OCSC Mike
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Posts posted by OCSC Mike
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51 minutes ago, kjones123 said:
I was incredibly stressed over the whole testing process but looking back it was really no big deal at all. I don’t know what it was like for others but when we boarded it was very laid back and quick. We pulled up our results on our phone and they checked that the name matched with our passports and that it said negative. They never once questioned where we tested or anything. They never even mentioned the CLIA number. It wasn’t worth all the stress I went through one bit.
Once I tested negative I didn't care anymore. It's very quick and easy at the port as you said. They just want to see your name, date of test, and "negative."
Waiting to be tested is the stressful part. Even if you feel 100% healthy you never know until the test pops negative.
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9 minutes ago, Diane O said:
I just spoke with a representative at OnPoint. They do not include a CLIA or certification number on their test results
Could have sworn I saw someone post a screenshot of one. Apologies if I was mistaken.
GL with whatever you decide.
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You cannot book any shows on Oasis class until you board now (or at least connect to the ship’s internet, which may or may not work from the terminal).
An exception would be having a suite concierge make reservations for you ahead of time.
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12 hours ago, Diane O said:
Do the at home supervised tests contain all the information required by RC? I am on a chat with Rapid Test and Trace and the employee stated that the results page will not include a CLIA number because they are not a laboratory.
The ports don’t care about a CLIA number & many have had no issue with RT&T but if you’re not comfortable using them, OnPoint has a CLIA number as does the one Matt said of course.
- Diane O and RCIfan1912
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I'm sure I'm not the only one who grabs a few slices at the end of the night on my way back to our cabin. Some of their "pizza of the day" are my favs.
In any case, feel free to grab food from anywhere and take it with you (within reason). I often grab a few cookies on my way out of the WJ or when passing Cafe Promenade just b/c they're there and quite good.
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Definitely worth it to me.
My favorite perks are:
- 4 free drinks
- Diamond Lounge for the coffee machine (love multiple free cappuccinos every morning) and happy hour snacks (even if the open bar is gone)
- internet discount
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1 hour ago, mathbees said:
Depending on your ability to travel, doing a short cruise, either solo or in a suite, can be a great way to bump over into diamond and may save a LOT of money, depending on whether you need a drink package or not. If you are, say, 3 or 4 points from diamond, even a 2 night solo/suite will get the double points and get you diamond status and could be less than the cost of a drink package on a 7 or 8 day cruise. Remember, too, that your spouse shares the status when booked into the same cabin. And even two people getting solo inside cabins can be worth the price of this trick.
My wife and I did this route. I did a solo 3-night cruise (booked into an inside cabin) since we were 6 points away from diamond. She couldn't get away or we might have done a suite or two insides instead, but with 4 drinks a day being more than enough for us, we'll save a fortune by not buying the future drink packages. I was lucky to have both airline and hotel points so the entire trip was basically just the cost of the inside cabin, plus a little extra for food pre/post cruise.
My wife and I had the same general idea when we were sitting on 76 points. We live an hour from Port Canaveral so we booked the cheapest 4-nigher we could to get to Diamond before our next standard 7-night cruise. It didn't exactly save us money as we'd never buy the drink package but the open bar happy hour (this was long before vouchers) and other perks were enticing enough for us. You do also get to enjoy the short cruise of course; you're not just buying points.
Now that we're approaching D+, we're playing around with the numbers and trying to find "extra" cruises. The jump in perks is definitely not worth it in terms of dollars, but when you're getting close to a new level, it's hard not to be impatient.
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13 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:
We are just gonna go to the walk-in that is like a half mile away. They do tests for travel purposes. A guy I work with took his group cruise there with no issues. Nice to know that are other options though.
If you have a relatively inexpensive walk-in, don't blame you. Everyone has to do what works best for them of course.
- RCIfan1912 and Pattycruise
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26 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:
Just ensure they are not expired
And remember that many tests were granted an additional 3 months of shelf life from the printed expiration date by the FDA. You can check for a particular type of test by googling.
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26 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:
It seems like Oasis and Allure has had the first come and first serve for main theater, lately. It could have been a few one-offs. I keep hoping they will allow us to reserve in CP 30 days beforehand because it is listed but who knows.
Seems like or you know 1st hand you couldn't make reservations? Every show I mentioned took reservations on Harmony 5/29 and, as stated above, Oasis class has always used reservations..
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25 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:
Oh wow, that I didn't know and we have like 30 of those tests. Interesting info, thanks.
You're welcome. A lot of people have a stockpile, that's why they have become a popular option. Search for reviews and accounts of using them here and on other cruise forums. Many accounts of them being used successfully. Some hiccups here and there but I'm comfortable using them now that Walgreens is out. Happy hunting!
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50 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:
Actually, I believe the only show(s) that might require a reservation would be the ice show.........maybe the adult comedy show. Most shows in the main theater are first come first serve now and I think only the adult comedy show is in a small enough venue that it might require a reservation.
Unless Allure is different from Harmony (which I highly doubt), they all take reservations. You may or may not be able to get a seat without one, of course, but I didn't think that's what the OP wanted to know.
Reservations are most important for the adult comedy show due to the small venue as every time slot will fill up.
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9 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said:
how much in advance can you usually sign up?
Check-in typically opens 45 days out (currently at least).
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Yes, you need CK reservations for dinner, not for other meals.
Yes, the concierge can make you reservations BEFORE the cruise. I received my e-mail from them 6 days before our 5/29 Harmony cruise. You can ask for your CK reservations then. You can also book the adult comedy club in advance then (highly recommended as this small venue fills up). You don't need show reservations for anything else.
The app has nothing to do with the suite section.
There will be signs but just go to Terminal 1 at the port. It's pretty self-explanatory after that. Drop off your bags with the porters then park in the garage.
- Neesa and AlohaLivin
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11 hours ago, BeckyD said:
We were notified today that we are upgraded from interior to balcony for Sunday's cruise. I was very surprised, but happy, to get notified so close to sailing!
Congrats! You can actually get notified much closer to the sailing including after you board the ship. You were given plenty of time.
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From reading accounts and personal experience, everything to do with RoyalUp varies greatly, from winning bid amounts to the timing of "wins" being assigned. Trying to figure lout exactly how the algorithms work is an exercise in futility IMO.
FWIW, I have a B2B in 9 days. I won a RoyalUp 14 days out from the 1st half but have 2 pending for the 2nd half (now 12 days out).
GL to all who are waiting and hoping.
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Oh well, I tried. Sorry. That's exactly what I meant, but when I click on select above it takes me to the normal page that shows available cabins.
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27 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:
Just came across this situation when just playing around with some dates:
Despite "pick your room" the only rooms available are GTY rooms. Seems odd, but I'm sure there's a reason for it.
Do you mean you clicked on "Pick your own room" and the next screen only showed "XYZ Guarantee"?
If so, try clicking on the XYZ Guarantee button. I was looking at the same thing for 2-3 days before I did and when I finally clicked on it it actually showed me available cabins to choose from. Seems to be yet another Royal IT glitch.
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Looks like a glitch to me. Nice catch and enjoy!
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1 hour ago, Chaser said:
Just got off the boat. Must say that I’m disappointed because with all the stress of wondering if they would accept the “rapid” NAAT test from Walgreens from our unvaccinated children, they didn’t even check. I asked at several different points in the boarding process and non of them wanted to see theirs, or my wife and my rapid antigen test.
Not sure why you were stressed, the NAAT test is a rapid PCR test and has already been accepted by many. RC's site even calls it a PCR test.
FWIW, we had to show our tests twice before boarding Harmony on 5/29 and I have read of very few people not having to show their documents.
In any case, I hope you had a good time and aren't focusing on the pre-cruise stuff that disappointed you.
COVID Testing Requirements
in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Posted
Go to their websites and check. RT&T has a mock calendar for checking availability that goes pretty far out.
Not as familiar with OnPoint b/c I chose RT&T.