BrianB

I’m thinking an option would be visiting two or three US ports (Bar Harbor, Portland, Boston etc) and then Bermuda to satisfy the Passenger Vessels Services Act. The recent legislation was specific to Alaska cruises only. But, as I really love Bermuda, that would be a great cruise for me! I would also suggest making the final payment if you can, and think of it as an investment. If they cancel the cruise, you can get 125% back as a future cruise credit.?

I think as cruising progresses, and the inevitable presence of Covid cases are handled successfully without spreading, then theses rules will begin to relax. There have already been cases onboard ships that were isolated and kept from spreading. I think a lot of that is because so many are vaccinated and that makes it virtually impossible to cause a mass outbreak. Just as it is on land. This just seems to be ‘priming the pump’ of having a successful cruise industry restart. As long as there are no waves of infections onboard, then confidence will climb and the industry can show that cruising is one of the safest vacation activities available and then they can relax some of these burdensome protocols.

I cruise often and make my own reservations using the web site. But I am lucky to be in a position where I can give my reservations the attention they need. And they really need attention! I do a lot of research. Every so often I check online to see if prices have dropped for my bookings…or I might want to upgrade or make other changes. It takes time to enter each date and information and then compare with my reservation confirmations. When I see a price drop, or I want to change cabin categories or locations, or dates, or even ships…I call RC and go through the menu until I get to a representative. I do have to say…every person I have dealt with at Royal has been friendly, courteous and professional. It is a pleasure to work with them. But if I did not have the ability to continually check prices and keep track of my bookings, I would definitely rely on a good travel agent. They monitor your booking for you…check for prices drops and then get the lesser price…and even provide bonuses like on board credit and other amenities. If you want to make any changes to your reservation, just let them know and they will handle it for you. They are your representative and a good travel agent will work hard to make your cruise experience as smooth as possible (pun intended?).

It is what it is. If you can afford it, and the company provides it…enjoy it! Ignore the nasty glances and whatever comments are made by those who don’t realize why the service is being provided. It’s not special treatment…it’s a purchased service. But I like how another cruise line provides the service when going to a show. Upper suite guests are escorted into the venue early through a crew door, out of sight of the passengers waiting on lines for the doors to open. This way we can chose our seats and be settled before the rush. It means being early and having to wait for the show to start, but at least you’re not being paraded down the aisle just before show time and escorted to prime seats that everyone else had to turn away from because they are ‘reserved’. Either way…enjoy the perks that come with the price!

Thank you!

Just wondering if Junior Suite category is considered a ‘suite’ for the purpose of double points…Do I get six points per night if I sail solo in a Junior Suite?…or is it Grand and above.

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, disembarkation at ports and final destination, internet, embarkation day Chops Grille lunch, private times at some of the venues, priority seating at shows..etc. Again, some of these Key perks vary depending on the ship and cruise home port. Take time to check out the pricing and perks of each to see which is best for you. Enjoy your cruise!

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 recoup some of their losses. Maybe not in the beginning when some will be nervous about going again...but as normalcy returns. I can’t wait!!

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 cancelled, my payment comes back as a future cruise credit worth 125%. Because of the number of cruises I’m lucky enough to be able to take, that’s a nice investment!

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 delayed leaving Nassau as buses had to take many of our passengers to the airport so they could fly back to their countries. Some U.S. passengers decided not to risk being stuck aboard ship in the event of an outbreak and decided to leave and fly back to New York. More ships were being affected and languishing at sea because no country wanted to let them in. We were so worried about being quarantined at sea. Finally, we arrived back in NY. Upon disembarking, we had to go through a gauntlet of medical personnel taking our temperatures and visually examining us for any signs of sickness. To be honest...I had never been so glad to get off a cruise ship! I was also on the Anthem for an 11 night cruise which ended in Bayonne on Feb 7th. That was the cruise where we had a party from China who showed signs of infection. We had to wait to disembark until they were taken off by health officials and examined in the terminal. Finally, we got off and ignored all the news people trying to get their negative news sound bites. The ship was delayed leaving on it’s next cruise so it could be deep cleaned. In between these two cruises, I was on the Anthem for a back to back to Florida/Bahamas which departed Bayonne Feb 15 through March 1. After the scare on the previous cruise, I still thought it was being exaggerated in the press and had no reason to be concerned. It was a typical cruise...excellent! Everything was as usual...perfect. I hope everyone stays healthy and makes it through this pandemic. I wish all the crew members who take such good care of us aboard ship are doing well and I can’t wait to see them all again. Bottom line....I can’t wait to get back to cruising!

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. And, of course, masks. Sailing with the risk of Covid onboard is reasonable to me if I know an infection will likely not become an outbreak...and the risk of being held captive in my cabin is lessened by these common sense protocols and practiced reactions which quickly identify, isolate and treat patients while protecting the rest of the passengers and crew. Time will tell. Delaying it will do nothing except further hurt those who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.

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 cabin...the new key had the new expiration date) and when boarding commenced, we were allowed to leave the Diamond lounge, scanning our new key cards. Very easy, convenient process. Hopefully, after the pandemic, it continues.

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 beautiful! ....plus...a huge positive change will be the muster drill. Being able to satisfy the drill requirement by using the app or the room TV will be phenomenal! Still keeping my fingers crossed that the cruise happens!

I just checked in for my Nov 13th cruise on the Anthem leaving from Port Liberty in NJ. Hopefully the cruise will sail and not be cancelled...fingers crossed! My first concern will be inside the cruise terminal. Will I be able to even enter the terminal or be held outside until a certain time...and if so, will the system of who gets to go in next be well-planned or will there be the usual crowding about near the entrance. Short-cutters always looking for the short cut! I am Diamond Plus but I also purchased The Key. I’m solo and I use the internet so it’s worth it for me....also because it gave me early boarding (in Port Liberty), carry-on bag drop-off and delivery to my cabin, lunch from Chops Grill, reserved times for the NorthStar, priority disembarkation at ports and end of cruise, and more. I’ll see how the Key program is managed this time...especially at check-in and boarding. I understand that the cruise lines are making an effort to limit the number of passengers aboard ship to increase distancing between guests. If so, then hopefully they will be able to successfully manage the first day without too many issues...but I’m a little nervous being part of one of the first ‘test cases’......but I’m still hoping to go. I miss the Anthem and her crew!

Two of my cruises were ‘Corona-cancelled’...March 22 and April 5, both on the Anthem. On March 9, I received a refund to my CC for one dining package. On March 23, I received the refund for both Key/Internet packages. On April 1, I received the refund for the other dining package. I have not yet received the emails regarding the 125% FCC nor have I received the refunds to my CC for the taxes, fees and port expenses...understanding completely how busy they must be. When I do receive the FCC, I plan to use it to apply to the balance of some of my already booked future cruises. Awaiting patiently for FCC email and refunds...and absolutely impatiently to get back to cruising!?

Love Jaime’s on the Anthem! Meat plank, lasagna, tagliatelle bolognese...my favs! Always consistent. Did Giovanni’s on the Allure. Loved it also. Please don’t make me choose!!?

My Diamond Plus status secret is cruising solo. Getting two points per night adds up quick. I have eight cruises completed and just reached Diamond after my cruise in May. So the first time I was able to enjoy the benefits on board was this past b2b in Sept-Oct. The Diamond Lounge on the Anthem is very nice...and Federico, the concierge, helped me with some reservations. I will be Diamond Plus in two months after my December cruise. I love cruising (obviously?) and agree that the cruise itself is the main reward. The benefits are appreciated and the C&A program is a very nice way to recognize loyalty. I’m already at the top level (over 700 points) at another cruise line and I can honestly tell you that the C&A benefits are far and away much, much better! Loyalty programs will always go through periods of tweaking and adjusting...hopefully for the better. But my goal is to enjoy my cruise...whichever one I happen to be on...and, when I’m back on land, to count the days until my next cruise. I am thankful that I’m fortunate enough to be able to do what I do. Thank you for this blog because you can never know enough, or learn enough, about cruising without friends sharing their insight and experiences. Happy cruising!