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This will probably sound pedestrian compared to the cool adventures already posted, but the first thing that popped into my head was, on our last cruise on Lady O in 11/18, after dinner my wife and I would just go straight into Central Park, enjoy a beverage, and listen to the fantastic piano/violin duo play classical music. Now, I like classical, but am nowhere near an aficionado, but it was so serene and relaxing with the warm breeze blowing and very few people walking around. Hoping to have repeat performances when we sail on Harmony in Nov.

Resurrecting an old thread. I wanted to report on a GREAT experience with American Airlines and itinerary changes. I had to change a flight NOT once, but TWICE. For both calls, AA made the necessary changes quickly and without charging a dime in change fees. I am thrilled with this new policy. The first time I changed it, there was an increase in fare (which I absolutely expected) so I just paid the increased fare. The second time I changed it, the fare went DOWN by over $350 PP so I got credit vouchers for that fare difference. After so many bad experiences trying to change air itineraries, I was happy for some good news. I hope they NEVER change their no change fee policy !!!

I went to town and purchased everything we wanted at these amazing prices. Thinking positive. I know the refunds do come so I did it! We will hopefully sail a 4 night on Mariner Thanksgiving week 2020. Just going to the private island 2x so feeling just maybe....

Hi all! I don’t want to jinx things but I am feeling slightly encouraged that the 2020 holiday cruising season may actually happen. ? The new cruise planner sale has some really good deals but I am hesitant to buy anything (and have a bunch of $$$ tied up) until there is some indication that cruising (though limited) will resume in November. I plan to be on the 2020 Oasis thanksgiving cruise. I foresee that if cruising does restart, many of the cruise planner items are going to go up in price and/or be sold out pretty quickly once the news is announced regarding cruise resumption. On the other hand, I don’t want to wait (and wait and wait) for a refund if the 2020 holiday cruises are cancelled. Are any of you planning to YOLO purchase cruise planner deals for your 2020 holiday cruises or are you holding off until we have word that cruises will resume in November/December?

No way! That is one of my favourite parts of every cruise on Oasis class.

I believe this is 100% likely. I fear that onboard prices are going to be sky-high. At some point, the Cruise Planner prices are going to shoot up and stay there. I really don’t see any downside to purchasing CP items on sale. The worst that can happen is that you get a refund or FCC if the cruise is cancelled.

My last Bermuda sailing on Anthem, I got to see Joyce Kuo (lead guitarist for We Will Rock You) perform acoustic guitar in the Schooner Bar on our first night out. But the really memorable part was that I got to spend about 10 or 15 minutes after her set just chatting with her about her background in music, the experience of auditioning for WWRY and learning the music, and what it was like to be a performer on board. All from the context of my daughter being a musician (singer) and looking to find a career performing. She was so down to earth and friendly, and more than happy to talk about her career and offer tips to relay to my daughter. I felt bad when I realized how long I'd been talking with her when she needed to get to another performance that night.

The memory that brings me to tears with joy is my daughter enjoying our balcony on the Harmony November 2019. No electronics, my mini me! (and yes we had the VOOM!!) Hair up, just sunscreen enjoying the sound of the ocean, pure joy! My second picture is the "POLE" in the cabin @WAAAYTOOO warned me about, how I hated that darn pole. (yes face first into it late at night) While I have zero fond memories of that pole I sure miss it, I would love to visit her again, just saying ? Loved the Harmony for Thanksgiving, the happiness was palatable. Our entire week was a true wonderful family event, we miss sailing together....sailing takes me away to where I want to be!!! LET. US. SAIL!!!

Not just river cruises in NA - I once looked up that train tour through the Rockies and wow that's pricey. Wouldn't mind doing it but I gotta win the lottery first.

Still clinging to that strand of hope for Nov 9 on Grandeur, I just said screw it and booked my 1st cabana at Labadee, price is just too good (and I'm promoting social distancing...I'm a responsible citizen after all!) ?

It was a family cruise (Liberty of the Seas) with my grandson (4). He loved escargot - had it every night. He also loved waving the napkins at the final dinner in the MDR when all the staff starts their parade.

We cruised the Freedom to the ABC islands last October. My favorite memory was the day we spent at the Renaissance Aruba on their private island! I hand fed flamingos and when we were at lunch, we were entertained by the tiny birds helping themselves to the fruit garnishes left on drink glasses after guests left nearby tables.

My best memory is taking my sister on her first Caribbean cruise. Now she is completely addicted - we've been on several together. and can't wait for our next!!

The last cruise I took was a quick 4 night on Brilliance with my youngest son on January 30th. We homeschool and took the cruise to see the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio (I wasn’t comfortable heading to the mainland without my husband with us). We had the best field trip ever. The other highlight of the cruise was our assistant waiter, Mauro. He did magic tricks each night and took care of my son like his own. He was awesome!

My favorite memory was shocking Mr. SpeedNoodles when we were on an ATV tour in Puerto Rico last February on our Symphony sailing - It was only the 2nd time I'd ever driven an ATV (the first time being the day before, mostly on paved roads), and the mud was up to a foot deep in places. He didn't think I"d even try to go through some of the big puddles or mud, but I just dove into them the entire time and never got stuck - he was shocked! It's not easy to shock your husband after 26 years of marriage!

I've purchased my items I wanted for my December 12th cruise on the Symphony. I have HIGH hopes!

@Neesa I really wanted to do the thrill and chill too! If Oasis is not one of the ones that will resume sailing in November, but Mariner is, I will likely be switching over to Mariner ? These cruise planner prices, especially on the cabanas at Perfect Day, are just too good to pass up!

Me either. We get calls on 911 all of the time that go something like this: 911: "And the female that you saw, can you describe her, please?" Caller: "Yes, she was a white female, brunette, blue jacket, elderly" 911: "And can you give me an idea of what you mean by elderly, sir?" Caller: "Oh, you know, about 35." 911: ...... bangs head on desk .....

My 6 year old son, who was 5 at the time, wears a little captain's hat around the ship - and him meeting the actual Captain. Man, it was like meeting the REAL Santa Claus.

Navigator four night in February earlier this year, just before everything started going haywire! Booked a GTY balcony with DX bev on a whim and stayed on the SW side of Florida with some family for a couple nights on either side of the trip, was a very easy drive over to Miami. As many others have mentioned, so impressed with the brand new upgrades on Navigator and at CocoCay - it was all just so great, especially enjoyed the escape room (set the best time on our cruise but who knows, maybe they say that to everybody) and the schooner bar, best memory probably the last sea day where patience paid off in getting a casita on the upper deck hanging there most of the afternoon and then won big in the casino that night. Just perfect. Reaffirmed my love for the voyager class, for me and what I like to do it's just the right size of ship, hope to try Freedom or Indy someday soon as well.....

Was our second annual birthday cruise in January and we decided to decorate for others. Unfortunately we were in an end cabin and almost no one saw it. We will be back and bring it and others to change it up daily for the amusement of others.

Have to include two because it's a complete toss up. Freedom Southern Caribbean June 2019 (SO long ago!) 1) Experiencing sunrise on deck every morning with our 1.5 year old grandson (his first cruise). I had done the same thing with his sister on her first cruise at 11 months and it's a really special time. Sunrises are beautiful but nothing compared to sharing the wonder with a young one. 2) Eagle Beach in Aruba with our 3.5 year old granddaughter. Expected a timid response to the crashing waves (as reported about a previous trip to Myrtle Beach with her parents and other grandparents). It took about 2 minutes before she wanted to "go out more, Gramps" - into water over my waist and waves cresting over my shoulders. The feeling of having one so vulnerable trust you so completely is priceless.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO 2021 SUMMER CRUISES Royal Caribbean Press Center News Feed 3min//keep unread//hide MIAMI, Sept. 23, 2020 – Royal Caribbean International today provides an update to its 2021 summer cruises, announcing upcoming changes in itineraries and homeports. Tapping market research and valuable feedback from guests and travel partners, the cruise line has adjusted its schedule with the goal of providing guests with greater variety for their 2021 adventures. Highlights of the updated summer cruises for 2021 include new 4- and 5-night Mediterranean getaways from Barcelona, and more island time in the Caribbean with ships sailing from additional, popular U.S. cruise ports next summer including Tampa, Fla. and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The new itineraries combined with Royal Caribbean ships and crew will deliver the signature vacation experience that guests know and love. Most importantly, the global cruise line is applying the best available public health, science and engineering insights to deliver a safer and healthier cruise vacation. Guests with confirmed bookings between April and November 2021 and whose cruises are affected by these changes are being notified directly. These existing bookings are covered by Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program. New Itineraries and Homeports Europe Adventure of the Seas, which was previously scheduled to sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm, will head for Barcelona to sail a mix of new 4- and 5-night Mediterranean itineraries to historic destinations like La Spezia and Rome, Italy; Ajaccio, Nice and Marseille, France; and Palma and Ibiza, Spain. Jewel of the Seas, originally planned to homeport in Amsterdam and Barcelona, will now sail from Copenhagen and Stockholm on 7-night cruises calling on Northern Europe’s picturesque ports of Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Visby, Sweden. The Caribbean Independence of the Seas, originally sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. offering 3- and 4-night cruises, will now make the neighboring city of Miami her home for the summer season and offer a combination of 6- and 8-night cruises to the Southern and Western Caribbean, visiting far-flung islands including Aruba and Curacao. Vision of the Seas¸ previously planned to sail from Barcelona, will sail from San Juan, offering a new summer program from the island of enchantment. She will offer 7-night Southern Caribbean itineraries to exotic destinations like Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; St. John’s, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Bridgetown, Barbados. Brilliance of the Seas will stay in Tampa for the summer offering a new drive to port for guests. She will sail 4-, 5- and 7-night cruises to the Caribbean, elevating Caribbean summer sailings from Florida’s west coast. Royal Caribbean’s other summer 2021 cruises will sail on as planned in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Visiting more than 200 destinations in over 50 countries with 27 ships in 2021-22, the cruise line’s summer 2021 highlights span the globe. In Europe, new ship Odyssey of the Seas will join Anthem and Harmony of the Seas and make its debut in Rome to kick off its inaugural Europe season. Over in Alaska, the region will see the cruise line’s biggest season yet with four ships, including newcomer Quantum of the Seas. The warmer temps in the Caribbean bring travelers variety in itineraries, destinations and ships with newly amplified favorites like Mariner and Navigator of the Seas sailing 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday itineraries to The Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Oasis of the Seas cruising from the New York area for the first time. In Asia, guests can sail aboard the region’s newest ship, Spectrum of the Seas, offering 4- and 5-night sailings from Shanghai and visiting Japan. Royal Caribbean’s full list of 2021 summer cruises can be found here. About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 16 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

SO you can use (1) FCC per cruise so if you will have $160 left over after you sail then I would hold on to that $160 if you can. They "may" have to extend some of these so you might get more choices once the rest of 2022 is released, but you may not - so that would mean sailing on something by April 2022 but redeeming the $160 by 12/31/21

For us, me especially, the last one we did was Harmony in late January and coming down from Maine, we appreciated the warmth and humidity! That first time stepping onto the ship, hearing the loud music, feeling the warmth on your face, knowing you don't have to shovel for 7 days, and then look for a bartender...it's a wonderful feeling! ? And on that particular sailing our daughter's birthday was our day in St. Maarten, so swimming and enjoying the ocean and beach with her, in that setting, was something I'll never forget. Too many memories to pick a best! Can't wait to make many more!

Favorite memory of the last cruise, the entire cruise! From Port Liberty to Canaveral to Nassau to CoCo Cay and back. And Can´t wait to go back! But especially our perfect day at CoCo Cay. My wife and I just chilled all day. Perfect

One thing I'll say, Bermuda is one of the friendliest islands and trusting people. They are very easy to work with and most tourist guys who own a bus will do whatever you want. Not always the fastest to answer emails but that's their style, don't think you're being ignored. Cheaper price and a more custom experience, especially if you're traveling with a group.

Of course, Black Friday/Cyber Monday is coming up and historically there have been good sales around that time, but who knows what will happen this year. Last year’s holiday sales were a dud.

@WAAAYTOOO and since these cruises are quickly approaching the 60 day countdown, I am not sure if there will be too many more big sales like this, especially if cruising begins again in November. I am really leaning toward YOLO booking all of the items I want in hopes that our holiday cruise sails.. .

That must explain why I need a bigger screen for my phone! ?

Feb 2020, Allure of the Seas, just love hanging out on the balcony listening to waves.. enjoying the fresh air. miss it..

My thoughts: When you finish the first cruise of a b2b, you will be in the bubble. All Royal Caribbean has to do is maintain that bubble during the between cruise period. I'm guessing you won't be able to disembark and reboard, and clearing immigration will be tightly controlled.

My fave memory from my last cruise was also from the Royal Caribbean Blog NYE cruise on Freedom -- the Sunset Catamaran excursion. It was just our entire group on the short sailing but it was such a fun time!

That is hard for me. It is a tie. Coco Cay Cabana and Chef's table....oh maybe I should add the 70s party....oh, but was that better than Quest? Okay, let's just go with my favorite memory of my last cruise was walking onto the ship so I could have all those memories! What is easy for me to say, is my biggest negative memory, not because of RCL, but because of crazy passengers. We loved doing the trivia in Schooners. It was fun and let's be honest, what did you win... a key chain you never used or a highlighter? On our last 2 cruises people were acting like they were going to win a million dollars and pulling out their phones to google/bing the question. They lost site of the fact that is suppose to be fun and laugh at the crazy answers thrown out when they ask for people to scream out the answer before they gave the correct answer, instead it was I have to win! We stopped going by day 3 of our 10 day cruise. Back on topic.

Last Cruise was last September on Anthem to Bermuda (5 day). The Bermuda 2 days was shortened to one due to Jerry, which is hysterical because my wife and a few of her friends have an inside joke and call each other Jerry. A bunch of friends came along (invited themselves) and having them join us was the single best memory because the shenanigans that occurred all week long (even the stuff that annoyed me) wouldn't have happened without them. It just wouldn't have been as fun. I'd give anything to be annoyed at my friends right now. ?

Visiting Chichen Itza on our Harmony cruise in February Always been on my bucket list and despite a long traveling day , it was just incredible!

It was our 7th wedding anniversary and we decided to take the 2019 holiday cruise on Mariner since we never had a honeymoon. We had so much fun but one of our favorite things is the unlimited dining package! We are foodies so we tried every restaurant. We went to Izumi Hibachi twice because the food was soooo good!

The card I got from the cast of Grease on the Independence. I do production photography for the actors and this is the first time the cast did anything like this. What a great bunch!

Took our grandson on his first cruise in February- 4 day Mariner out of PC. Love the picture of him in a “Superman” pose on the flowrider!

Our last cruise was the Anthem cruise that was truncated due to suspected COVID cases (which proved to be completely false). We were supposed to go to the Bahamas and ended up in Bermuda instead. The nice part of the cruise was the reduced capacity - I think we sailed with around 60% capacity. It was nice, even though shorter than it was supposed to be. We had a great time. We were supposed to receive OBC for 50% of the cruise fare and receive an FCC for the other 50%...essentially a free cruise...but somehow we came out ahead by about $650. No idea how that happened. We went out with a bang !!

My (then) 19 y/o son did the second leg of my back to back with me back in Jan-Feb. I encouraged him to go Quest even though I was too tired to go. He went and ended up being a team captain. The next day we kept running into people he knew from the night before....he was very chatty with everyone, high fives and fist bumps all around....and this is a kid who struggled with anxiety through his teen years. Ever since that week on Adventure, he has been able to deal with his anxiety in a much more positive way.

Well I would not say they are a waste of time. There are other contaminants that need to be cleaned off surfaces that have been prevalent for much longer than Covid-19. Noro, E.Coli, Salmonella and other bacteria have been around for a lot longer and the crews have done a wonderful job of keeping those at bay for years due to the cleaning that goes on all the time that i see while on board. Just make sure to do your due diligence clean your surfaces, don't cough on folks, and please please wash your hands. It's just that simple.

Seeing so many memory posts from many groups that cruised in September over the past years and thinking back to my last cruise..... My favorite memory from my last cruise was spending New Years Eve with the Royal Caribbean blog group- who knew 2020 would be like this! What do you think back on to that last cruise you were on?

If you are on Facebook join the group "Bermuda Bound". This group has so much info on everything Bermuda. They have a file tab that has a file "Bermuda tours recommendations by members". Most of the members travel frequently to Bermuda and there are also local Bermudians that are members too. I think your 1st day you should do an island tour since it will be your 1st time on the island. Hopefully if things are little closer to normal you should book a "local tour" not an excursion from the ship. Bermuda so different from any of the Caribbean Islands. Bermudians are so genuinely warm and friendly. I have been going to Bermuda for over 40 years (by air & by cruise) and I still find so many new things to see and do.

I'm not blaming the family at all, but what would lead them to this belief? Did they think they were sailing on Mayo Clinic of the Seas? "“We were always under the impression that the medical facilities and staff on a ship were world class and world leading."

I am in South(west) Florida and that's how we in my family got tested. No exposure or symptoms required. I don't think it was the PRC test or whatever is accepted for traveling but it worked for our peace of mind and daughter going back to college.

A passenger's personal views. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/5572/&ved=2ahUKEwiBmaK6gf3rAhXIo1kKHWQpBAEQx7wDMB96BAgYEAU&usg=AOvVaw3hrScvFcW7B_NUNRnCf-eh

But I still get carded at LCBO and casino. ?

I'm not expecting significant changes to luggage times. We'll have to see the effects of distributing guest arrival which could improve the flow of luggage rather than the peak that occurred previously. Typically any transportation mechanism works best when there is a constant flow as opposed to peaks or rush hour. This is the theory of metering vehicle traffic on road systems during peak times. If left un-metered traffic jams occur to a greater extent. By regulating flow the overall transportation system works better. From what I've researched there isn't a particular emphasis on luggage as a means of transmission given the airborne nature of CV-19. Workers may wear gloves and face shields but other than PPE luggage movement shouldn't be negatively impacted IMO.

@twangster, I could not just like your post. I wanted to personally thank you for your time in articulating that point. I feel more educated now and even better about it because of your input, and as always you have the BEST pics! Thanks so much, you enlightened me and that is so appreciated, cheers to you!