BrianB

I feel like an overworked TA. I check my bookings virtually everyday to see if there has been a price drop. I do a booking for the same cruise and same cabin category inputting my information. Sometimes I hit gold and a booking has dropped significantly. I first make sure I have at least a half hour or forty-five minutes available and then make the call. Yesterday I got right through to an agent, but because I had used an FCC as part of my payment…I had to hold on while my request went through their resolution department. Waiting to connect and holding on are annoying…but I always end up with a friendly, courteous and helpful agent who takes good care of me, so…no complaints with the service. Just the accessibility. I had found a lower price on this particular cruise last week…just before final payment date. Although I had already paid in full, the difference is being credited back to my card. Yesterday, after final payment, the cruise price dropped much more. So this time, the difference is being applied as OBC. I’m glad I still checked it even after getting a lower price last week. I also learned that if a price dropped on a cruise planner purchase, I book and pay for it before I cancel the first one. Sometimes something like Coco Beach Club opens, but by the time you enter all your info, it may be gone…and the one you cancelled will be taken by someone else. TAs earn their commissions! I’m going to reward myself by taking me out to dinner and getting me an outlandish dessert. I deserve it. It’s the least I can do!

Yes. It’s been this way for awhile. No drop down menu to choose your ship, and…no ship, no service! I tried the app and the website, both have the same issue. Also, when I call and try to use the automated system to make a payment…or get a confirmation…it keeps asking for my travel agency number. Even though I pushed #2 indicating I’m not a travel agent and made my booking directly with Royal. That’s been happening for a couple weeks, so far. So….just got to call and go through all the menus, listen to the recordings and wait. The only bright side of it is I always get friendly and courteous service from whichever agent I get connected to. But, it would be much easier using the app or the website.

I really started frequent cruising in 2015. I began on another line and accrued enough points being solo in suites to get to their top tier (700+). But, although I loved the crew members and the line, I didn’t like the way the area around the port was changing. It was getting more difficult getting through the traffic at the tunnel from New Jersey, and there were several incidents either going or coming back in Manhattan that really concerned me. I felt less safe. For me, Bayonne is much closer and easier to get to. So I tried Royal. And I was hooked. The ships are beautiful, with large open areas such as the Promenades. On the Anthem…the Esplanade, Via, Two70, SeaPlex, enclosed family pool and the Solarium are phenomenal! Especially during winter sailings out of New York Harbor! The other line only had an Atrium which was always crowded with events, had crowded access points and a casino midship on a main level…pretty much forcing you to walk through it. I love Royal’s huge open areas concept! Always feels less crowded, much brighter and airy. And the crew members are wonderful! Plus, Royal also has triple points for solo cruising in suites. Add to that Royal’s double point promotion and I earned six points per cruise night. Makes sense, since I would have accrued the same amount of points had the shutdown not occurred. I really love Royal’s Crown and Anchor rewards program. Attaining higher levels gives lots of rewards and recognition, and Pinnacle gives so much more than the other line’s top tier. On the other line, I am top tier but get virtually nothing unless I pay for a suite. So I get the same access and benefits as someone on their first cruise. Very disappointed, but I didn’t know any better…until I found Royal! And, in particular, Matt’s blog and the people on these forums. Thank you all! I know that I am very fortunate, and I’m thankful that I am able to cruise so often. I’ll be Pinnacle on my next cruise…and I loved every moment along the way. Can’t wait to get back aboard! Happy cruising!

MOJO!!

Just notified my bid for an Owner’s Suite was accepted for the Anthem leaving in nine days…Feb 11.

But most importantly…did the rocket test negative for Covid two days before departure date?

I have an Android phone and Apple iPad and use surf and stream for calls. I have found Messenger works best for me. I’ve had conversations (including video) on Messenger that have lasted over half an hour without dropping. The only times there may be an issue is when we were going through a storm and heavy clouds with rain interrupted the signal. Otherwise, very reliable. But that was on the Anthem. Billed as a ‘tech ship’! Good luck!

Also a good tip about the ship’s WiFi for one device… If you have any sites that you are interested in using during your cruise that you have opted-in to an additional security feature to sign in…such as receiving a text with a one time pass-code…you may want to turn off that feature prior to cruising. In order to retrieve the code, you would need to leave your sign-in page, exit the site, then wait for the one-time-code text. But, when trying to use it for your app, you’ll find that the sent code is no longer valid as you have left the site to go get the code. You can always turn the feature back on after the cruise. I always opt from a one-time-code to answering a security question (if that option is available). At least that’s my experience.

I’ve been ‘Royal Up-ed’ four times since November on the Anthem. Each time, I received an email advising me that my new cruise documents were available…usually the next day after I was notified that my bid was accepted. I went to my reservation and clicked on the Cruise Documents tab. The new luggage tags were on the last pages. Just clicking on the Luggage Tag tab sometimes had the old room number. Enjoy your upgraded cruise!

When you place your devices on Airplane Mode, you are no longer accessing your carrier’s service. I just have to manually place the device on WiFi after I activate Airplane Mode. I stream movies on an iPad virtually every night on Prime, Netflix, YouTube and Disney+ while on the ship’s WiFi Surf and Stream. The only time I ever have a problem is when there is an issue with the ship’s WiFi…usually while going through a storm, or one time the satellite service went down fleet wide for a couple hours. During that time, I accessed movies and shows that I had downloaded to my device before I left home. Easy. Also, while on WiFi, I make and receive calls over Messenger…both voice and video…and send and receive emails, texts and post to social media like normal. Again, because I am on Airplane Mode…I am not using any service (voice, text, data) connected with my cell service provider. As far as Verizon Wireless is concerned, it’s as if my phone has been turned off. Enjoy your cruise…and your video viewing!

It seems Royal is visiting more ports now because they have those ‘relaxation ships’ positioned in the area where they can offload crew members who are in quarantine. Not only those who are infected and their close contacts, but also newly arriving crew members must quarantine for ten days or two weeks before beginning their duties. Here onboard the Anthem, even Capt Sreko Ban had to quarantine in his cabin while Capt Toni remained in command. Capt Toni left us in St. Kitts yesterday to begin his trip home. By doing this, they are able to decrease the numbers onboard and the ports are allowing the ships in. During this cruise, at St. Maarten when the Rhapsody docked at the pier next to us, it looked like they used tenders to transfer crew back and forth…sending over the newly quarantined, and picking up those who have completed their’s. Yesterday in St. Kitts, the Jewel pulled in behind where we were docked, maintained her position, and used her tenders to make transfers. Then she pulled out of the harbor to her next rendezvous. This arrangement makes it more manageable for medical, and keeps the onboard quarantine areas free should passengers need them. And, of course, it lowers the percentage of quarantined onboard our ship which allows us to visit ports with restrictions…like St. Thomas…which was beautiful! Enjoy your cruise!

Cool. I couldn’t change my signature attachment because of the same issue. Refreshed the page and the editor opened. Thank you!

We’re on the Anthem…Eastern Caribbean…docked in St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas yesterday and St. Kitts today. Start our three-sea-day run back to New Jersey this evening. Apparently we’re going to swing more west than north and then come up the coast so we can avoid the huge storm getting ready to hit the northeast.

Same for me. Any day with a vowel in it is ‘Cruise Planning Day’!

@FrankerifficI live in NJ…easy drive to the port. I sail every winter starting in Sept and ending in May…recently it’s been every other cruise, or B2Bs if the cruise is only for seven nights. Can’t beat the convenience of driving, parking and boarding. Also, I do the early walk-off so I’m home early in the morning. Most of the cruises start and end on weekends so traffic is easy. But even on regular weekdays, I drive up at around 10…rush hour traffic is over. Plus, there’s several ways to access Bayonne should there be a major highway closure enroute. As mentioned in the above comments, the Anthem is the perfect ship for winter sailings. Especially with the fully enclosed Solarium and family pool…Two70…and the SeaPlex. I love sitting forward in the heated Solarium during sail out, surrounded by tropical plants and trees, sipping a cold drink while watching as ice flows float past on our way out of the harbor. This usually happens only during extended extremely cold periods…which are not typical. I have been on many cruises where seas were rough. But the motion of the ship is usually dependent on the direction of the swells. There have been very angry seas with wind swept white caps cresting over large swells, but if the swells were in the same direction of the ship, there was very little noticeable motion. The winds can get so severe that the upper decks will be closed. The wind can get very strong when it’s coming directly at the ship. Figure thirty three knot winds, plus the ship’s speed of seventeen knots gives relative wind speed of fifty knots across the deck. As far as side to side motion, the ship’s stabilizers can help significantly mitigate, but not completely counter, the rocking. People always ask…where’s the best place to feel the least amount of motion. Think of a seesaw…huge up and downs on the ends, very little in the center. To your specific concerns…yes, there is more potential for stormy weather sailing in the winter from the northeast due to warm and cold fronts clashing and causing stormy windswept weather. But…in my experience as mentioned above…it’s pretty hit and miss. The potential for such weather gets less as the ship travels south, but bad weather can happen anywhere. Think of how many times the ships had to bypass CocoCay in the Bahamas due to high winds and swells…even with the pier. After leaving New York Harbor, it’s takes about a day and a half to get into warmer weather, as the ship will be passing Cape Hatteras and into the Gulf Stream. For me, the convenience of the port location definitely outweighs the idea of going through the cost and hassle of flying to Florida. Again, the northeast weather is a consideration as flights can be cancelled or delayed both coming and going and I would need to fly out a day in advance. That includes the cost and hassle of the hotel. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to include my perspective. Whatever decision you make…good luck and enjoy your cruise!

When I go to the print screen...I click on the Advanced Tab...then change Scale to 80%. After printing, don't forget to change it back to 100%.

On the Anthem…primarily canned water. Those annoying ‘flip top’ non-resealable cans. But, I go to the specialty coffee bar and buy a plastic bottle of water ( Nestle Pure Life) and just refill it. I usually pack an empty plastic bottle and just pour the canned water into it…but, I forgot!

Yep…at all restaurants. It’s understood that you’re there to dine. In other venues, such as bars and clubs, you can only unmask if you’re actively eating or drinking.

As Chris said…as of now, a booster is not required. I’m fully vaccinated since April (2nd Pfizer)…got my booster in Dec, three days prior to a cruise. My only worry was having a late reaction to it that may have presented with flu-like symptoms. But…nothing! Enjoy your cruise!

@ErinNH I’m also on Feb 27th. Right now, all the regular activities are occurring…except crowded things like the Quest, or the pool deck activities that would normally draw crowds. There had been some entertainment disruptions in November when crew and production members had to be quarantined either with a positive test, or as a close contact. But then, other entertainment was scheduled to fill in. I haven’t been in the MDR in awhile but in other restaurants, tables are physically distanced. Masks need to be worn at all times indoors, including the Solarium, unless seated and actively eating or drinking…or in the water. That was a fairly recent change since Omicron hit, and I would expect it to go back to the way it was pre-Omicron as soon as the numbers decrease. That was in any vaccinated-only venue we were allowed to unmask…ie; Solarium, lower level of the theater, bars and clubs, and casino. Also, right now, there is no smoking in the casino and masks must be worn. Again, that will probably change when the surge decreases. The Royal Theater and Two70 seating is restricted with ‘physical distancing reserved’ covers over the front two rows. That had recently dropped down to only the first row, then Omicron came and they blocked the second row again. The somewhat nice thing is the reduced capacity. Although the ship is so much less crowded than in the past, the services are virtually the same…so, no lines. A month away is a long time during the ‘Cruising During Covid’ saga. Hopefully, it will continue to get better and more protocols fall away. Enjoy the cruise!

@ShayI guess the best way to describe it is…normal. But it is my tenth cruise since Sept so I’m used to the protocols and the last minute changes such as itinerary switches. Especially since Omicron reared it’s ugly head. But, as the surge ends and hopefully the numbers of infected drop as quickly as they rose…it should get even better.

I use my NJ driver’s license whenever I do an eMed tele-test. It has my middle initial but I don’t have it on my app. So far I have done two eMeds and neither one had a problem…so far.

I’m on the Anthem now…we are at 1826 passengers but the bookings were in the mid-2000’s. There seems to be a combination of cancellations due to testing positive pre-cruise; to people being nervous about cruising right now; and due to the CDC recommendation to not cruise (which may have been somewhat tempered in many minds when they let the CSO expire). Also due in some part to passengers taking advantage of Royal’s exceptional Cruise with Confidence Program where there really is no pressure to cruise or lose. Those testing positive pre-cruise mirrors what is going on everywhere…vaccinated or not are getting Omicron in huge numbers. Just more likely for vaccinated to have no, or very minor, symptoms. Although I have an unvaccinated family member who tested positive due to contact tracing and he had no symptoms. Go figure. Hopefully the surge ends soon and the numbers drop as quickly as they went up. That will boost confidence again and maybe relaxing some of these new restrictions will help even more. Capacity will go up again. Just got to get through this, hopefully, last surge.

Jan 20…Anthem from Bayonne NJ…11 night cruise. Final count…1826. According to the concierge, the number booked was in the mid 2000s, but the Omicron trend has apparently caused lots of cancellations due to positive cases and people just being cautious. They are weathering the surge, just as we are on land, and waiting for the other side. Hopefully, as the numbers of infected plummet…passenger counts go back to rising. Hoping even more that we can eventually get back to no-test, no-mask, no mandate cruising! Soon!

On the Anthem the Solarium is completely enclosed. With Omicron, it changed to a masked area...unless you're in the water. Still, some people ignore the rule...or to be fair, are unaware. The captain has even added the Solarium being a mask-required venue to his daily position/weather reports. Recently, I have seen instances of crew members advising people to mask up and most comply. Still, some ignore the rule they agreed to follow when booking the cruise. I saw one case where a small group in the corner kept unmasking. So the crew member opened the sliding windows in front of them. It was cold out. When they complained, she told them, again, to mask up. They finally complied. Good move!