BrianB

To suite or not to suite...that is the question. As already posted above, there are many perks and advantages that come with suites that make them a very attractive option and well worth the cost. Especially if, like me, your time on board is more important than the cruise itinerary. Keep in mind that different ships, as well as different cruise home ports, may not have the very same perks available. Plus, your loyalty status comes with certain perks as you rise through the levels. There is also the option of purchasing the Key which comes with perks such as priority boarding, disembarkat

Because I am lucky enough to be able to cruise often (retired)...I have a lot of cruises booked. So far thirteen cruises have been cancelled. I decided that what’s best for me is to continue paying in full and then getting the 125% FCC when the trip is subsequently cancelled. I consider it an investment. There are, of course, worse case scenarios involving the industry or me personally that can cause me to lose my investment but, in my opinion, the risk is minimal. I also believe when cruising comes roaring back, prices may be elevated due to higher demand and the need for the company to

I have a B2B scheduled in March...March 4th for 4 nights and March 8th for 5 nights out of Fort Lauderdale. Two days ago I received an email reminder letting me know I was near the final payment date. I made the final payment online and it was accepted. This reminder email was probably automatically generated based upon payment due date so I don’t believe this is the final word. I’ll just wait and see. As far as making payments are concerned...even if it’s probable that the cruise will be cancelled, I will still make the payment. For me it’s a no-brainer...if and when the cruise is c

I understand everyone has an opinion on wearing masks...most based on science and metrics...and there is more than enough personal preference and reasoning on either side of the argument... ...but... To answer your question, Chris...yes. If wearing a mask will allow me to cruise again, I will wear a mask. Whether I agree or disagree with the effectiveness of wearing one doesn’t matter. If that’s the condition to get back to sea...so be it.

My last cruise was on the Bliss...7 nights to Florida and Bahamas from NYC...and it was very stressful. It started with PPE wearing medical personnel taking our temperature in the terminal. It ended on March 15th...the day the cruise lines decided to self-stop. It was a rough week with all the bad news coming in. The ship had their infection protocols in place. These were the Norovirus precautions...no self serve at the buffet...constant deep cleaning...more hand sanitizers...multiple announcements about hand cleaning, etc. Because international travel was about to be shut down, we were delay

I think the reality here is that there is virtually no way to completely keep the virus from getting on a ship. The important thing is the timely recognition of it’s presence through testing. Then the mitigation taken to isolate those who are infected and to stop the risk of spread. The Healthy Sail protocols plan for this eventuality by having on-going testing, designated isolation cabins, positive-pressure medical facilities, virus killing air scrubbers, and a robust sanitization protocol to prevent spread by surface contact. Also, by limiting passenger load to help with social distancing. A

Sea days; “Gotta get to the pool deck early before all of the chair hogs!”

12 so far...and January’s eleven night cruise will most likely be cancelled because of the seven night maximum cruise limit. I know...I’m very fortunate to be retired and able to do so many cruises. I wish we all remain healthy and safe as this pandemic subsides and we can return to some sense of normalcy.

I have done several back to backs on the Anthem out of NJ. As previously noted, the pre-pandemic process differed depending on the ship or port. In NJ, back to back passengers (along with any guest entertainers who were staying for more than one cruise) met in the Diamond lounge by 9am. Security set up a scanning desk at the entrance. After our name was checked on the list, our room keys were taken and security scanned us out...thus allowing the ship to receive a ‘zero count’. CBP officers came to the lounge and checked our passports. Then we were handed our new room keys (even if in the same

Check in opened for my cruise on the Anthem departing January 4th from Port Liberty NJ. It accepted all of my information and photo...but when I try to submit, the ‘Sorry, hit a snag’ message keeps coming up. I was optimistic because every time I checked, my info was saved but it wouldn’t allow me to submit. Now I realize that the cruise will most likely be ‘Corona-cancelled’ because it is for eleven nights. Oh, well...hoping my seven night February cruise is still happening.

Yes. Retired after 35 years in public safety/emergency management...healthy, no medical issues. Would love to be part of the process evaluating the new procedures and protocols. I think it would be a great experience showing Royal Caribbean is serious, capable and committed to bringing cruising back safely and carefully.

I’m thinking my Dec 19th Holiday Cruise on the Anthem will be cancelled because they need more time to start up...and because it’s an eight day cruise. Also, my January 4th cruise will probably be cancelled because it’s an eleven day cruise. Oh well, it is what it is and I’ll be patient with the process. At least there is now light at the end of the tunnel... I would much rather they take their time to do it right rather than do it quick and suffer another closure. I can’t wait!!......but I will.

58 days out from the cruise and I am unable to reserve any entertainment at all. Makes me think they either haven’t yet completed the planning for seating in the venues...or finalized casting, staffing and scheduling shows...or are convinced the cruise will go as scheduled. However, the rest of the cruise planner is open...including dining, spa, shorex, internet...in other words, everything that requires payment. With the Key onboard the Anthem, you still need to reserve your entertainment choices. When the Key first came out, no reservations were needed. But not anymore.

I checked in last week for my Nov 13 cruise on the Anthem out of Port Liberty. I also purchased the Key and dining package. Not saying they wouldn’t take my money knowing the cruise is not happening and would refund it after they cancel...but...I’m still hopeful! I’ll keep an eye on the the Anthem’s position. Fingers crossed!

I purchased the Key after I checked in. My check in time is 2:30 (the earliest offered)... I know it’s going to be different now that things have changed to accommodate the extra precautions and cleaning. I’m patient and understanding with that. There will be trial and error and I hope it goes as smooth as possible. I know each port is different and each have their own way of doing things. What works in some ports may not work in others. It may be a later departure than usual, but I just know that I’ll be aboard and getting ready for sailaway again! Leaving New York harbor at night is bea