sk8erguy1978

10 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

The NY App is based solely on the fact when you get a vaccine in NY, you agree to have your vaccination stored in the state DB.

There have also been concerns about registering for the pass on the app as if you know someone's name, DOB and zip code, you can get their pass.

I was just using NY as an example, why I attached the Bloomburg article as well that points out other places looking to adopt it.

That easy huh? Not even the good old fashion - "which address is associated with you" and "which car did you own in 1996" type of questions? Yikes.

21 hours ago, 12thman said:

If any cruise line said passengers would need proof of vaccination that really doesn't mean anything, there are fake vaccine cards one can get. How would cruise lines enforce such a requirement?

20 hours ago, mook1525 said:

What makes you think they will use card that can be faked?

 

i don’t know what it will be but I am sure they will come up with the idea/system to verify vaccinations have been done.

 

no need to worry about something that hasn’t been decided 

2 hours ago, twangster said:

Like many I have concerns sharing health related information with private companies yet I can see why cruise lines need to understand what they they are dealing with as they strive to find the optimal protocols to implement on board from one sailing to another.

One solution is to implement different protocols for those that to choose to share their vaccine status.  Anyone who doesn't vaccinate or chooses not to disclose their status can sail but with more protocols.  Daily temperature checks, onboard testing every few days, tracelets, ideally no masks outdoors but masks while in transit indoors moving between cabins and dining for example.  This can accommodate families of all ages.  

To differentiate they could do what they do with certain youth Seapass cards - print them vertically. 

If you choose to share your fully vaccinated status you would get a normal looking SeaPass and face fewer protocols.  No daily temperature checks, no testing on board, no tracelets.  

Between the tracelet and the SeaPass card crew will know what protocols are required for each guest.  Fail to follow your assigned protocols and off you go at the next port of call.

I can already hear pushback to the idea of differentiating between guests but the alternative requires they assume no one is vaccinated and all Singapore protocols apply to everyone.  I don't want to sail like that, that's not why I chose to vaccinate.  I should not be penalized because someone else hasn't vaccinated.   

The technology is out to allow people to share their health status in a secure way. NY Has adopted the technology and implemented it. As a NYer, I've downloaded the APP but yet to input anything, want to actually read the terms & conditions; I am a bit reluctant giving it whatever personal information it requires to verify me. 

https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-04-30/ny-excelsior-pass-is-a-vaccine-passport-no-matter-what-it-s-called

I'd imagine Royal Caribbean doing something along these lines, instead of the honor system, or relying on a port agent to determine if a CDC vaccination card is legit or not.

Edit: The Bloomberg article isn't the best, but it does point out many places are requiring these "vaccine passports" to enter.

On 4/23/2021 at 1:01 PM, twangster said:

Okay number 2.

Having to re-enter my details over and over again when searching for a cruise.  CAS #, age, state of residence, etc.

I should be able to enter that once per session or login and it already knows my state, my age, my CAS#, etc.  

YES! If I'm logged in, why do I need to enter certain info to qualify for discounts? They need to work on streamlining some of their "disconnected" systems instead of fiddling with the design.

I'll take an ugly site that's functional over eye candy.

On 4/23/2021 at 1:40 PM, melmar02 said:

Line cutters...in the WJ, at a bar, waiting for doors to open at a show, at the ice cream machine, getting on /off the elevators. I know it's not RC specific, but it seems quite a few people lose their manners on vacation. 

5 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

On the topic of inconsistent rules enforcement, we have found it frustrating when noisy kids are in the Solarium (e.g, not supervised properly by parents).  But I'd say I am not bent out of shape about this as most ships still have a quiet space somewhere.

This x 2! People, especially some parents. One cruise parents put their kids in the hot tub, which turned into a mini swimming pool for them... While they stood around said hot tub sipping drinks. The kids were taking the access covers off and basically 'owned' that tub for a significant amount of time.

Personally didn't want to use the tub so it didn't bother me but found the whole situation disrespectful.

2 hours ago, GregD said:

(If there are any Spectrum cable executives on these blogs, please ignore that last comment. Sharing of login info never happens)

Also, execs, can you please stop the door to door sales.

6 minutes ago, HeWhoWaits said:

For one or two cruises, this might be a wash. As soon as you get to three or more trips with flights required, the savings will start to add up.

Very good point. You're buying for 'this' trip and saving for future trips.

If I recall correctly, there was also a "coffee bar" inside the Windjammer just after the entrance, another location to get your specialty coffee fix.

14 hours ago, Jmccaffrey said:

Hey. I live in NY and with the other 3 air ports this will not cause that big delays overall. JFK and LaGuardia are only about 45 min to an hour away (depending on traiffc)

I hate dealing with JFK & LGA. Driving from Orange County NY, zipping into NJ for EWR is ideal. 

15 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

So no change?

A friend and I got into a discussion about EWR being famous for delays, etc. I said, I've NEVER had a noticeable flight delay from EWR and how it's my favorite of the "big three" ... mainly for its accessibility for me. The next flight I took out of EWR was delayed by 12 hours ... well played, well played LOL.

1 hour ago, SPS said:

Besides, let's face it, we all know that buying/stocking another Coca-Cola product will cost RC considerably less than a premium priced brand like Evian.

Honestly, this is why I assumed they went with Dasani.

While "currently unavailable" a backpack like this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078N6SVS2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) can hold a significant amount of clothing. I purchased it in 2018 and it's my go to for weekend (and overnight) getaways. It holds a few days worth of clothing, my laptop and more. It could help fill the gap of what doesn't fit in a carry on.

Besides that, re-usability will be key - re-wear jeans, less shoes, etc. As @Sharla suggests, doing laundry will help, and organizing with packing cubes might too. Check out YouTube, lots of packing tip videos.

Finally, think about what you're saving to do laundry, buy a new backpack, packing cubes, etc, vs just paying to check a bag... Price might be comparable. 

Finally, Finally, some airlines give you a checked bag as a perk if you have their branded CC (or some CC offer cash towards an airline of your choice) of course this usually comes with a yearly fee.   

Same, Oasis of the Seas in September shows Dasani too.

Personally, seeing as it's filtered tap water, I wouldn't waste money on it. You'll get the same quality water (or better) from the Cafe, Windjammer, etc, just bring a refillable bottle. Just like at home, I buy spring water, if I wanted filtered water I'd do that myself :). 

If you're a spring water snob, then you are allowed to bring on 12 bottles of non-alcoholic beverages, but you'll need to lug them around day one until your room is ready.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/food-drink-onboard-policy

One. The shorter cruises would be a nice way to end some "long weekend" sightseeing we've been wanting to do in the San Francisco & San Jose area. Although, with the over 6 hour drive to the port, we'd probably have to add a short flight from SFO to LAX. That wouldn't be a deal breaker as a quick Google shows prices to be less than traveling by car (rental, gas, food, etc). 

5 hours ago, teddy said:

Half the year gone.

5 hours ago, AlmondFarmer said:

Half the year left

4 hours ago, teddy said:

Much better. 
 

thank you for the perspective.

4 hours ago, PG Cruiser said:

Glass half full or half empty?    Safe answer:  It's at the halfway mark

Good Luck with the next procedure, glad to hear all positive news. 10k miles on a 2018 is fantastic, I like to see 12k-15k a year when buying used, that's way under. I am sure minimal driving in 2020 helped, but hey, your gain - good luck with the new wheels too!

Hopefully it's not more of nothing. Maybe Oasis from Bayonne in September has a chance. I'm still working on backup plans.

7 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We can still be friends if you didn't skip filet night. 

12 minutes ago, LVJackson said:

The Coastal Kitchen makes the upgrade worth it. 

10 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Most definitely!  The key being that for JS, it is only dinner based on availability.  For a GS, it's all 3 meals. #teamCK

You all would hate us. 3 Grand Suites on Anthem, all Bermuda sailings so total of 15 days at sea ... 2 dinners at CK.

Not that we don't love the restaurant, but sailing with friends who aren't in a suite sometimes you "lose" the benefits to enjoy time with them. Mix that in with specialty dining and quick breakfast and lunches ... We just didn't take advantage.

If Oasis in September is a go I'd like to have breakfast there a few times, in addition to a few dinners. Lunch? Depends what the Windjammer would be like.

Matt's blog post should help explain the suites on Anthem:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/category/category/royal-suite-class

Go with the Grand Suite if budget allows, it's really the first / lowest real suite. Jr. Suites are larger balcony stateroom with a few perks but probably not the ones you care much about (well maybe dinner at Coastal Kitchen if it's available both venue and seating).

19 minutes ago, jticarruthers said:

Yeah I had a little of that reaction but I also know from working with the planners (I was our group lead) that there really aren't a lot of "dead" times on the ship ... its amazing how many events are happening all over the place and we really wanted the crown at sunset (so I might have my times off slightly, its been a bit) so I think they did their best to accommodate everyone.

I'm sure having that view was worth the few minutes of 'awkwardness'. We've done the Viking Crown at sunset, it's awesome. I actually love the views at night too, looking over the clam pool deck and sea at night.

1 hour ago, jticarruthers said:

We had our company happy hour in the viking crown from about 7 to 8 pm so they roped it off and had it blocked just for us. 

Event was good, cocktails and snacks but starting about 7.30 there were people coming up to secure seats for the 8pm Karaoke, Royal kept them all out of the "lounge" area but making them wait in the elevator lobby to the side but it was still a bit weird and as soon as 8pm hit they were all piling in to grab their seats.

Luckily most of our group could see the writing on the wall and we were basically gone by 7.55 so nobody was run down in the rush.

That would upset me honestly, the prices for these events aren't cheap and to feel uncomfortable...I would have complained. They could have suggested a different time for your event, or shifted karaoke by 30 minutes to avoid that. I understand Royal did all they could to keep everyone out of your event but, idk... I am just picturing the conference room awkwardness where the next group is standing around the hallway waiting for current occupants to leave.

37 minutes ago, columbus_cruiser said:

I remember watching either a TikTok or Instagram story from Captain McCue on Celebrity where they go through flush the toilets, run the water in the sinks and shower at least once a day.

That puts a new meaning to "rinse & repeat" when talking about your job.

6 hours ago, J_Keeble said:

Hmm I'm unsure this is Covid related. it seems royals events team are about as much use as a chocolate fire guard

As others have stated, the groups department can help here. If you don't have a group, maybe it's not too late to convert the bookings to a group? Although, I think they all will need to be part of your agent/agency first.

I have personally worked with the groups / events department back in 2016 when I did something similar (just took a cruise to destination & married on island) they aren't easy to work with. This is where a travel agent is worth their weight in gold, from knowledge of what can and cannot happen to dealing with the "no contact this person - no that person - send an email to blackhole@rccl(dot)com, et cetera, et cetera. It was added stress I didn't need while planning a destination wedding. We had a wedding planner but didn't go the travel agent route, dumb mistake. 

Good Luck & Congratulations! 

I wouldn't mind a little extra time to decide but being someone with a September cruise out of Bayonne I'm currently all-in anyway. If my quick and dirty math is correct, currently the same room (Grand Suite) for September 2022 is 28% higher so I need a Royal cancellation to shift and preserve the price. With that said, I'd much rather shift my $500 deposit than over $4000.

Then again, if it sails and there is a restriction I'm not thrilled with, like mask while sitting at pool, I'll be sitting on a $4000+ voucher.

Luckily I expect by July (my final payment) we will know a lot more than we do now. 

14 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Try this

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/?dates_maxDate=08%2F01%2F2021&dates_minDate=06%2F01%2F2021&shipCode_AD=true

I was just coming to post this LOL. For me, there was an ad the size of a Rockefeller Christmas tree on the front page taking me right to Adventure and they even slid in the Vision of the Seas under the same ad. Then change to departure port of Nassau under South America & Caribbean like @John Blahnikmention above. Slightly different link, same results:
 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruises/?departureCode_NAS=true&shipCode_AD=true