Jakejosa

We have it booked for our upcoming Jan 9, 2022 cruise. I will try to remember to come back and update you with our review!

I thought it was odd that there was no opportunity to fill out a customs declaration form when debarking.  With the facial recognition scan, you literally are not asked about anything you are bringing in - nor any mention about any duties that should be paid. 
I would think that if customs wanted to check you closer, it would happen at the facial recognition station.

Given all the alerts that have been popping up on my phone over the the last few weeks and days it's pretty clear this one is different.
From sporting events cancelled, games being played with no live audience, state after province after country reporting dramatic increases it seems very reasonable for a minor policy update for an already very safe mode of vacationing - cruising.
Holiday sailings are projected to be very busy, much more busy than we've seen since the restart.  The timing of this variant is pretty lousy with the peak of restart cruising upon us next week.  It stands to reason, all things considered, that something had to change.  Do they start calling people and canceling their cruises to get numbers down?  That wouldn't go over very well.  They can't catch a break.  Something has to change given what we do know and don't know about Omicron.  
A minor mask policy change seems like a pretty reasonable response.
I've sailed other lines during the peak of Delta and some of those lines didn't have the concept of vaccinated venues.  It never occurred to me at the time that those cruises were intolerable because of the mask policy indoors and lack of vaccinated venues.
Like it or not the pandemic isn't over, we are not done with unpopular protocols and the potential for changes down the road.
It could be a lot worse.  The industry could be shut down again if there are major cases on board.  A minor mask policy change is the least we can all do to keep the industry going.  

The amount of people that have issues with wearing a mask astounds me (not specifically here..but reading general comments on social media). Just wear it and be grateful you can actually cruise. Some of us are still waiting.. 

I think I'm glad I purchased new masks for us that have the lanyard -- seems like it will be easier to keep my mask handy & safe while eating and drinking.  I'm not happy about it either -- but I really, really want to go on this cruise, so will suck it up.

Dear Travel Partner,
We've continued working on our Royal Comeback and bringing our entire fleet back on the seas. As we review and analyze our itinerary plans, we've decided to reposition some of our ships to offer our guests the very best experiences. Our original plan for Harmony of the Seas was to offer sailings departing from Orlando, Florida in late 2022. Instead, Harmony of the Seas will begin sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Unfortunately, this means your clients' original sailing will be cancelled.
However, the good news is, Wonder of the Seas - our newest and latest flagship - will now take its place and will offer similar itineraries. So, we'll automatically move your clients to the Wonder of the Seas sailing departing on the same day as their original Harmony of the Seas cruise. This way, they'll still have the opportunity to enjoy a sailing similar to what they were looking forward to with many of the same features - but now on our newest ship! We hope they're as excited as we are.
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to shifting sailings and rebooking guests, so please bear with us as we work to make this process easier for you and your clients. We'll begin moving reservations on December 17th, 2021. We expect moves for individual bookings to be complete by January 14th, 2022 and by February 4th, 2022 for all group bookings. We'll send an updated reservation confirmation with the revised details to the email address on file as soon as their reservation has been completely updated.
Below is a message we kindly ask you to please share with your clients that have an impacted sailing. As always, thank you for your support and partnership, and stay healthy!
Dear Guest,
We've continued working on our Royal Comeback and bringing our entire fleet back on the seas. As we review and analyze our itinerary plans, we've decided to reposition some of our ships to offer our guests the very best experiences. Our original plan for Harmony of the Seas was to offer sailings departing from Orlando, Florida in late 2022. Instead, Harmony of the Seas will begin sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida.
However, the good news is, Wonder of the Seas - our newest and latest flagship - will now take its place and will offer similar itineraries! So, starting December 17th, 2021, we'll automatically move you to the Wonder of the Seas sailing departing on the same day as your original Harmony of the Seas cruise. You'll enjoy your sailing in a like for like stateroom, and all your amenities will remain the same.
Your vacation is important to us. While we're confident you'll have an amazing time onboard and enjoy many of the same features as Harmony of the Seas - but now on our newest ship - we still want you to have the flexibility to make the best decision for you and those in your party. Below, we've outlined your options along with a few additional details.
Option 1: Stay onboard the Wonder of the Seas cruise
We'll automatically move you to the Wonder of the Seas sailing departing on the same day as your original cruise. So, there's nothing for you to do! Your new sailing will still offer the same beautiful ports of call as your original cruise, and it'll depart from the same destination. We'll move you to a like-for-like stateroom and your original stateroom category price will either be protected at your original cruise fare rate or reduced to the current cruise fare rate (whichever is lower). This excludes taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items. If you were already paid in full and your cruise fare rate decreases, we'll provide you with a refund for any difference in pricing. You can expect to receive your refund to your original form of payment 30 days after we move you. Kindly note, refund times may vary depending on your financial institution. We'll send an updated reservation confirmation with your revised details to the email address on file as soon as your reservation has been completely updated with the pricing fully adjusted. Option 2: Select a 100% Refund
If you no longer wish to sail, we'll be sad to see you go. We'll process a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form(s) of payment, including any non-refundable deposit. You can expect to receive your refund 30 days after you submit your refund request. If you booked your airfare through Royal Caribbean International, it will be automatically refunded to you. However, if you booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them. Lastly, if you used a Future Cruise Credit on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we'll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we'll reinstate your original certificate. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to shifting an entire season of sailings and rebooking all guests, so please bear with us as we work to make this process as easy as possible for you. All moves will be completed by January 14th, 2022, and we'll send an updated reservation confirmation with your revised details to the email address on file as soon as your reservation has been completely updated with the pricing fully adjusted. If you prefer to cancel your cruise, please call us at 888-281-9344 or contact your Travel Advisor by January 10th, 2022. And know, hold times may be longer than usual. If we haven't heard from you by January 10th, 2022, you'll remain booked on the alternate Wonder of the Seas sailing.
If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately or contact us at:

We tried the cave tubing, which was OK.  The experience of floating in the caves was a little tame (compared to the Amazing Secret River in the Yucatan), but it was fun.  You help carry the inner tubes, which are lashed together, and you walk thru a forest.  Lunch was fun.  There are a few variations on the Jaguar/Crystal Caves excursioin.
Our next trip we are trying the Mayan temple (Alta Hun, I think).
I enjoy snorkeling, so I'd try that if I were by myself.

Snorkeling is very good in Belize, people also opt for cave tubing.  

FWIW - Coco Cay has its own weather station, so if you use the Weather app on your iPhone (or similar) you can actually search for Coco Cay and get live weather update. 

The only problem I see with the PCR test is that it takes days and for me, too much of a risk in not getting through in time.

Absolutely.  That is the problem with the PCR test.

Thank you!

The rapid antigen test is the one expected.  The only issue could be if the ports need a PCR test or a more recent test.  But the rapid antigen is fine for the ship.  

I did the rapid antigen test on Nov 10 for my Nov 12 cruise on Adventure OTS out of Galveston. RC accepted it with no question.

I did the Antigen test at CVS for my Alaska cruise a couple of months ago and it was fine. I also have another one scheduled for my upcoming December cruise out of Miami.

I’m on Harmony on Nov 28 and got the same email

Yup, that's what happened to me!  #FingersCrossed!  You're welcome 🙂

I got a letter with the "changes" to The Key a while back (no embarkation lunch, free room service),hopefully RC will add the lunch and breakfast back for this sailing as well. Thanks!

What is your sail date? I have The Key for a Dec 5 departure on Harmony and this would be great!
 

Hi @Jakejosa.  My husband and I always use the valet option to park in Tampa.  We think it is worth the extra money.  Very easy to drop your luggage, give your key to the valet, then check in at the valet stand to get your ticket.  When the ship returns, you just go to the valet stand, and they bring your car to the curb.  It was an extra $5 per day the last time we were there.  Here is their website:  https://www.porttb.com/parking .  We always book it in advance.

Thank you!

No lifeboats near that cabin. You're good 🙂 

There is no need for water shoes in the water at the cabana area, however, I found it easier to walk in the sand with water shoes on than wearing sandals or going barefoot.  ymmv
When you check in at the Cabana Cove hut the staff will ask if you would like snorkel gear.
On our April 6th sailing on Anthem, we went to the Shore Excursion desk right after boarding to choose a Cabana Cove cabana and were told that cabanas were now being assigned based on reservation date.  I will assume that if a Star class guest reserved a cabana that they will still get to pick.
I can also confirm 4 bottles of water in a cooler are provided - plenty of ice in the cooler if you want to bring wine or other beverage that needs to be chilled.
NO roaming bar staff in this area - small bar in same covered area where the buffet was set up and every frozen drink order turned into a Coco Loco.

Yes
Nah. Very soft sand in and out of the water. Not like Labadee.
You can go to Shore Excursion desk and make a request.
No. Only the Thrill Waterpark cabanas do. More info on that here: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2019/04/12/perfect-day-cococay-prices-and-costs

are these what the South Beach cabanas will be similar to?