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Amazing. I'm at home ironing and you have already finished eating at Sabor. Maybe Star Class is better than Twangster Class.

I just stumbled upon this scratch off poster on amazon.... thought it was really cool, so thought i would share... fun gift idea for an RC fanatic ... https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Caribbean-Scratch-Off-Poster/dp/B08ZK9GP2Z/ref=sr_1_209_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=cruise+accessories&qid=1634500680&sr=8-209-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzU1g3WjZQMllEQjZUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjU1OTA5MU45SEczMEZPWU05MCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODcxNzIxMTRBT05ET0RWVlpaRyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Well, I’m sad to say two things: 1. We are off the ship and in the car headed home. 2. I failed miserably at live blogging This week has been INCREDIBLE! If you’re booked in Star Class (or even just on the Oasis) and you’re reading this because you’re excited about your upcoming sailing, I am here to tell you, you’re going to have the TIME OF YOUR LIFE! If my excited ramblings are too long to read, please let that be your takeaway from reading our experience. ***** Alright, so I left off on embarkation day where the amazing Genie Shane escorted us onto the ship and directly to our suite (two hours before the cabins were supposed to open! ️) We entered the Loft Suites section on deck 17 and walked down the widest cruise hallway I’ve ever seen. At the end of the hall, right in the corner… there was our door! 1720!!! Shane and his team had decorated our door for us! We walked inside to embarkation day surprises! Anniversary decorations and a custom cake! Plus flowers in a vase and a beautiful card from Shane to celebrate the 6th wedding anniversary we missed during quarantine. I will give you fair warning that I have read from other fabulous star class experts on this forum that 1718’s upstairs is bigger, but there is no comparison for how amazing 1720’s living room and balcony are! This view of the ship from the bedroom is amazing! I didn’t realize there was another window right next to the bed. At sea, you get a gorgeous view of the wake And now, for this balcony! It was cloudy and drizzling when we arrived in Cape Liberty, so I’m mixing in some debarkation photos as well so you can see the gorgeous view from all sides. I loved that there were two doors to get out to the balcony as well. The standard sliding balcony doors were perfect for entertaining and moving in and out during the day. But I loved the single door directly under the bedroom behind the dining table for a quick shortcut onto the balcony in the morning. I also think you’ll get some cool photos if you’re having a party on the balcony by standing inside the bedroom and looking down from the window. I hope our few snapshots help you visualize the setup for 1720, since I mostly only found 1718 online. I’ll be back in a bit to up on the rest of the cruise shortly. It’s my turn to drive

Finally, tomorrow we cruise. Up at 0300 this morning to begin our travel day. Good old American Airlines performed flawlessly. Palm Springs to Dallas to Orlando. Equal number of take offs and landings. Luggage arrived with us. Picked up by the shuttle van from the Hampton Inn and Suites and took a less than 10 minute ride to the hotel. It’s fine for a night. It has a bar. Walked across the street to Bonefish Grill for dinner. The food was ok. In early tonight after such a long day. The plan is the have the included hot breakfast at the hotel in the morning. Go Port Canaveral is scheduled to pick us, and others, up at 930 for an approx 11am arrival at the port. More in the morning.

Here is the list of actual Platinum level benefits/offerings (details that are not provided on the generic C&A sheet on Royal's website). These are preloaded onto your SeaPass card. They used to give you this sheet as part of the welcome onboard paperwork in your cabin, but for some reason (at least for us last week on Oasis) we had to request it at Guest Services.

Day 6 - Nassau I know that a lot of people don’t like Nassau. I’ve been one of those people. This day was great though! Very busy but one of my favorite days. I’ve found that picture taking slows down as we go. We had our usual breakfast from Johnny Rocket’s. The 4 big kids went snorkeling for the first time and DH just went shopping. DD6 and I did Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge excursion and it was both of ours favorite thing we did. I HIGHLY recommend it for younger kids. It left right at the pier so no long walking. The pirates were so great with the kids and have them tons of attention. I won’t spoil it so you can enjoy it too. There was an open bar with water, punch for the kids and alcoholic drinks for the adults. We got back on the ship about 3, enjoyed another round of delicious snacks and drinks from Smitha, rested for a few and then 3 of us had an ice skating session from 4:30-5:00 (big kids were still on their excursion) it was our first time ice skating and none of us liked it. I thought since we can roller skate we’d be decent at it. I was wrong! Gave me a new respect for the skaters in the show. When we got back to the room, the kids were back and they all had a great time. They said there was about 50 people on their boat and well over 100 people snorkeling. Seems like too many people to me but I’ve never been snorkeling either so wouldn’t know what to expect.

Maybe they haven't found alternative ports yet and dealt with all the logistics that go into it. Who knows. It's in the cruise contract that ports of call are subject to change. And with the everything that's gone on over the last 19 months it is to be expected that it will continue to be a fluid situation. If I've learned anything about cruising as a vacation, if you can't deal with change and uncertainty it's probably not a good vacation choice for you even without being in a pandemic

They tried to tell me to look it up in the app! It’s very frustrating when they don’t know what they are talking about. they also said “just use your card snd the discount will come off”. Also not a true statement. 1) you need to know what the discount is! 2) you must ask for it as it doesn’t always come off.

A drop in the bucket as compared to their revenues from international banking

On our last two cruises we received a list of shows in our cabin when we arrived. Reservations were made on the app and as stated would only allow one reservation for each show, even if it was shown twice. We sat and made them immediately and were able to see everything we wanted and when we wanted. We thought it was much easier than the long lines, having to arrive 30 minutes early to make sure we got in and as stated earlier, the lower level is for vaccinated only and the masks came off immediately. You are suggested to have at least two seats between your party and another and only had one show where there was so many people that we only had one. Will say that show had a very long standing ovation for the performance. As they say, schedule it early.

Yes I did it on Mariner in Sept and Indy a couple weeks ago. Put your seapass card in a slot machine and charge the amount of your obc to your room. It will ask for a PIN and that is your month/day of birth. Once credits on the machine, just hit the cash out button and take voucher to cashier. No fee.

No. This argument has always made me scratch my head. I don't rely on other people dressing or not dressing a certain way to enjoy myself. For example, my wife and I go to Capital Grille each year for our anniversary. We wear nice but fairly casual clothes - higher-end jeans/nice shirt for me, dress for her. But we live in a fairly casual city, and it's not unusual to see people roll in to Capital Grille (easily a $100-$200 per person dinner) in shorts and a t-shirt. What they're wearing has no impact on the enjoyment my wife and I have at our dinner.

All, we appreciate the posts on this subject as we are emerald and will be moving to diamond on our B4B cruise on the Brilliance in Jan-Feb 22. The link to C&A benefit page is great but the on board letter in the cabin is more direct. I appreciate the one posted for platinum as i will be sending it to our traveling companions as they are platinum. We would appreciate anyone posting the current onboard letter for emerald (we lost/misplaced ours from our last cruise in 2019) and the one for diamond. Thanks for your help and safe cruising:)

I’m boarding Oasis at noon today…also in a CL. I’ll ask about special dinners in the CK for holidays…especially New Years and Thanksgiving. I’ll post later.

It'd be more fun if you could win free cruises like a scratch off lottery ticket

On the news today, they’re reporting 16 Americans and 1 Canadian have been kidnapped in Haiti. I think this will drive the proverbial nail in the Labadee stops.

1128 and we’re at lunch. As soon as I scarf down some guacamole I’ll go over boarding process. But it was smooth!

Next up. Go Port! About to leave the hotel. 45 minute drive.

Disembarkation has been pretty smooth lately…especially with the decreased capacity. I do self walk off with my luggage but it’s just me with a large rolling bag and a carry on that attaches to the top. The walk from the ship, through the gangway, down the escalator and into the customs hall is pretty long. If I had more than one bag, I would probably just put them out at night and pick them up in the customs hall. It’s very easy locating them. Then after getting my face scanned at CPB checkpoint and getting the green check mark…a quick stroll out the side door and to the garage. Make sure you have your parking ticket with you…do NOT leave it in the car. I hear this happens quite often. When you approach the garage, you must insert the ticket and a credit card into the self-service pay machine to get an exit ticket. There’s also a cash only machine. Don’t worry…there are plenty of workers to show you how it’s done. They actually do it for you…makes things go much quicker. You’ll get a receipt and an exit ticket which you need to raise the barrier to get out of the garage. They even have a worker who takes your ticket and inserts it in the machine for you. Up goes the arm and you’re on your way.

IT"S CRUISE DAY!!!

I recommend people go through the CVS (or whatever website) to see how scheduling works. Click EVERYTHING. I found my local CVS will do antigen and PCR tests but only for SICK visits and you can’t schedule sick visits 2 weeks ahead of time (makes sense) if I click on Travel on the CVS site I have many locations show up but when I attempt to book it shows “no appointments available”. Now imagine thinking “I’ve got this I can book easily”, only to go into panic mode when finding out the 30 stores surrounding me don’t offer travel tests! There is ONE CVS 45 minutes away that allows me to book a travel appointment 2weeks ahead. So please, whoever is using any pharmacy, etc please understand WHEN appointments open, and do they meet your needs.

Are you SURE you’re not pregnant ?

Hi all. Not sure if you all know this but CVS is now offering "Travel" testing. We sail on Freedom 10/18. We were able to book our appointment 14 days out. This is for those that are having issues with finding test sites. This allows time to plan it out in advance. Went this morning at 10 AM. Took the Rapid test, not the PCR. Got our results back by 11 AM and it was no cost to us. (We do have insurance). Hopefully this is helpful to those with upcoming sailings in the US. 🛳

This is about as close as you can get with a recreational boat before the sheriff starts flashing lights at you.

@Lovetocruise2002its about to happen!

When we were walking back to our room, I was stopped by spa employees selling a package. I’ve never been to any spa on a ship before. The package was $129 for 75 minutes including: various massages and facial. I signed up, just to be able to experience it. I loved every minute of it other than the sales pitch at the end. Scalp massage and feet/leg massage tie for my favorite. We didn’t have any dinner planned so we split up and had a “do your own thing tonight” night. We had the a headliner show scheduled at 8:00. The 4 big kids sat in the lower seating while DH, DD6 and I sat in the balcony due to her being unvaccinated. Kevin Johnson (ventriloquist) was very funny and even DD6 laughed out loud multiple times. Next up: Beach Club and sharks

The people kidnapped were all from Millersburg, Ohio. Only a hour from me.

Yes! You need to clearly ask for any discount you're using or free vouchers and keep track of your onboard account. I used to get charged for Diamond Happy Hour drinks all the time, though they never gave me q slip to sign like they typically do with drinks they charge fully for.

posting on the App is good idea:) second the motion

I was able to book CVS this morning for our 11/1 cruise. We were able to reserved 10/30 afternoon but many open slots earlier in day.

There was no sheet in my room on Adventure. I had to go to Guest Services to get one. I was surprised at their attitude when I inquired, but I got it.

This was on a post labeled Diamond.

Happy Limo is a company I've heard good things about in the past

Thank you, that's what I was looking for!

Guess I should start packing...

@spiralqueen I dined on the Harmony at #CK Thanksgiving 2019. I don't remember anything special, I know they were serving a Turkey dinner with stuffing down in the Main Dining room and I believe you could ask for them to get it for you but we just went ahead and enjoyed the #CK menu, the room was electric with happy people and those windows, WOW! It was an amazing reflective evening, realizing how blessed and thankful we were to be there, the staff was so warm also. If I recall there was one extended family who dined in the MDR that evening and then came up to #CK for round 2!

On the Oasis, all of the shows are there. The Broadway show Cats, the Aqua80’s show, the Frozen in Time ice show and the various headliners and comics perform. As @SpeedNoodlesnoted, due to physical distancing rules, you can only reserve them when onboard. And you can only reserve each of them one time…so everyone gets a chance. Some showtimes are for vaccinated only, others may be for everyone. In the theater, the main seating area is for vaccinated only and the balcony is for everyone. When in the vaccinated only section, masks can be removed. In the everyone section, masks must be worn and distancing between groups is recommended.

I've told Siri to remind to ask tonight. Getting old, CRS.

This is one source that attempts to track charters: https://www.cruisetimetables.com/full-cruise-ship-charters.html

We were gold last month on Anthem and got two drinks with 50% off, there were a few other offers but we didn’t use them.

It has been known to happen that you find out on arrival at the terminal.

Pretty awesome! I have received $500 back from Amex already. Charged $1500 with my Amex card with a Royal Caribbean Rep last Friday the 8th. $500 was credited this past Thursday. Very quick turnaround.

If the app could see my belly... it would start suggesting names. #molsonmuscle

There are Walgreens in Puerto Rico that offer the 1-hour result antigen test. You should be fine.

I reached out to my local CVS, and they told me 14 days is still in effect but of course, things are still subject to change. He (Pharmacist) said look for your desired date and book. If you don't see your date, he said look daily..ie. Say if you are cruising on Monday, 11/1. You should have your test booked for Saturday, 10/30. It might only show dates up to 10/29. If that's the case, check back the next day and the system will add the next available date to book. I hope I explained that correctly lol. But according to him, he said look & book. for those needing testing.

Eureka! Health Questionnaire completed and submission was successful! Ready for tomorrow!

Crown Bay is 3.3 miles from Havensight. It's a 12 minute taxi ride. Neither are on "the far end of the island ". Cruise ships can't visit the far ends of the island. I get it. The pandemic has impacted a lot of things. Stores are closed and some retailers are out of business. They rely exclusively on tourists to survive and there haven't been any tourists for 16 months. Some stores may never reopen at Crown Bay and at Havensight. Terrible thing this pandemic.

It’s not a myth. Last week while my daughter and her friends relaxed at the pool we had a gator chilling behind them in the pond. Got to love Florida!

9 days out and starting to gather “stuff” for the trip. Two updates for today: 1. I noticed yesterday that a new (at least new for me) section was on the Royal app for check in. So this morning I loaded all the vaccination data for Stacy, Taylor Kaitlyn and the old man. Including photos of the cards. That’s when I noticed that there was no Lot# on my card for the first dose! Uh oh. I will return to my pharmacy in the morning to have them fix that. They told me on the phone not to worry. We shall see! 2. Our kids are self-sufficient, confident and as grown up as it gets. They rarely ask for anything specific. But when they do ask, I try to make it happen. The birthday girl, Taylor, sent me a photo and asked that we recreate it this year. This photo was taken on the Disney Magic 17 or 18 years ago. Our amazing Romina has confirmed that Royal no longer rents tuxedos on their ships. So I’m shopping local for a tux. Taylor is shopping for a pink dress. One way or another we’ll recreate the moment. This is what it’s all about!