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There are problems in your math, too, so we will need to agree to disagree. For example, when we compare the incidence of infection to a broader population (to calculate a percentage), we can't use all of the US. Many of us stay at home and don't socialize, so we aren't in the population of land-based persons from which the testing samples are drawn (biased though they may be). Yet in these samples, the percentage testing positive is very high (as in over 10% for a geographic area). Admittedly, comparing one biased sample to another is like comparing apples and oranges, but the trend is there -- land-based socializers and workers are getting infected at a high rate (over a 1-week period) relative to cruise ships (over a 1-week period). Absent a true random sample study that compares cruising to land socializing, we can't make a definitive comparison. But we do know that millions of Americans are infectious over a two-week period based on government published statistics. We also know that many of them are unvaccinated and unmasked. So we choose cruising because, when we socialize, we want to hang out with vaccinated and masked individuals. Whatever folks choose to do, we hope everyone has a safe and joyful 2022.

The last time we were in Roatan (2019) I wanted to buy some local currency for souvenirs. I noticed in a "straw market" we walked by that Honduran currency could be purchased for US dollars...

Some cable stations are labeled "entertainment" rather than "news" outlets, so we avoid them. I agree we can help spread good news. I enjoy telling people we meet that the incidence of disease on a cruise ship is far less than on land (per capita), as many members have reported and government-published statistics point out. While I am puzzled and disappointed about the CDC recommendation to avoid cruising, I don't let it affect me much. There are other things more dangerous (health-wise) that we will avoid for a few weeks. We wish everyone a joyful 2022, whether cruising or not!

There is another thread with date info, but the tests I received yesterday are good until November 2022. There is a label on the side of the shipping box (from Emed). The tests took 2 days from other date, and I just received this AM the message that my order was shipped.

With the explosion of COVID cases in Florida, I can see why masks would be required on cruise ships and elsewhere. Things will get better, but we need to take note of our current situation.

1. Purchased from Emed 2. Ordered on 29 December 2021. 3. Approved 29 December 2021, Time from order to approval (email) about 30 minutes. 4. Never received a "shipped" email. 5. Packages received 31 December 2021 via Fedex about 1: 15 PM, 48 hours and a few minutes after "approval". 6. Expiration date appears to be 21 November 2022.

As others have reported, my 6-pack arrived two days after the approved order (Wed afternoon). Thus, no delay here in North Carolina. There are actually two packing boxes. A label on the side of each box appears to show an expiration date of November 21, 2022.

No and yes. When I created my Royal App password, it over-wrote my Crown and Anchor password. So now I use the same password for Cruise Planner and Royal App. When I view emails on my cell phone, the marketing messages from Royal (e.g., hot Cruise Planner sale) take me directly to Cruise Planner. Technically, CP and Royal App are separate, but you can use your cell phone and identical passwords for both.

We are sailing 5 February and have decided to pay off our balance and check in. We have a Mexico-Roatan-Belize itinerary and believe some ports will be open. I think you'll be OK for March, but that is just a guess. Also, please relay my thanks to your husband for his service! One last thought - I recommend you consider trip insurance if you don't yet have it and decide to proceed with the cruise.

There is risk of damage or loss when you take your passport off the ship unnecessarily. I remember an excursion to Dominican Republic on Royal when my passport was almost ruined by seawater-- our small excursion boat was caught in choppy waters. And we've had friends who were pick-pocketed in Barcelona and Rome (notorious for that). Usually, the Cruise Compass indicates what the port requires to get back on the ship, and other members have reported that the Port Agent for Royal will retrieve key items from your safe if, due to medical emergency or such, you are unable to reboard the ship. Having said that, we always have ID, even a passport card, when we go ashore. Balancing the risks of being left behind (almost never happens) against the risk of being robbed, one makes a personal choice. Some ports are more dangerous than others. Some excursions are more problematic (how do you safely snorkel with a passport?). Whatever you choose to do, I recommend a back-up of some sort!

That's great news on the fast shipping. I was wondering how far in advance of my February cruise I should order the tests. Your experience suggests I can wait awhile. Thanks for the update!

Un-installing/reinstalling the App worked for me, but I am using a Samsung phone, not an I-phone.

Other than port fees, we've never received any compensation for missed ports, such as Key West, Nassau, or Coco Cay. Once we were offered a discounted price on the drink of the day, but our bar didn't honor the announcement made by the Cruise Director. So I wouldn't expect compensation from Royal except for an unusual event, for which the recent ABC cruise clearly qualifies. I still remain optimistic that things will get better and that years from now we'll be telling stories that begin with "Remember when..."

If you are referring to the premium coffee drink card, it is sold on Cruise Planner. So to see if it is available on your cruise, check the Cruise Planner/Royal Cruises site. If you are using a cell phone, it would be the Royal App password that you would use to access Crown & Anchor/Cruise Planner (edited 12/31). I haven't been on the Anthem, but the coffee card has been sold on all other ships I've sailed.

It depends what you do, when you do it, and where. Avoid hiking middle of the day. Enjoy water, use sunscreen, etc. We enjoyed Caribbean summer cruises. Worst heat for us was European walking tours in summer.

I am reminded of my first cruise. I was disappointed on day 1 and 5 because I didn't know what to expect. As we return to cruising we may revisit our early days, albeit with greater wisdom. I plan to focus on what I can do and enjoy, not on what I can't. I see it as a metaphor to aging.

I had same problem with laptop. Was going to try cut,paste, and recopy. Plan B is cell phone digital pass. I like latest ideas. Thanks!

On a related matter, if you are trying to check in now with the phone app, be sure it is the latest version. I had to un-install the old app I downloaded a year ago in order to install the latest version for the purpose of uploading COVID information/images. The earlier version didn't have all of the check in options.

I've seen it as low as $59 plus tip during a sale for my 2022 cruises. I find I don't need it because Diamond drink coupons are enough, and I can get a coffee card if I want lots of espresso drinks.

On a whim I checked Cruise Planner and discovered I could check in for the Serenade out of Tampa. Noon health screening appointments were available, in case anyone is interested. The entire process seemed faster than normal, but we will add some additional info later using the app.

We just think that meeting other people is one of the joys of cruising. Picking the brains of other travelers was especially important when we were new to cruising. Covid has changed the rules for social engagement, however, and we are OK with everyone being more conservative about keeping the distance or keeping their thoughts private. The beauty of cruising on Royal is that there something for everyone. On every ship I have been able to find a quiet space for reflection... We hope everyone enjoys their current or pending cruises! Happy holidays to all!

That has been reported by some members. Others reported being offered shared tables. Because of Omicron, we expect to be seated alone on our upcoming trip even though we requested a shared table. Standby for comments from recent travelers...

Let me add to AshleyDillo's post that we've always enjoyed the first night in the MDR, kind of like playing bingo or the lottery to see if you end up with a table that has a nice view! Enjoy your cruise!

Yes, the protocols worked, but I am not sure that Florida (state we'll be sailing from) as had the full Omicron surge. I am keeping my fingers crossed for our February cruise. I think those who are sailing now might have just timed things perfectly.

We liked Chacchoben when we visited there about 10 years ago. In Sept 2019, we tried a raft trip into Lake Bacalar, and it was too tame for us (even at 65+, we want some activity.) Swimming in the lake and lunch were the highlights of that excursion; we wouldn't do it again, but some might say the raft trip through the mangroves was "relaxing". Recommend bug spray for that venue, if you go.