ctwilliams

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

Advice and Suggestions Please.   We are Seniors who live in Florida    Is there a way to do a Transatlantic or a Repositioning Cruise out of Florida and take a cruise back to Florida?  If so, we would only want a minimum layover.  
Thanks
Joe
(proud military veteran and retired navy submarine sailor)

I found out by looking at my future cruises on the website. 
They removed me from Star Class that would have included a Genie, prepaid gratuity, Voom, deluxe beverage package and the dining package among other benefits and now those are all lost since Liberty doesn't offer Star Class.  No change in fare, no compensation, no refund option.  Can't Lift & Shift a fall 2021 cruise and CWC doesn't apply as I've only paid a deposit.   Sail Liberty or walk away from my deposit.  
For my party including family members sailing with me, adding gratuity, Voom, deluxe beverage and the dining package adds nearly $4k to the cruise cost.  

I always try to stay positive but Royal has implemented an unprecedented change that should be a cause for concern for everyone.  They are changing a ship, swapping an Oasis class ship to a Freedom class ship and arbitrarily moving guests into new cabins with no recourse, no refund and few options.
This is unprecedented and it should be a cause for concern for anyone booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.  The ship and cabin or cabin category you book may not be what you find yourself sailing. 
Without notice or communication your ship and cabin can be substituted to something else. 
We all know that the cruise contract allows Royal to make certain changes when they are required to do so.  Historically that has resulted in itinerary changes that substitute different ports of call.  That's different than swapping in an entirely different ship.   Historically when Royal redeploys a ship the future cruises on the impacted ship are cancelled and they have typically offer some sort of compensation in the form of a small on board credit.  That's not happening now.
In the case of Allure of the Seas from Galveston Royal Caribbean has decided to postpone building the new terminal there which means that Allure can't sail from Galveston as they had planned.  
This morning I have discovered that rather than cancelling Allure bookings Royal has substituted Liberty of the Seas in her place and arbitrarily changed cabins to a different cabin category downgrading in the process.
The options they have offered - accept their change or lose the deposit.   
Imagine booking an international flight in First Class that includes lie flat seats, complimentary meal and beverage service and everything else that goes with First Class only to discover the airline has swapped in a smaller plane and placed you in another seat that doesn't include any First Class benefits.  That is what Royal Caribbean is now doing on future cruises without changing the fare paid or offering any compensation.
This change is unprecedented. 
Why Should This Matter To You
The cruise you book can and will be changed by Royal Caribbean to anything they want without notice or compensation.  They aren't just changing some ports on an itinerary, they are now changing the entire ship and cabin category.  
Let's say you booked Oasis of the Seas.  You may find that ship has been redeployed due to the pandemic and now your cruise is moved to another ship.  Maybe even a smaller ship that doesn't offer your type of cabin or any of the features and activities for the ship you booked.
I can understand why they need to do this.  Cancelling thousands of bookings at a time when there is no income is a recipe for bankruptcy.  However for us, the cruising public on the receiving end of these unprecedented changes, it represents a whole new level of risk when booking a cruise.  
This pandemic has created unprecedented changes at so many levels.  This move by Royal Caribbean represents a new twist to vacation planning on a level we've never experienced before.
I've long said I don't care where the cruise goes, just get me on the ship.  The problem now when booking a cruise is I don't know what ship I will actually be sailing on.

I'm not sure that the cruise industry is a target, but they definitely have a certain focus on them.  Some of this is from the simple fact that cruises pack a lot of people, although to us the ships are huge, into a relatively small space. Some large theatres on the other hand, can hold as many people as small cruise ships and nobody is saying anything to them? Airlines hold more people per square foot than any cruise ship. Are people suggesting that airlines stop or curtail their operations? A cruise ship can as easily transmit a virus to other parts of the world, just like an airline can or as a the local transportation in any city can.
As far as your spouse is concerned, I would ask what did you do when the H1N1, Swine Flu or SARS outbreaks happened? All concerns at the time, that faded over time. 

Twice, now, @monctonguy has referenced/quoted me, so I feel the need to say SOMETHING. I stand by everything I have said. Im not worried about this virus. Im going to go on about my life as I always have.... I control what I can, and worry about nothing I cant control. Hell, I barely worry about things I CAN control. Worrying doesnt solve problems...it creates them. 
Saying people should be more concerned about things they are more likely to die from isnt trivializing corona virus.  I 100% believe people should be MORE concerned with other aspects of their health and everyday life than corona virus. Until the likelihood, the numbers of deaths, illnesses and avoidable accidents from the things society is blatantly "flippant" about come close to comparing....that belief wont change.   
Would my level of concern be different if the epicenter was in the US? Well hell yes it would, just like i care more about a bowling ball over my head than one on the ground....but my opinion and ideas about this are based in fact, not hypothetical, and definitely not in speculation. 
....with that, Im done talking about it. Bowing out.....Happy cruising. 
 

Your statement is a microcosm of what you're essentially rallying against. Crew members have the flu. Not coronavirus. Yet, the port officials denied Voyager for absolutely no reason other than hysteria that MAYBE on the slimmest of chances coronavirus COULD be there (but it's not).
If there was coronavirus, totally different situation.  But the sensationalism around the virus that the media is peddling has caused a benign situation to turn into a missed port of call. If this were 1 month ago, this would not have occurred at all.

There is a difference between saying it's nothing to worry about and keeping a calm head while not overreacting or extrapolating facts that aren't known.  
People have died so clearly is is something to be aware of and research.  We all can do that without predicting the sky is falling when in fact it hasn't (yet).
Somewhere between "it will be over in a month" and "the world is doomed"  is where this will prove to end up.  It's simply way too early to know and that is precisely what the experts are saying - they don't know yet.  

I have said it in a couple of conversations recently in regards to cruising.
I have absolutely no concern about Coronavirus itself, from all accounts medically it is basically "harmless" to me .. I do not have a compromised immune system so its basically the common cold. 
I do have concern about getting stranded in quarantine for weeks because everyone else is freaking out about it.
So indirectly i do have a concern about Coronavirus not because its dangerous but because it could get me quarantined.

Guidance from your employer is important particularly since work is a major component of our daily lives for many of us.  
As it relates to international travel the WHO guidance is:
Health measures related to international traffic
The current outbreak originated in Wuhan city, which is a major domestic and international transport hub. Given the large population movements, and the observed human to human transmission, it is not unexpected that new confirmed cases will continue to appear in other areas and countries. With the information currently available for the novel coronavirus, WHO advises that measures to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease should be implemented, without unnecessary restrictions of international traffic.
Source: https://www.who.int/ith/2019-nCoV_advice_for_international_traffic/en/
For mass gatherings the WHO guidance is to perform a risk assessment for any mass gathering.  No where are they recommending avoiding mass gatherings or "social distancing" unless you are known to be infected.
WHO advise for the general public 
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or if you have not travelled from one of those areas or have not been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of getting it are currently low. 

However, it’s understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious about the situation. It’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. (See Frequently Asked Questions) Your healthcare provider, your national public health authority and your employer are all potential sources of accurate information on COVID-19 and whether it is in your area. 

It is important to be informed of the situation where you live and take appropriate measures to protect yourself. (See Protection measures for everyone). If you are in an area where there is an outbreak of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously. 

Follow the advice issued by national and local health authorities. Although for most people COVID-19 causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with preexisting medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable. (See Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading).
Source:  WHO Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation report 37 dated 10am CET 26 February 2020.
Current CDC Recommendations
Last updated February 25, 2020
While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:
It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. If you are a healthcare provider, be on the look-out for people who recently traveled from China and have fever and respiratory symptoms. If you are a healthcare provider caring for a COVID-19 patient or a public health responder, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures. If you have been in China or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. For people who are ill with COVID-19, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others

I understand.  It blows my mind that people are overreacting and blowing it out of proportion when the numbers suggest it's starting to settle down.  If that trend holds true then the influenza fatality rate will once again exceed CV.  It's too early to call it either way.  Pulling a hedgehog out of the ground to predict the outcome is premature at this point.  

Any new virus that isn't known and has no vaccine (yet) is going to produce short term numbers that exceed those of a well known and long term virus like influenza.  How about we compare the first year influenza fatality rate? 
There are some trying to sensationalize this incident and blow it out of proportion , some that are minimizing it and some that waiting to see how it plays out without letting FUD rule the day.

I had one your "I learned everything about this cruise at roycaribbeanblog.com" magnets stolen off my door.  They left all the other magnets.  
I figured they were too lazy to note the URL so stealing the magnet was easier for them to figure out how to find your site.
The good news is more people learned about your awesome site.  The bads news is a magnet thief may be reading this post.  ?

On our recent Anthem of the Seas cruise we made a nifty DIY door decoration with our name on it.  (Wooden anchor we spray painted red and embellished with white letters spelling out our last name, then glued on magnets to the back of it.)  I hung it above the peephole just incase a little person walking by was tempted to touch it.  Someone took it on the first day during sailaway!  We walked up and down the passageways near our room in case it was a prank and someone put it on a different door.  No luck.  It was really gone!.  We mentioned this to our stateroom attendant who notified the head of housekeeping.  They told us that Security could probably get it back for us because there are cameras every where in the hallways.  We went down to guest services to fill out a request and were interviewed by security.  By the next morning we had a message on our phone that our item had been retrieved.  It had not been damaged.  Hurrah!  (Not sure who would want an anchor with our names on it!)

Thanks for your answers. The reason why my reservation is late was not actually the point...
You're right, on the App I found my dining selection (late dining). 
I'm considering buying online a 3 night dining package. However, I If I'm not too perculiar as to dinner time (eg: I accept to eat as early as 5.30), am I sure to get a seat in all my favourite restaurants, even though I'm making my reservations ASAP onboard? I'm sailing on March 7, so the ship might not be as crowded as in peak season, especially with coronavirus issues...
I've been on Harmony last summer,  I tried the standby line once. It was not as good as reservations, because the front seats at that stage are already occupied, but at least I've been able to see the show. I'll be careful about the aquashow, put it first on my to-do list.
 

Temps may be OK, but do be ready for possible heavy clouds and rain; our captain on the catamaran sailing was a native and said that it’s very common for winter time to be dreary for most of the season. It’s when people’s home cisterns typically fill up and the island gets most of its rain.
Please try not to let this discourage you or prevent you from still enjoying your time on the island. It has all the indoor attractions mentioned earlier, and Hamilton has a ton of great restaurants, coffee shops, and regular shopping to enjoy. And just because our captain said it’s the norm doesn’t mean you won’t be graced with a better-than-average week. Just noting so you can set expectations, have a chance to be pleasantly surprised (which Is love to hear!), and to be ready to be flexible in your plans on such short notice.

I also vote for the Crystal Caves. There is also a small beach available next to where Anthem usually docks. The weather sounds like it will be perfect.

I also vote for the Crystal Caves. There is also a small beach available next to where Anthem usually docks. The weather sounds like it will be perfect.

Now Monday....I am going to wait it out. They are covering hotel costs. Short cruise, but life is crazy sometimes.
 
We will set sail from Cape Liberty, New Jersey on Monday, February 10th. We’re currently finalizing our itinerary and compensation details and will share the details with you at 2:00 PM EST. We are trying our best to still make this a great experience for you.

Now Monday....I am going to wait it out. They are covering hotel costs. Short cruise, but life is crazy sometimes.
 
We will set sail from Cape Liberty, New Jersey on Monday, February 10th. We’re currently finalizing our itinerary and compensation details and will share the details with you at 2:00 PM EST. We are trying our best to still make this a great experience for you.