BrianB

Wonder of the Seas…April 8…5193 90.5% capacity (double occupancy) …and it feels it!

I’m on cruise number fifteen since September…all out of Bayonne. I’ve seen the onboard protocols change as cases suddenly increased and decreased over that time. I think Royal’s reaction to the changes has been reasoned, measured and effective. Even though people didn’t like masking up everywhere again, and it probably caused more cancellations, Royal still followed their health experts. Seeing the steps that Royal has taken to mitigate, as much as possible, the spread of the infection…gives me the confidence to keep on cruising. I have talked to many other passengers over this time and virtually all have the same attitude as me…we do our due diligence, know the protocols and the risks, and make our choice. I’m thinking the only thing holding back full capacity is the availability of qualified crew members. But in terms of cruisers…from my perspective, onboard over the past eight months…there is no lack of enthusiasm for cruising. Just my opinion.

Royal's balance is easy to see. The current business model is working. People are booking and sailing. As they increase the supply of available cabins, demand fills them. Royal is able to continue with protocols already in place and accepted as normal by the majority of cruisers. Many potential cruisers who were on the fence, probably feel somewhat more confident that the current protocols are working and the cruise lines are really working to prevent and manage infections. Repeat cruisers see the obvious relaxing of protocols over time and the return to more normal, pre-Covid cruising. After seeing the CDC vehemently and repeatedly condemn cruising for the last two years…and now backing away…gives the perception that the CDC now tacitly approves of cruising…or at least finally recognizes that cruising is only as risky as all other forms of travel or gatherings. There is no need for Royal to throw caution to the wind as there is always the threat of a new ‘variant’ on the horizon. It’s easier to tweak current protocols than to have to suddenly reinstate those that have been removed. As long as passengers continue to book, I don’t see Royal risking major protocol changes…not just yet. In my opinion….

A good TA can not only answer questions and help with coordinating travel and excursions…but can also make suggestions based upon their experience and client feedback. They either know the current conditions and restrictions for most places, or they can find out a lot easier with their contacts in the business. The really good ones who deal with multiple clients on a regular basis (not a part-time friend or family member who dabbles as a TA) can make sure you get the best deal, the best advice and have the answers you need to make the best decisions for you and your family. Their goal is to help you have the best vacation possible…so that you become a repeat customer and tell others of your experience. And it costs you nothing.

I’m amused by the healthy work-out people who leave the gym and then wait for an elevator to go down a deck. Really?

Me too! September on the Oasis was the beginning of my personal cruising restart. It was emotional coming onboard after being away for so long and being greeted by lines of crew members and officers all clapping and shouting! It was a great feeling!

Some cruises have Bermuda as a single day port as part of their itinerary, but I prefer the overnights. I guess the cruise lines must save a lot of money on fuel charges by docking all that time and not being at sea. Also, since Bermuda approved cruise ships to operate their casinos while docked, there is more incentive for the cruise lines to remain overnight. Bermuda is one of my favorite destinations…clean, safe and welcoming. And not just certain areas. I’ve spent lots of time with friends exploring the island and always found beautiful places with welcoming locals. One of our best excursions is renting a small Boston whaler or a larger pontoon boat and just motoring around the Great Sound. Or renting Wave Runners steps from the ship and going on a tour. There are so many hidden places and small islands with little sandy beaches. A great excursion is the nighttime glass bottom boat tour of the sound. We always found the narration to be excellent and entertaining, and the views of the coral when they turn the under hull lights on is pretty cool. Or renting an umbrella and loungers at the Elbow Beach Resort. They have an excellent restaurant on the beach…Mickey’s Bistro. Or visiting Horseshoe Bay Beach…Tobacco Bay…Long Bay…Church bay…or any other beautiful pink sand beach. We even hiked the trail that connects most of the main beaches. You can visit the amazing Crystal and Fantasy Caves with underground lakes and spectacular rock formations. Or the Aquarium…don’t forget to stop at the Swizzle Inn for a Rum Swizzle. You can rent bikes and tour the old Bermuda Railway Trail National Park…eighteen miles of an old rail bed converted to a paved path with fantastic views. Or horseback ride the trail, or along a beach. You can take the ferry to Hamilton for great shopping and restaurants…or to historic St. George’s, the first settlement, with it’s narrow cobblestone streets lined with small shops. Even just the things around the Royal Navy Dockyard…the small beach, shopping at the Clocktower Mall, the historic Governor’s House, swimming with dolphins. There is lots to see and do in Bermuda. And knowing we don’t have to be back on board that same day gives us a sense of ‘take our time and enjoy’ that we don’t get when we have to keep an eye on the time to make sure we don’t become a dreaded ‘pier runner’! Or worse. Enjoy your cruise!

I've been on two cruises where the call for donors of a certain blood type were made. Both were for medical issues involving internal bleeding...not trauma. The inspiring part is that shortly after the call was made...in both instances...another call shortly followed cancelling the call for volunteers as so many had come forward so quickly that medical was nearly overwhelmed. Amazingly selfless and generous cruisers always ready to step up and help others. Another reason I love cruising!

For me it's the embarkation port. I'm a short distance from Bayonne so it's an easy drive and park in the garage. I usually sail solo and I love the Anthem from NJ in the winter. So many enclosed spaces to escape the first and last days. Then, the Oasis in spring and fall. Even Adventure sailing from Bayonne in May. When I have family and friends sailing, we may do an Alaska...but most love the convenience of driving to and from Bayonne. I'm flying to Fort Lauderdale to try the Wonder next month...but I really like FLL and the convenience to the port.

Pretty sure the reason is to gauge how busy the lounge gets during peak times with Pinnacle members now allowed back in. Especially as the ship capacity ramps back up to pre-pandemic levels. Probably to see if they need to open the overflow Pinnacle lounge on each cruise. On the Anthem, the concierge, Leo, was keeping a written record of the times guests were coming and leaving the lounge. Maybe now they are scanning cards to make it easier. Just my guesses....

Doesn’t matter how many I’ve done…I’m always super excited about the next one. I feel like a kid at Christmas and the ship is my special present just waiting for me under the tree. *that would be one heckuva tree! My favorite moment is when I take that first step off the gangway, and onto the ship. I always believed happiness is infectious (pardon the wording) and on that first day…everyone is happy!

I always book the three meal package and the price remains the same virtually all of the time…$109…exactly. No tax, fee or gratuity added at check out. That’s the charge to my card. Occasionally, I’ll see a sale for the package somewhere in the $90 range. When I book it and then get to the payment page, it adds those things at check out and the final price is $109.72. Seems like a sale, but….no. The only problem with meal packages is not being able to make reservations until I board…so if I really want a certain date and time at a favorite specialty restaurant (Jaime’s ) then I’ll just pay a little more to book it separately and lock it in.

Anthem is getting there. Even though we're at about 78% capacity, it does seem like a full cruise. But, after several months of reduced capacity, I'm really happy to be getting back to pre-shutdown cruising. It was a unique experience having so few cruisers...but it was also strange. For me, there was always a nagging feeling of worry. The masking/distancing protocols; the constant unease over onboard infections and possible quarantine; the sudden change in itineraries due to onboard numbers; vaccinated-only venues; mask on/mask off/constant masking; really weird seeing entertainers performing in the bars and lounges for no audience; Windjammer closed for dinner due to lack of guests. But the one constant was the crew. They were so happy to be back! Excellent service with wonderful attitudes! Even though their restrictions were so much more involved than for the guests. They still did their best to make the cruise as wonderful as possible! I like seeing capacity increase. It means we're getting back to where we were before the shutdown. I really missed that...enjoy your cruise!

I just tried to book an Antigen test at my local CVS…the one I’ve been using since I restarted cruising back in September. Now, they only have drive thru PCR test appointments. No more Antigen. The nearest Antigen test for me now is at a CVS twenty minutes away. I last used the local CVS seven days ago. At that time I found there was a different procedure. The outdoor ‘pod’ was closed and I had to go into the Minute Clinic to get the test. That visit was treated as a full clinic visit, with medical history and vitals…and it was charged as a full doctor’s visit. Fortunately, my insurance covers it. I’ll try finding a Walgreens or a clinic close by for the Antigen, and if not, I’ll use my eMed tests. Hopefully, these are all signs that the pre-cruise testing requirement is fading away.

We're baaaaaaack!

I'm on the Anthem and just left We Will Rock You. Thanks to Pop for giving me the idea with his line to Galileo. "Computer Recorded Auto-tune Pop....Crap!"

I’m a cruising soloist (Hey! New term!)… I suspect that the algorithms used in setting cruise prices, especially for soloists, are primarily based on the Continuum Relativity Analytical Process, or C.R.A.P, method. Make the price whatever people will pay and constantly adjust it up or down as demand dictates. Seriously, I’m sure there’s a reason how they are priced…but I always keep checking to see if the price drops after I book it. But, the best way to do that is…use a good Travel Agent. Let them do it for you…and the good ones don’t charge you a fee, they get their money from the cruise line for bringing them customers…so no cost to you for their excellence, experience and expertise. Good luck!

@Leighq I tried to answer your question on the other thread, but the comments veered off into arguments which resulted in the thread being shut down. So, to answer your question...if the Key on the cruise planner says 'check onboard', that means it is currently sold out. But, you should keep checking back as they may expand availability depending on capacity as time goes on. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

Love that!

Yes. If you have all of your luggage (self-assist) you can walk off anytime after disembarkation begins. You don't need to be in any group.

I cruise solo virtually all the time. There are solo cabins on some ships, but they become so popular that their price can rise quickly (supply and demand)...if they aren't already sold out. I have found that getting a regular cabin is so much better for just a little more money. More space! ...and more choice. With Royal's periodic sales, the prices can drop significantly. So, I always book what I want...and if the price drops, I call and re-price it. Never had a problem. A good travel agent can monitor that for you.

As long as your test result has the proper date showing, it doesn't matter what time you do it. Remember, they don't count how many hours...just the days prior to sailing.

I haven't been there post-covid but...previously, I would do early walk-off with my luggage and be one of the first ones off. After exiting the terminal, there was a line of waiting taxis. Quick ride to the nearby airport (FLL). As long as there are no delays with the ship's scheduled arrival...surprisingly quick and easy.

I see there's always one of those 'hit and run' posters here who slam Royal and swear to never cruise with them again...and then just disappear. Oh, well..... But, if you are still here...please let me share with you my opinion; I know that I am very blessed to be able to cruise quite frequently. I got hooked on cruising in 2015 and since then, I have achieved Ambassador status on Norwegian and Pinnacle status on Royal. Both require the same number of cruise points (700). I started with NCL because I had friends onboard and others who also sailed frequently. Then, I changed to Royal. I can say, based on my experiences, that Royal's Crown and Anchor loyalty program is much better than Norwegian's Lattitudes...especially as you rise in levels. Even though the amount of points are similar, Royal gives so many more...and better...benefits. Look up both programs and compare them. And no...I'm not connected to either cruise line. Just my honest opinion.

It's taken a long time, over many cruises...but I have learned from experience (and especially from others on forums like these) how to control my over packing tendencies. One of the best packing 'hacks' I have is to buy 'travel' clothing that is light, breathable and wrinkle-free. I can shove a lot into my bag and have it come out looking great with just a shake. Plus, mid-cruise, I take advantage of the laundry service for my shorts, socks and tees... allowing me to pack less of them. My couple pair of shoes are versatile, nice looking, light slip-ons that can be worn with anything. I don't pack sports jackets anymore. A nice pair of dark, wrinkle free dockers and a dressy button down shirt is enough for Dress Your Best or Formal. I used to pack a small spray bottle of Wrinkle Release, but now I don't because I have mostly wrinkle-free clothes. I used to 'identify' as a Clothing Packing Mule and would bring everything I could squeeze into my bags, but now I'm more conservative as to how much I bring...I think...