sk8erguy1978

33 minutes ago, Dad2Cue said:

We had a round trip one stop flight from London to home via Chicago with a modest layover.   United didn't cancel the flight but kept changing it and eventually I had 4 stops and I was flying all over the United States.  One of the connecting flights departed 2 hours before the flight that preceded it landed so I doubt it would have worked. When I called they just said I could reschedule it without a change fee but the flights weren't cancelled and said they couldn't "advise" me what to do.  When I asked if I could keep the return part the itinerary which was in October, they said no but would be happy to re-book a one-way flight and charge me double what the round trip cost.

Finally, they notified me that one of the segments on the return was cancelled but didn't give me the option of a refund.  When I cancelled on the website, the system kicked out a future flight credit.  It took me forever to find how to  "request" a refund for the upgraded seats and airfare.  It has been more than a month and the refund status button on the website still says "refund request pending."  I think they might be waiting for an act from Congress but at least I got a future flight credit.  

Wow. Our flight wasn't that bad. Just EWR to LAS and LAS to EWR  were switched to those with layovers and weren't excited about the times. Since we knew Vegas wouldn't be fun if they did open stuff up (which it seems they might be on a limited scale) we decided to cancel.

I purchased two, two (wife and I) one way tickets; one cash, one miles. Both I upgraded to economy plus at time of purchase.

Since cancelling, I have received the economy plus purchase from the miles ticket but haven't received the miles back into my account.

For the cash ticket, I upgraded to first (hey it was $269 each, why not!) and put in a request for the economy plus to be refunded. I received something like 4 emails saying non-refundable, etc, but somewhere along the line, one of the economy plus upgrades did get refunded. A week later (before I even had a chance to fight for the other economy plus refund) we canceled the flight. We received the base fare of the cash ticket as a future credit but nothing else. Since the miles ticket upgrades were refunded to my CC almost instantly, I put in the request for the one economy plus & the two first upgrades. It's been about 10 days, still waiting.

Even though I missed the deadline (already read the blog post ) I'll add another vote for unsure. It's not that I wouldn't go, but as others expressed, what's the on-board experience going to be like ... and wearing a mask is a 99% deal breaker for me, at least for my September sailing. 

5 hours ago, Traveler said:

the cat that think it should get food at 4 am and jumping on us just to make sure we are awake

UGH! EVERYDAY! When we close the door, he jumps and bangs on the handle which is loud. If we are smart and lock the door, the bang can still be heard, but worse, the door handle is now ruined from his nails LOL! UGH again!

3 hours ago, Dad2Cue said:

United Airlines makes RCL look good

Ugh. I put in a refund request for over $600 dollars in upgrades I haven't had returned to me. I had to cancel since Vegas isn't open for Memorial Day Weekend and United switched our flight to something horrible. I did receive a travel voucher worth the base fare before paid upgrades. Fingers crossed they do the right thing.

As to your dilemma @Traveler it's a tough situation. I have a final payment approaching (June 22nd) for an Oasis sailing in September. It really depends what the next wave of official announcements have to say but luckily I have some time. The fact you cannot "lift & shift" makes it even more challenging. It seems your biggest concern is Royal Caribbean going under, and you losing the money. I personally don't see that, but could be wrong. Personally, I'd use the FCC as it's money I already spent and can "afford" to lose but also hope travel insurance would reimburse me if it was something like company went out of business. 

On 5/17/2020 at 12:38 AM, Yo2slick said:

Honestly, I think doing away with the buffet and completely changing our way of life is ridiculous.  If you don't like the buffet then dont go.  There are plenty of other options available.  Covid-19 isn't the end of the world and some of the responses and policy changes over the last couple of months is going to set a dangerous precedent moving forward.  I can't wait for our next cruise but if the onboard experience is going to change drastically then I can't see spending money on a trip I will not enjoy.  Time will tell I guess. 

I *assume* once there is a vaccine and it's available for the "mass market" the windjammer will fall back to the way it was. Life on land will too be different for the foreseeable future.

On 5/17/2020 at 10:10 AM, twangster said:

As I started cruising multiple times per month and spending over 100 nights at sea per year several years in a row I stopped visiting the MDR.  I've gone months and only ate in the WJ, three meals per day.  I've never gotten sick on a ship and consider myself a WJ aficionado. 

I understand why people who cruise less frequently enjoy the MDR or specialty dining so I don't mean to challenge anyone's approach to cruising, to each their own.  For myself cruising often the WJ approached more to how I eat meals at home when I'm not on a ship offering both a faster dining experience as well as better choices to eat more healthy and smaller meals.  I could fashion a salad to my liking and add some proteins of the day for variety.  Had I eaten all those dinners in the MDR I'd surely be twice my current size.   

WJ dinners with fewer guests during evening hours have become a wonderful approach to dinner for the frequent cruiser and as I interacted with other frequent cruisers I discovered I wasn't alone in this approach to dining on board skipping the MDR each evening.

Having said all that I understand that a return to cruising in this day of the virus means examining everything on board to seek opportunities to reduce risk and spread.  Just because I never got sick some months spending more days at sea than on land doesn't mean there wasn't risk of illness present.

It saddens me that my beloved WJ must change but that is a change I understand and will embrace as a means to allow cruising to resume.  

We too share similar feeling about the Windjammer @twangster. In the beginning we packed the fancy clothing and did the sit down style eating. First Royal Caribbean cruise we got linked with a table for 6, but only 3 others made it nightly, 2 being a couple; We are still good friends with that couple to this day. However, without going into detail, we lost the taste for the traditional random seating. We did enjoy mytime dining but even that became an ordeal. Two hour dinners every night isn't our style at home and definitely not at sea...especially if it's just the two of us sailing. We just spent the entire day together, no need for an intimate meal, let's eat without the schedule and see where the rest of the night takes us. (We do try and have a few meals at specialty dining).

I'm team windjammer! Not that the food or atmosphere is anything special, but it is my first lunch EVERY cruise. Also, it wouldn't be a cruise without popping in for "a small snack" for the pool and walking out with a Corona, a hamburger, hot dog, fries and a slice of pizza.

On 5/7/2020 at 8:02 PM, PurdueFlyer said:

I'll wear my mask to Costco, but after having it on for 30 minutes the other day, I felt there's no way I'd get on a plane until the masks aren't mandatory (and I work for an airline).  if cruising regulations now include masks at all times, im out. 

This!  If I need to walk common areas with a mask, no thanks it annoys me after a few minutes. My wife is an RN (and volunteer EMT) and has to wear masks all day, she wouldn't enjoy a vacation wearing one. 

I'm curious to see what guidelines Royal Caribbean comes up with for keeping everyone safe. I have a final payment in June, so hopefully it's soon. I'm more of the attitude, as little money big company can hold of mine the better. 

1 hour ago, Annette44 said:

Good luck trying to get this switched.   I have called 3 times already and spent 2.5 hours in the phone.   They need a supervisor to adjust the price.  I have been promised calls back and hung up on twice!

3 minutes ago, Snotarni said:

Currently onhold now while my TA contacts RCCL.  We'll see what happens.

Exactly why I started to use a Travel Agent. "On hold" with a agent means you go about your day and wait for an updated email / call / text whatever. After trying to manage my own group cruise in 2016 I had enough of the multiple calls & multiple answers & wait times. Good Luck!

44 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Parks actually opened up yesterday. My wife and I just got back from a short visit to Liberty State Park, and if our experience is any indication of what’s happening state-wide, we’re going to have a big second wave in a couple weeks.

By my estimate, less than 40% of the people I saw were wearing any kind of mask. And of those who did have one, far too many were walking around with their noses uncovered, or with the mask hanging down around their neck. Hardly anyone was social distancing, so I’m super-glad my wife and I kept our masks on the whole time.

Wife and I took a little motorcycle ride and stopped at the Newburgh Waterfront to stretch our legs. While the restaurants were closed (except for a few doing takeout) it looked like a normal Sunday afternoon. People walking around, people sitting in grass chatting, people feeding ducks, few boats docked who rent seasonal Marina dock, TONS of boats dropped in the day drop (not sure what that's technically called), people tailgating in the parking lot etc, etc. While people were trying to keep away from those not in their groups, which wasn't easy and wasn't 6 feet, I'm sure their groups weren't limited to their household.

So, in short (TL;DR), upstate NY people don't seem to be following guidelines either.

Fingers crossed for you too! We are sailing on 9/20/2020 on Oasis and SUPER excited. Will be our third sailing first two before any updates (2010 & 2012). Luckily we have a sailing on Harmony in December if September doesn't happen, but I suspect it will.

We are staying at casa de sk8erguy1978 the night before as we are a 90 minute drive.

While there are many NJ people here to help with hotel recommendations ... I'll also add, I have plenty of NJ friends in the area who will give me an honest opinion of hotels, if you need another opinion.

I did stay in Hotel Indigo in downtown Newark during a nasty delay last year. Honestly, I arrived at 11pm and left at 4AM, but my point is, while I'm unsure of area and assumed it to be rough, for a quick stay over, it's all good as long as the hotel is clean and nice, which this one was.

6 minutes ago, RBRSKI said:

Thanks for a topic that helps us keep our mind off other things!

I'm horrible counting backwards!  LOL

We got off the Oasis March 15th!

https://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html

Site worked well for me.

217 days since I got off Anthem of the Seas 5 day to Bermuda (altered due to Jerry).

145 days until I board Oasis of the Seas for a 7 day to CocoCay, 71 days after that cruise ends (222 days from today) I board Harmony of the Seas for Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay again!

3 hours ago, JLMoran said:

The Total Wine and Gary's stores around here are all curb-side drop-off now. Just pull up, pop your trunk, and someone will come out with your order and put in the trunk / close it up for you. Ultimate zero-contact while still being able to leave the house. Same with a lot of the fast-food places around here like Playa Bowls, Panera Bread, Smash Burger, and Moe's Mexican Grill.

Upstate NY, a local liquor store is doing curbside too. I placed order, picked up order, got home and noticed regular Bushmills and not Bushmills Black Bush. I don't dislike regular Bushmills but it's about $7 or so dollars different. I called and explained and was willing to accept what they gave for a credit or refund or whatever but they said to bring it back. Well, it's a 30 minute round trip (at about only 7 miles round-trip) and had other items to drink so returned it the next day. 

The next day, I stormed right in (after putting on my mask of course) and politely asked if I could get it myself while I grabbed more things... LOL ... I mean, why waste a trip! 

There is a closer, smaller liquor store a mile away but this one's worth the drive (more selections).

Anyway, lesson learned, check the bag, or don't and use it as an excuse to buy more the following day. 

8 hours ago, Pima1988 said:

My only fear would be ….weather.  

The weather has been mild for several years, however, it is not uncommon for a huge snow storm to come barreling into the area.   

Plus, it will be cold sailing out regardless for at least the 1st 36 hrs.  Figure you will not hit NC waters until the a.m. of day 2,  it is still going to be cool.  I am just someone that does not like packing for multiple climates.  

Finally, my favorite thing about sailing out of Cape Liberty is going under the Verrazano bridge.  There is nothing like it....looking up under the bridge as it barely clears it and hearing the wheels of the cars whizz by.  No way at 4 p.m. when it is 40 some degrees would I be up there on the pool deck.  

January 11th 2011 we sailed the NCL Gem out of NYC. Coming from about 60 miles north we weren't concerned about traveling in but it was COLD and a snow storm was predicted for the following day.

We left the terminal late and it was dark, I insisted on leaving the balcony door open to enjoy the NYC lights. My wife (girlfriend at the time) was so cold she wore her wool coat, hat, scarf, and was hiding in the closet. LOL. I have a photo but it's too blurry to appreciate.

With the snow storm coming and a "smaller" ship we encountered some fairly rough seas (the kind where barf bags are available). 

Also as you've stated, it's cold until around NC and your last day or so back it starts getting cold (as you pass NC).

I would totally sail in the winter from NY/NJ again, but weather could be a big con, especially if you're trying to escape the cold.

Sailing under the Verrazano Bridge will NEVER get old!

3 hours ago, Chadster said:

This is exactly what I'm doing in November. Well, actually, even more direct -- flying or taking the train to EWR and then heading right to the terminal morning of. Yes, I know normally people wouldn't advise this, but I've heard it works well for Newark/Cape Liberty. All flights from here are non-stop, so I can grab a super-early one.

I've taken NJ Transit from upstate NY to EWR for a flight before. There is a train station near Cape Liberty not sure how frequently trains go by.

EWR I almost always check United first, they "own" terminal C. Otherwise, lots of other airline options at EWR.

Not trying to be sarcastic, but the port is in NJ, stick to NJ (fly into EWR, find a nearby hotel, etc) and that could help keep your mind at ease. 

5 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

I want to sail so bad. Gonna need it after all this. Not that it will actually be "after all this" I guess. Even if I have to wear my bandanna on my face I want to go. I look like an old time Locomotive engineer with it on or a bank robber. I think it looks cool. 

Personally, just need a change of scenery and to get away from my "new routine."

7 minutes ago, bossdog421 said:

Same sailing! It will sail! Have faith!!!

Nice! I should probably apologize in advance, I get value from the drink package! Yeah, I am not totally being naysayer, I do suspect ships will be sailing by September. Heck, honestly, until about yesterday I was optimistic our Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas was happening... Now, even if it is, I don't think it'll be worth the visit. See what the casinos say when they re-open. 

1 minute ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Thank you! Are on Oasis Sept 6th? I hope we both sail no matter which cruise we are on. Thank you again, appreciate it.

September 20th sailing. Was really looking forward to it too. We sailed Oasis in 2010 & 2012 and was excited to see the completely refurbished ship. Heck, somethings were changed that we didn't even see :). We are sailing Harmony in December out of Port Canaveral, I am more optimistic about that. Fingers crossed! 

1 hour ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Yes, they did the left first and I was like this is not too bad but the right felt so, so bad for some reason. It just felt like it went all the way into my brain. I still feel it. 

I wonder if it's one of those things where your adrenaline is going, you realize it's not too bad, then the drop in adrenaline makes the second hurt more. I suppose that would be possible only if they always did left first.

We have a September Oasis sailing booked too and I'm not overly optimistic of actually sailing but bought the drink package anyway. There is only two reasons we wouldn't go, one being Royal canceled on us, which, September might be too soon for NY/NJ but hopefully not.

I wish nothing but the best for you, your family, and co-workers. You have support here, as you can see from this thread alone. 

6 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

I always look for insurance that has "cancel for work reasons" (If I didn't move fast enough to get 'cancel for any reasons').

Yep, me too. I don't worry about "cancel for any reason" policy, and usually wait until we get close to final payments. I'm okay (well not really) with paying a change fee if something comes up, but once the "big bucks" are on the line, I get insurance in place. I've been using Travel Guard since before AIG, however, I never actually "used" them but hear good things.

Actually, my biggest reason for the insurance is to not come home with a $20,000 dollar medical bill stapled to my credit card and beg my insurance for reimbursement. Like knowing the travel insurance *should* cover & help in emergencies for relatively cheap.

Great advice! As I haven't purchased insurance for either cruise this year, I suspect no coverage for number 1. Wife is an essential employee as both an RN and volunteer EMT. Probably something I need to start researching yesterday.

4 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Many are also noting the ability for just one person in the stateroom to be able to purchase the DBP at this time (this was an option for me on both Odyssey sailings). 

30 minutes ago, melmar02 said:

Wow! It auto selected both adults when I cancelled and repurchased. We both wanted it, so I didn't even think of trying to unselect one of us. I know a lot of people will be happy if that option sticks around!

8 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Same here.  We were both going to get it anyway but I never even thought about deselecting one of us.  Interesting.

We are both getting it, but for fun I tried and it will not let me unselect one of the guests (for both sailings booked - September & December). Maybe a glitch with a particular sailing or group of sailings? 

As others. Oasis September cruise is now $44 it was $59 I think at 20% and Harmony December cruise is $49 it was $65 at 20%. Looks like I'll be spending a bunch of money today.

On 4/16/2020 at 8:30 PM, JLMoran said:

for the three of them. I'll shed a tear as I wave goodbye from the ship on Aug 2. 

This would be me to my wife ... LOL

4 hours ago, bobroo said:

Is this telling me to book any ol' room on a cruise I just know is about to be cancelled; just so I can take advantage of the 25% of the 125% FCC?

Personal, I'd only flip it to an existing sailing, not purchase something in the hopes for a future value that may or may not be worth a "25% credit" given cruise price fluctuations. Plus interest free loan, yuck!