PG Cruiser

I have said this in other threads and I'll say it again here. I am NOT worried about the coronavirus, per se. I am more worried about the protocols and procedures the cruise lines and government agencies have been putting in place since this situation has started. I agree that this matter has been exaggerated and sensationalized but we cannot deny that it has impacted the cruise industry. For those of you who say not to worry, what would you have said to the passengers of the Costa Smeralda, the Diamond Princess, the Westerdam, the Meraviglia, and the other cruise ships being added to the list almost every week? I know some of us are of the "abundance of caution" group while others are the "YOLOers". I am of the former. I'd suggest that, given the current conditions, if you can cancel your cruise, cancel it. If the "ship has sailed" on your cancellation options, then just hope and pray that your luck is better than those of the aforementioned ships' passengers. Another thought, especially if one of the ports you're visiting is on the watchlist: Is your idea of a cruise vacation and excursion being screened heavily at those ports? Would you be okay being surrounded by people in masks while exploring those great exotic destinations? One thing I enjoy in visiting places is seeing the local culture and its people. Ghost ports and ghost towns are not that interesting.

I am not a lawyer but what I'm seeing here is that the lawyer will argue that had Royal "adhered to window fall prevention laws designed to protect children", the negligent grandfather would not have had the chance to cause the death of his grandchild. They'd say, "If there were no open windows there, the accident could not have happened." My two cents ...

This same lawyer has an ad on Facebook reaching out to (Diamond) Princess passengers who want to sue the cruise line.

At this point, I don't think we can just dismiss the risks associated with the coronavirus and cruising. This is not to minimize the risks involved with the flu but it has not impacted cruising like the coronavirus has. What cruise ship has been denied disembarkation in five countries because of the flu? What cruise ship has involved the "extraction" of citizens of Canada and the US in chartered flights because of the flu? Has there been a cruise ship in recent history that has had a "Yokohama" situation? For the coronavirus, the list of cruise ships being affected is growing - the Costa Smeralda, the Westerdam, the Diamond Princess, the Anthem... whether they were overkills and false alarms, who would want to be on the next ship to be added to that list?

With the coronavirus now in Italy, how will cruises with stops there be affected? I have friends sailing on the Allure in May with several stops at Italian ports. As I have mentioned in another post, the fear of the virus is a secondary concern. It’s more about the hassles of cancellations, itinerary changes, delays, and quarantine procedures. The Yokohama situation is daunting.

You have adhere to the time especially if you have luggage to claim at the port. Some guests debark before their designated time and have to wait for their bags at the pickup area.

Water, Teas, Coffee, Juices (at certain times)

I just gave two friends of mine Royal gift certificates, they're a couple going on a cruise in March. Will they be able to use it for gratuities?

I don't know much about the history of Royal's deployment of its ships. Do you think the older ships like the Quantum and Voyager will reposition to stateside ports in the future?

I'm not sure how these compostable straws will work with the ship's waste management system. Being compostable means the discarded straws need to be in contact with composting material and bacteria for them to decompose.

On my last cruise I brought compostable straws with me. They were just like regular plastic straws. I don’t know how they work with the ship’s waste management system but I feel they are better than regular plastic ones.

Water hoarder here...

Has anyone heard of the glitch with the Cruise Planner early yesterday morning letting guests book specialty dining for $0?

Unfortunately, I cannot avoid church nor can I endorse this solution... I’m the pastor!!! ? Seriously I am not that concerned about the coronavirus. The washy-washy guys have trained us well. I am more concerned about the overreaction to the outbreak - screenings at airports and cruise ports, quarantine procedures, delays, cancellations, etc.

Just one more day to decide... still torn between giving up $100 deposit (canceling) and remitting full payment (going)... ai ai ai

It started with one, then two, then now three. With cruise ships now on CDC’s and WHO’s radar, they will be implementing stricter protocols for embarkation and disembarkation. I’m with you on the unnecessary hype being given to this virus, but it is what it is. I don’t want a vacation ruined by cases of the virus, real or unreal, discovered on the ship I’m on. Some of our friends on this forum are in hotels in NJ/NY right now instead of on the Anthem. I’d hate for that to happen to me.

I’m more concerned about the quarantine procedures than the coronavirus itself. Just imagine being on a ship for 14 days and we’re not talking about cruise-like conditions. Yikes!

But the final payment is due on Monday. 90 days is not that far out. Look, we just celebrated the holidays now it’s February already. There is no ending for this Coronavirus situation in sight. It’s actually getting worse. The sailing on the Oasis is on my bucket list. I want to sail on all the namesakes of the ship classes. Oasis this May, Vision in November. Freedom in 2021 and Radiance in 2021/22. I don’t want to cancel my Oasis booking but this virus is messing up my plans. ?

You’re right, it’s $100. I could easily let go of it but if Royal waives it or at least let’s me apply it to a later sailing, I’d prefer that much more.

@StephanieH, do you have input on this?

I don't have cancellation insurance and I am based in Florida. I am booked for the Oasis in May and the final payment is due on Monday (February 10th). Right now, I don't want to sail or fly to the port. We may be far away from China/Asia but I've heard (reliable) "whispers" from the medical community that there are patients who are suspected to have contracted the virus in facilities here. Even if I don't get the virus, just one passenger on a flight or a cruise diagnosed to have it will mean being quarantined for at least 14 days. I don't want to risk that.

Do you think Royal will waive cancellation fees fleet wide in the light of the Coronavirus situation? I don’t feel comfortable sailing at all within the next three months or so.

Is there any reason why it has to be Splenda? I’m pretty sure the “yellow packs” are Sucralose which is the generic name for Splenda. This is what they had on the Empress

I use this for my belt loop

Have you considered the Coffee Card?