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We did this a few years ago with our middle school-aged son, and we enjoyed it. What caught my eye was the ability to snorkel in an artificial lagoon -- I enjoyed that after the turtle tour and before we bought lunch at their restaurant. Next trip we are going to see the sting rays!

If a majority of people wear masks, then mask-wearers are likely to represent a greater portion of a sample, which increases the opportunity for them to be selected randomly by virus particles. Also, mask-wearers may be more likely to be out and about (which is inherently risky). To make a valid and reliable comparison, you must control the risk (sample with different risk categories), then examine mask wearers vs. non-mask wearers and see who is more likely to contract the virus. When making comparisons, sample size is a factor, which is why there are a variety of research designs and statistical tests. Wearing a mask doesn't cause the disease. However, wearing a mask doesn't guarantee you won't be exposed. Wearing a mask in combination with avoiding risky behavior is better than not wearing a mask and avoiding risky behavior. You have additional protection, period. No one has claimed masks will save you from the virus if you engage in riskier behavior. But if you are going to engage in increasing contact with others, you will want some protection. So at least keep your vaccinations up to date, etc., so your immune system is strong. I agree that the push should be for the vaccine, but we should follow other public health practices, including eye, face, and hand protection. We are an educated population, for the most part, so we should act accordingly. Cruising will be more fun when we have vaccines and feel a bit safer to enjoy the cruising behaviors we all enjoy. When I was a child, I accompanied my father when he gave polio vaccine shots in rural areas of California as part of a public health initiative. I envision a similar outreach effort when multiple effective vaccines are available.

I saw on YouTube that another carrier was offering COVID insurance for pier denial at a nominal price, I believe 20 Euros. I think we need a product like that in the US.

Europe would interest us, but probably not the US. We would wait until a vaccine became available, but we'd love to tour Europe, and river cruises are an alternative to the proverbial "bus trip".

I found climbing up Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica a real blast. It is physical, the water is cold, but it is an experience one remembers! We took Royal's excursion.

We do self-assist, as others described, since Royal lost my wife's suitcase once on disembarkation. The advantage is that we are one of the first off the ship, which helps us on our long drive home. The disadvantage is that we miss a leisurely breakfast. When we fly, we try to get the air valet service, which eases the stress on disembarkation. We find that Oasis class ships have two lines leaving the ship, and we move fairly quickly.

We always found Royal kid-friendly, especially on the day I lost my 5-year old son in the men's room (he exited out the 2nd door I never saw). Our son loved to dress up for the MDR...

Great update. We're hoping to get to French Polynesia in 2022 or 2023. Awaiting the vaccine just because of issues like the one you reported.

We actually find it is good cruising with our son once a year as a family get-together. Last year we had to invite his girlfriend, and they will be married in the fall. My point is now that he is out of the house, a cruise is a nice "reunion". We also cruise on our own and are looking forward to the future.

As@Ampurp85 stated, cruising in large numbers may not resume until we have a vaccine. 50 years ago last month my Spanish Club in high school visited Spain (under Franco still), and we were required to affix a yellow public health certificate to our passport showing we had vaccinations (I think typhus and smallpox were the concerns then). I envision many countries to require some sort of medical certification before they issue visas or allow cruise ships in port. I think we need our leaders to work through the mass-scale vaccination process and how the record-keeping will occur. I am hoping modern technology will replace my old yellow booklet...

Yeah, we know the stats. That wasn't my point -- my point is that the risk has been underestimated, and we are all paying the price for it now. My wife is a nurse, my dad was a physician, and I have a research statistics background. There are too many healthy people who get seriously ill, so as a senior, I am erring to the side of safety, as I believe most new cruisers will do. That said, just this week our veterinarian was talking to clients without a mask while all the techs insisted on wearing them (as did we). If we are patient, we'll get to the other side and enjoy safe cruising.

The long drive to ports in Florida!

While the boat ride is bumpy (I get a little queasy but never lose my breakfast), it is worth it for some excursions. We loved the Amazing Secret River, for example (you hike/swim through a cave system), and I know nothing like it in the states. But I wouldn't take the shuttle just to go shopping or snorkeling, which you can do in Cozumel.

I agree with @WAAAYTOOO . CAS "stole" a point from us not too long ago (no explanation, they just changed the total), so I am glad someone is getting our point or two!

I think we will need vaccines before new cruisers are willing to give ships a try. We ourselves are waiting for the vaccines. We don't worry about getting a random virus, but we do worry about dropping dead....

For Athens, I think the Parthenon is good, if you can handle the crowds (get there early in the AM). It's just something worth seeing, as we've all read about ancient Greece. Having done it in 2011, on our next visit we would try museums and shopping at the bazaar.

We are still hoping for a South Pacific cruise with a fall back of the Mediterranean.

I'd give another vote for Stingray City, which is where we'll be headed on our next cruise. We enjoyed the Turtle Farm when our son was younger, and it is possible to snorkel around their pond.

I think Ravenna would enable a visit to San Marino!

Other folks have posted, and I agree, that this is a good reason to have a travel agent. Maybe it's not to late to transfer your booking and get some help from a TA?! Have a great cruise...

I could see more tournaments that require registration and offer the ability to control the number of people at each table. Maybe less drop in play. I would agree to a mask or might choose to wear a mask, but I generally go to the casino when it is less crowded. I am not a big gambler but could see the value of regular players wanting good playing conditions, hence more reservation-style play. Just a thought...

For dinner we enjoy the lobster and lamb dishes in the MDR, along with duck and pork medallions (haven't had those in awhile). Most desserts in the MDR or specialty restaurants are outstanding, but my favorite was the chocolate sensation. I also miss the escargot! For "snacks" I will confess to loving the pastries at Café Promenade (or its equivalent in other ships) when I have my morning cappuccino.

Our only insurance claims have been for lost or delayed luggage. If Royal loses your suitcase (as happened to us), and you don't have their trip insurance, they cap the loss at $300. At least they did in 2015. Now as mentioned, some credit cards offer limited protection, such as luggage loss. So in addition to the medical evaluation concerns addressed in other responses, think of what coverage you need for luggage loss or delay.

I try to have paella in the Windjammer for lunch on embarkation day. For dinner I choose a fish entrée of some sort. I loved Chocolate Sensation for dessert, but lately that hasn't been available. That said, anything chocolate is good for me! I am not sure what your delivery options are, but I hope you can enjoy your special celebration. When we sailed from Southampton, we toured the Canaries, so perhaps you can find some nice videos online...I recall a travel show that described Funchal and the hand-pushed carts down the hill (we actually did that). Take care...

I don't think there is anything wrong with having your agent ask the question. But I don't know that Royal would allow re-booking after you have exercised your option to cancel. Again, asking a question is certainly legitimate, in my opinion.