AshleyDillo

Basically they're validating the card has the info..type of vax, lot # and date and correct # of doses...they aren't cross checking databases with individual names from what I understand but they can cross check lot numbers are legit to the vaccine brand.

Just because a port worker accepts someone's results doesn't mean that the results actually follow what Royal deems as acceptable as it is spelled out in their testing requirements page. If you end up getting a nitpicky port employee who is going to search your NoName Testing Lab results for all the info that Royal states needs to be on there, then you better have results that have everything on there. The big name pharmacies and eMed are known so the port employee is less likely to scrutinize those documents and instead knows where to search for the info they want to see (passenger's name, date of birth, test type, test date and test results). This is why we highly suggest folks using the tests mentioned on Royal's site. It doesn't mean alternatives aren't accepted, but it's best to guide people to what is documented on Royal's site as a sure thing. I'm tempted to try the iHealth proctoring service just to see what info the results include since those are the ones I got for free, but we still have a free testing site around the corner that I use. And even though it has worked in the past for me and has all the info required, I still don't trust some poor port worker having a bad day and refusing it so I always bring one of my tests I ordered from eMed so I can go test on the spot if needed.

If you cancel a purchase made with OBC, the OBC will return to your account for immediate reuse while the credit card refund can take 7-10 business days.

I just got back from this cruise. We must have been on totally different ships I do agree that I'm not a fan of the late arrival to CocoCay. I understand that on these 2 ship days one ship has to arrive early and get the island up and going, but for the gangway to end up being scheduled for 10:30 with all aboard at 4:30, it definitely makes for a shorter day. We did end up making it in earlier than anticipated, but the original itinerary always showed 9:30‐5:00 for me.

Chill. They cut and paste guidelines so folks can read and interpret for themselves. If the iHealth telehealth proctored results contain all the information required by Royal, there's no reason to assume they wouldn't be accepted. Nowhere does it say the Abbott tests are required. They put the clarification out there as Abbott has an at-home test with a nearly identical name to the one that comes with the proctor. Abbott also produces the ID-NOW which is one of the NAAT tests that labs and pharmacies had available, so Royal just wanted to make it clear which Abbott tests were acceptable. Doesn't mean they are the only accepted ones. Plenty of labs are using different branded tests. The crucial part is that the results have all the info Royal indicates is required.

I would definitely opt for Mariner over Independence out of these two choices. CocoCay is an amazing destination, basically a free beach day that you all should enjoy. But if the Navigator sailing would be an easier travel day to get to the ship it may be worth doing that as a first cruise.

You can call and see what it would cost you to upgrade outright to the OV balcony. If it's reasonable enough it may be worth it to you to not even bother to RoyalUp when that comes available. If you do upgrade on your own through Royal, you will likely still get the opportunity to participate in RoyalUp to an even better cabin such as a JS which would give you that OV balcony, lots more cabin space for the four of you and a bathtub.

It starts the day that you board.

4978 was the number at the top tier @CGTLH thinks he heard.

Lol what he said.

The unlimited dining package is likely sold out for your sailing. You can make as many reservations as you want onboard, but you will have to pay for each meal without a package.

Royal makes it confusing. SetSail is the boarding pass with the barcode that you use to board the ship. SeaPass is the actual card/room key.

Woohoo! What time are you all planning to arrive tomorrow?

Gives Royal a chance to make $$ on a last minute cancelation.

I've done the light rail from the airport to downtown several times in my various visits to Seattle. It is a cheap and convenient option for those able-bodied that can handle their own luggage. I tend to be more price sensitive, so I'd go with either airport or downtown locations for the hotel stays on either end of the cruise because I know if I stay at the airport hotel I can take the light rail into Seattle and explore and get back to the hotel at a reasonable rate. If I stay downtown, it's walkable to the things I would want to see pre-cruise/post-cruise and I can get a cab/rideshare to/from the port or take the light rail to the airport when leaving.

MEI has group rates that are currently averaging $200 less than the prices online plus OBC..so might as well put a deposit down

Yes. You will set up a single login that will allow four devices to be signed in at the same time. You can give that login out to whoever you want.

Yes. Chat only works with others who purchase the chat feature. It isn't included with the Voom internet package. Yes, surf and stream will typically support FaceTime.

There should be a sticker with a QR code on it on the box that has the lot number. There's an icon of an hourglass. The date next to that hourglass is the expiration date. Yes, Celebrity will accept the tests you ordered through Royal Caribbean's link.

Bid on whichever categories you would be comfortable in being in ANY room within that category and at whatever price you are comfortable paying. You can try to strategize timing all you want, but the nature of the program allows for last minute cancellations to be resold and acceptance of any single cabin's bid may be a result of a chain of other bids all the way down or up the line. Remember, there may be someone in an inside room with a bid out there for a balcony..if you place a bid on a JS and someone cancels, the fact that someone wants your balcony room may be what triggers the acceptance. With a sailing in 2 weeks, Cruise with Confidence is still in effect so people can cancel up to 48 hours prior to sailing and still get an FCC. Plus they can cancel with proof of a positive COVID test and get a full refund. The inventory is fluid up until the ship sails away!

Adding people to a room has to be done in the reservations system through Royal directly. When Royal looks at the reservation they will see the 2 passengers assigned to the current RoyalUp room and they also see what was paid for the original reservation. To add people to a room they have to reprice the room at the current prevailing rates. You would be charged the difference between what was originally paid for the room and the new price on the room. The RoyalUp bid amount won't even come into play. Canceling the other room under CWC has to be done at least 48 hours out to get the FCC. That FCC will not be able to be used to immediately apply to the other room that you wanted to keep to cover the repricing charge. Even if the net $$ would ultimately be less, you're still going to front money to Royal until the canceled room gets settled, which may be weeks to months after the cruise with their lovely FCC and refund systems in place .

I agree that Aruba is going to be the best choice for a beach day. The beaches there are beautiful. Taxis are available right outside the port. Bonaire and Curacao both have shopping that is walkable from the port.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-family-legal-documents-do-i-need-to-board Per their FAQ you don't have to use the suggested form and you can draft your own letter. Adults who are not the parent or Legal Guardian of any minor child traveling with them are required to present the child's valid passport and visa or the child's birth certificate (original, a notarized copy or a certified copy) and an original notarized letter signed by at least one of the child's parents. The notarized letter from the child's parent must authorize the traveling adult to take the child on the specific cruise, must authorize guardian to sign legal documentation/waivers for participation in any activities requiring them (i.e. Rock Climbing, Flowrider, Bungee Trampoline, Inline Skating, or Ice Skating) and must authorize the traveling adult to supervise the child and permit any medical treatment that must be administered to the child.

Sorrentos will be open on embarkation day. If you're on Independence your likely choices to get food when boarding are the Windjammer, Sorrentos, and Cafe Promenade. Fish and Ships on the pool deck may be open, but there's an upcharge for those items. Playmakers is also an option if you're willing to pay for food. Their menu is ala carte like a normal restaurant.