KristiZ

There is testing available at the Bologna airport: https://www.bologna-airport.it/en/the-company/press-room/covid-19enbsp-|enbsp-latestenbsp-updates/covid-test-point/?idC=62631&idO=2029590

5-night Canada cruise https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/itinerary/5-night-canada-from-new-york-on-oasis/OA05BYE-3499234234?sail-date=2022-06-05&currency=USD&country=USA&dates_maxDate=06%2F30%2F2022&dates_minDate=06%2F01%2F2022

I wouldn't risk it on a week day -- too many possible bottlenecks and traffic can be very unpredictable into the city. The stress would ruin whatever benefit I reaped from my vacation. I mean, you would 90% be totally fine, but... I have friends who live in Everett and work at SeaTac. Just hearing their commute stories is awful, and they work swing shift so not even regular morning commute times.

Also check via a computer on the actual Royal website instead of the app -- sometimes you can access things in one place but not the other for whatever reason. Good luck!

Welcome to the boards! While I have never been on Independence, every other ship I've been on has had a scale in the gym. Then it just becomes a matter of if your MIL would prefer to weigh herself privately each day or not.

I personally love the Radiance-class ships like Jewel, but mostly for the more interesting itineraries they usually provide. If you prefer "ship as the destination" style cruising I would recommend looking at a different ship.

Welcome to the boards! Where are you sailing from? Different boarding points will generate different answers

It is separate.

I’m also doing an Arctic cruise in June. I plan to tip onboard in USD and/or Euros and I will order up some Norwegian kroners from my bank for tipping on shore excursions or souvenir purchases. You bank may also have that service.

You do not need to buy equipment. Some people choose to, once they’ve tried snorkeling and decided they want to do it regularly. You will be just fine without it however!

In general I expect to see shore excursions 9 to 6 months before departure.

You should plan to use another messaging app, simply because the Royal chat is an additional cost, even if you bought Voom.

One day.

No, no, Rome is different! Rome is one day prior. The Italian rules are tighter than the ones in the Netherlands.

It's two days if you are "up to date". The one day is only for unvaccinated or not up to date.

Me too! But I'll let you know how airport testing goes in July when we come back from Amsterdam if it comes to that.

The two-test boxes are just 2-packs of tests, not a box with two tests. You open the outside packaging and inside are two separate test boxes. Hope that helpts!

You can add the wine flight when you sit down for your lunch, and not everyone has to do it.

Welcome to the boards! I just blogged my Enchantment trip: Let me know what questions you have!

Must be an Allure thing -- my 4-day on Allure over Christmas 2023 is also 83.99 right now.

Welcome to the boards! The major driver on shore excursion rules at this point seems to be the ports/countries themselves. Royal is currently allowing independent touring when the location allows.

Welcome to the boards! Start here: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/alaska-cruises MEI Travel is a blog sponsor and many of use use them. You can reach out via the form on the main page.

Welcome to the boards! If it is a printed result with some kind of logo, and with no handwriting (except possibly a signature) you should be fine. Hope that helps!

Welcome to the boards! Did you ask at the front desk of your hotel? Some will have an agreement with a local lab or pharmacy for testing. Also, most local pharmacies will do a "test rapido", which will work for boarding. Good luck!

Welcome to the boards! This thread has samples of the offer letters (they vary slightly by ship and cruise length):