JC Pats

4 hours ago, JennG010203 said:

Thanks... everything that was replied was kind of what I thought. He does have the MLB package, so he can watch it on his phone. I just dont want him to be attached to his phone the whole time. Its our year anniversary so I was trying to compromise. If it was on at Playmakers, at least we could have lunch/dinner and drinks together.  Of all weekends, I had to book it when the Yankees and Red Sox are playing each other LOL Thanks for everyones input!

His best (and probably only) shot is if the Sox/Yankees are on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN. But he will have to compete with Sunday Night Football and that will have the volume turned on. If he wants volume, your stateroom is probably the only option there, IF it's shown. I've been on multiple ships with Playmakers, and none of them have access to NESN or YES Network, which is why I say it's probably his only shot if it's on Sunday Night. College Football (Saturday) and the NFL (Sunday) will dominate what is shown on board in the fall. In fact, NFL Games typically take up a lot of the channels on Sundays. Either way, Playmakers will also have a schedule of the sporting events they will show during your sailing. If you don't see it, ask the bartenders

Plan B may also have issues as he's not in the United States, and I've had issues with MLB Network (App and website) along with YouTubeTV being available on board due to not being in the United States. I've heard you can use Surfshark and change your location, which may help, but I'm not an expert on that. 

Push comes to shove, he can "watch" the games using ESPN Gamecast (which will tell him what's going on in real time, just no video of the game) but he could be attached to his phone. I also set up notifications on the MLB App about score changes and final score notifications (The app works, just won't let me watch the game)

16 minutes ago, twangster said:

Me?  Or my liver?

Yes… 

Are you Ready??? 
 

15 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

Is this a typical type of schedule that all group cruises follow? Not necessarily specifics, but types of activities.

I would say yes, Matt/Beci do a good job of the balancing between fun family activities and the nightly shenanigans! 

16 minutes ago, Blueline said:

Just notified of itinerary change due to engine issue. Skagway dropped. Now I see Skagway has a pier problem. Which is it 

At this point, I haven't seen any posts anywhere on the forum about Quantum having an engine issue. If they're sending out emails to passengers, it would seem to be a legit issue. and having an engine issue would more than likely impact their itinerary as they may not be able to make the speed they need to go to all the ports initially listed.

That being said, there is an existing issue with the pier at Skagway, which may have altered plans and despite Royal's best attempts, they aren't able to dock/tender there. 

Life happens. 

Edit - I see the link from Suite Snob Moby Dick - I forgot about the engine fire in early June - so answer to your question is Engine issue. 

19 hours ago, Leah_24 said:

Thanks all. In looking at insurance plans and the Covered Reasons, like @AspiringCruisePlanner said, it seems they mostly only cover you if there is a carrier delay due to weather or mechanical issue. I did find one with $1,000 per person missed connection coverage. That would almost cover the cruise (but not the excursions or add ons like the beverage package I bought!). I will check out Allianz just in case.

For the underlined part, if you miss your cruise, your cruise planner items are cancelled and refunded (at least that's my understanding of it). It won't be instant, but usually within 7-10 days you'll see the credit on your CC. 

21 minutes ago, CruisingNewb said:

Just curious, where is it advertised as “amplified?” Also, what does that mean, “amplified?” I understand that it means that the ship got upgrades, but what upgrades or lack thereof would get someone so mad that they cancel? 
 

The OP mentions dementia. While I’m sympathetic to this because my dad has it, does Royal “amplification “ include some sort of dementia accommodation? Wut. Does Explorer not have accessible rooms or other things for disabled people? I’m so very confused why this would be a deal breaker unless the ship was so out of date that disabled people couldn’t cruise. Also, why not talk to RCCL and ask for a transfer to a newer ship?

Here's the link for Royal Amplified ships which is where the "Amplified" verbiage comes from - Cruise Ship Renovations & Refurbishment | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Having done a little research (google is your friend) - Explorer was supposed to be Amplified in 2020.. and obviously that didn't happen due to the pandemic. The did go into dry dock prior to restarting service for maintenance but no upgrades.

Being "Amplified" doesn't mean it's any more or less accessible. Adventure OTS (same class of ship) hasn't been amplified, but it's plenty accessible for all. 

28 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

47,000 people tested positive in the US this past Saturday, June 25.  

Just saying, being on a ship or on land makes no difference.

I choose to just live my life

I don't think anyone isn't living their life, heck we're all going on cruises. I think the comment was to just be smart and respectful of others in crowded spaces.

On my recent Oasis sailing over Memorial Day, it seemed like about 25% of the group's Facebook page (over 700 ppl) reported getting sick/testing positive within a week of getting home.

I tested twice post cruise (Tuesday after, and Friday After) and both were negative. I did not have symptoms, but I tested myself because I knew It was running around the ship but wanted to (try and) make sure I wasn't giving COVID to my family, who are high risk but vaxxed and boosted.  

IMO, this is also why having at least a good travel agent is essential. Not only can they recommend a good policy to have, but if something were to happen, all you would have to do is send them the info (receipts, notices, etc.) and they take care of it for you. That being said, ALWAYS do your own research and if you're confused/don't understand, ASK.  

I know a lot of people don't like using credit cards - so if this is you, scroll on. But, if you get an airline's credit card, DEPENDING ON THE CARD, you usually get 1 free checked bag per account plus decent boarding (check the fine print, but I think even the basic economy version too) position. This says nothing about Southwest who, while an airborne bus, does the job and you can check 2 free bags. I am an over packer, plus I hate buying travel sized anything so checked luggage is how I roll. I've yet to have one misplaced (knocking on wood) and I use air tags as well. 

To me, especially since it's not costing me a penny, playing jenga with my luggage just isn't worth the time. As always, YMMV. 

25 minutes ago, SuperStarian said:

How will we know what group activities are planned? Will we have to give the secret word when we see a group member at the Windjammere? 

It’s a secret phrase actually.. 

Matt loves ocean life!  

2 hours ago, HeWhoWaits said:

Not if you aren't home to use them. Would have to rely on the internet on the ship being good enough to do the proctored test from the ship.

And those cost extra (even if reimbursed by insurance, they cost the hassle of filing for the reimbursement and the price of postage to send it in).

Won't you have a day in Miami on the 8th? You could bring the tests with you and do the proctored tests while in Miami btwn Freedom and Explorer. As for the costs, the convenience is worth it - no dealing with making appointments or waiting in a line. 

I stay near the Airport - Usually the Hampton Inn. The uber ride is 15 minutes and I save a ton of money.

Side note for what it's worth - During the President's Cruise Q&A w/Michael Bailey - Michael Bailey was asked about both the pre-cruise testing and vaccine requirements. He stated he was hopeful the pre-cruise testing requirement would be removed "in a couple of months" as conversations with the CDC were moving in a positive direction. However, he did not exude any confidence that the vaccine mandates would be removed anytime soon due to the requirements of other countries. So we'll see what happens.

Most, if not all, US Cruise terminals use facial recognition now, including Canaveral. The one exception to this is if you only use a DL/State ID and Birth Certificate, then you have to queue to be seen by an ICE rep. That line can move at a decent speed but you're still waiting. This is another value of having a passport, among the many many others previously discussed. 

Do you have travel insurance with trip interruption coverage? If so, you cold file a claim for the losses (couldn't make the cruise due to a strike). If you booked it through a TA, they could try to rebook you on another airline (or you could try, but that might be a nightmare). As for moving the trip, you can't lift and shift, but you could (as mentioned above) use Cruise with Confidence and cancel the booking and get FCC. You MIGHT be able to get the credit applied to another cruise really quick, but they've been averaging 45 days on FCC issuance so no guarantees. I would definitely check your insurance policy (if you have one) and/or consult with your travel agent (again, if you have one). 

11 hours ago, Pooch said:

I’ve never been given a receipt to sign with the drink package

I remember when they did, but I haven't had a receipt to sign when I've had the UDP (DX) post restart

5 hours ago, Andrew patching said:

 And what is the process for arriving to the cruise ship on the first day, are you required to stay on the boat or can you wonder the town that disembarking from? 

Welcome to the Boards! I believe you're required to stay on - I've never seen a security station set up for disembarkation on boarding day - and even if you weren't required to, I wouldn't recommend leaving the ship on embarkation day. 

For 1, there may not be things within a short distance of the ship depending on the port. Also, the 1st day of the cruise has a lot going on once you get on board, and depending on if you've booked or pre-purchased anything, you may have things you need to (should) do 1st (dining reservations, connecting to wifi, muster and most importantly, exploring the ship to get your bearings and begin to know what is where (because it CAN be confusing)). This says nothing about exploring your cabin, unpacking and getting settled, watching sail away, and then dinner. . 

13 hours ago, Spang1974 said:

Thank you, I will have them bring their cards for proof, remember the dates and type, or make this information up the day before (it's not like it can be verified). Seems silly as it states on their certs 3 of 3 doses and date of booster, but hey, whatcha gonna do, LoL?

I believe they check the lot numbers on the vax cards to see if it matches up with where the lots were assigned to - there IS a database for that.

9 minutes ago, Suite Snob said:

If so, maybe they are hanging on to the shows, the ancient shows that are still in service because of the "pandemic".  I'm thinking that, again, if so, during the "pandemic" Royal's artistic/creative activities were shut down and haven't produced anything new, yet.  Just a thought.  

 

Effectors, which is a Royal Caribbean original production (theatre show) is live on Odyssey, and Effectors 2 is starting showcases/previews on Wonder. Both concepts were created during the pandemic by the shoreside entertainment team led by SVP of Entertainment Nick Weir. They also created the inTENse aqua show for Wonder during the pandemic.

I recall somewhere that this was the direction they (RC) were heading in. Makes sense at it costs a TON of money to use the Broadway shows.

I was recently on Oasis in a boardwalk cabin recently at the very end of the hall of Deck 9. I noticed that usually around 11am to around 4pmish, the Aqua cast was practicing/rehearsing, even on show days. I know they use the Aqua Theatre for Captains Corner and the C&A Top Tier event as well. Finally, they had a movie night on some of the non-show nights in the aqua theatre. So, it seemed as it was being used a lot of the time. I agree they could use it for more events, like the belly flop contest, especially on an Oasis class ship where it's hard to see the action at the pool. 

7 hours ago, RDDAILY said:

Hello fellow cruisers!  We are sailing on Symphony is three weeks and are so excited to go on our first Oasis class ship!  We currently have an ocean view room on the third floor (with a window, not the one with a balcony).  Couple of questions:

1. I'm concerned because I know that this is the floor where they are quarantining people with Covid.  Anyone stayed on a cabin on this floor?  What was your experience like? 

2. I have the chance to Royal Up to a Boardwalk/Central Park cabin.  What are your experiences with these types of cabins? Are they noisy?  Did you like them?

My kids are so excited to get back to cruising, and I want to make this experience the best that I can for them!  Thank you!

1) I haven't stayed in a Deck 3 cabin - I actually won a Royal Up to a Deck 3 Oceanview (had an interior cabin) and then got moved to an Oceanview balcony no charge and this was in March 2022. Can't say the same will happen to you, but it's a possibility.

2) I've stayed in Both - no noise issues if the balcony door is closed. If it's open, central park is pretty chill (evenings (not nights) have some form of music (jazz/violinist, classical guitarist) playing and it's nice. Boardwalk balconies are noisier (with the balcony door open) but depending on where you are, you might be able to watch the aqua show from there. 

And the best times can always change after you've initially checked in - almost every cruise I've been on in the past year, has had (usually) an 11 am check in time to start, but an earlier time has opened later on - so you always want to check back to see if/when an earlier time has appeared (app or website)

Magic of the Seas

Fantasy of the Seas

Dream of the Seas

Wish of the Seas

Wonder.. oh wait.. already got that one.. 

I usually drink 5-6 bottles a water a day $2.50/3 per), a glass of wine with dinner ($11/12 US), maybe one after dinner, and my ciders (which is a little over $9 if I buy it non package) If I'm with friends.. a shot of alcohol may/may not happen which just bumps the total. I'm D+ and can get free drinks, but on my last cruise, I tried that, I think I saved $50 bucks buying it per drink on board (w/refreshment pkg) vs the buying the ultimate beverage package pre cruise. As with all things, YMMV based on what you drink and the cost of the packages.