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I'm impressed. I don't even know 19 people, much less have 19 family members, lol.

Yes as of today. Royal's webpage for Adventure from Nassau is here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise?dPort=bahamas I'm hesitant to try to articulate any specifics because I suspect they will change at least once before your cruise. As of today this is what the above website displays:

Ok, so it’s a week early but I’m starting while I’m thinking about it. Looking at the Adventure sitting in port getting ready to head off on its last sailing before mine doesn’t hurt either. I’ve lost track of how many cruises I’ve had canceled but earlier this year I booked the Grandeur for December thinking it might be my best chance to get on a ship next. Little did I expect to see the Adventure sailings announced (or just how fast things would start up from the US). Almost didn’t book since I’m not a fan of cruising in the summer, but after some internal fighting… YOLO. Was sorely tempted by the first week, but in the end decided that if I’m going to book something for the summer why not just spend my birthday on the ship with no responsibilities and a drink package? This cruise marks a couple of firsts for me, first time on a ship embarking outside of the US and the first time flying in the day of a cruise. The latter one worries me a bit…but I’m using Air2Sea and have the first flight out at 5am, connecting in Charlotte and landing in Nassau a little after 10am. Hopefully this gives me enough leeway for the inevitable delays. Worst case, I guess I’m swimming to Freeport and meeting the ship there. Fine, sure, they have flights into Freeport but what fun would that be. To be clear, I don’t recommend doing this! Life conspired against me making it my only option, how dare it give me exciting new opportunities. I started a new job a couple days ago and other obligations are keeping me away from home until Thursday. Figured it’d only be nice to give my new boss a few days of work before showing her where my real priorities lie. Oh, yeah, and give myself time to do things like pack, finalize moving plans, etc. What idiot thought it'd be a good idea to try and fit starting a new job, taking a vacation, and moving to a new city/state all into a month? Don't answer that. Ok, preamble done. If you made it this far you have my sympathies for how bored you must be. Let’s set some proper expectations, here’s a few of the things you can’t expect: quality, coherence, any sort of vague adherence to a schedule, good pictures, dressing in formal wear on formal night, and socks. To not leave you completely high and dry though you can absolutely expect: alcohol, plans to change on a whim, inebriated answers to questions, sometimes even the ones that are asked, and sandals. Feel free to google "tuxedo swimsuit", but I'm not sure I'm mean enough to inflict that sight on the other guests. Maybe just for a Christmas card photo. As of now I have few plans: Friday 7/9 - work, pack, check in to flight, stay at hotel airport. Saturday 7/10 - Flight to Nassau, mani-pedi, lots of beverages. Sunday 7/11 - Freeport - Drink, read, repeat Monday 7/12 - CocoCay - Beach Club Tuesday 7/13 - CocoCay - Beach Club and the Helium balloon Wednesday 7/14 - Sea Day - Sushi and Sake lunch Thursday 7/15 - Cozumel - Cozumel Bar Hop Friday 7/16 - Sea Day - Doing inappropriate things, or reading Saturday 7/17 - Sadness, depression, flight home. Maybe some beverages too. I’ve got the UDP, no idea what I’ll schedule for that. To be honest I could easily subsist on random rolls/sushi/sashimi from Izumi all week but I’ll likely do a night at Chops and Giovanni’s. Things left to do: Pack. I wonder how small of a bag I can use for this one… PCR test on Monday Verifly stuff Royal Health Questionnaire

Saw a few too many horror stories of flights in yesterday, was able to rearrange my schedule a bit and coming in on Friday now instead. This week might be a little busier now but a far less stressful way to start vacation ?

While they won’t come right out and say it that is the underlying message. The cruise lines can’t afford any bad press right now until the industry is proven again. I feel the message is all adults should be vaccinated however as they still want to cater to families the rules are more for unvaccinated children. Most of the areas off limits for unvaccinated are adult only spaces.

We have done a Private Journey twice and both were great experiences. We did this as there was not a tour that fit exactly what we wanted and both times it was just me and an 8 year old traveling. I provided info as to what we wanted to do to tailor/customize the tour. The cost was what we would pay for a family of 4 on a regular tour so not too much sticker shock. The tour guides were great, knowledgeable and brought us to other places they thought we would enjoy based on our interactions in the first hour. To me the best part was the flexability -- kid is hungry, let's stop here where there is great XYZ to be found...or...that little beach spot looks nice, so let's stop and take a quick swim. Getting of the ship and to the meet up was easy and all Staff knew where to point us. This was SO much easier then 3rd party excursions we have done in the past. I would not hesitate to do use this service, some of the best money spent each time.

Thats the "ICAN'T"

Nope... SS Poseidon 2005 version

I too had to read the language twice. My first read was the same as yours then I read it again and, although not as straight forward as one might like it, it says any EOs and all local COVID related restrictions will expire on July 1st. I read this to include the state's PHE under which all this stuff was issued. At that point the provisions of SB2006 - and these cover all manner of emergency preparedness of which a PHE is included - take effect. The body of SB2006 and the announcement of Desantis' signing of it make it very clear that its intent is to prohibit government overreach, the kind of which occurred during the SARS2 Pandemic, in the state of FL. The language in SB2006 also lays out the steps that are required for the Governor to declare a future PHE making it clear that balancing the costs of mitigation measures with the potential public health benefits is required. It also lays out who participates in deliberations and final decisions on these. Participants include both state public health officials, Commerce and Transportation Department officials. It is a model piece of legislation that the US legislature needs to look closely at in coming up with legislation that more clearly limits the authority of the CDC to shutter an entire industry as it did to the Cruise Lines. I think in light of the Merryday ruling, th US Congress cannot duck responsibility to do that. Pretty sure something is already in the mill and has sponsorship that includes FL's TX's and AK's congressional reps.

Think you ask when on board, since it's not the All Access Tour found in the cruise planner.

Have to love the sanctioned Royal Caribbean Blog group events! Still kicking myself that I didn't request the Genie to have someone bring up nachos for the group...

Never blamed you guys, instead THANK YOU. Were it not for reading what the two of you wrote about Star Class I would have never given it a thought. I've stayed Star Class twice and trying to figure out how to get a third stay.

I don'[t remember the tomatoes, but yes on the stares from other tables. I did some goggling and found a post that Matt many years ago ; it included a recipe to make a zillion? It called for 25 pounds of flour among other ingredients

I fully blame you and @WAAAYTOOO and all of your blogs for the fact that my next three cruises are all star class! Of course however, I say blame, and Heather says thanks!

OMG, we really need to start sailing regularly again.....STAT!!!

All of life's questions are answered with one word: Alcohol. LOL My favorite Homer quote:

Gold - basic precious metal Platinum - a little pricier Emerald - one doesn't usually buy just an emerald - the emerald is set in a precious metal, thus increasing the overall value

:::::: slowly opens a drawer a quarter inch and walks away ::::::

Who needs a pat of butter, aren’t the rolls for sopping up the butter on the escargot???

The couples massage prices are more about the couples experience together, rather than a BOGO offer. If you are looking for the best deal for 2 people to get a massage, book two individual massages. If you are looking for a massage where you can both be in the same room and share in the experience, then the couples experience is for you. My wife and I had a couples massage back on our honeymoon and I recall wondering what the point of it was. I suppose it's for the "romanticism" of being in the same room and enjoying a massage side by side. I think a Windjammer buffet station side by side is far more soothing, but to each their own.

^^^^^^This, AND I pretty much want to enjoy my cruise so sailing with family members? I'm stressed just thinking about it! Good for you, enjoy the experience together. @Charlie DeanPersonally, I would ask everyone to check in on line by (set a date), so you can help if there are any unexpected hiccups that come up. Then once everyone is checked in on line articulate/designate a meet up time & place on the ship, maybe for a pre dinner cocktail, at a designated cabin or at dinner. Let everyone be free to do the terminal check in at their own leisure and then go to their cabin to have a minute. Everyone has different styles and comfort levels and speeds for that matter. Everyone settle in and meet at (set a time) to start your Holiday relaxed & ready to enjoy the experience together. I just know my dads wife is late as a rule, I would be visualizing kicking her off the pier ( oh I digress) before even starting my journey. My advice, keep it loose until everyone is settled in, just my two cents. Have fun!

Oh yeah..that one was a nail biter! Even planning to come in the day before didn't work out...I have been hearing horror stories about airports and flight cancelations all over the place because of the increased travel demand.

I was looking at Jr Suites on Liberty and ended up getting a 1 Bedroom Grand Suite for 300pp more. I figured I would get the extra perks for 300 bucks plus double points.

These are the procedures that @Matt has documented this weekend on Freedom: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/07/02/live-royal-caribbeans-first-cruise-ship-restart-the-united-states

I didn't see anyone parasailing on my recent AOS cruise.

Mine did. Menu in this trip report: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/9160-radiance-of-the-seas-alaska-southbound-83118/&do=findComment&comment=83842

Not really sure. I think it is an interactive process. They ask question and based on your answers they craft a tour. Give them a call and let us know how it goes.

??? This discussion reminds me of this video on how they decided anniversary gifts.

I just want to do my second cruise...

We once sent our TA an email while on a cruise, requesting they research a cruise we were interested in. They did but we actually got a better deal by using Next cruise onboard. Sent our TA the Next Cruise deal and they replied back to book it on board. We did and then transferred it to our TA, who even gave us some OBC.

You may have just made my skin crawl a little. ?

AK adventures did it with Travel Spree on the adventure trip. It's on this vlog https://youtu.be/Bfr3ojYOqLM

Lol I have wondered it Gold platinum emerald?? I don't go buying a lot of precious stones but boy does that order seem wonky. I think it has to do with the fact that they added emerald in after the fact to have a bridge step between platinum and diamond.

I agree with the thrust here @LizzyBee23. The current level of hysteria about the variants in the US, especially given the high vax rates among vulnerable populations is unnecessary. In countries with high vax rates, we should be thinking endemic pathogen of interest and managing clusters of it discreetly. I think this is what you mean. One thing to keep in mind is that while COVID is a URI, the possible outcomes from contracting it, unlike a URI or Flu, are significant across select age and medical status cohorts. You do make the point that each cruise ship has to be equipped to care for COVID cases that go south and to quickly off-load passengers whose clinical status depends on a level of care not available on the ship. I don't know the details of the capability to do that across the RCL fleet. Can they intubate and ventilate on board? Administer anti-cytotoxic therapies, Administer antibody treatment? These are all life saving early interventions and then the question becomes, as you say, what happens if there are 15-20 cases, 10 of them are over 65 and at risk and 5 of them are already starting to go down hill with low O2 Sat levels. I have a gut feeling the medical staff has the same kinds of protocols for dealing with a very ill COVID case that looks a lot like how they treat an MI or CVA case (Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Stroke Prootcol - both complicated with specific drug and imaging requirements.) So, I'm not ready to say, "treat COVID like any other URI. What I am ready to say is that you manage a shipboard COVID positive, unlike a URI, very aggressively with isolation of the positive(s), aggressive contract tracing and quarantine (note isolation and quarantine are different animals) until a diagnosis is confirmed or rejected by a molecular test (PCR and others - and I don't know for sure what RCL is using among molecular tests. It should be RT-PCR as this test is the most reliable diagnostic test but it also requires special and specific handling and processing in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified lab. That's a big deal. Failing to aggressively manage a shipboard positive case just presents so many possible untoward outcomes that it just isn't worth the risk of less aggressive approaches and I don't think you're suggesting that. A no-kidding outbreak involving an older cohort could quickly overwhelm the ship's medical facility. A death aboard a cruise ship, during transport or immediately after admission to a hospital's COVID wing would quickly end cruising.

I recall it being about $12.99 on Mariner when I went in 2019. My travel companion and I were pretty stoked because we scored it at $6.49 during a black Friday sale.

Unfortunately, false positives and negatives will happen. These are the risks anyone cruising right now needs to accept.

Very nearly but didn't - because of the protocols that worked. The failed quick test was followed up by a more reliable PCR test. Those are the protocols.

NEW VLOG! This is my entire second week of quarantine onboard.

Thank you for your response @Jkaczano New Hampshire has been recognized as a leading state in managing the SARS2 pandemic. The low seroprevalence does mitigate toward the rationality of your viewpoint on vaccinating your children. I've always held that COVID and it's impact is regional and generalizations that consider the entire US can, themselves, be misleading. Having said that, the level of regional transmission in your state is still considered high (see the link below). So, to me, that would seem to mitigate toward vaccinating them. This statement, also at the link, seems to indicate a low occurrence rate of myocarditis such that, as the chart I posted above shows, the risks of Myocarditis from the mRNA vaccines are exceedingly low while the risk of COVID infections inthe cohort we are talking about is still fairly high: There was not a safety signal identified at time of last VaST report (May 17th): reports of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination did not differ from expected baseline rates – Multiple causes of myocarditis, including: viral infections (cold viruses, COVID-19), bacterial infections (Lyme disease), etc. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/covid19/documents/hcp-call-presentation-052721.pdf I respect your position though vis-vis your children not getting vaccinated. Just keep an open mind and be convincible.

I am currently working on losing my Covid-19. Sucks but I am determined to look decent on our cruise. Still don’t think I necessarily want to dress up for formal night. Khakis & polo or button down shirts for the guys. Light summer dresses for me & my daughter. I’ve said it before - I will keep my elbows off the table, chew with my mouth closed, put my napkin in my lap. At this point not sure we need to do more.

Our TA (Kelley Hardy - MEI) is only too happy to do so. I am very happy to say her pricings are significantly lower than I can source on the RCCL cruise planner.

I just noticed today in the Royal app that my Freedom of the seas sailing for November is now starting to identify certain areas with a (V*) to show which areas are for Vaccinated guests only. Obviously many things could change since technically the protocols for those sailings are not out yet . But I just wanted to pass that information along.

And you have kept a remarkably good attitude about it all! I appreciate your positive attitude and insight!

Crown & Anchor Society® Members Last updated June 28, 2021 We’re thrilled to welcome our valued Crown & Anchor® Society members back onboard! As we prepare to make new vacation memories at last, we want to share some great enhancements and a few updates to the Crown & Anchor Society program and benefits. Enhanced Benefits We’re excited to now offer our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members additional beverage vouchers for drinks up to $13. Each day of the cruise, Diamond members receive four vouchers, Diamond Plus members receive five vouchers, and Pinnacle Club members receive six vouchers. These can be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour or in our private destinations. Consider it happy hour all day long! With the new staggered arrivals appointment process, all guests need to pre-select a terminal arrival time. For our Pinnacle Club members, we created Flexible Arrival— a new benefit that gives you the freedom to check in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time while the terminal is open. Reimagined Events & Access We’ve totally reimagined our behind-the-scenes entertainment tour. Members can now enjoy a MasterClass-type experience and get an insider’s view into the world of entertainment straight from the experts that bring the entire experience to life night after night. You won’t want to miss these workshops! Speaking of shows, we’ve enhanced our entertainment experience by giving our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members priority access to seating in venues up to 45 minutes prior to showtime. This gives you ample time to select your preferred seating prior to opening the doors to all other guests. Lounge Access As We Resume Sailing Because of new health and physical distancing protocols, we have temporarily suspended access to Suite and Concierge lounges. These venues will operate with capacity limits and will only be available to guests staying in Suites. The Diamond Lounge will also operate with reduced capacity. Our health protocols will continue to change as public health conditions evolve. While we envision these temporary changes to be short-lived, they are dependent on health conditions and guidance from local authorities. On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard. Pinnacle Club members sailing on Oasis and Quantum Class ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice. Frequently Asked Questions Q : Why are Crown & Anchor Society benefits changing? A : The pause in operations gave us the time to relook at the program and find ways to improve. We added exciting enhancements and also made some temporary adjustments that align with new health protocols. Q : How will the Crown & Anchor Society benefits change? A :  Most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits remain the same. Some, such as the top tier event, private departure lounge, daily breakfast, and behind-the-scenes galley tours have been temporarily suspended. However, we intend to bring them back as soon as we receive the green light to do so. We also added a handful of new benefits such as Flexible Arrival for Pinnacle Club members, and additional daily beverage vouchers for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members. We even reimagined the behind-the-scenes entertainment tour for an enhanced experience. To ensure compliance with health protocols and capacity limitations in some venues, access to the Suite and Concierge Lounges is temporarily limited to members staying in Suites. While the Diamond Lounge will also operate at a reduced capacity, we’re happy to welcome our members on a first come, first served basis. On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, our Pinnacle Club members are welcome to make reservations at Coastal Kitchen once onboard. On these ships, these members will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any specialty restaurant. Voucher will be added to your SeaPass card. *Excludes Spectrum of the Seas® Q : How will the onboard events change? A : Based on new protocols, we had to adjust some events while still ensuring your full enjoyment: Meal with an Officer —This experience, for our Diamond Plus (340 points and above) and Pinnacle Club members, has evolved to a Champagne Toast with an Officer. This event will still take place in the Main Dining Room, but with new physical distancing protocols in place. Entertainment Tour — This tour has been reimagined, allowing our valued Diamond and above members to learn more about the amazing Royal Caribbean productions and entertainment team. Behind-the-Scenes Galley Tour — This benefit for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members has been temporarily suspended to ensure the health of our guests and crew. Priority Seating for Theaters and Shows — This benefit has evolved to priority access. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can enter the show venues up to 45 minutes before showtime to select their preferred seating. Daily Breakfast in Main Dining Room — This benefit for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members has been temporarily suspended. Departure Lounge with Continental Breakfast— This benefit has been suspended for all Crown & Anchor members as a result of the new departure process. Q : Will I still have Priority Check-In at embarkation? A : When we return to service, the embarkation process will be different. To manage the flow of guests and follow new health and safety protocols, guests will request a set arrival time in advance. For our valued Pinnacle Club members, we are introducing Flexible Arrival. While the terminal is open, Pinnacle Club members have the flexibility to check in up to one hour before or after their scheduled check-in time. Q : How will the daily happy hour be impacted? A : The Happy Hour in the Diamond Lounge will take place daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Diamond and above members will now enjoy additional daily beverage vouchers to be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour, or in our private destinations. Whether it’s sparkling water, sparking wine, or the drink of the day, you choose when and where to enjoy these beverages. The number of daily beverage coupons will increase as follows: Diamond — 4 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card Diamond Plus — 5 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card Pinnacle Club — 6 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members will be able to redeem their complimentary beverage vouchers (for drinks valued up to $13) at any venue except Starbucks and Bionic Bar, at any time throughout the day. Q : Will I have access to the Diamond Lounge? A : Yes — Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can access the Diamond Lounge throughout the day. The Diamond Lounge capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing and sanitation. The lounge is open for regular hours, with Happy Hour daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Guests will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. Q : Will I have access to the Suite and Concierge lounges? A : To manage venue capacity, access to the Concierge Club and Suite Lounge will be limited to members staying in Suites (Grand Suites and above). Q :  Will Pinnacle Club members still have access to the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen on Oasis and Quantum class ships? A : On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard. Pinnacle Club members on these ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice. This voucher will be pre-loaded on their SeaPass card. *Excludes Spectrum of the Seas® Q : Will there be any changes to onboard amenities? A : Yes — due to new health protocols, deliveries to staterooms are limited to embarkation day only. For our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members, food and beverage amenities will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. The Chef’s Choice amenity is temporarily suspended until further notice. Q : Will I still receive my onboard recognition? A : Yes, although some recognition events will change based on onboard protocols. Our Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond members will still receive pins in their stateroom. Diamond Plus members will receive both a pin and luggage tag. To celebrate our new Pinnacle Club members, our Loyalty Ambassador onboard will invite the new member and their immediate family to a special intimate recognition which will be filmed and broadcasted on Royal Caribbean TV. Members reaching 1,050 points and above will receive a Pinnacle Club milestone recognition letter in their staterooms. Our Loyalty Ambassador will reach out to arrange the delivery of a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine.

Oh boy do I feel this one. The Clean Plate Club guilt is real.

Oh no I absolutely agree with that. I usually ask for a small side dish of the “food experiment”. This cruise I don’t have to worry. I’m bringing 2 human garbage pails in the persons of my brother and nephew. Swear to God they will eat ANYTHING!!!

The new Royal Prominade?

Based on the title, I expected discussion of repainting the Edge red and was all set to agree that it would be a shocking decision by Celebrity. The actual topic is far less thrilling.

So, my quarantine period has been extended slightly because of the current Covid status onboard the ship. This will make it nearly 3 weeks in total. I hope you guys are not getting bored of the vlogs. For my second and third week of quarantine, I will be posting a weekly vlog. The internet onboard is making it very hard for me to post daily. This will catch you guys up much quicker as well. Thank you guys for always supporting me!

That's correct. They used to not be able to, but because of the global reach of this site, they are now allowed to book anyone, anywhere.