Rene Desmarais

Some protocols observations after coming off Liberty today.
 
Very little optional masking by passengers. Less than I expected. People were literally giddy to be on packed elevators again.
Ports of call all had mask requirements as did the tours. No one said a single word about it though.  
The crew can't wait to get rid of masking. At least they don't have to double mask anymore.
Adventure Ocean is back to 90% of normal (the 10% is not going back to the regular advertised theme nights more so than any protocol issues), despite kids still having to wear masks.

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/27114-finally-cdc-drops-cruise-travel-health-notice.html

Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed told travel agents today they had a company-wide meeting to show off Icon Class to employees.
Perhaps a sign that they're preparing to reveal more Icon info sooner than later.
Or it's nothing.

With the addition of Radiance OTS today, all ships are now on the app, completing the company's transition to a digital cruise experience. 

Looks like cruising is back! 😀.  But, how many "beverages" were dispensed? 🤣
 

https://globalnews.ca/video/8690081/covid-19-canada-to-change-testing-rules-for-fully-vaccinated-cruise-ship-travellers-in-april/
 
Great news! While testing is still required to board the ship (as is all cruise lines policy right now) another test is not required for disembarking in a Canadian port.

If I was a ship that ran aground, I wouldn't have a good attitude either.

Passenger weight is minuscule.   Every passenger can run to one side of a ship and it would have negligible impact on the ships attitude.    If passenger weight was a factor they’d have everyone move aft but it doesn't work that way.   
Pilots advise but don’t take full command.  The insurance carriers don’t allow it.  The exception is the Panama Canal where the canal has their own insurance carrier that covers them when they take full command of the ship.   Even if a pilot was on board and issuing navigational orders the Captain knows the ship and how it handles in wind.   The Captain should have prevented this one way or another.
MSC Armonia rammed the pier in Roatan and carried on the same day so it’s very possible Escape will too once the tides get her free and they get a look in daylight.  

And now level 2, which is the equivalent of less than a 1 in 1000 chance of having a covid case on board. 
 
 
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/03/14/cdc-lowers-travel-warning-against-cruise-ships
 

It's the new adult Splashaway Bay area. 

Sorry my brain is on Canada homeport cruise rules since I've got one coming up

Meanwhile, up on the top deck

Looks like more perks are come back starting March 15, 2022.
 
Crown & Anchor Society® Members
Last updated February 24, 2022
As we continue to make vacation memories together, we want to share the latest updates to the Crown & Anchor Society program and benefits.
   
Frequently Asked Questions
  Q : As we move into a more relaxed environment onboard, which Crown & Anchor Society benefits are being reinstated?
A : Although most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits remained the same, we are happy to share more benefits will be back beginning on sailings departing March 15, 2022 and onward.

Reinstaded Benefits:
- Private Departure Lounge and Continental Breakfast (Gold and above)
- Top Tier Event (Platinum and above)
- Chef’s Choice Gift (Diamond and above)
- Personalized Gift/Amenity (Diamond Plus and above)
- Priority access to dedicated seating at theater, ice shows and AquaTheater events (Diamond Plus and above)
 
Q : Which benefits continue to be suspended or modified?
A :
Meal with an Officer — This experience, for our Diamond Plus (340 points and above) and Pinnacle Club members, has evolved to a Cheers with an Officer. This event will still take place in the Main Dining Room.
Entertainment Tour — This tour has been reimagined, allowing our valued Diamond and above members to learn more about the amazing Royal Caribbean productions and entertainment team.
Behind-the-Scenes Galley Tour — This benefit for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members has been temporarily suspended to ensure the health of our guests and crew.

Royal Caribbean has a history of avoiding stops in places with geopolitical problems, including Egypt, Israel, Turkey, and Dubai.
Safety of crew, ships and passengers is paramount.

Safety and liability is why they canceled St Pete, not due to any political statements.

No, but another question, does anyone check their app 50+ times a day hoping for a new cabin number? 😂 Guilty...

On Symphony until March 5th. 3800 passengers. Sea day jam packed...hard to find lounger. Wouldn't want to see at full capacity.
Most shows cancelled, no lasertag, some eating venues with limited hours. 
Boarding time not checked, no line ups when we passed around noon.
Can't punch seacard, no bracelets.
Get internet with multiple devices, no need for individual.
Regarding masks, about 75% don't wear indoors.
Having a great time so far with the entire family (with kiddos 8 & 13, wife, grandma)!
AMA 🙂
 
 

So if you buy 10,000 kits you'll earn enough points for a one way flight from Toronto to Montreal?  

Just tell me when I can sit at the bar!

Glad to hear it.
The removal of the bracelets came down late last week as part of the updated protocols: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/02/24/royal-caribbean-releases-updated-health-protocols-cruise-ships-through-april-14-2022

WHAT??? No more bracelets???  What will I collect now?


@Matt, where can we see the announcement for this change?

If unvaccinated wore the bracelets then they could just cut them off and then they would be considered vaccinated. 

We cross the land border into the US so we have not been asked to present proof of vax at the border.  However, when we cruised in December 2021, we use the ON QR code pdf as our proof of vax and they accepted it no problem.  That was what I also uploaded into the app at check in.

There are no issues with the new vaccine passports (aka QR codes). My wife has travelled in December, no issues at the border and no issues with checking-in in RoyalApp.