BrianB

I just checked in to my Anthem sailing on Nov 7 from Port Liberty in NJ. It’s 90 days out and it is the first scheduled Anthem sailing from Bayonne. So it would seem that the schedule after Oct is intact.

So far it sounds like people were selected around the same time and the emails were sent out. I’m hoping that was just a first round and that there are more selections coming up…I mean besides the inevitable re-selects due to those who can’t make it. Finger are still crossed…just getting a little numb?

Sunscreen spray is usually available on board in the shop. But I’ll use this opportunity to address a sunscreen spray issue I have…people who use the spray without a care as to who is around them! Either on a beach or an excursion or on the pool deck…please be considerate before you unleash your cloud into the breeze! Move a few steps so your spray doesn’t fly into my face. Thank you!?

I cruise solo virtually every time. I always say cruising solo never means cruising alone. I’m always meeting new friends on board and usually there’s a few I see who cruise as often as I do. I try not to bring anything of value off the ship except a little cash and a credit card along with my ID and room key card. Most port security wants to see both a key card and an ID to get back on the pier. These I keep in a small waterproof container on a secure lanyard around my neck. I also have a slightly larger container that can also hold my cell phone if I want to take photos. Lots of choices on Amazon. I heard of someone who had the vault pack that securely locked onto the lounge chair…but someone stole the chair. I also heard of items being stolen even when someone was ‘minding them’. It’s important to always be aware…even when vacationing…no place is perfect. I find it’s easy to have a great experience while at the same time being reasonably cautious. Make friends and have a fantastic cruise!

I agree. It would have been better if each sailing had a check off box next to it so we could choose. That would eliminate a lot of time waiting for the chosen to respond yea or nay due to dates and location. I’m a go for Oasis from NJ if I am lucky enough to get picked, but I would probably have to decline the others. Just sayin’….

Mmmmmm….cookies…..yummmmm…

With the way things are now…things keeps changing…I wouldn’t pay gratuities up front on any of my booked cruises. It just seems like that’s another thing that can go wrong when cruises are cancelled or shifted. I’m not saving anything by paying early and I don’t mind having my credit card charged for them after the cruise.

I’m guessing this testing requirement is going to be around for a long time. The Delta variant is still going strong and after that there will probably be a bunch of other ‘variants’ coming and going. Especially through the winter months and into the spring. Seems like there are some who selfishly just don’t want this pandemic to go away…and I don’t mean health-wise. They need it so they can stay relevant…or prosperous…or in control. Shame. Just my opinion.

I know it’s for the person picked and a guest. Double occupancy. Just wondering if there’s nobody available to take time off…can I sail solo? I promise I’ll eat and drink twice as much!

Just received the dreaded ‘We’re sharing a change for your upcoming cruise’ email. Fortunately, it’s not a cancellation or itinerary change. For my cruises on the Oasis from Port Liberty in Sept and Oct…due to CDC guidance they have implemented new boarding protocols and will need additional time for check in. So instead of leaving at 4pm, departure will be at 6pm. Completely understandable and now, at least, I feel confident that these cruises will proceed. However, check in is still not available. Waiting patiently (yeah, right!)

The website for the train states the rail repairs will be completed by Sept 1 and the tour should revert back to it’s original length. It appears that the $99 fare online is due to the shortened tour because of the track repairs.

I thought with Canada restricting border crossing from the US that this would have been shortened anyway. I believe the border will open early next month, but they will restrict entry to fully vaccinated persons. Even though you get off the train and immediately board buses for the ride back.

I have at least two favorite beaches in Bermuda…on opposite spectrums. One is Elbow Bay Beach. We go early (very early) and rent an umbrella and loungers from the resort. It includes beach service and easy access to restrooms. Mickey’s Bistro is right on the beach and we love the food and the service is exceptional. There’s also a beach bar you can sit at if that’s your thing. The other beach is on a tiny island in the sound. We rent a small boat and they give you a detailed map, with photos, showing where you can find these small, beautiful islands with perfect beaches. Just pull up and stick the anchor in the sand. It’s an amazing experience because you’re so far out that you feel completely isolated. For a bigger group, you can rent a pontoon boat. One of my best beach experiences in Bermuda was when we met with local friends who were into hiking. We started at the first beach and after spending some time in the water…we walked the paths that connected each beach. It was beautiful. At every beach we stopped, spread our blankets and took some time to enjoy the water. An amazing day! I love Bermuda! My favorite destination! Enjoy!

My first sailing is not until next month but I’m sure the testing requirement is still going to be a thing…so…I’m thinking as I get closer to cruising I’ll go and get a ‘test’ test. I already researched and decided to try my CVS by making the appointment and going through the drive thru test area. Testing is free and available at multiple locations (I’m in NJ) and there is usually no waiting with an appointment. I don’t want to unnecessarily add to a busy testing system…but I need to know that I can get it done.

I’m curious if they want a PCR test (which can usually take 1 to 4 days to get a result) or an Antigen test (which takes minutes). The PCR is more accurate in that it can detect minute amounts of virus, where the Antigen is less so and more susceptible to a false negative. As the Delta variant spreads, testing is ramping up and turn around times for test results are getting longer. I’m assuming the testing at the pier is Antigen as you wait for the results before boarding. Also, what documentation are they accepting? Is a simple email from CVS stating ‘negative’ enough…or do they want something like a paper report? I’m hoping they recognize how difficult it may be to get a PCR test for travel completed because labs are probably prioritizing those with symptoms. Maybe they will extend the 72hr time limit.

As with many interactions with operators working for large corporations that are undergoing constant change due to the pandemic…(hotels, airlines, etc) I have also found that policies and rules change so quickly that it’s sometimes difficult to get everyone on the same page. So I will inevitably get different answers from different operators. With what’s going on now, I sort of expect it. So my usual strategy is to call back until I get an answer I’m comfortable with. Sometimes it can be a pain as I am put on hold while they ‘check with a supervisor’ etc… Being persistent is time-consuming but hopefully brings me to the right result. You hear lots of stories of different people getting different results for the same issue at the same time. I guess it’s going to be like this for some time……. ps….venting is good!

Huge respect for acknowledging a mistake and keeping it up rather then editing your original post…thus leaving a lot of head scratching regarding some responses.? We all know that cruising is going to be somewhat strange with a lot of protocols and policies changing almost weekly (or even daily) for some time. The cruise lines are walking on egg shells trying to get back to paying cruises while under the threat of Covid and are constantly evaluating current trends and infection rates. Unfortunately, it seems some of these changes are knee-jerk reactions which may make sense in an emergent, preventative way. But are actually unreasonable by not considering the few who get caught up in the moment of change. I hope you can work this out with the company and get the best result considering the inconvenience. Good luck!

Don’t sweat the check in time. My Sept 19 cruise still shows check in unavailable and there is another thread with a lot of comments regarding check in being all over the place. You just have to keep checking until it opens. I’m solo so your sailing with unvaccinated kids is most likely not the reason. Good luck and have a great cruise!

I purchase the annual trip insurance also. But I need to make sure that Covid is specifically included in the coverage. Some carriers require a separate Covid rider. Some limit or exclude coverage related to Covid as well as offering temporary, specific accommodations. In some cases, it is not so obvious that the policy you are purchasing excludes all Covid-related incidents. I suggest actually calling and speaking with an operator and then making sure it is spelled out in whatever policy you purchase.

This is just another tool in the toolbox for Royal to try and prevent Covid for walking onto the ship. We know that many cases, especially those vaccinated, show no signs whatsoever of being infected. But, no matter what preventive measures are taken, due to the incubation period between exposure and a test showing positive, it’s pretty much inevitable that cases will appear onboard. So far, the protocols dealing with such events have proven successful and each incident has been managed properly. I don’t mind submitting to whatever protocol is deemed necessary for ensuring a cruise that is as safe and healthy as possible. It’s been tooooo long! I need to cruise!!

Good thinking! I’m also thinking of staying in a semi-quarantine for the two weeks prior. Going to limit my contact and really try social distancing…which shouldn’t be too hard for me as I was pretty much always social distancing before it became a thing! I agree that it’s been sooooo long that I definitely don’t want to do something that interferes with me enjoying a wonderful sail away and a fantastic cruise again!

I cruise Anthem out of Bayonne frequently. Especially over the winter. Anthem is one of the best ships for this. She has the indoor pool and the adult only Solarium…both are heated and very comfortable when outside is cold. But keep in mind it’s only for the first day, day and a half. Once the ship clears Cape Hatteras, we’re in the Gulf Stream and the weather begins to moderate. It gets warmer and outside is the place to be. For me, a quick drive to Bayonne and boarding the ship to begin my vacation certainly beats the hassle of flying anywhere. There’s so much to do aboard the ship, and with all the health and safety protocols in place (which are apparently working as expected) I think cruising is the safest place to be on vacation. But, then again, I’m a cruisaholic! Either way, enjoy your vacation!

As I understand it…Typically tsunamis out at sea travel nearly undetected as the bulk of the waves are underwater. It isn’t until the sea depth lessens that a visual wave will appear…and usually not a breaking wave. I have seen videos of ships just riding over such waves. Even smaller vessels. So I think ships at sea are safer than being near a shoreline. I guess if there is a warning where the ship happens to be docked…then the safest thing would be to move out to sea. But I hope in any event, no one is affected by a tsunami and if one does come ashore…it’s near an uninhabited area.

I’m also hoping for an invite on Oasis out of Bayonne. Easy drive to the port. But, I would only be able to go solo…don’t know if they want two passengers per invite. Either way…tick tock…Oasis test sail date keeps getting closer. Fingers crossed.

Make sure they have your email address and can send you notifications when sales are happening. Plus, it’s always a good idea to randomly check prices on your cruise as supply and demand can cause prices on individual things you might be looking at to drop. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!