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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/18/2022 in all areas

  1. Sharla

    If Cancelled, When???

    I understand you'd be frustrated, but it's not like they have a choice sometimes. They are offering more than fair compensation in these cases, that they don't have to do. This pandemic is not going away any time soon so at this point expecting changes is necessary.
    7 points
  2. BeGoneSee

    Royal Up offers

    First time cruiser. Surprise for my 8yr old son and wife for her 40th birthday. Got a min bid upgrade to an Oceanview balcony from a central park view on the January 30 Allure of the Seas.
    7 points
  3. The link is now active to requests the federally-provided tests. https://special.usps.com/testkits
    6 points
  4. Crown and Anchor onboard offer letters for all levels - Odyssey of the Seas, January 2022 Gold: Platinum: Emerald: Diamond: Diamond Plus: Pinnacle:
    6 points
  5. I’ve done nine since September, number ten is this Thursday. Oasis in Sept and Oct…the rest on Anthem. All out of Bayonne, NJ. Here are some of my pros and cons. These are just my highlights and I’m sure each passenger has their own personal list. The Pros: Reduced capacity and everything that goes with it…easy boarding, less lines onboard, chairs available on the pool deck and solarium; Easy peasy safety drill on the app…love it! No more herding like cattle waiting for those selfish late arrivals before the video starts; Knowing every adult is vaccinated and tested…and every child is PCR tested prior to arrival and tested before boarding; Knowing the crew is vaccinated and boosted when eligible; The food, entertainment, venues, service and crew are fantastic as always. Biggest pro, I’m on a cruise! The Cons: Getting the Antigen test…always a bit nerve wracking knowing a positive test is a personal cruise killer. Wearing a mask, although for me it’s no big deal and makes me feel safer. A major con is the uncertainty…anything can change at a moment’s notice. Entertainment or itineraries changed or cancelled…port delays or denials…venues changing access times or limiting capacity. Changing protocols. And of course the biggest con…I may get quarantined. So far…after nine cruises, I’m used to it and feel like it’s just normal. I’m an optimist and I love cruising. I usually sail solo and do my due diligence. I know what the requirements and protocols are. I’m also flexible and know that anything can change. I guess I’m lucky that I am able to cruise often and feel bad for those who plan a family vacation just to be hit with unexpected changes. It is a challenging time to cruise. Hopefully we can all get through this in good health and get back to pre-pandemic cruising. I’m looking forward to it. But not the chair hogs…I’m not looking forward to them. You know who you are! Good luck!
    6 points
  6. I sent an email last night and received a response this morning. I sent the following email to [email protected]: Hello, My name is Kenneth Johnston, date of birth mm/dd/yyyy and Crown and Anchor Number xxxxxx. I have two Future Cruise Certificates that I would like to transfer to family members: 1-xxxxxxxx in the amount of $1,486 1-xxxxxxxx in the amount of $250 I would like to transfer these to my daughter, her name (DOB mm/dd/yyyy; Crown and Anchor number xxxxxxxxx). She is going on a cruise with my wife, wife's name (DOB mm/dd/yyyyyy; Crown and Anchor Number xxxxxxxxx) and I would like the FCC to be sharable between the two of them. Reservation number for Susan and Megan is xxxxxx. Thanks! Ken Johnston Here is the reply I received: Hello Ken, Thank you for your time. My name is Cat and I will be happy to help you today. Thank you for much for taking time to send us your consent to allow for your daughter Megan Illg and your wife to be able to utilize 1-xxxxxxx and 1-xxxxxxx on their upcoming cruise res number. While we are unable to physically change the name on the certificates, I have notated each certificate with your direct consent to allow for advised guest to be able to use them. For security reasons, we are unable to make changes on a booking with anyone other than the Travel Advisor, if listed on the booking, or directly with the guests booked on that cruise. We kindly ask that they reach out to us or their possible advisor for assistance with application of the certificates. Thank you for considering Royal Caribbean International. It is my hope that we can welcome you back onboard with us in the future. Sincerely, THANKS AGAIN @michelle!!!!
    6 points
  7. Steve89

    Royal Up offers

    Found out tonight that our bid on a Grand Loft Suite on Odyssey was accepted! Our first star class cruise is 6 days away and we couldn't be happier.
    6 points
  8. Geektastic

    If Cancelled, When???

    They also don't have a magic crystal ball that tells them so they might not have more time to warn people. Sometimes things happen.
    5 points
  9. When we returned from the Allure on Jan. 8 we actually encountered a "thinking" CBSA lady. When we got off the ship Royal did our tests in the terminal. We had our negatives just after arriving at the airport at 8:45. We filled out our ArriveCan stating that we had been outside of Canada and the U.S. - automatic tests - but told her we had taken a test that morning. She said, "Were they negative?" to which we replied yes. Without asking to see them, she applied green stickers to both our passports and we were on our way.
    5 points
  10. melmar02

    Lap swim

    The pools are great for general swim, but if your kid swims competitively, the pools may be too small for a good workout. He/she will surface just in time for the next flip turn.
    5 points
  11. Here is my experience with transferring two FCCs in the past year. We paid for my parents to sail in the Villa Suite with us and this sailing was cancelled in December 2020 due to covid. They issued FCCs back in my parents name for their share of the deposit even though I paid with my credit card. At first we just assumed that we were out the $500 because my parents don't plan to cruise again until 2023 at the earliest. My TA did some digging and she told me to get my parents to send an email to guest relations ([email protected]) stating that they are requesting that their FCCs be transferred to me, their daughter. Email was sent and I received the FCCs back in my name in about two weeks. It went smoothly. The hardest part was explaining to my parents what to write. Because the FCC was in their name, they had to request the change.
    5 points
  12. This is, apparently, what's happening on the Oasis right now, where there is currently a chartered cruise. I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about the regulations or economics of chartered cruises, who's in control, etc., but with all the problems going on with infected staff and having to cancel sailings, why would they allow this right now, as it clearly endangers upcoming sailings? (I want to be very clear that absolutely not one ounce of my sentiment here has anything to do with the fact that this is a gay cruise. I have nothing but full support and love for the LGBTQ community and events like this, which I'm sure are a blast.) I also found a post on Twitter saying that Atlantis (the folks chartering the cruise) are encouraging cruisers not to post on social media -- likely for exactly this reason, as it could potentially reflect badly on both RC and the LGBTQ community.
    4 points
  13. Ampurp85

    Royal Up offers

    My bid were saying all expired and pending for one. This was like that for 2wks and then I got my email and credit card charge 6 days before sailing. I went from interior to spacious panoramic overview for the min.
    4 points
  14. The last minute whimsical rules of international governments is a big reason why I deferred my European cruises until a hopefully better time in the future. I chose to sail close to home and avoid flights for now. I know that doesn't help Canadians very much right now and I can absolutely see why some would do the same thing I'm doing with European cruises. Canada really seemed to lose its mind with Omicron and tried very hard to make it unattractive for Canadians to leave Canada. Mission Accomplished.
    4 points
  15. S. Noble

    Labadee rumors

    Even thought it's in my itinerary next month, I've mentally prepared myself to expect that we won't go to Labadee. Now I'm starting to get a little ... tiny bit... excited?
    3 points
  16. jeffmw

    Oasis / Atlantis Cruise

    In case you're interested, here's a NYT article about the cruise: Most notable: Part of the problem is that Atlantis (unlike Royal) is not allowing cancellations, so many of these people are choosing to go rather than lose $ thousands. The article also says, "While the company does not offer refunds, it says that the health and safety of its guests is a top priority and it will be enforcing Royal Caribbean’s health and safety protocols, which includes a mask mandate indoors except while eating and drinking and in crowded spaces outdoors." That seems to have gone out the window!
    3 points
  17. I had to try the bionic bar; it was on my must see/do list. I see the hype when you are new to this type of thing but the drink, even though I made it myself, was nothing to really be wowed by. I have been having issues with my card since the beginning. I think it has something to do with how late we changed the booking. First my card didn't work, I didn't have all the functions on my app, but I could open the door. Genie Alexa got my card and app to sync. I learned later I was being charged for everything and then refunded, while my cabin mates always showed a zero charge. Alexa fixed that. I got Starbucks and finally it was a zero charge. We explored the Boardwalk and were able to watch some of the Aqua theater performers practice. The Boardwalk was super empty, like a ghost town in my opinion. Tonight, was formal night and dinner at Chops. My Chops experience on Mariner wasn't that great but I know that things vary ship to ship. I went in with no expectations and the team at Harmony blew me away. The food was amazing. I can't say for sure if they are just really being great to us because of Star class, because of such small capacity or because they have better quality. Our server was engaging and very accommodating. Also, the pretzel rolls might be the best bread on all of the fleet. My petite filet was cooked a perfect medium. My only gripe were the signature drinks. The Lavendar martini tasted exactly like soap and the pink grapefruit drink was pure vodka, I think it was missing the Cointreau. I had the shrimp cocktail, and it was the best I had so far. I chose two desserts, the cheesecake and apple pie. Ugh that apple pie had raisins, so I was disappointed. But the cheesecake was very good. Towards the end of our dinner a party of right set across from us. They had definitely pre-gamed and also were celebrating a 50th birthday from Sept 2021. It was like the real housewives of Harmony of the Seas. Some were Star class, and some were something. They all did not understand inside voices. Poor Alexa had several people screaming in her face. The poor server was in for it. Especially the guys for more bacon. "Eight more bacons sir, eight bacons, bring me more bacon!" That poor server was trying to get entree orders and all they wanted was more bacon. I love when we get dinner and a show! We enjoyed time in our room after dinner until our headliner show at 10:15. Michelle Murlin was the headliner, and she was a Broadway player from Cats! and Les Misérables. She was made for theater, the other stuff not so much. Let me preface this by saying the theater wasn't even twenty percent full. We were in front row and she had chosen some sort of fantastical spotlight setup for her show. I loved that she was high energy, but her voice wasn't suited for the more soulful songs she tried, it made her sound off-key. Also, she had all that Broadway razzamatazz in leg kicks and musical struts, that don't suit a song like "I am every woman." The party next to me had a gentleman who knew and sung along with every song and impression of another artist song. I loved him more than her. The band was incredible. She named dropped her husband who was in a group called the Letterman and also that her set was hard, but this band was able to learn her setlist with an hour of rehearsal. Let it be known that the giftshop had her CD......but it also came with a flash drive, that had all 8 or so of her CDs, so those who didn't have CD players could enjoy. Before she sang her last song of Memories from Cats! she invited us back for a Thursday night show. New dress, new heels, jewelry and songs. We have dinner at 7, so we won't be able to make it unfortunately. A few rows behind us I noticed a large party of couples dressed 80s prom for formal night. A few were dancing in the aisle to the music, it was fun and cute. We walked through the art gallery and casino. Then spent the rest of the time enjoying our room.
    3 points
  18. We had friends whose cruise was also cancelled about 2 weeks in advance out of Miami. They were able to call and reschedule to Allure out of Ft. Lauderdale during the same week as the cancelled cruise. There are possibilities apparently. It is definitely a difficult time for both Royal and their guests and I agree it would be heartbreaking to be planning on vacation and have it cancelled. I hope, for all of us, things slow down and we can return to more cruising and your Alaska cruise goes off without a hitch. We sailed Ovation to Alaska and it remains one of my favorite cruises.
    3 points
  19. We just returned from sailing on Oasis Jan 9-16. It was a fantastic cruise. There is much to be said about a ship, especially and Oasis class, being at less than capacity and in our case, just at 50% or a little less. The boat never felt deserted but was a nice capacity to have no waits. We were able to port at all our ports (Western Caribbean) and all of the shows were going on as scheduled except for the second half of the Aqua theatre shows. The chief safety engineer responsible for making sure all safety equipment for the shows is up properly to keep the divers safe tested positive and without him they could not go on. I always felt there was plenty of room to distance ourselves from others, even in the bars and lounges but enough people to enjoy a group type atmosphere. Having done the whole cruise experience, we felt our greatest risk of contracting Covid was probably at the Miami airport. We were in an area were there were throngs of people and that was our most uncomfortable moment for the week. Whether to sail or not is a personal choice and we stressed about the testing and boarding during these times for about 2 weeks unnecessarily as we look back. Boarding was very easy and smooth. I hope if you feel comfortable enough, you will sail, as we had a fabulous time. Understanding and flexability is key but there is much to be embraced about sailing now.
    3 points
  20. To re-affirm responses to OP's question: You can pick check-in times for anyone linked to your cruise without prerequisites. That's what we did a few months ago and then followed up a week later by doing the formal check-in steps (passport, personal info, COVID info, etc). If there's one thing i've learned about cruising with RC, it's constant vigilance: Always check your cruise pricing after booking, it may have dropped Always check your Cruise Planner pricing after purchasing, it may have dropped Always check your Check-in times after selection, earlier times may have opened
    3 points
  21. We sailed on the Oasis the first week of January and our entire week was fantastic! Boarding was easy and efficient...as long as you had all of your required documents organized. The crew was amazing and we felt safe and comfortable throughout. We have a few more cruises planned in the coming months and other than the concerns about border controls (we are in Canada) we have no hesitation about sailing again. Royal is doing a fantastic job in ensuring guests have a wonderful vacation.
    3 points
  22. whitsmom

    Item security

    This might work or something like it (from Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Vaultz-Locking-Tether-Medium-VZ00724/dp/B00P45FXGW/ref=sr_1_28?crid=12UEXPJF7U4WN&keywords=small%2Blockable%2Bpouch&qid=1642513813&sprefix=small%2Blocka%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-28&th=1
    3 points
  23. The country is clearly moving from a pandemic to an endemic. I think we saw this when the CDC reduced the Conditional Sail Order to voluntary. And, with the lack of test kits, the cruise lines could push back and say if there are no test kits the CDC needs to recognize the testing recommendation needs to be reduced to symptomatic cases only. We're going to have to treat Covid just like the flu ... urge vaccination and stay at home when you're sick.
    3 points
  24. Tell ME about it !
    3 points
  25. Well, I didn't "take myself to Chops or something" but I did learn something else. You can use OBC to add extra gratuity for staff on the ship, instead of using the little envelopes they give you and putting cash in them. I asked at guest services if this was possible, and she said yes. You have to fill out a little piece of paper with the crew member's name and work position and write in the amount that you want to tip them. So I frittered away an extra $60 of OBC ($20 each for attendant / head waiter / assistant waiter) instead of my own cash. Something to keep in mind if you practice additional tipping at the end of the cruise anyways and have remaining OBC that you can't figure out how to spend.
    2 points
  26. I had a terrible experience last week with the post cruise pier side test (it was not through Royal). The company partnered with the cruise line had a folding table setup in the parking lot, required us to swab ourselves, and 2.5 hours later (after promising 45 minute results) emailed us saying both our test were “inconclusive”. We got retested at the airport with rapid PCR and had our results quickly. I will not use pier side testing again. I would be willing to pay to have the test done on board but without that option I will pay the extra to test at the airport.
    2 points
  27. If that's a current photo, then this is a fantastic case study opportunity
    2 points
  28. Ordered mine. Should be here in August or September.
    2 points
  29. My wife and I are booked on Wonder of the Seas for June 5th. We've been pretty vigilant about everything cruise related for this trip (that also includes mainland stops), so here is my view: Buy travel insurance and trip protection. I'm normally opposed to both of these for frequent travelers, because it costs more in the long run, but these are exceptional circumstances. Anything is possible. Everything could shut down again between now and this summer. Be prepared for that possibility and know your options. 6 months is a long time in a Covid world. We have seen huge dips and massive spikes in case counts and fatality counts in just the past 6 months. I would take any current requirements as directional only. Track them, but make no assumptions about what they will be this summer. I do agree that they need to verify the requirements for all the ports - but RCL will also be doing this, and they will either set their guidelines to the strictest of those requirements or skip the port. It is highly unlikely that they will need to verify anything at the ports themselves. The ship will essentially declare the status of everyone on board to the port authority, who will decide whether the ship is allowed to port or not. Basically, as long as they are aware of the risks and understand that there is every likelihood that their trip could be cancelled, I don't see any reason to try to convince them not to go. If they intend to keep up with their vaccination status, they'll be set for whatever vaxx requirements there are wherever they go. It will really come down to whether EU countries are allowing US visitors at that time - and given how much stress has been on the EU tourism industry, my guess is that they will be.
    2 points
  30. Now for unvaccinated kids it’s a PCR test no more than 3 days before the cruise and an antigen test at the port before boarding. That started a few weeks before Christmas. Also, their PCR test can’t be done the same day as the boarding test. For adults and vaccinated children, it can be either antigen or PCR test no more than 2 days before the cruise.
    2 points
  31. AlmondFarmer

    Lap swim

    Just make sure to get your laps in before Belly Flop contest.
    2 points
  32. Ahhh brings back fond memories of my college spring break cruises in the late ‘80’s aboard the old military supply ship turned cruise ship, The Emerald Seas. I fondly remember the scowls thrown our way (the college kids collectively) from the “seasoned citizens” as we screamed the additional (R rated) lyrics to Billy Idol’s Mony Mony in the disco. Now that I’m approaching seasoned citizen status, I must remind myself of the good old days of shocking old people in my younger years and chill out when in the presence of today’s youth. Although today’s youth are quite a bit more ummmm provocative. We generally just drank a lot and were obnoxiously loud.
    2 points
  33. I had no idea of the compensation. That is fair now that I know that. Still hoping we get to cruise next May
    2 points
  34. The EARLIEST check-in times might not be available when check-in opens. So, you may want to check back periodically. When check-in opened for our upcoming Odyssey sailing, Noon-12:30 was the earliest time available, which I chose. One week later, 11:00-11:30 became available, so I updated our check-in to the earlier time.
    2 points
  35. So I can really skip everything & go right to selecting a time. That would be great! I might even manage that on the app & do the rest on my computer later (I have fat fingers!!). We are both in suites so could potentially get on when boarding opens if I can get this right.
    2 points
  36. FYI: If you just want to, you can just log in to grab a desired Check-In Time and return later to fill in the rest of the information when you are more Alert and/or Caffeinated. Also, you may want to use the app to take pictures of your vax cards for upload unless you have them scanned to your computer.
    2 points
  37. @CruisnMike35 Congrats on getting Simona! I have seen other people have really enjoyed her! We have Jay as our Genie. Something I requested for this sailing (since we are on the same sailing) is a reservation for the Valentine's Day dinner at chops. Normally this is an extra charge since it is a holiday dinner, other bloggers and Jay confirmed that for Star Class it is complimentary. I just had to let Jay know we wanted to do the special menu. that night and he is taking care of the rest! I requested for us to be scheduled at Coastal Kitchen 5 out of the 9 nights and the other four nights would be at each speciality restaurant except Wonderland. Hope. this helps and see you onboard!
    2 points
  38. Traveling Mike

    Lap swim

    I am a water polo coach and me and my son can get a workout in the pool. We just would get up very early so no one would be in the pool We also did wall turns and not flip turns. When I am by myself, I will swim diagonal in the pool.
    2 points
  39. We made diamond by 1 point after our last cruise earlier this month. Beside the last 2 cruises with double points, the only reason that happen is because of hurricane Harvey. We sailed 2 extra days and they gave us the C&A points for it...
    2 points
  40. They say that not because it is dangerous, they simply don't want us to travel. That is the reason for ALL of the "safeguards." Not for one second did I feel unsafe on my 9 day cruise.
    2 points
  41. The utter ridiculousness of governments in their handling of Covid (nearly 2 years in) makes me think of that funny (but profane) movie Idiocracy. It was hysterical….and yet, with bureaucratic nonsense like this, I have to wonder just how long it will take society to reach Idiocracy. It doesn’t seem like such a big stretch any more.
    2 points
  42. I was looking at 2 options. The most attractive one was an Airbnb for 2 weeks in Miami and simply extend my vacation (approximate value of $1600-$2000). I can work remotely so this is the one I would have preferred. This would not have worked for my wife as she still has school aged children she would need to get home for. Second option was to catch a flight to Seattle (US domestic flights don’t care about Rona [I would have been careful and double masked]), rent a car to drive to Bellingham airport, caught a cab to border crossing. I had someone who could have driven my vehicle to the border crossing for me. I would have crossed on foot, explained that I was positive, had a vehicle and quarantine plan in place. They can not deny access to Canadians. I would have accepted the $5000 fine if they felt compelled to give it to me and argued it in court sometime down the road. I did feel though that despite the stories you hear in media etc. That the chances of contacting covid is still very very low and my wife and I were a little extra careful (avoiding crowded elevators etc) knowing we needed a negative PCR test to return to Canada
    2 points
  43. If 1 person from each reservation is a “no-show” (simply does not show up to board) taxes and port fees (and gratuities, if those have been prepaid) will be refunded but no new fees would be assessed. Also, no portion of the cruise fare would be refunded. Not sure if you’re interested in bunking together. If so, there are some ways to get an actual refund. Won’t bother to get into that unless that information is of interest to you. The one thing you probably do NOT want to do is cancel either of the no-shows ahead of time.
    2 points
  44. We returned to Canada on Saturday at 4:44PM. We had negative PCR test results from 11:18AM (5.5 hours prior) and were “randomly” selected for another PCR test by customs. I politely asked where the logic was in that and was told that the tests are ‘only’ 95% effective We were then told we had to quarantine at home until results were in (6 days). It was, however, safe for us to fly back to Vancouver first and then isolate at home. #governmentlogic
    2 points
  45. Hopefully your neighbor is ok. Pretty scary stuff.
    2 points
  46. Coming from the ultimate suite snob, I probably would NOT pay $7K more for a suite over a balcony.
    2 points
  47. Well, if RCCL requires this we will be canceling and ending cruising as long as the rule is in place. Ending up in the hospital to go on a cruise is not happening. (I had a nasty allergic reaction to the vaccines first sets of doses but went through it to cruise, I won't be doing that again.)
    2 points
  48. I don't see the worrying aspect. The charter companies cancelled their charters because they never sold out the ships and were having some booked guests cancel. So they ran away from their charters not because of level of virus on board, but because they couldn't make any money during a pandemic. That left Royal with an odd 2 night sailing that was in between the two charters. Understand when a company charters the full ship, it's on them to sell it. Royal just performs the cruise, all the work to book guests is on the charter company. While Royal is willing to operate at reduced capacity, the charter companies don't want to, so they bailed. If anything I think it's a good omen for you. The ship is going out of service for 10 days. That's 10 days to keep crew away from each other and most important there will be no guests bringing the virus on board for 10 days. Come the 24th the ship should be in great shape. Like pre-Omi shape. The 31st shouldn't be much different. Plus if Omi is winding down, 10 days from now will be that much further into Omi downturn.
    2 points
  49. BrianAlt

    I’m Pinnacle!

    Congratulate me! I’ve made it to Pinnacle! Unfortunately, it’s on these boards and not on Royal Caribbean ships.
    2 points
  50. You got a pretty good deal there at $1850. Personally, I wouldn't spend the $3400 on a JS -- just not enough upside, especially when I could put that money towards excursions. Alaska is so much about the sights and the destination, I'd put the $$ towards those experiences. In the Caribbean? I'd put the money into the suite and the experience on the ship.
    1 point
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