BrianB

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...

I wish they could speed up the security screening process. At Port Liberty, it’s usually the thing that really brings things to a standstill. I know passengers who are unfamiliar with the process don’t know to put all their metal objects in their carry-on, or mistakenly bring prohibited items, or pack their carry-on in such a way that makes it look like a jumble of wires on the Xray scanner and inadvertently cause delays which ripple through the line. I think the only way to address this is to add (or even just staff) more scanners and maybe have just one main line, like at a bank, and someone directing the next person in line to the next available security scanning station. It’s frustrating to be near the head of the line just to get stuck while the longer line next to you is flowing quickly. Yes, it’s my peeve!

On the Anthem…March 20…3281. Approx 3400 were booked, so about 120 cancelled for any number of reasons.

I get the Key when the price is right for me. That’s usually when it costs a little more than a single Voom package. Sometimes I book it at a higher price just to lock it in…if the price drops later on, I’ll rebook the cheaper price before I cancel the first one. But, I cruise solo and only have to pay once for me. My reasons getting it are….early boarding (even though I have been successful getting an early boarding time, so far), the carry-on and jacket drop off, the Chops lunch, the Voom WiFi (even though I get full cruise Voom anyway, I like having both devices on their own, rather than switching back and forth…lots of my programs have OTP verification)…plus, I really like early disembarkation. On the Anthem, Key members are among the first in line at the earliest walk-off time. I know it’s a splurge on myself but, hey…I deserve it!

I agree with printing it out. I have it on my phone, in the text message, email and also screen shot…plus I print it out, several copies. I don’t want to take any chance at all with something that is so important on embarkation day. I always think of worst case scenario…phone shuts down, or gets lost. Without that ‘Golden Ticket’, there is no getting onboard ship!

Yes. Floats are available on a first come, first serve basis at the beach club…I haven’t seen them run out of them yet.

I wonder how they would even measure that? Gallons or barrels or metric tons!

Very cringe-worthy! On sail out day, I saw a father lift up his very precocious and squirming toddler, and actually sit her up on the railing on the pool deck to take a selfie. One hand trying to keep her still and another hand extending his cell phone. I think everyone who saw this all started to yell at the same time, but a crew member was right there and had him immediately take her down. ***after trying to type the rest of what I was thinking at that time, I think I’ll just leave this comment G-rated and move along***

This is the way it was for me at CVS since testing started. Got my appointment time, drove five minutes, parked outside the booth and when they called I went in. Showed ID, got swabbed, and left. Easy Peasy. Got the result in an hour. For me, it was very convenient, quick and easier than doing the monitored self test. But…not anymore. It was still convenient but more involved…but fortunately my insurance still covers it completely.

Yep. I have them as back-up in case I couldn’t get a CVS test…but now, looks like that’s going to be my primary choice. Especially knowing if I screw it up, there’s available CVS testing on the same day. I guess CVS will be the back-up.