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Shout out to Sharla @ MEI Travel! She has rebooked two upcoming cruises for us over the past month and has saved us almost $1000. Will probably be sending her a message soon to book another one... (FCCs needs to be spent, we are trying but she keeps saving us money!) Paul

The CDC doesn't listen to cruise lines. I think that's been well established. The federal government does pay for testing. The problem is availability. The CDC is doing the change to 2 day to make it less convenient to cruise. They are not doing this based on science or data. The last thing the CDC is going to do is pay for it or make it convenient.

Its a personal choice. If you look at your cabin as just a "hotel room", then probably not. If you're wanting a more immersive, upscale cruising experience then yes. But be careful, the more you upgrade the harder it is to go back to a more humble setting.

Estimate nearly another 50% that won't sail until all the silly rules are gone.... and you might have an explanation for a nearly empty ship.

I'm willing to bet that there are still at least 200 who will push in front of you at the Windjammer buffet and/or rush onto the elevator without letting others off first.

Aftless chaps.

Terminal check in in 4 hours!!! Last min packing happening now while the kids are in school..haha they both refused breakfast this morning, telling me that they are saving space for their massive lunch Final schedule was confirmed with our Genie yesterday at 230pm that's living life dangerously for me hahah embarkation lunch will be at Coastal Kitchen today...n dinner at Chops..the temptation to get a steak will be very real at CK later but 2 steaks in 1 day...do I dare? Haha.. I will probably post mainly photos as we go along (promised the kids my full attention) and round up the night with a write up if I'm not in a food coma yet

I'm doing my part. Indy in September, odyssey in October, explorer in November, liberty in December... What? That's only one per month!

…and probably every pool chair is reserved with towels and books on them!?

Nope! I’ve got almost $2400 that @Sharlahas saved us just since June! June sale + WOW sale = mega bucks!

I just sailed 8/22-8/28 on Odyssey with 2 kids ages 2.5 and 3.5. We got their pre-sail test done at the pediatrician without an issue. We had 12pm boarding time, so when we got to the port there was no lines to start checking in or to get their at-terminal test done. The nose swab was quick and easy. At first the kids were intimidated by the tester's outfit, but we told them it was just going to be "nose tickles" and thats exactly what it was. It wasn't a deep swab at all. We got our results in about 40min and got right on the ship. Our on-ship departure test for the kids was very similar to the at-terminal one. We booked an appointment for 10:45am (iirc) on day 6. We wanted to get tested earlier since that was the day at CocoCay and fortunately they called us at round 9am saying there was no line and to just come down. Again the test was a not-deep swab for 10s and the kids had no issue. Adventure Ocean was available but we didn't use it. The SplashAway area was great with the limited capacity on the boat. On embarkation day, one of the splash pads was empty except for my kids. Throughout the week, the most kids I saw in one of the Splashaway areas at any given time was maybe 6-7. There wasn't any apparent limit set by Royal, but the limited ship capacity seemed to help keep it pretty empty. Since the kids were young, they weren't up late enough for any shows. Pretty much any time they weren't at the pool, they were either in the room or in a dining area. The kids did really well with the masks since they really only had to wear them in the hallway for a few minutes at a time. We only took them off the boat at CocoCay which was great. We were the only Ship in port so the island felt completely empty. We are from Florida, so we didn't think it was worth it to book an excursion just to go to a beach at the 2 stops in Mexico. Instead, we planned to enjoy the even emptier ship, which worked out as planned. It felt like we had private splash pads during the port days.

Man why can't one of these cruise lines just say "CDC, look at our data. We're doing just fine. There's no need to make things even more difficult for passengers with no improvement in safety" If the CDC really cared, they'd offer to pay for all testing done day of the cruise

Just got home from the Allure of the seas Aug 22, 2021 cruise. So first I have to say, that I felt safer on the ship then I do at my work(I work in a hospital). Everywhere you look and turn are hand sanitizing stations and hand washing stations. They clean your stateroom twice a day, all theaters are fogged after each show, masks are required for everyone indoors and pools and hot tubs have a capacity limit as well as elevators which are also cleaned ALL DAY LONG! The care that is put into making sure we are safe is above no other. The buffet was weird to not serve yourself but was still kind of normal feeling (as much as it could be), you cant even get your own drinks for the refillable cups, they have someone there at all times to serve you. we were at about 30% capacity (1684 passengers and 1800 staff). We have already booked for our next cruise to cozumel in March 2022. We did have to present our negative covid test and vaccine record 3 times prior to boarding the ship but we gladly did so. We have no doubt Royal is going way above what the CDC says they need to do.

Ours was just a nose swab. If the kid can pick their nose, they'll be OK with the swabbing.

I have low expectations that any price will be different from last weeks "sale"

I'm in two minds on this one. On the one hand I don't like the idea of anything getting in the way of getting cruising going. On the other hand I really don't like the idea of vaccine mandates, opens a very slippery slope in my mind (and yes I know it sort of exists in other areas for other things already) that I don't like being an option with the way the country is already polarizing more and more. And no its not because I am refusing the vaccine, I have mine thank you and I wear a purple silicone wristband everyday to remind everyone that Royal says I can identify as vaccinated.

The journey started OK , we board our flight to EWR on time and went to sleep , few hours before the schedule arrival we got the message from the cockpit that Newark experiencing weather issues and our flight will land in DC instead. I already new we lost our connection flight so I purchased internet package and went online to reserve us a car ready to do the 15 hours ride if needed. After a while I saw Unites rebooked us to Orlando but they sent me via Chicago and my spouse on different flight that will bring her around 1 am to Orlando. After passing immigration we went to a huge line for rebooking , have up on the line after 30 minutes as there was only one representative to deal with all the issues. We went to find another place less crowded finally we found a representative to talk to. Told her we are Ok to go to a nearby airport and she found us tickets to West Palm Beach, we grabbed them as they will bring us around 1Pm and we will be both on the same flight. Currently seating in United club waiting for the flight . Whenever I started to be upset over the situation I reminded myself that we maybe had so e delays while other lost had their house flooded or even worse, lost their lives due to Ida Another good example why never to book a flight on the same day of the cruise.

I believe requiring proof of vaccination to receive service from a business in FL is prohibited under the law. However, as far as travel to another country, where proof of vaccine is a requirement for entry…then travel providers such as cruises and flights can enforce vaccination proof at the point of boarding. Even if that happens to be in FL.

Cruises out of New Jersey and Baltimore don't use turn signals

Wouldn't believe this has any impact to the cruise lines, other than for maybe a handful of sailings that don't stop in the Bahamas or St. Thomas. Right now, what the cruise lines are doing would be no different than the airlines enforcing a proof of vaccination requirement for entry to a country or territory. Now an argument could be made for the cruise lines to not stop at those ports requiring proof. However, the same argument should be made for airlines not to fly to regions requiring proof.

Second test today , this time using airport drive in , we are still OK , In few hours we will start our journey, hope no issues from Ida left overs.

Very positive for sure! My ONLY fear is that for whatever reason when we test 3 days out, we come up positive for whatever strange reason. That would be crushing! The only positives I want right now are positive vibes! ?

In a FB live video brand ambassador John Heald announced a few items of interest as it relates to protocols. Existing protocols will remain through the end of 2021. As of September 13 all guest will require a negative test result taken no more than 2 days or 48 hours from embarkation. Carnival is working to establish rapid testing capabilities at all ports. Carnival is abiding by all CDC recommendations despite an injunction by a federal judge lifting the CDC's CSO for Florida based cruises. Recently the CDC updated it's recommendations to include a 48 hour test window prior to embarkation and Carnival is implementing this change as of September 13. To ease the burden the 2 day testing window will place on cruisers Carnival is working with a testing vendor to add rapid testing capabilities at all ports it is sailing from. It's not known when the new testing will become available. John Heald indicated this isn't designed to be the primary testing mechanism and urged guest to continue seeking tests in advance of boarding day. The onsite testing is intended to be a backup in case guests can not find a test within the 2 day testing window. He did not address the cost for onsite testing but emphasized guests should seek tests before arriving on site. Since Carnival did not perform CDC simulation cruises it must maintain at least 95% vaccinated on board per CDC recommendations. For anyone unvaccinated including children of all ages they must apply for an exemption to be considered for the 5% unvaccinated that can be accommodated on board any given sailing. John Heald indicated these protocols will remain in effect for the rest for 2021.

I will be honest, if I need people to talk me into the worth of something....imho it is not worth it. As worth is tied to the individual, I would say think of all the factors. How many people are going, all you plan to do and eat, etc.. I will admit I am a little bias as I mostly travel solo, so it is a waste to me. However, that might be a great price if 5 or 6 people are going to utilize it....or you want a luxury experience at CocoCay.

It would mostly apply to wine by the glass rather than mixed drinks. There are plenty of wine by the glass choices that are below the threshold, but definitely a few that you would pay the difference.

Wow! I thought the $700 that @Sharlahas saved us on our cruises since June was amazing.

I'd be happy to charter an Oasis ship at $11 million if you guys want to pitch in about $10,999,900

Add me to the list! @Sharlais the best! She's saved me a bunch as well for my May 2022 Alaska cruise twice now!!! Nothing like receiving emails from her telling you that she's saved you money.......AGAIN!!!!! LOL Very thankful to have her plan our trip. Thank you again Sharla!!!!!

Per Royal Caribbean, they will give you a test onboard. Just talk to Guest Services on cruise #1 to arrange it.

Thats amazing Paul! Thanks for the @Sharla and MEI shoutout! We LOVE helping you save money!

What's next, stirrups on the stabilizers?

Royal has indicated they will include testing for B2B and S2S (side to side) i.e. - changing ships. I have some cruises on other lines and I haven't asked if they'll provide testing so I can board another line. They did move a cruise for me without any fees since I wasn't going to be in a position to test coming off another line and boarding Royal. I've thought about trying to do a Binax over Voom but there is a lot of risk involved if it doesn't work or if heavy rain blocks the internet when I need it. Murphy's law - Voom won't work when you need it most for a critical activity.

Hopefully they put the horns on her like they did with Voyager back in the day.

Falling in line, like good little soldiers. I expect RCI to line up shortly.

I think this is becoming the way to go, for any form of travel that accepts them. Cut out the middle man. I've got an upcoming sailing that departs on a Monday, so if I have to get tested on Sat or Sun as my only choices, its that much more difficult.

For me, a first time RC cruiser, I loved our suite on Jewel, one of the smaller ones. The balcony was impressive, could lie on two loungers side by side, with my wife The concierge lounge was one of the most sociable areas in these Covid times. Free drinks/snacks early in the evening. Other lounges a bit too big. Seating at bars were not allowed except for the casino for some reason. If your big breakfast fans there was a special area in Chopps. Light fare in the lounge. Well worth it to us hence another booking in a month.

I don't think this will impacts Cruise lines at all. As I recall, NCL sued and it is currently hold on by the courts. So i would say this is a Moot topic.

https://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Promotions/Snapshot_of_CruisePlanner_Offers.pdf

I believe it starts the 3rd or 4th of Sept. I got an email but chucked it as there is "always" some sort of sale.

At least you have the right attitude, I am very much hoping the rest of your travels are safe and smooth.

You did mention they sailed Royal right? The same Royal that has the wonderful IT systems we all know and love. The same Royal that is never consistent.

@SpeedNoodles if @Temeculaguy did an Anthem sailing in August I'm pretty sure that makes them British (or UK resident), due to Anthem being restricted sailings in UK. We don't have a dedicated CAS number - we have to ring the customer service number 0344 493 4005 and then select the CAS option.

YES …… Also, if you have the Unlimited Dining Plan, they’ll also make all your restaurant reservations for you too …… just let them know the dates and times you’d like to eat at each specialty restaurant

I already called earlier tonight. They said the system will generate a new eDoc with the updated luggage tag at 3AM. My OCD will go on overdrive if I have a handwritten luggage tag on my suitcase

If this is true and they pursue these undue fines against any cruise line, this makes Florida a key ally in the CDC's pursuit to shut down and kill and industry.

Yes, it's always exciting to go on a brand new ship. I felt the same when I got assigned.

Here on the ship, I'm hearing 1400...so I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

A common complaint from the late dinner seating crowd was that the C&A happy hour precluded them from enjoying a glass of wine in the MDR since happy hour was over by the time they were seated for dinner. The reality is the crowded DL complaint that many C&A members expressed frustration over was directly tied to open bar. With open bar gone so will be the crowded DL. I think it also sweetens the D+ tier with an extra drink per day. On a 7 night cruise that's 14 drinks for a couple and $168 savings. That's nothing to sneeze at for D+. The writing was on the wall. The pandemic provided C&A an opportunity to do something they had to do.

so the embarkation was pretty simple, when you get off the shuttle they check your check in time to make sure you are supposed to be there. once this is done they will show you to the entrance of the port where they will check your negative covid test and vaccine card. with this complete you will be allowed to enter the port where you will be greeted by customs to check your passport/birth cert and ID, after which you will be sent to check in where they will check all your info again(ID, BC/passport/vaccine card and negative covid test). after they have entered all your information, they will issue you a rubber bracelet to show you are vaccinated and a tracelet to be able to contact trace while on the cruise(you have to wear both at all times unless in your stateroom). all in all it was pretty fast and simple, as far a vaccinations, the only people not vaccinated were kids under 12 and they had separate dining and show seating. Just for our piece of mind, my husband and I got tested today (post 3 days) and tested negative!!! I am defiantly going to continue cruising...