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Two years ago, we took a cruise from Miami and the best thing was we got down there a day after christmas and started our new year's eve on Dec 29. Nothing beats the overall festive mood onboard. Best cruise ever!

Well, that was on Celebrity Equinox. Around 4 PM, I was with my kid alone in the pool doing some laps back and forth. A french canadian couple got in the pool with him on one side and her on the other side. We did not want to disturb them so we would slow down a bit when crossing their path. I should point out that the guy had a colorful drink with him and was really enjoying himself.
Then, out of nowhere, a japanese guy just showed up and proceeded to do a pre Big DIVE warming routine. My son looked at me and asked whether the guy was really going to dive. At that precise moment, We turned toward the couple and their faces screamed of pure fear. The french canadian then said: "Tabernak, I never thought that the olympics are very close". Before he finished his phrase, a big splash from our friend the olympic swimmer. No need to tell you what the couple was saying at that moment but our olympic swimmer kept going back and forth. I was crying from laughing. After a couple of minutes, the guy just leapt out of the pool as if nothing happened.
The french canadian guy, who was holding to his glass as if it was the last drink he would have. then said to his girlfriend: "Phew, what was that?". Right there and before she could say anything, we saw her lift her head a bit and turn slightly to the left. At that moment, I could not hold it anymore. The olympic swimmer wife or girlfriend was jumping left and right, trying to warm up before her next big dive.
No need to tell you how the guy in the pool was at that moment. Let us just say, we just ejected faster than a pilot from his jet.

Well, that was on Celebrity Equinox. Around 4 PM, I was with my kid alone in the pool doing some laps back and forth. A french canadian couple got in the pool with him on one side and her on the other side. We did not want to disturb them so we would slow down a bit when crossing their path. I should point out that the guy had a colorful drink with him and was really enjoying himself.
Then, out of nowhere, a japanese guy just showed up and proceeded to do a pre Big DIVE warming routine. My son looked at me and asked whether the guy was really going to dive. At that precise moment, We turned toward the couple and their faces screamed of pure fear. The french canadian then said: "Tabernak, I never thought that the olympics are very close". Before he finished his phrase, a big splash from our friend the olympic swimmer. No need to tell you what the couple was saying at that moment but our olympic swimmer kept going back and forth. I was crying from laughing. After a couple of minutes, the guy just leapt out of the pool as if nothing happened.
The french canadian guy, who was holding to his glass as if it was the last drink he would have. then said to his girlfriend: "Phew, what was that?". Right there and before she could say anything, we saw her lift her head a bit and turn slightly to the left. At that moment, I could not hold it anymore. The olympic swimmer wife or girlfriend was jumping left and right, trying to warm up before her next big dive.
No need to tell you how the guy in the pool was at that moment. Let us just say, we just ejected faster than a pilot from his jet.

Well, that was on Celebrity Equinox. Around 4 PM, I was with my kid alone in the pool doing some laps back and forth. A french canadian couple got in the pool with him on one side and her on the other side. We did not want to disturb them so we would slow down a bit when crossing their path. I should point out that the guy had a colorful drink with him and was really enjoying himself.
Then, out of nowhere, a japanese guy just showed up and proceeded to do a pre Big DIVE warming routine. My son looked at me and asked whether the guy was really going to dive. At that precise moment, We turned toward the couple and their faces screamed of pure fear. The french canadian then said: "Tabernak, I never thought that the olympics are very close". Before he finished his phrase, a big splash from our friend the olympic swimmer. No need to tell you what the couple was saying at that moment but our olympic swimmer kept going back and forth. I was crying from laughing. After a couple of minutes, the guy just leapt out of the pool as if nothing happened.
The french canadian guy, who was holding to his glass as if it was the last drink he would have. then said to his girlfriend: "Phew, what was that?". Right there and before she could say anything, we saw her lift her head a bit and turn slightly to the left. At that moment, I could not hold it anymore. The olympic swimmer wife or girlfriend was jumping left and right, trying to warm up before her next big dive.
No need to tell you how the guy in the pool was at that moment. Let us just say, we just ejected faster than a pilot from his jet.

Well, that was on Celebrity Equinox. Around 4 PM, I was with my kid alone in the pool doing some laps back and forth. A french canadian couple got in the pool with him on one side and her on the other side. We did not want to disturb them so we would slow down a bit when crossing their path. I should point out that the guy had a colorful drink with him and was really enjoying himself.
Then, out of nowhere, a japanese guy just showed up and proceeded to do a pre Big DIVE warming routine. My son looked at me and asked whether the guy was really going to dive. At that precise moment, We turned toward the couple and their faces screamed of pure fear. The french canadian then said: "Tabernak, I never thought that the olympics are very close". Before he finished his phrase, a big splash from our friend the olympic swimmer. No need to tell you what the couple was saying at that moment but our olympic swimmer kept going back and forth. I was crying from laughing. After a couple of minutes, the guy just leapt out of the pool as if nothing happened.
The french canadian guy, who was holding to his glass as if it was the last drink he would have. then said to his girlfriend: "Phew, what was that?". Right there and before she could say anything, we saw her lift her head a bit and turn slightly to the left. At that moment, I could not hold it anymore. The olympic swimmer wife or girlfriend was jumping left and right, trying to warm up before her next big dive.
No need to tell you how the guy in the pool was at that moment. Let us just say, we just ejected faster than a pilot from his jet.

Perhaps not well known that you can do this (at least you could at one time...back in 2009)...
Embarkation day at Port Everglades for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean itinerary...about 12 motorcycles were loaded on to the ship. A group had arranged to have them on the ship and go on self guided tours at some of the ports of call.
Port day at St. Thomas...about 4:00 pm...beep beep beep...of the tow truck backing up with a bent up Harley Davidson Buell hanging on the hook. Watching them get it loaded back into the cargo hold...that was interesting.
Rider was OK...some scrapes, bruises and a damaged ego, but was lucky.

Well, that was on Celebrity Equinox. Around 4 PM, I was with my kid alone in the pool doing some laps back and forth. A french canadian couple got in the pool with him on one side and her on the other side. We did not want to disturb them so we would slow down a bit when crossing their path. I should point out that the guy had a colorful drink with him and was really enjoying himself.
Then, out of nowhere, a japanese guy just showed up and proceeded to do a pre Big DIVE warming routine. My son looked at me and asked whether the guy was really going to dive. At that precise moment, We turned toward the couple and their faces screamed of pure fear. The french canadian then said: "Tabernak, I never thought that the olympics are very close". Before he finished his phrase, a big splash from our friend the olympic swimmer. No need to tell you what the couple was saying at that moment but our olympic swimmer kept going back and forth. I was crying from laughing. After a couple of minutes, the guy just leapt out of the pool as if nothing happened.
The french canadian guy, who was holding to his glass as if it was the last drink he would have. then said to his girlfriend: "Phew, what was that?". Right there and before she could say anything, we saw her lift her head a bit and turn slightly to the left. At that moment, I could not hold it anymore. The olympic swimmer wife or girlfriend was jumping left and right, trying to warm up before her next big dive.
No need to tell you how the guy in the pool was at that moment. Let us just say, we just ejected faster than a pilot from his jet.

It is just a question of how good your lobbyists are. While rubbing shoulders with a complete stranger is not seen as problematic, being on a ship with very stringent cleaning procedures and as much space and clean air as possible is a strict NO NO. May be there are other things we don't know about ...

Actually, this is what I have in mind. A few bad apples and the whole thing is ruined. Like Matt said, most likely, there will be some videos put forth by RCL.

Thanks. Yes, I have gone through those. I was thinking about some short videos showing for example a couple in the dining room, swimmng pool and other areas. These actors then would explain the basics of the new normal. I understand that it might seem silly but I like to plan well in advance. 

Now that a restart is a possible, does anybody know whether RCL is planning a series of videos or posts on this blog about the way cruisers should prepare themselves. From my own experience, most people I met on RCL ships pre-pandemic were self-disciplined. However, with the new normal we are in, I hope RCL will put out some kind of videos highlighting what is possible and what is not. What do you think?

Actually, this is what I have in mind. A few bad apples and the whole thing is ruined. Like Matt said, most likely, there will be some videos put forth by RCL.

Thanks. Yes, I have gone through those. I was thinking about some short videos showing for example a couple in the dining room, swimmng pool and other areas. These actors then would explain the basics of the new normal. I understand that it might seem silly but I like to plan well in advance. 

It is just a question of how good your lobbyists are. While rubbing shoulders with a complete stranger is not seen as problematic, being on a ship with very stringent cleaning procedures and as much space and clean air as possible is a strict NO NO. May be there are other things we don't know about ...

Well it seems a restart is in the works. CDC has lifted the No Sail order. Hopefully, it is going to help us get back to dream of a cruise vacation.

I still have in mind the Costa concordia disaster and how it changed the cruise industry. Now, that being said, I don't think any of the big cruise companies will come unscathed from this bad turn of events. Clear skies always come after some rain and for those that have some disposable income, I am sure this could be an opportunity for some wise investments. 

Closing today at 48.27$, it is more than likely that it will hit 30$ by the end of the week. Great bargain for such a strong company.

I still have in mind the Costa concordia disaster and how it changed the cruise industry. Now, that being said, I don't think any of the big cruise companies will come unscathed from this bad turn of events. Clear skies always come after some rain and for those that have some disposable income, I am sure this could be an opportunity for some wise investments. 

We cruised on Jewel of the seas this past july. We have been on the western Mediterranean itinerary. Here is my review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2684920-jewel-of-the-seas-review-western-mediterranean-july-14-2019-july-21-2019/?tab=comments#comment-58055150
 

We cruised on Jewel of the seas this past july. We have been on the western Mediterranean itinerary. Here is my review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2684920-jewel-of-the-seas-review-western-mediterranean-july-14-2019-july-21-2019/?tab=comments#comment-58055150
 

At least, you are starting off your vacation with a very nice and interesting city. It could be nice if you spend 3 days in Barcelona before the cruise. Lots to do and visit.

I would say there are two great beaches in St Maarten. Orient beach which is well known. There is a nudist side on the right hand side and the one on the left is for non nudist. However, some will cross from the right side to the left side all day long. There is food available. Last july, it was still closed but I believe they fixed everything.
There is also another one which is called Grand Case. It is an excellent beach with turquoise water (like Orient beach) and a restaurant is right there.
Both are great for a day trip.

I second that. My Wife and I had a really nice day at Krazy Lobster last december. On top of that, massage is only 20$. You need to go outside of the port (taxis are outside) and ask the dispatcher for Krazy lobster (cost is 3$ each). Enjoy.