TXcruzer

reports from more than one ship in the fleet returning to normal buffet procedures

Radiance from Galveston available to book this morning

Radiance available to book from Galveston this morning

@Matthave been reading a lot about the proctor option for the I-Health tests the government sent out (the ones In the orange and white boxes) https://ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service Any word on whether or not Royal will accept this? It seems to check all the boxes.

Western Caribbean and Central America

The available ports on the ship for various VPNs is hit and miss. I have had the same VPN work on some and then not work on others.

You are the one that said the perks were pretty much the same between the key and a Junior suite, I was merely correcting you. Evidently you aren’t accustomed to being corrected.

Sure, a Jr suite gets you the opportunity to go to coastal kitchen, no guarantees. The Key has NOTHING to do with CK. No crossover benefit there. No one is bending over to prioritize seating at the dining room for someone with a KEY on their card (I’ve never experienced it in a suite either) regardless no cross over of benefits. The only bennies of a junior suite over a standard balcony room (other than the size of the room, a possible walk in closet, and bathtub) is double points, the possibility of a CK reservation, and use of the suites line during embarkation. I always enjoy my cruises, and I hope you do as well, but the Key is not “purdy much” like booking a Junior Suite.

Ah yes, I had forgotten about Spectrum, easy to do as I don’t frequent the Asian market.

No, you don’t get ANY of these perks in a Junior Suite. Being in a suite gets you +- one hour on your boarding time, but not guaranteed first priority

I believe there are only 2 Ultimate family suites in existence. I have a friend who has one booked for October on Symphony. He had called Royal and was had to wait nearly 18 months for an opening.

Last 2 weeks no paper Compass on Allure

The cover charges and reservations you quote is for the unlimited dining package. I agree with you $600 is way too much' the last several times I have bought the Key i paid maybe $50 over what i would have spent for the internet alone.

Have had the Key twice in the last couple months, the week of embarkation you receive an email saying to came at 11:00 regardless of booking time. The economics of it are a personal thing. What is valuable to some is not valuable to other. Ship, itinerary, and style of cruising all go into the equation. The boarding day carry on drop is only good until 1:30, because after that the rooms are open, and there is no need for the service any longer; I have been on ships when room availability has been delayed, and they extended this benefit. I do not understand your comment regarding additional cover charges, and/or effort on the guests part; this has never been my experience. Pre Covid, the priority seating at shows was an incredible benefit. The tender benefit, for me, is moot. I only look at the Key on Oasis class ships, and they do not tender, so I have never used this benefit. I won't buy unless the price is right, but at the right price, on an Oasis class ship, I have never had buyers remorse.

Generally insurance companies will only reimburse $12 per test

You wouldn't miss the lunch with a 12 arrival, but you are free to board as soon as boarding begins if you have "The Key"

No “ugly head rearing”, relax and turn off the television.

Slightly off topic, but regarding the soda cups- Last week on Allure the freestyle machines were open for self serve use, first I had seen that since the restart.

They will upload your results and a QR code to the app, as well as email you a printable PDF copy

Insurance will cover $12 of the cost of the test; regardless the convenience is priceless and I gladly pay

For me the REAL value of my travel agent is how he performed when things went badly. Anyone can book a cruise, the last two years of Covid cancellations has proven the value of my travel agent. Throughout it all, 5 cancellations, I never spoke to Royal Caribbean, never tracked a FCC, never argued about a refund; I sat back, sent an email to the agent when necessary, and they handled the rest. PRICELESS!!

CP purchases will be automatically refunded to his credit card upon his "no show" at the pier, along with taxes and port fees. Have your brother call the insurance company, and ask specifically what they require, all companies are a little different. Once he has that list, it should be pretty simple to gather the appropriate documentation.

agreed, precisely my point in my above response. The TA has provided the claims form, upon which is a claims support phone number. I called the number, and was handheld and walked through the entire process; that is the job of the insurance company, not the travel agent.

If you booked 7, and wanted to change, you would have to cancel and rebook at whatever times were available at the moment. On Allure last week, MTD did not open until 6:30 for a frame of reference. If you are worried about the shows, switching to early traditional dining may be the best, and less stressful option.

a warranty is not an insurance plan