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The Atlantis group has a very checkered past with their charters, with people dieing on sailings in the past. That being said, while I would not think this is a good thing to do at all, here's another great example of the double standard cruise lines face. Large unmasked grouping outside is a problem? Disney World recently Bills vs Pats game last weekend WWE Monday Night Raw earlier this week INDOORS

I need to work for a company that'd require me to use a cruise ship conference room

Sitting at the pool where I’m staying in Cabo, and watching Navigator make her way in to port. Thought I’d post a photo in case anyone on the boards is on her and wants to see “themselves.” Sorry it’s not a better pic, I only have my iPhone

I barely drink any alcohol and we still almost always get the DBP. I realize it's not a prudent plan from a budget standpoint. I do it for the convenience of knowing that I can have whatever I want whenever I want it without any concern about a final bill. It is a convenience thing for me, not a money issue. I want to drink fresh squeezed orange juice with my breakfast, have a mimosa from time-to-time, get my specialty coffee without having to run up to the suites lounge, drink a glass of champagne while watching a show and get a bottle of water whenever the mood (or need) strikes. I'm too lazy to do the math. I just get what I want and don't worry about it.

We sail with a group called Autism on the Seas. The group uses the conference room all week as a meet up place, place for quiet, and for respite so parents can get a break while our exceptional children (and adult children) are well cared for by trained volunteer staff. PS - The RCL staff is amazing with our kiddos at various venues.

This rumor wound up being true, see the main page on this site https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/01/19/royal-caribbean-will-offer-southern-food-restaurant-wonder-of-the-seas

Looks like Wonder will get the Mason Jar for sure. Just got a marketing email.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I don't want to have to make another shirt like this!

From a press release today from Royal, still mentioning March

Ok from RC website’s press room. I hope we all can breathe a sigh of relief: https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1577/new-southern-restaurant-and-bar-headlines-royal-caribbeans-culinary-lineup-on-wonder-of-the-seas/

Totally true. But it's worth reminding non-cruisers of this double standard when brought up.

Many thanks to the Facebook algorithms and whatever kind soul in my group for the September 25th sailing on Harmony that posted about a price drop today. Checked and sure enough, they've had a resident kicker going, so I'm down another $200 on that sailing, plus I picked up another $50 in onboard credit, so realistically a $250 drop. Now under $2000 total (not including gratuities) for the three of us.

Day three... We had room service breakfast. I had eggs, crispy bacon and hash browns. It was hot and mostly what I wanted......those darn cooked tomatoes! Lunch was supposed to be Johnny Rockets (JR) but @AshleyDillo mom saw that CK had pineapple glaze ribs. So, half of us went to JR and the other CJ. We did a bit of walking around because we thought why be on time for JR. Well, the joke was on us because we had to wait! No biggie we sat down at the "bar is open, but restaurant is closed" Sabor, trying to decern what the captain had said. Apparently, we weren't going to St. Thomas and would be spending longer in St. Maarten. I was happy with that as I had no plans to get off. We did so more walking around after lunch and spent a nice time chilling on the suite deck. I went to the Solarium that has no pool. Of note: the loyalty ambassador keeps very short hours like 1-2 hours each day. She has to work guest services as well. Our in-room snack has mostly been a cheese plate, a fruit plate, some cookies and a meat plate. Maybe we didn't specify better, maybe it shouldn't come exactly after lunch or because there is only four of us and they don't have good cheeses; the lot of it has been going to waste. Today we got nothing and might have missed it Dinner tonight was Hibachi, and it was everything I thought it would be and more. Too much food but also lite. Like I am typing this an hour later and thinking I could go for Sorrento's. At the time I left food on my plate because I was full. We have the comedy show in the Attic tonight. When we sat down Alexa told us that St. Thomas was back on.... super bummer. On a side note. A random guy started talking to @AshleyDillowhile waiting for our table. He was loud and a very big fan of himself. We could hear him the entire time in Hibachi, and he managed to steer every conversation about him. Our luck is great when it comes to that; veering into a dinner and show thing with these cast of characters. Also, their Hibachi chef had way better pitch than the headliner......he had the vocals, I would listen to him sing any night.

I have a $853 "problem" to solve just like your problem. I'm sure I'll think of something. I have already whittled the problem down to a $650 problem with cruise planner purchases! Strawberries and champagne is a good way to begin a cruise. Chops+1 is a good way to spend some money too. If all else fails ... I'll visit the casino.

I just read that it was announced that Harmony will be the first to visit Labadee in late Jan (27th I believe). Yippee !

Then you may be (unfortunately) at the mercy of Delta Cruises policies This is a "fan site" and while we all try to be helpful, you will need to work with Delta Cruise on this particular issue to ensure that you have the best and correct information. Please stick around in the forums! We tend to have a lot of fun and you never know what you will learn from the people here.

A hopeful reply from a Facebook group: I saw it too on Parodeejay and it really bothered me because she admitted it was just a rumor. I found it totally unprofessional for a travel agent to pass on rumors. I watched Matt from Royal Caribbean cruise vlog and someone brought up this very question. He hadn’t heard anything about the ship being delayed and chalked it up to rumors. I have followed the buildout of Wonder from someone who worked on her and I know her shakedown cruise is complete and she left to get her final appearance completed. I saw videos of the promenade with the carpenters adding the finishing touches. I can see no reason why she would be delayed at this point.

They will not 100% work on the ship, but will 100% annoy other people. Do not recommend.

Also pay attention to ship time versus local time. They are not always the same. Today Aruba is an hour ahead of ship time.

Same with respect to convenience and no concern for the bill. Royal definitely makes money off of me, but it's the convenience. One big plus for me, is reading what's in a specific mixed drink or a new wine and being able to give it a try without worrying if I'll like it or not. If we pay per drink, then I will just stick to drinks that I know I like.

You still get two 50% off beer/wine coupons, each. That's four for a couple. That's effectively the same as the old BOGO but better. You don't have to buy both at the same time now. Under the old BOGO you technically had to buy one and get one right then and there and in some cases they made you get the same drink for the BOGO. Now with two 50% coupons each you can use them whenever, one for beer, one later for wine.

@Matt, I'm with you on the rumors going around early this week about I'm with you on this BUT... the lack of mentions about the March sailing in the email some have been getting is giving me pause.

This is about average to low-average. On-board Anthem in December it was $88/day BOGO 50% off. That's what it's currently offered on Oasis in October, with the "sale" price at $69/day (no BOGO50) Keep in mind, the DBP is not JUST alcohol - it's also milkshakes at Johnny Rockets (if available), smoothies at Vitality Cafe (if available), premium coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and all the soda you want. Make sure you're tapping ALL of these available options to make best use of your DBP.

Sorry, but this is all just speculation. Just because it's on the internet, doesn't mean it's true. I'm all for juicy rumors, but there's nothing substantive to point to and say this could mean something.

+1

I remember loving the body wash and the shampoo but the conditioner felt a bit thin for me (but I have course Black hair so maybe that's just me) Also...still don't get why I would want to smell like cilantro.....lol

The only construction delay video I found was dated July of 2020. It would be interesting to know if the OP would let this site know the specific YouTube that referenced this rumor so we could actually check it out for ourselves. It wouldn't be the first time that somebody heard something on the Internet from somebody else who heard something from another "source" who says something happened...jest sayin'.

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.

There is a private Facebook group for this sailing. I joined the group a few days ago to see what people say about how the cruise goes, whether they miss any port calls or not, etc. Some photos posted there today look like the same crowd, same day. I also had hoped that this was a pre-Covid photo but it looks like it's the current sailing. I would say it's likely since the NYT article indicates they are sailing with 4,700 guests. Increased guest numbers over holiday sailings led to cancellations of subsequent cruises, it seems. I am sailing on Oasis in a few weeks and I really hope we won't be affected by the case-count aftermath of this. If it is true that Atlantis' policy was nonrefundable cancellation: shame on Atlantis. Tone deaf policy in this era.

Be careful of the link, looks like phishing to me, not proper name for the figure skater and not the correct You Tube website.

ID-NOW is an NAAT test which Royal does accept. Many people have used this test with success to board, myself included.

We also used goport.com. We also stayed near the airport and had NO ISSUES getting to the port in time for our boarding time (which was noon). The hotel we selected was very nice too with decent food options close by. The return was equally seamless and even though I mad a slight mistake and booked a pretty early flight, everything worked out. We are definitely using this service again if we cruise out of Port Canaveral.

When I was on Harmony in October on a Mediterranean cruise, they used the conference room for covid testing in order to return to Spain.

I just watched a YouTube video that spanned a couple days onboard. They brought the cans they brought onboard to the WJ for lunch and dinner. They allow you to bring it onboard, so I don't think anyone would mind. Now if you snuck on a fifth of Jack and asked for a shot glass...

In addition to the conferences mentioned above, they have other uses as well. 3 years ago, we received an invitation by RC to participate in a survey session on Freedom early on embarkation day. A representative asked us and another couple about our thoughts and impressions on several current and potential cruising aspects in one of the conference rooms and we were compensated with a AmEx gift card. Snacks and refreshments were also served. The whole thing was about 15-20 minutes of our time. They had arranged for several small groups to participate throughout the day until time of sailing.

These can be used on group sailings of many kinds- we've used them for this blog's meet ups sometimes! If you have a group you can request the space.

The anticipation is just too much!!! Yesterday all of my offers went to expired except the one for the Ultimate Panoramic Suite. Today the one Ultimate Panoramic Suite that was available for booking is gone. We sail on the Oasis in 18 days. Fingers crossed!!!

I would treat those tests like you'd treat any medication you take on a daily basis. Carry it on with you.

Thank you so much! Coming in the day before our cruise and wasn't sure if this was best or one of the shuttles. Have a great day and love watching the videos on YouTube!!!

Thanks! I'm "over it" already, thanks to your reply! ha ha I'll do it on my next cruise, hopefully the Wonder Inaugural.

LOL. You need to "get over" that ! Whenever I don't have the DBP (which is rare), I always bring my Coke to dinner with me. Nobody even notices !

No, not all posts need to be approved. There's an algorithm the message board software uses. I'm not privy to what it is, but rest assured you will eventually make it out of probation. Moreover, the mods and I are pretty good approving posts in a timely fashion.

We are so excited! My Royal Up bid was accepted. My cruise doesn’t sail until 1/31. I’m hoping my Genie will reach out before then. There are a few questions I’d like to ask.

Chops dinner

I don’t mind that it’s on the wall as long as it’s not the combo soap/shampoo/conditioner all in one product!

This was in the Suite on the Adventure, the Oasis and the Odyssey. The scents are a bit on the strong side but the conditioner was heaven. June, November, December 2021.

Ordered mine. Should be here in August or September.

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!

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.

I'll just leave this here: http://paypal.me/billyhirsch/25