Jill

“Pulled the post” = some intern is in trouble and my free drinks just went from 5 to 4.

We’re now getting coverage on our local news. Floridians in general need to get behind this because the cruise industry is one reason we don’t have a state income tax. https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2021/03/26/gov-desantis-calls-on-cdc-to-lift-no-sail-order-on-cruise-ships/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=wjxt4&fbclid=IwAR1PfUI5kQb45z2DRVCUlQ2W9O8PZKOaL6L8gCcUca_m6DhiTeaZXnyh4dU

If you can combine a few of these single sentences and elaborate a bit more, you’ll have 6 paragraphs! It could be a short story on how to best use your free drinks!

Wait is that up to 6 paragraphs? Wow that’s a deal!

This is on the website now. I’m thinking they made some mistakes on the Diamond one. That was my main question about access to the other lounges and coastal kitchen. Agree with ready to get on board. I have higher hopes for October. That’ll be my 5th time rescheduling my Symphony. My others are now 2022.

Matt did I inspire your blog post? ? ? Agree on the drink vouchers. I probably won’t get the drink package as long as this stays in place.

As @Mattreported earlier in his latest blog post, DeSantis and cruise line big wigs had a press conference today at PC. Here’s the Facebook link to the Governor’s post on the matter. Quickly scanning comments I didn’t see any reference to “Petri dish!” Lol There are almost 400 comments so there may be one but everything I read said OPEN THE PORTS! Hmmmm link won’t post. Link to Gov website instead. He’s got balls! Wants $250 million to rebuild industry https://www.flgov.com/2021/03/26/governor-ron-desantis-highlights-floridas-vital-cruise-industry-calls-on-cdc-to-rescind-no-sail-order/?fbclid=IwAR1g76_tfI2DfO7iipowgVFwYE7NrnToQWBdH-i-Eq3kv_eUkrPYn93FRCs

Was perusing some RC Facebook groups and someone posted the changes to Diamond Plus, so I thought I’d check Diamond. I don’t ever remember having access to the suite lounge or being able to make reservations at coastal kitchen. I did see where the Singapore sailings were loading 4 drinks on your card, but this says 5. Also since when could Diamond access Concierge Club? Did RC get a new intern? Can this possibly be right? Pressing pause on a few diamond member benefits We’re thrilled to have you onboard again, and we want to make sure your vacation is full of great moments and memories. As part of our new safety protocols, we need to temporarily suspend a few of your Crown & Anchor® member benefits, such as, the private departure lounge, exclusive top tier event, chef’s choice gift/amenity, entertainment and behind-the-scenes tours, personalized gift/amenity, and Concierge Club access. These suspensions are temporary and the result of adhering to social distance and other health protocols. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes. We’ll continue to keep you updated and look forward to reinstating these benefits when possible. • Priority check-in • Private departure lounge • Top-tier events • Entertainment and behind-the-scenes tours Your favorites, with a twist Many of your favorite Crown & Anchor® Society member benefits are still available, though we’ve made a few modifications to align with our healthy return to service protocols, here’s what’s changing: Diamond Lounge Lounges will continue to operate, though at a reduced capacity to allow for distancing. But members will now enjoy more drink vouchers – 5 for your tier – cheers! Use them any time at any venue. Meal with an officer Getting your chance to mingle with the officers onboard and experience a great meal is still on the itinerary. Now you’ll enjoy a lunch hosted in the Main Dining Room where you’ll be greeted by officers from your sailing. Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen access You can still access the Suite Lounge on Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships,but you’ll need a dining reservation at Coastal Kitchen to get in — this allow us to reduce the number of members in the lounge at a time. Each member will also receive $25 to spend on specialty dining during their cruise. Learn more at our healthy sail center

I’m in Florida as well and in addition to Rubio and Scott, my Rep is John Rutherford who replaced DeSantis when he left the house. I’ll do my part and encourage my friends to write/call/tweet as well. Even if they aren’t cruisers. This is a callous infringement on private business. Enough is enough.

Happy to see this. https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-countess-cruise-boarding-process/?fbclid=IwAR3vCxjJcX72kj-krkDbB0YAoUbU6evsSs_s9Nbh36dVvdYoWaI3lumLgg0

Not only that but social distance has been shortened to 3 feet! That alone should be enough to waive masks on the pool deck, which has been my personal deal breaker.

I say go for it! Of course living in Florida I’d rather not have to fly to the port but I’ll do it if need be. https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/24616-global-ports-plays-key-role-in-caribbean-restart.html?fbclid=IwAR24YqQeE7wCB6cvUZv_U6sBwqUaFk8AxcBFKhIL2TW_CyS4yHckBYhsIHs

Now I’m worried about my FCC’s. ? And my OBC. I’ll bother Sharla at the end of the week lol. Not calling right now! ?

Ditto @twangster. I normally book what I want directly with RC then transfer to my TA (Sharla at MEI). Agree with others it’s time to change TA’s.

About time! Take DeSantis and Senator Scott with you! Time to open up a can of whoop ass on the CDC! https://www.cruisehive.com/miami-dade-mayor-requests-meeting-with-cdc-on-resuming-cruises/48373?fbclid=IwAR3H9SWxzzke2fT_FWEF71jTLTfZ3Tq8oWLKJOeS7BllZEWImQYCzJoqVPg

What’s the largest RC ship that can go through the canal? Can Navigator do it or is she too big?

Guess I’ll be the dissenter lol. 3 nights was enough for me. We are big Oasis class fans and after 3 nights on Mariner, we felt like we’d done it all. I’d consider Mariner to Bermuda though, just not for 13 nights. What are the itineraries? That would influence my decision. Our 3 night Nassau/CocoCay left little to be desired. We live 2 hours from PC, so it was a quick, fun weekend getaway.

Pretty sure Navigator wasn’t the “real” news that was originally hyped. It couldn’t possibly be the “news we’ve all been waiting for” so I guess we sit and wait until either Bayley or Fain spill the beans.

Just get the drink package and forget your worries. Seriously I can relate. It’s just been a cluster and I feel sorry for what I’ve asked my TA (Sharla at MEI) to do to keep my sailings. Hope you find a solution. Sometimes the drink package IS the solution.

Here’s the actual quote. The announcement has been put on hold. I just saw the message on one of my Royal Caribbean TA boards.

It was in a Royal travel agent Facebook group.

I just read the announcement has been cancelled. Seriously ??

Sorry misunderstood your post. I’m pretty sure they’re sailing at 1/2 capacity. He invited us to come sail in April but we’re not able to at that time.

American Queen Steamboat is a different line than American Cruise Line. A friend of mine is the Hotel Director on American Countess and apparently they are starting next week. That one holds 450 but won’t sail at that capacity American Cruise Lines just had a ship leave Amelia Island (FL) a few days ago.

I’m wondering if test cruises will not be required in lieu of everyone being required to be vaccinated. I mean what’s the purpose of test cruises if everyone is vaccinated? American Cruise Line just started and American Queen starting next week. American Queen won’t require vaccinations until July 1. Now that Virgin is requiring vaccines for everyone I just wonder if the rest will band together and do the same. edited to add: whatever the news it hasn’t leaked to Wall Street yet. Stock currently down $3