KristiZ

I have always enjoyed the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka!

Oh no! I'm still waiting to see what we get swapped to. This doesn't give me the warm fuzzies... And I'm sorry I won't have a chance to make a Bot sighting!

I wonder if the Abbott/BinaxNOW test would be allowed -- it is CDC-authorized for travel into the US. That would be a good solution for anyone coming from a smaller metro area where testing is harder to find.

The NAAT test that CVS is using in your area normally turns around in 24 hours. They hedge by saying "1-2 days", but I don't believe you will have a problem. To make sure, take your test first thing in the morning -- when I've done this at CVS I've always had my results by about 7pm that same day.

Welcome to the forums!

There's a temporary Post Office pretty close to the terminal, in the back of Cole's Pharmacy. That one replaced the General Post Office. Plan was to have a new post office open by now, but I think that has been delayed. Regardless, the Cole's Pharmacy people can direct you if it has moved by the time you sail. You cannot buy stamps online.

If you're looking for a way to the port on the front end, we actually just took the train down there and it worked great. Granted we didn't have a ton of luggage or multiple tiny humans to corral ? But public transport is definitely doable!

^^THIS^^

Majesty, Western Caribbean, in 19...err a minute ago

I recommend stepping through the scheduling process on the minuteclinic website. It will tell you if there is a fee or copay, and usually there isn't. Of course this depends on your insurance plan, but in this case I think CVS waives the copay. Again, you have to schedule through the minuteclinic link, not by calling CVS. I'd also recommend booking as soon as you can, as appointment slots do fill up for travel testing. Good luck!

In your case CVS is probably the way to go. Testing will likely be free to you, and most of the CVS locations in that area do the "Molecular Lab Test PCR/NAAT" test. Results in 1-2 days, usually within 24 hours. You have to book through the minuteclinic website if you're testing for travel -- just google CVS Covid test and you'll get right there. CVS clinics are drive-up only, and some require you to do the swab yourself. Not a big deal, but just so you know. The PCR/NAAT test currently meets the requirements for entry into all countries Royal is sailing at the moment. (The moment being July 14, 2021. No guarantees after that since things change all the time!) If testing isn't free, you can pay upfront and submit the claim to your insurance -- most insurance companies will pay for testing even if they try to keep that a secret. Hope that helps!

Those are the same prices I'm used to seeing onboard. However, that was Before, so they might have gone up. You can always book ahead and then reschedule onboard if you decide that day/time don't work for you. I've rarely seen a specialty restaurant full at lunchtime.

For example, CVS pharmacies do rapid PCR testing with results in 1-2 days. So does Walgreens. There are some at-home options these days, too; Pixel is one that comes to mind. A number of major airports have onsite labs now too. Tell me where you're at and I'll give you a list if you want -- I've done an ungodly amount of research on testing in the last six months ?

Pretty sure Allegiant is the only commercial carrier that flies into Sanford. So yeah… Orlando.

Not cruising, but have been doing some other flying lately and really haven't seen much difference from pre-Covid -- sometimes you get a line at TSA, sometimes no. That said, I'm always going to err on the side of early for my own sanity ? I'd still feel fine with a 12:50 departure on disembark day in most places, especially if you're just going to get off the ship and go right to the airport.

You do, but it's a quick turnaround. And they won't try super hard to reach you -- one email and you're done.

We love Grand Cayman! Easy to get around, interesting things to see (not just beaches!), and tasty food.

Only true for the US.

I would just book onboard, personally. Then you have time to look at your schedule more carefully and pick the best time.

I always bid the minimum. I figure if Royal really needs my room they’ll accept my bid. I’m at a 50% success rate so far, out of 6 tries. Now, I’m always going from a Junior Suite to something bigger, so I suspect that’s why I’m doing so well — lots of people bid for a Royal Up to a JS.

Here’s one place that does same-day PCR testing in Houston. Not sure on cost, but probably less than 3 days hotel plus food… https://elitecarehouston.com/covid-19-information/covid-19-testing-info/

I’ve seen Tia Maria regularly. I have once or twice seen Martini Bianco (but then I can’t say I’ve ever really looked for it either, so maybe it’s always there). You may only get a generic “stock on board depends on the individual hospitality manager and local supply” message back from Royal, since they won’t want to promise and then not deliver for some reason.

Welcome to the boards! Unfortunately no, any kind of liquor or spirits is not allowed. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-alcohol-guest-policy

A number of major airports now have RT-PCR tests with 1 to 3 hour turn arounds. However, they are: 1) expensive, so expect $130 to $350 2) very limited availability, so make an appointment as far in advance as you can i track this very carefully, as Nicaragua (where I live right now) has insane entry testing requirements. I’m happy the share what I know for the folks that have different needs than straight US entry stuff!

Oh it would be a shame to cancel this excursion! I loved it! You are right though, things will certainly change (probably 37 times) between now and then.