Fairlynew

Yes, there are three different lofts on my RoyalUp offer that are all Star Class: the Owner's Loft Suite, the Royal Loft Suite, and the Grand Loft Suite.

I have a group of 4 friends booked in a 2 bedroom grand suite. We just got a Royal Up offer. Even bidding above the minimum, we would save money since only the first 2 people are charged and we all have the beverage package and gratuities. Having said that, none of us want to share a double sofa bed. Are roll a way beds available? Thanks.

I have bid once and been accepted. I bid the minimum and went from a 1 BR GS to to CLS. It was fun experiencing the 17th deck, but all in all, I prefer the GS-I like being more a part of things. I also like taking the stairs to the Coastal Kitchen. It makes me feel like I can eat more! I was "notified" when I checked the status of my bids (I had bid the minimum on several suite categories) and saw that the CLS was no longer listed as "pending". I checked and saw that my credit card had been charged. A few hours later, I got the official email.

A slight hijack of this thread to mention that taking our kids to visit colleges was one of my favorite things to do. I loved being on a college campus because there’s so much energy and excitement. In fact, I found my post retirement (stay at home mom for 20 years) career because as we visited colleges I realized that I would be so happy if I got to spend every day on a college campus. I now work at our local community college and love it.

On the oasis class ships, there is a card entrance. I don’t know about the quantum class

I highly recommend going with a suite. Coastal Kitchen and the concierge are huge benefits.

They aren't even offering it on my Alaska sailing on Ovation

Sorry. You’re right. It was Hampton Inn not Courtyard. I apologize

We stayed there the night before our last cruise. I normally really like Hampton Inns but I was not thrilled with this one. Check in was very confusing because it is not on ground level. When we got there, we weren’t sure what to do. We rang a bell and a very snooty guy told us to read the sign by the elevator (which is around the corner from the entrance) and go to the floor listed for check in. It didn’t help that the hotel is in the downtown Miami area and traffic was unbelievable that day, which we didn’t expect on a Saturday. It took us 45 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel. It took around 25 to get to the port the next morning, again due to heavy traffic. The rooms were adequate but somewhat small. We did walk around the area and there was a grocery store and a pharmacy close by, but all in all, I think I would choose somewhere else. Not a bad place but I think we would’ve enjoyed somewhere else more.

Come to Alaska on the 8/27 ovation cruise. There are suites available ?

Where are you going?

Things may have changed, but I sailed our of Miami in early March 2019. At that time, there was a separate check in area on another level of the port for suite guests. I know because we originally went to the wrong place and had to be re-directed. They would not let us in the "regular" line. I did see a sign for the Key passengers on the first level. So even with the Key, I am not sure you will be able to board together. Of course, this is all pre-covid (actually, second to last cruise on Oasis before shut down) so we can speculate about the changes.

I used Royal Up in 2019 on Oasis to go from a 1 bedroom GS to a CLS. I made the minimum bid (which was around $400 total). I think a lot depends on the "chain reaction". They may have taken my low offer because they had a higher offer for the GS I was in.

Yes-there are far fewer and several have sold out for my sailing in late August. My hope is that the offerings may increase as we get closer to sailing.

On the ships with Coastal Kitchen, I am firmly in the suite column. I love having access to CK and not having to reserve seats for shows. On smaller ships, it does not matter as much, although I really hate the tube showers, so I try to stick with junior suites.

I am sorry! Financial setbacks are no fun, especially if they involve actual physical pain! And a new refrigerator is nice, but it can't replace a vacation. I hope that you are able to enjoy your upcoming college visit. When my kids were looking at colleges, we tried to turn some of the tours into "mini-vacations" by exploring surrounding areas of interest. I hope that your family is at least able to do that. Best of luck to your daughter with her college decision and to you for rapid healing.

Have they given any hints on capacity for the Alaska sailings, either on Serenade or Ovation?

We did the one on Oasis right before the shut down and had a blast (Literally-it is space themed!) We had never done an escape room before, but we had a lot of fun!

I can’t post the link but you can google GMA celebrity cruises 2021 to view srory from on board

Awesome! Thanks so much. I highly recommend it.

Happy Travels!! Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

My MEI agent, Sharla, has been invaluable in helping to navigate all of the uncertainties in Covid. Using her, or any travel agent, costs you nothing, but gives you enormous assistance.

I am sorry to hear of the most recent set back. Here's hoping that healing goes forward quickly from here and that the Darkin's Solution works well without irritating healthy skin.

I am sorry that you have to be retested! What an inconvenience. Thanks for asking at the hotel desk. I hope your next test goes well and you have a great trip. Looking forward to reading about it.

I am excited for you! If possible, while you are in St. Maarten, could you find out if the Lazy Lizard is open? It is one of my favorite places there-a great place to spend the day on the beach with awesome food and a fabulous staff. I will be there in January. I have worried about this and other local establishments all over the Caribbean. Thanks.