took us off the main streets for shortcuts. 5. KW is an open container city. If you enjoy imbibing go to Fat Tuesday on Duval street. You can get a drink in their re-fillable cup, walk the streets and it will make you feel more willing to spend that money on your souvenirs.
    1 point
  48. Sorry but I've been hung over in my cabin the entire time! ??
    1 point
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