ChessE4

3 hours ago, Pooch said:

I had to do each night separately but it let me do all 7 nights.  Of course I also do it as soon as I book.  Opens for reservations pretty early. I booked on 7/27/21 for our 10/29/22 cruise.

Thanks, I was just able to do this by exiting checkout and then re-entering with a new reservation.  I actually logged out of CP, got to the main page of cruises, then reentered CP.   

On 5/5/2022 at 10:12 AM, ChessE4 said:

I see a disconnect scheduling My Time Dining in Cruise Planner versus Royal App.  Cruise Planner only lets me schedule one night.  I thought by scheduling the first night, I'd be locked in for the rest of the cruise (chose 6PM).  But my wife discovered after we checked-in we could book additional times on the App, and nothing was available until 8:15 PM.  I find the CP versus App scheduling very confusing.  I now wonder how soon the App allows MTD scheduling, and why MTD is even listed in Cruise Planner if you can't book the entire cruise.

Update, for a subsequent cruise I was able to use Cruise Planner to schedule MTD on multiple days by exiting checkout after each reservation (saving cart and logging out) and then re-entering for a new reservation.  So my 8N cruise required 8 separate Cruise Planner reservations in sequence.

1 hour ago, Pooch said:

It’s in the Cruise Planner on the website.

When I use the Cruise Planner to book MTD, it only permits a single reservation (e.g., the first night or the nth night but not all nights of the cruise).  We had to switch to the App to get the rest of the nights booked, and by then the good times were unavailable.

Negative, no such emails.

When I posed my original question, I knew there would be differences in approach to pre-cruise planning, but I was not trying to be divisive.  I thank everyone for sharing their thoughts, from which I have learned a great deal.  And I truly thank all who continue to work and support the rest of us.  We are really looking forward to our cruise next month and wish everyone a safe and wonderful journey.  Cruising can be therapy for all of us!

We found that on the Royal App we could upload both vaccination cards, regular and booster, separately.  Matt announced this on the blog, I believe.

We just notice an extra $25 OBC added to a cruise after we checked-in using Royal App.  This wouldn't explain a $300 change, though.

I see a disconnect scheduling My Time Dining in Cruise Planner versus Royal App.  Cruise Planner only lets me schedule one night.  I thought by scheduling the first night, I'd be locked in for the rest of the cruise (chose 6PM).  But my wife discovered after we checked-in we could book additional times on the App, and nothing was available until 8:15 PM.  I find the CP versus App scheduling very confusing.  I now wonder how soon the App allows MTD scheduling, and why MTD is even listed in Cruise Planner if you can't book the entire cruise.

7 minutes ago, GatorCruiser said:

Not what you asked but heres my 2 cents, if you are worried about catching asymptomatic covid leading up to the cruise, just wear an N95 mask and go about your business, that should help immensely and it allows for not having to restrict your activities prior to.

Thanks, we already do that.

2 hours ago, Neesa said:

While on our daily morning walk routine (about 0730hrs almost every morning) my hubby & I were walking outside on a walking path near our home. We were mask less not thinking anything of it. Another couple walking the wrong way on the path came towards us wearing masks & I smiled & said good morning. They jumped off the path and the lady screamed at me "we're immune compromised" are you trying to kill us? 

So many emotions in a matter of seconds.... OMG no, why would you infer this? (silently in my mind thoughts not spoken) Then again me in my mind; are they not realizing they are on a public trail? But ultimately sadness because a pleasant morning turned ugly quickly for both of us for different reasons. 

I'm at a loss, how disturbing and sad the level of fear was real, I saw it in her eye's and I thought, that is some ones relatives who are experiencing un due true stress, my heart breaks for humanity right now. While I refuse to lock myself away I am so tired of what is being done to us as mostly loving and kind human beings.

*We sailed the first cruise out of the Bahamas, sailed Thanksgiving, Christmas & Spring Break (Adventure, Oasis, Odyssey, Oasis) & have been able to disembark just as healthy as when we stepped on the ship. We have two more sailings scheduled finishing out our FCC's and are taking a break for a bit. Getting slightly tired of everything tethered to be able to sail. Exploring some new  experiences for a bit.

Everyone have a lovely day, happy cruising

 

Rant over.

I am one of those people who, even outside, tries to keep 6 feet apart.  I don't wear a mask outside, but on calm days I always leave the path and walk on grass to avoid others.  In my case, I am not worried about becoming seriously ill, I am simply trying to do my part to kill the pandemic.  I know I can still carry the virus despite being double-boosted.  I just think it is a new world now, and we must be very respectful of others when it comes to public health.  I don't think poorly of others unless they "hog" the path as though I am the inconsiderate one....

I am wondering how long folks are "staying in" prior to a cruise to ensure a negative COVID test.  I realize some folks can't or don't self-quarantine before a cruise, but for others, how many days are you planning?  We are thinking about doing our errands and groceries 3-7 days in advance.  Thoughts?

9 hours ago, CableDude said:

Howdy, multi question topic..

Going on freedom in 27 days (for 4 days)…as a group of 6 (4 first time cruisers). Do you recommend upgrading to the unlimited dining package?

 

and… what excursions are great for Nassau?

Why not try the complimentary dining first to see what it is like?   Save specialty dining for your next cruise.   Restaurant choices vary by ship.  Or you could try just a couple of nights of specialty dining.

22 hours ago, Tret said:

Can anyone recommend a good cruise travel agent besides MEI.  Nothing against MEI, it is just I personally had a bad experience.  
 

Thank You

We use AAA because we are members for the auto service.  If you want in-person contact, look for a travel agency near your home.  (AAA has both call center staff and in-person support.)  Again, if we weren't already members, we'd look at a variety of options.

On 5/1/2022 at 12:24 PM, BigMac3001 said:

I'm sailing on a 7 night western Caribbean Symphony cruise this June. Anyone have a good idea what it would cost for laundry service for three quests in one room? Thanks. 

My suggestion is to wash underwear in the bathroom sink and drip dry, then save laundry use for one nice set of clothes (formal nights).  I find the ship relatively expensive.  We also do the steam and hang stuff to get wrinkles out of what we've packed.  Normally, for 7 nights or less you can pack all the clothes you really need. There are other threads with laundry hacks...

There are exercises you can do while in bed that involve rotating your head in stages.  My physician downloaded the instructions from the internet when my condition persisted a few weeks after a cruise.  Most of the sensations passed after a few days.

On 4/29/2022 at 1:15 PM, Conman418 said:

So I have a cruise booked for the end of next month to bermuda. Me and my bf are planning on doing coral reef snorkeling and the weight limit is 250lb. I weigh 253lbs, and I am actively losing weight. However, in the event that Im not under 250 by then Im concerned. I know how to swim and can climb a ladder onto a boat, im sure of my abilities to do the activity. Do they weigh you before going on the catamaran, or will they take my word for it if I round down to 250. I just dont wanna be turned away from an activity I paid for just due to a few pounds.

I have never been weighed for a snorkeling excursion, but Royal will kick back a reservation when I am over the age limit!  But we haven't been to Bermuda, so don't know their practice.  

In June we are doing a simple Royal excursion, Aruba Sights, Scenes, & Tastes.  Nothing adventurous.....

4 hours ago, AlohaLivin said:

We have cruised a lot, but I have not set seating since my late husband and I sailed on Premier (the Disney cruise before they ate their own - We were in our 30s, I was in graduate school, and we were seated with 4 honeymooning couples. I honestly thought that I not live through it Since then I have chosen private tables (and once possible, on our own time).  But, when we are on a cruise without a CK we are seated so close to others anyway and we do enjoy meeting people on cruises. Plus, we noticed the lines for the MDR on Symphony last week and thought those would not be much fun!  So, we decided that on our B2B Explorer this summer we would venture into the early dining slot (since we normally would choose 5:30 or 6 for most evenings). But having chosen that, I am not sure how they make decisions on tables - will they give us a 2 person table or set us up with other families or what?  It will collide with the SL happy hour I know, but we thought it was worth a try!

When we book with our agent, we indicate whether we want a group table or private table.  The travel agent makes arrangements with Royal.  Due to COVID, I've read that the default was to keep different families separate, but I don't know the latest practice on that.  Perhaps a recent traveler can comment.  We don't sail until June.

15 hours ago, Ken Edgar said:

This is our 1st cruise and when looking at our boarding documents, it seems that they have us down for 5:15 dinner.  How flexible is this, seems rather early.   Does this only apply at the MDR?   Are there options for taking dinner later at another place?  Alternately could this time be changed once on board?   I thought that they had switched to something called my time dining where you could just walk in at anytime as if you were walking into a Golden Corral buffet.   Is this how it is for breakfast and lunch?   Having some free restaurants and some that are extra is very confusing for newbie like me.  Hate to end up at the wrong one and have a large bill at the end of the cruise lol

We also supposedly got a promotion when we booked for 2 days specialty dining.  I only see one voucher in the boarding document print out.  Is this tracked electronically an maybe on the account already?  Or should I ask my TA about it. 

For what it's worth, we've always enjoyed the early seating in MDR as it ties in nicely with evening activities, and if you are inclined to have a drink before dinner, it fits happy hour!  Also, when you eat dinner later, you'll be tempted to snack in the late afternoon, which leads to tight pants later in the cruise.   Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

We have used specialty dining vouchers from our TA on occasion, and there is some fine print about when you can use them.  Please look for that. 

I like paella, and my experience is that Windjammer only offers this Day 1.   So I look for it at lunch, if the Windjammer isn't too crowded.

On the smaller/medium vessels, we make sure to see the opening show and "meet" the Cruise Director.

As a new cruiser you probably didn't know that Royal doesn't owe compensation for an itinerary change, like a missed port.  I do feel for you, as in the old days when we had to tender at Coco Cay, we missed it due to choppy water - the tenders couldn't operate.  Also missed Key West and other ports.

Back to ship charges, if your charges were correct when you disembarked (you should have the receipt they gave you), you can dispute post-disembarkation charges with your credit card company just as you would dispute any erroneous charge. 

There are other blogs that post contact information for cruise line executives, and you could send a short, concise request for correction of charges.   We did that when Royal lost our luggage in Southampton.  It helped.

My first cruise had a few hiccups on day 1, but I didn't have the problems you described.  I wish you well on your next adventure.

i can't comment on whale watching, but I will share our experiences.  About 15 years ago on an excursion to Tulum from Cozumel, we were told by Royal crew that our excursion price included ample for tips and to avoid being hustled for additional money on the trip.  On later cruises (Europe), we found that tour guides expected 1-2 euros per person for a few hours of work plus something extra for the driver.  COVID has changed things, and many in the tour industry were marginalized.  Also, I believe it depends upon the type of excursion.  A guide taking us through caves safely deserved at least $5-$10 US per person while the driver of the bus to the site got $1 per person.  We are not big tippers, but always give something, and we give more as we age (can't take it with us...).  The level of service is clearly a factor, but the type of excursion and effort of the guide are also important.  Again, I don't know protocol for higher cost areas like Alaska and Hawaii, but I imagine $$ tipped would be greater than in Mexico or Morocco.  I am sure others will post their thoughts.

PS.  I am talking about group excursions, private tours are a completely different situation.

19 hours ago, Ray said:

Could be wrong but dont think these tests are available in UK 

Correct, I read they only ship to US.  Didn't know OP was from UK.

3 hours ago, sammy79 said:

How hot is it in July?  Is it sauna hot with high humidity?  Thinking about western caribbean cruise next July but I’m worried it would be too hot to enjoy the ports.  Thanks!

We've found sunscreen is essential because of the "strong sun", regardless of the temperature.  Others have addressed the temp.  Have a great cruise!

On 4/25/2022 at 12:31 PM, Chris 12 said:

Hi we are sailing out of civitacchia Italy may 7 and have to have antigen test no more than one day before sailing but we are travelling from uk all day anybody know anywhere we can get tested in civitacchia on Saturday before cruise royal caribbean have been no help whatsoever if I wasn’t so looking forward to the cruise would tell them to shove it

You might want to order test kits from Royal/Optum now so you have a backup -- you would need internet access to arrange a proctored test with your kit.