twangster

Book them while you can... Nothing says vacation mode like spending the day on the pool deck soaking up the scene. Choose from a poolside or ocean view casita, where you’re just steps from all the action as you relax in the shade. Your casita is the ultimate retreat between dunks in the pool and soaking up the sun. And everything you need is already there — like towels, a cooler, storage for your belongings and a charging outlet. We’ll make sure you stay refreshed with two complimentary Welcome Drinks and four chilled waters. And dedicated service always on standby so you can enjoy your fave poolside drinks, brought to you with the touch of a button. Space is limited and may sell out, so be sure to book before your cruise! Day 1 of your sailing: you will receive a letter in your stateroom with instructions for reserving your casita. Casita location selection is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Only if they leave the EZPass transponder on the windshield of the ship's bridge.

Refundable cruise deposits are kind of like refundable airfare. You pay more for the flexibility to make fee-free changes and cancellations. By choosing the cheaper non-refundable rates you agree to the terms and conditions that come with them in the name of saving money. Once final payment due date arrives and the cruise is paid in full, the deposit type is irrelevant. After final payment all cruise bookings are subject to the same cancellation fee schedules regardless of the deposit type. If you are booking a cruise on short notice and you plan to cruise it would make little sense booking with a refundable deposit. If you are booking two years out when lots of things could change then refundable deposits can be appealing.

Credit to @Josh C for finding and posting this in the Royal Caribbean Blog Insider FB Group:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2019/01/22/royal-caribbean-refundable-versus-non-refundable-cruise-fares

You into food? Specialty dining, or... the spa?

Does sliding down the Ultimate Abyss in a bathrobe count? Or riding the merry go round?

Not all cabins are eligible for OBC. A number of Indy bookings I am looking at only have OBC on interior or oceanview cabins. Balcony cabins have no OBC on the same dates. Your booking invoice should state if there is OBC.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/sop-triage-prevent-transmission.html#:~:text=The main route of transmission,%2C mouth and eyes. The main route of transmission of COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Any person who is in close contact with someone who has respiratory symptoms (e.g., sneezing, coughing, etc.) is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets. Droplets may also land on surfaces where the virus could remain viable for several hours to days. Transmission through contact of hands with contaminated surfaces can occur following contact with the person’s mucosa such as nose, mouth and eyes.

The drink package price on Royal does fluctuate. Sometimes longer cruisers like 11 nights are discounted because fewer people purchase it for longer cruises. They won't take your daily rate and lob off 4/11 of it. They don't do that.

Saw his FB post. As someone who is trying to support the cruise industry by sailing multiple lines I am seeing first hand the different companies handling the situation they have all been thrust into. I do like that Royal Caribbean and Michael Bayley has been pretty open, transparent and what seems to be honest during the restart.

Fixed that for you...

A guest dressed up like the Pope, nowhere near October. A guest in a full bunny costume in an elevator, nowhere near October. A dog walking by itself doing laps around the upper pool deck level. A child dropping his swim trunks on the stairs of a hot tub and immediately emptying the hot tub in a caddy shack moment (Carnival). A Carnival ship nearly hitting us (Oasis) right after actually hitting another Carnival ship. @mpoole3 rather enjoying being dressed in drag for Quest

Actual communication earlier today... Twangster: "I should have CK access so between that and a paid Giovanni's I’m not doing UDP." Matt: "I completely forgot about CK. We're in a suite." Now I find this: I shouldn't be surprised. Never did get that beer he "promised" me before for the 2018 group cruise, or the shirt I won at trivia.

By default it's Lobster à l'a Orange Goop but if ask in CK they will do a conventional tail. You would be wise to mention this request before that night.

When Mardi Gras first launched they had FB vidoes telling people "Masks are required to check in but...as soon as you step one foot on the ship rip off that mask!". While the ship may be at 75% capacity, no venues have any limits. So if all 4,000 guests want to be in the comedy club, it's going to be packed, and mostly maskless unless guests voluntarily choose to follow the "recommendation" to wear a mask. I'll probably still go mostly because Mardi Gras will never see only 4,000 guests ever in the ships life beyond 2021.

https://shop.spreadshirt.com/royalcaribbeanblog/blue+book+it-A5f31c3d11cbf3a5887388652?productType=812&sellable=5agdz72M85sE7XQOyzNd-812-7&appearance=804

That's what Carnival said so I booked it. Then a week after their first cruises they implemented a mask mandate. I'm fairly certain the same will happen if I book NCL. Don't book based on protocols, they change daily in some cases.

Honestly not sure. They don't seem to be used on my next ship or I'd ask.

Hang it on a belt loop or make it a pendant. Q What is a Tracelet™? Who needs to wear it? What if I cannot wear it on my wrist? A The Tracelet™ is a comfortable, water-resistant, hypoallergenic wearable worn by all guests and crew during the cruise. The Tracelet™ helps us with contact tracing in the unlikely event of an onboard health concern. Therefore, everyone onboard regardless of age, needs to wear it. Should you be unable to wear it on your wrist, we will find another way for you to wear it. Any guest who chooses not to wear the Tracelet™ will be unable to sail.

Appointment times are being given out at 3:30pm but that's the time to get in line outside the terminal. If it takes an hour to test unvaccinated and get them on board that's potentially 4:30pm-ish. Then add an hour to let the dust settle, passenger counts to be verified and everyone does eMuster required to sail. 5:30pm +/- an hour is well within reason but then the pilot schedule is also a factor plus other ship traffic.

Cruising during this restart won't be for everyone. That isn't meant to downplay your experiences, in fact quite the opposite. Feedback like this is critical so others can determine if they are willing to accept the experience on board during the restart. I can tolerate it given the opportunity to sail but I completely respect anyone who doesn't like the sound of cruising right now.

No. Contact tracing only. No "smart" integration features.

I don't normally get a drink package but when I know @Matt will be on board it's a compelling case to get the drink package. Otherwise I might miss out when he drinks ALL the Kraken on board.