micahd

We will be sailing on one of the first mask-optional cruises this Friday. We are brining our 8-month old who is not vaxed. Is there anything in the new protocols about changing vaccinated only areas? Especially in the MDR, it would make things easier for our traveling companions. I'm not interested making anyone uncomfortable or breaking any rules, just curious if any of that stuff is changing with the mask rules.

Thanks @Poochand @melmar02. I had thought that was the case but things are so confusing right now. I really appreciate the help and understanding.

So, if Auntie links her reservation to ours, eats in the unvaccinated MDR. She is now unvaccinated for her entire cruise? Can’t visit schooner bar or solarium, even by herself?

Freedom of the Seas B2B. Traveling with baby that will be 8 months old at the time of sailing. I understand that baby won’t need to be tested beforehand but we’re traveling with another family booked separately and have some questions. All adults and kids are vaccinated except 8 month old. Scenario 1 : all 7 of us in the main dining room. Can we link reservations? If we do are all of us consider unvaxed for the entire cruise? Scenario 2 : mom and dad go to a Izumi and leave baby with auntie. Will we be allowed in Izumi? Scenario 3 : we sit down at the schooner bar with baby and order a drink. (We would be asked to leave, right? Since this venue is only for vaxed?)

6 adults, plus a car seat, plus all the bags... Is there a way to specify a full size SUV or mini van. I'm usually ok with those services but I've never tried to use them with such a large party.

We've got 6 adults and a baby going from FLL to PortMiami. I'm looking for a reliable transportation company. We'd prefer to have a dedicated van for our party. Anyone have a recommendation?

Ahh… didn’t know that. Thanks for the clarification.

I’ll let some people who have sailed recently answer the questions about testing but here are some quick hits on your other questions: 3. free restaurants on Navigator are main dining room, the buffet (called Windjammer), cafe promenade and sorentos pizza. You can also go a-la-carte (additional$) at playmakers (sports bar wings and burgers type stuff) 4. Rocking climbing, surf simulator (flow rider) and water slides are free. Also Ice skating and mini golf. Check the app and printed cruise compass for hours on these activities, but they are included. 7. If you don’t drink skip the deluxe package. You can carry on the 12 pack in a grocery bag. I’m not aware of a limit on bags, I’ve seen people check 4-5 big suitcases at the pier. Just keep in mind anything you carry with you, you will need to hang onto until your room is ready, a backpack and a grocery bag isn’t a big deal, but you’ll board the ship before your room is ready. 8. Don’t over think the dress code. You can do jeans on “dress your best night” bring a polo or button up, wear closed toe shoes and you’ll be totally fine. If you really want to do shorts and flip flops, hit the Buffett, they serve pretty much the same stuff. 11. Every size and shape and type of person will be cruising. Just have fun and be nice to people. I’m a dude and I like the swim-shirt “rash guard” tops just so I don’t have to deal with all the sunscreen. They allow those in pools and water slides. Water shoes can be hit or miss depending.

We did a ABC southern Caribbean in 2019. The best cruise we’ve ever done, literally the bar we compare all other cruises too.

I share your opinion. But I'm not here to keep people from having a good time

Booked baby's first cruise for a b2b on Freedom in March '22 a few months ago. Then I found this: https://collegepartycruise.com. The exact same sailings that I was planning to take. I got no problem with college kids wanting to have a good time. I'd just prefer to not be there with my 9 month old... I'm looking for tips on what to ask for when I call Royal. This is complicated as well because I used the USAA travel agency "Member Travel Privileges" and they've been less than helpful so far.

ah, bummer. Thanks

I got a small FCC when I canceled and rebooked with a TA. Can I use the FCC on cruise planner purchases? Is it easy enough to just call Royal and make the purchase?

Wow. Those look incredible.

I should have been specific. I’m looking across the whole fleet.

What staterooms on what ships have private whirlpool hot tubs on the balcony?

I figured that was the case. Thanks.

We're looking at a B2B next March on Freedom. Is it possible to book in a balcony guarantee and get the same room for both cruises? Or is it best to book the same cabin directly for each cruise?

This! "Well how much would that suite be?" "Maybe I'll take this with an inside stateroom". For instance, we love the balcony rooms on decks 11/12 forward on Voyager class (similar setups on Freedom class too) I don't care what category it is, I just want to know how much one of those rooms, in that location will cost.

I had a Navigator sailing for March of 22 canceled. When I spoke to Royal customer service they told me the reservation moves to Freedom start April 14 and should be finished by April 23.

I'm in the rare minority that doesn't really care for Oasis class. We sailed on Harmony and just didn't care for it. They had to close the top deck due to high-winds on a sea day and it was just too crowded. While they do a great job spreading people out and there are SO MANY THINGS TO DO. It just feels so disconnected from the sea, it's a floating mall/amusement park and while I understand the appeal (especially for families) it's not for us. We love walking around outside on deck 4/5, going up to the helipad on Voyager/Freedom class and relaxing with drinks in the crown lounge area. On Oasis class the entire "crown" is dedicated to suites and suite amenities and we're not in that tax-bracket just yet.

Well... This escalated quickly. I am booked on Navigator out of FLL March of 22' and had hoped to add a west coast or Panama Canal (longshot, I know) for later in the year. Now here I am scrambling to keep the Oceanview panoramic suite I had on Navigator for the move to Freedom. Just got off the phone with them and they can't lock me into that room until the 14th. The phone agent said they will start moving reservations on the 14th and should be done by the 23rd. A little bummed because we LOVE Hooked seafood on Navigator, so not having that on Freedom stinks. But staying positive because Freedom was our honeymoon cruise and will now be our first cruise as a family of 3.

what @smokeybanditsaid. I've also been able to get it added at the ticket counter before going through security as well.

We're pretty excited about Navigator sailing out of LA, closer to family and we've never visited that side of Mexico. But we are most excited about the possibility of a Panama Canal cruise on Navigator. Does anyone have any ideas about how they will reposition Navigator and when/if those sailings will be available?

We did it on Harmony back in February 2020. It was worth it for us because we were getting wifi anyway and it was our friends first ever cruise. If it was just the two of us I wouldn't go for it. We actively worked to use all the benefits.