Allen2

Along same vein, also would consider your age and tolerance for children.

Pretty awesome!

Feel differently than most: we, in the past, cruised the Caribbean during hurricane season. Over several cruises, we experienced ports skipped, hours shortened in ports, arrival delays upon returning, plus a ship that followed bad advice and turned into a hurricane. Decks closed, all glassware in gift shops broken, people thrown from beds during the night. Obviously the last was an exception, but we no longer cruise the Caribbean during hurricane season - there are too many other choices, including rivers, the Great Lakes, Europe.

Important question! We cancelled earlier this week, but would have been much better off with this current offer. How will Royal treat us?

Point is safety for crew and passenger - even the over-70 being singled out. Question becomes: will this become permanent after (hopefully there is an after) the corona virus has been tamed? We had three b2b which now are cancelled, and we now see more and more ports denying entry.

If no other tour, take the train ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. Narrow gauge, 18 miles by rail, 12 by bus. Narrated, complimentary drinks, a cappella choir. You are feel to move among cars and the two-level observation cars, and it is a great trip for both adults and kids.

Just checked: benefits somewhat lowered in the past several months: now : $250 for 14 or over, $100 6-13 nights, and still $50 for five or less. Attached from website: rclinvestor.com/faqs/shareholder-benefit/

Yolo - Appears that it does not matter where held. My stock is held in an IRA account.

Yes, 3/5 (today). Yes, for the most part combinable, but I've not been able to ascertain cause of occasional turndown. Note: $250 OBC for 14 or more days sail, $200 for 10-13, $100 for seven nights, and $50 for five nights or less. Also note, Carnival has similar program (which includes Cunard and other brands.).

Attached is the Shareholder Request to use, along with pertinent mail, FAX, and e-mail addresses. In the past have had issues with FAX and/or scan, so always follow up by mail. Must have proof of current ownership of 100 shares. Cannot send too early, or they bounce back (normally send at the 30-day mark). Sent in info for three cruises Friday, via FAX, 2/28 and received credit Thursday, 4/5. Note: apparently some fares do not qualify.

Watched Mr. Fain's talk for travel agents yesterday, all designed to reassure. Yet a "competitor" is offering very real options: Viking cruises is offering 100% credit on future cruises within 24 months on (almost) any cancellation. That is very reassuring, and maybe Royal should be considering the same, even though it might be hit to earnings.

Going to Vanautu on Radiance in a month. Curious: what ports (if any) in New Zealand replaced stops on island?

Total recommendation: Briggs and Stratton luggage. Expensive, but total guarantee. I traveled for business for many years, and have sent luggage back four times for free (except outbound shipping) repair. Ownership of first set goes back twenty+ years, with multiple weekly airline flights. Wheels, expandable, durable. No regrets! Once in a great while a sale price is offered.

Sailed Rhapsody in December - very good experience EXCEPT a poor dining room server. We could not be moved, so we suffered, but had a lot of attention and help from the head waiter for the area. Port parking can be an issue, so suggest one of the nearby off-site lots that shuttle in both directions. Suggest Parkway Parking - pay in advance.

Other thoughts about booking the SE Asia cruise: (1 )Unrest in Hong Kong (2) Serious riots one year ago in Sri Lanka. Went a year ago, and would be seriously reluctant to book ahead at this point in time, even without the Corona Virus

On December cruise: three free spins (won a decent t-shirt with choice of sizes) and $5 free slot play. Other bennies all present also

Three Questions: (1) Better ports from Canaveral or Lauderdale? (2) Would you rather be on a ship for seven or five days (3) Have you considered "hidden" time and costs of flying: two hours early to airport on the front end, luggage costs, transfer costs to/from ship (car parking needed either at home airport or at terminal), two hours early to airport on back end, possibility of lost luggage, AND possible weather-related issues tied to flights.

Food for thought: the common thread is to go on more cruises!

Considerations: Puerto is pretty devastated now - will one year make a difference? Also: if you do not speak Spanish, note that often much of the entertainment is in Spanish on a cruise that originates in PR.

Also remember that if your travel agent "purchased" on board credit for you that it can be used toward tips.

One other thing: Royal issues a set of instructions in writing (what to do, when, where), and often holds a meeting with a B2Bers.

Added thought: depending on number of ships in port, Uber, taxis, and shuttles get overwhelmed in FLL. Agree totally with parking at port!

Do check cruise planner as suggested! Family member had same thing happen and excursion was completely different!!

Best route is to develop a relationship with a travel agent you trust. Good TAs will often share part of their commission and purchase on-board-credit. Such OBC can be converted to cash or credit to card if not used. Also: OBC is often part of the ship lines' promotional effort, so watch for same.

Wonderful trip in Costa Maya: trip to Mayan ruins coupled with Blue Lagoon: lunch with open bar and some watersports included. RCL excursion.