KenCP

FYI, we were talking with a Malaysian server who said she doesn't like the $2 bills because she can't take them home with her because banks there won't exchange them. 

The Escape Room is not up and running. Instead the room is being used for something called a Puzzle Break. It’s where groups of 6 team up to solve a mystery. Kind of like the old board game Clue. They just rolled it out last sailing and added multiple time slots throughout the sailing due to its limited capacity and it being on a first come first serve basis.

There was a medical emergency so the ship had to return to port. EMS was waiting dockside for the patient.

Out of Crown Royal and now out of Captain?

She's headed back out now.  Medical issue?

Forgot the Captain?🤣

Izumi hibachi is one of my favorite specialty restaurants across the fleet. Must do, in my opinion.

If they do not have it at a particular bar, and it is one you frequently go to, a few bucks and you will always have it.  When I was on Vision of the seas they did not stock it in the Solarium, a few bucks to the bartender and for 12 days there was Powerade and Vitamin water there for me. 
Also, when you are getting off the ship for excursions they usually have a station set up as you are leaving the ship where you can pick up bottles of Powerade and water as you are getting off.  Not sure if every port offered it but I mostly remember it being there.

Had no issues getting a Diet Coke anywhere on the ship. I thought not having a FreeStyle machine would be a problem, but it was not.

Thank you both so much! That is such a relief to me because I really mostly bought the drink and dining packages to reduce the stress of everything. I greatly appreciate it and can't wait to explore this new world of cruising! 🙂

Hi All,
To all UK cruisers:
There is a phone number on Royal's UK website, within the healthy sail pages, that is charging a fortune.
The number is 0844 493 5010 (screenshot attached).
This number is set up whereby the owner (Royal) can determine how much to charge for "access" ... ie they have premeditatively chosen the rate - and this a 'help' line.  I've attached a screenshot of my recent phone bill - be prepared for a shock!
 

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/27114-finally-cdc-drops-cruise-travel-health-notice.html

Just did our tests at CVS Minute Clinic, They did take vitals and had to answer some other Medical questions.  Came back Negative. YEAH!

Mushroom soup on Wonder last week

My first time having reservation issues with the dining package was last week on Wonder.  I had an 11:30 boarding time and was at Giovanni's at about 11:50.  the earliest reservation I could get for dinner was 8:30 any night, most nights I was only able to get 9:00 pm.  This was across the board for any of the restaurants I was trying to book.  I am not in Favor of eating dinner that late, but it was my only choice last week.

You will get an update from Royal about 4 weeks before your cruise.  Between now and then a lot can change.

thank you
 

My favorite of the reef safe sunscreens for body is ThinkSport brand. It seems to spread better than some of the other zinc-based ones. I use the Environmental Working Group ("EWG") ratings to research safety - the same group that does the "dirty dozen" and "clean fifteen" food lists (i.e. pesticides). I've used a LOT of different brands of zinc-based, safe sunscreen on my kids because I was pretty nervous about putting nanoparticle technology on them when they were young - which is what many of the mainstream brands use now - before there was much research on it. 
For my face, which is very sensitive, the ONLY sunscreen I can use without irritation is Juice Beauty (says tinted, but you can get sheer). It is expensive so I only use it on my face. Might be good for those of you who are sensitive on upper chest/lower neck too!
I will sometimes use Neutrogena ultra-sheer dry touch for myself (not my face) because I'm very, very fair skinned and it is easier to reapply if I've already been in the water or I'm near sand. I do prefer and try to use physical means to block sun whenever possible - tents/umbrellas, hats, SPF coverings. 
Also, someone on another thread recommended this site: https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html Some of the sunscreens I'm seeing people recommend on here as "reef safe" have chemicals that are very much NOT reef safe, so please double check. The term "reef safe" is not regulated here and some of these might be rejected on one of the islands.

I know @monorailmedic has some on his site
https://www.cruisehabit.com/content/many-resorts-mexico-cayman-islands-now-require-reef-safe-biodegradable-sunscreen

Depends on the amount of tie you are outdoors, and how much off your body is exposed.  Generally for the average size person and you are covering the majority of your body you would need 2 ounces.  Then if you are in the water or after a few hours of being in the sun you really should reapply.  For me i am 6'2" average build and 2 oz covers me fine for arms and legs.  Would need more if i was laying out in the sun.  Also, I am from the north so I am not used to being out in the full on hot sun either, so I have to reapply often if i am out all day touring.
I take a least 2 bottles with me for a week and usually 1 bottle for face and head.  It really does depend on each individual. 

Wonder of the seas I am on you and loving it so far!

Neutragena 30 is our whole family’s go-to.  We’ve used it exclusively for about 5 years. My red headed, yet hates sunscreen husband will actually wear this one because it’s not greasy and it doesn’t smell like sunscreen.  I have fair and sensitive skinned kids, too, and we’ve never had an issue with this sunscreen.  The 70 in this same brand, however, bothers my son’s skin.  We’ve used this so much at Disney that when we smell it around home, it makes us all think of Disney World! 
 
https://www.neutrogena.com/products/sun/beach-defense-water-sun-protection-sunscreen-lotion-broad-spectrum-spf-30/6887271.html?cgid=sun-adult-lotions&tilePosition=15#start=1
 
Its a little more pricey, but I know it works and that my picky husband will wear it!

Bullfrog Quick Gel. Dries fast, can't feel it, SPF 50 and reef safe.

I would bet that this is either a glitch or, for some reason, they are blocking out Wonderland bookings at the moment.  I do not believe that Wonderland would be fully booked for an 11 night TA.  I would be willing to bet that you will find plenty of availability once you board.  Wonderland just isn’t that popular…

Sun Bum