Ray

Must admit i was concerned about what would appear in google search! I just had to make sure i didn't put a space between the a and 2nd d otherwise god knows what the results would have been

Ovation of the seas sails out of Australia where all portable electrical equipment in any company must be tested on a yearly basis( test and tag in OZ or PAT testing in UK ) this testing of appliances is a legal requirement and includes not only power strips but kettles, toasters basically everything you plug into a mains supply, this may be why they were able to supply you with an approved power strip.

News article about Dadong Article is 5 yrs old though lol

Just as those who are vaccinated have had to do for the past year. If people want to cruise they will just have to get on with it.

At the end of the day just like those who didn't get vaccine for whatever reason, Companies and Countries will when they feel the time is right do whats best for them. We can't complain about Companies or countries not changing their stance when some people have done exactly the same when it came to vaccines.

In UK we could never use free testing for any type of vacation, if going on vacation we have to pay for tests. The point being raised was that Testing stations in UK are closing due to the fact most places no longer need tests and in UK all restrictions have been lifted, this makes it more difficult to find somewhere to get a test if you stay outwith major cities.

NHS free testing basically vanished when all restrictions and the need to isolate were lifted. Interesting point regarding testing centres though, you are correct in that as countries lift restrictions resulting in fewer places needing tests to travel the less test centres are needed. We may end up with test centres only being found in Airports.

Does this mean US waitresses or port handlers would accept GBP, Euro or Danish DKK? Don't think they would! Its just common courtesy to use the currency of the country you are in. Regarding the lowest note being €5, when travelling abroad no bank or currency exchange will give you coins, this means Europeans are in the same situation when visiting the US, we also have to find somewhere to change a note into coins

You can change $ to € at US airport before your flight. Honestly no one will be looking for or expecting a tip at the port. In Cafes, hotels, restaurants and bars it's not compulsory but its always nice to give if you enjoy. there's no % written on back of receipt or hands put out in front of you just because they've opened a door for you. If you go to restaurant and you enjoy then you can leave a tip if you so wish, if you don't enjoy it then you don't tip. If you get a cab and driver doesn't get out his car to assist with luggage then they don't deserve any extra. If you go for a coffee in cafe and want to tip then leave the shrapnel ( loose change ) Tipping in Europe is by choice as is what you give. No one will be offended if you don't leave anything.

Can understand it in US or Caribbean but in Europe the $ is about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike

If porters are anything like the ones at Copenhagen they wont hang around long enough for you to tip them! They are not looking for anything and dont hang about with hands out waiting because they are on good wages. Tipping culture in Europe is completely different to US, over here you tip because you get good service and value for money not just to make up someones poor wages.

Crew use wages which are paid into their banks accounts to transfer back home, the tips they get onboard are what they use for everyday living. Getting $ onboard is ok and would never be refused however sometimes they have change dollars into Euros when onshore.

Until such time that cruiselines actually make an announcement no one knows and cannot say 100%, so any suggestions are purely peoples own speculation and what they hope so they can cruise without the hassle of testing.

The only potential issue with this is the knock on effect from those walking behind you, they see you walking straight in and follow your actions and think " well if they aren't washing their hands neither am i"

Only thing i got in Cebu ( Mactan ) was strange looks lol dont think they had seen a Scotsman in a kilt before! It was there i discovered Red Horse unfortunately in the UK its only available in shops about 300 miles from where i stay....nothing beats a chilled bottle of 500

Given the amount of Filipino crew on ships im surprised they do not stock Redhorse onboard. Maybe we should start a petition

After a relatively rough night i was waiting at pool bar for them to pull the shutters up so i could get a hair of the dog. No one judges you if you are drinking at 9am ( well apart from the Mrs lol )

If my wife was the chef then i would agree 100% Hope you are both feeling better.

Totally agree with this! I'm all for restrictions being lifted everywhere and just getting on with life but it's not that easy for companies such as RC etc. They have to follow lots of differing regulations for numerous countries. They also know that the first serious outbreak onboard will result in a lot of negative press and a lot of potential lawsuits! Thats why it's baby steps first, yes it will upset some who have to pay extra for tests etc but as a company RC have to think about themselves first especially when they know the sharks will be circling.

In UK we dont have to isolate, someone on a cruiseship could test positive on last night and be sent to quarantine, however on docking at Southampton or any other Uk port they can get off ship and go to work if they so wish.

We've had no restrictions for a couple of months now and life is just a new normal. Some people still wear masks! If you feel ill then its up to you if test and again its your choice if you isolate if you test positive ( companies may enforce isolation but pay you for being off ) Most people are respectful and give others space and are a bit more tolerant of others.( unless your stuck in an Airport) Of course there are those who have never cared since day 1.

Could be wrong but I'm guessing thats the requirements of each country. Canada government has said tests 2 days prior and the Bahamas 3 days prior.

The problem with his post is not the contents its how its written! The lack of paragraphs means you go from 1 topic to the next without a break therfore resulting in confusion unless you imagine it with paragraphs. Which takes me nicely to next topic.....Given how it is written with no paragraphs just 1 long blog could MB be the 1 and done hit and run poster lol

I would do it just to tick off another country i had been to

If im correct NCL only allowed vaccinated passengers to cruise where as RC and other cruiselines allowed a certain % of unvaccinated guests! This move doesn't mean NCL are leading the way what it means is they are finally catching up and even with their new guidlines their hands along with RC and other cruiselines are still tied by individual governments who are still insisting on various measures to be in place.