CruisingOz

Fingers crossed. Also need NZ to open up and then my October cruises will certainy go ahead

We were there about three weeks ago and there was no visible trash along the shote-lines or bays. We stayed within the Royal compound and did not venture beyond these areas, but we thought it was a beautiful place with nice beaches and bays 

At Miami, about 10 min for three criuses, which blew us away. A Port Everglades, 20min. We turned up an hour prior to our allocated times as we had a JR suite, so around 10.30

Dress in layers and have a rain jacket which is breathable, which will make it more comfortable. Forget the umbrella. We had days in just a t-shirt and others where where we had four layers. Expect all possible weather. Also bug spray and sunscreen. A waterproof hiking shoe you could wear each day, but pack another pair just in case you need to let one pair dry. We like merino wool socks to keep you warm and dry and they dry quick and generally do not smell. Enjoy

We used Robert's Tour who picked us up from the hotel, at about 4ish, so if you are on the ship, you may not be able to get out? It is well worth it and take something warm, as it gets really, really cold. Amazing and spiritual, we would do it again

You can pick all your dishes if you wish, but generally the waiter will offer to bring you a few appetisers and you can select your entree/mains. We generally leave it to them and let them know we do not like the tuna or egg starters, so the waiter will work around that. The short ribs and branzino fish is amazing, and we generally share the mains. Enjoy the experience 

Great around the island. Funny story, but I had a really large file which was slowly progressing, but when I went into the restroom at the Beach Club, it went through really fast, so that was my go to place for large work files. 

They did not offer it on a recent Symphony sailing, but still an awesome restaurant. We cancelled all our Chops in lieu of 150 Central Park   

I doubt if they will this year. I do not mind it as it is another layer of protection and filter out any possible issues, minimising cases on-board

This may all be different from when we boarded back in early January, but you could enter the port, security will need to see your travel documents, you could ask the ta=xi to wait, you need to give your luggage to the porters who will then load them onto a truck to take them to the ship. You could then jump back into the taxi to do whatever. For us, we had to go through to another area to have a RAT test and when cleared bus to ship. Once we checked in and boarded, we were not allowed to leave. Join a Facebook group for a recent sailing and reach out as procols may be different now 

We have learnt our lesson with online and now only email them the PDF and we normally get a response in a day or two 

We used Uber XL as we had four large suitcases, and backpacks and two sleep machines, and we could sit four. Also this allowed us to travel when we were ready and not waiting around 

2 hours ago, khas said:

’m heading to the US next week

Sorry, forgot to add, go to the following websites, Sherpa and Smarttraveller. In my quick review you need an RT-PCR test done 24hours 

1 hour ago, khas said:

I’m heading to the US next week and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind clarifying if you did pcr test prior or whether they accept RAT done by a testing company. Just not sure which one to book as it doesn’t specify on anything I’ve read so far just states a negative test result printed on paper with the details.

I have not been following any rule chances, but for us we had to have an RT-PCR done less than 24 hours prior to our flight departure, and needs to have specific details noted, so we paid for one via Histopath done at the Sydney International airport the afternoon prior. Our flight was at 10am, so we went and had our test done after midday the day prior. Also we had to have a return ticket, people were rejected who had an open ticket.  I assume you have your ESTA, Australian Vaccine passport, noting your two vaccines, or three, which are more than seven days old from date of travel. Also suggest you carry printed copies as well as soft copies on your phone. We were asked several times, like five times between entering the airport and airside and on the way home, at least five times, once even right before exiting customs. Safe travels 

19 minutes ago, Chili said:

What was the highlight of your adventure? And what ship?

As this was our first time in that part of the world, each destination was new and amazing. Highlights was taking a ferry through the locks of the Panama canal, swimming with huge sting rays in Antigua, visiting the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) islands, and Perfect Day at Coco Cay. We sailed the Grandeur, Freedom, Odyssey and Symphony. The Symphony was by far the most amazing ship. It is huge and a destination in itself. The shows, especially Aqua Theatre, restaurant's, especially 150 Central Park, and on-board activities, like the Abyss and zip-line. We saw and experienced so much in our 44 sea days. Also Miami is a nice place but South Beach is amazing, with a constant vibe and great variety of food. There is nothing like it in Australia. 

Having just returned from the US and wanting to take advantage of the double points, it seems Australian cruises are so much more expensive than cruises in the US. Sure there is less competition but it seems far more excessive when comparing similar ships and days

This evening I spoke to the Diamond host and also to a fellow passenger and both confirmed that we need to go to guest services and Royal will provide transportation from Symphony to Odyssey. The lady I spoke to did it three weeks ago

That will make life quite easy and save money 

Just now, Chili said:

What did you have to do to get into the U.S.

To get into the US, you need to have a RT-PCR test within 24 hours of your departure flight from Australia. It must be a fully documented results. We paid online to Histopath and went to Sydney Intetnation airport the afternoon before to have the test. It is upstairs on the ramp from the car park into departures. Cost $79 pp and results took 30min. There is security and you need to show proof of travel. On flight day, we went through four checks to show passport, covid test results, vaccine history and travel details, and this was before we got to check in where they had to check and document everything. Oh, and ESTA. You must travel with a return ticket, no open tickets are allowed to travel on. Saw a couple rejected check in.

other than that, the rest in normal and the usual customs checks. 

1 hour ago, Chili said:

So much for the travel bubble

My daughter was planning to do to Singapore this month but the testing requirements would mean she would not really have a holiday as would need to seek continual testing and it is expensive as well as quarantine time. 

19 hours ago, Chili said:

How was your adventures to the US ?

My US adventure is going very well, have an absolute blast. Only 610 on the Granduer and so very personal service by great staff, although not much atmosphere at casino, game shows, etc. Bingo got cancelled today due to lack of people and so have the odd shore excursion. Only missed one port, Columbia, but the rest have all been as per the schedule when we boarded, which is different from when we booked. The processes through airports and ports are understandably different, but if you put in the time to research and be fully prepared, quite easy. So far so good, so glad we have gone. 

The Barbados government entry details can be found at the following URL

https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2021

Also an excellent website to visit is Sherpa, and put in the details and it will give you all the details and links to require forms and apps

https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Also this is an email from Royal

To enter Barbados, you are required to have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Royal will also conduct, at their cost a rapid test at the port as part of the process to board the ship. If you are stying pre cruise in Barbados, say for or five days, you do not need to take a rapid test within three days of boarding as it will be done at the port

2 hours ago, Seafarer said:

And we'll be onboard the Jan 29 Symphony cruise. Look forward to meeting you both.

@Seafarerthank you and see you onboard. We are Robert and Mira. We will most likely to visit the diamond and suite lounge where I can let them know someone will be looking out for us, or alternatively I can do the same at guest services. Unsure if you can sent private messages through this blog?

28 minutes ago, Seafarer said:

$125 for 6

@Seafarerwe are more than happy with the price if you don't mind a couple extra people. Also interested to read what your TA comes back with as we didn't know this was even an option. Thank you for doing this 

@Seafarerforgot to ask, I was wondering if you are using the same service from FLL to Miami on debark of Odyssey