sk8erguy1978

The benefit to booking with a travel agent is that you have an advocate in your corner to help you plan your trip. This means:    - You have someone to continue to look for and apply discounts should any be released (which is very often with RCI), so that you do not have to spend time doing the same, or potentially missing a better offer.  - You have someone to help you navigate the Cruise Planner program. - You have someone to help you make your dining reservations if you'd like.  - You have an expert in all things cruising and travel to help you plan the best vacation you can.  - You have someone you can come to directly to ask questions to instead of spending time looking around on the internet for your answers.  - You have someone to turn to should something go wrong while you are traveling.    And the best part is, we provide all of this for FREE to you. You get our concierge level service at no extra charge. The difference when you book with me is the difference between information and expertise. Anyone can look up information on the internet. When booking your trip with me you know you have an expert in your corner that can help tailor your trip to your desires and make sure you see everything you want to do!

I recently switched to using a TA after years of booking directly or using the big box websites.  My experience with trying to resolve cancellation issues with cruises and other vacations was terrible - I spent hours on the phone.
 
I switched to MEI, which a lot of people here use.  They a highly professional and knowledgeable about cruises. 

The only downside is that you can’t speak directly to Royal. However if you have a great TA (like @Sharla) that’s not an issue. She’s lightening fast! 
 
I used to book through RC. I went the TA route when we were looking at booking odyssey for Italy/Greece. With hotels, flights etc., I didn’t want to mess with it plus I wanted someone in my corner if something happened pre-cruise, cruise, post-cruise etc. 
We booked a 3 night on Mariner to test her out (?) and haven’t looked back. 
 
The major upside to having a good TA-all this cancellation/FCC/OBC Covid garbage was handled so professionally. 
 
Last, you’re supporting a business, someone’s livelihood. It doesn’t cost you anything for their service and the benefits are numerous. 

Just keep in mind too…it’s not just about having a Travel Agent. It’s about having a GOOD Travel Agent.
A GOOD TA will work with you in good times and bad.
Also, you mentioned you booked “recently”. I believe you have 60 days from booking to transfer to a TA.

@Matt posted an article which you can look at.  This will maybe answer your question you may have. 
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/06/15/top-things-you-didnt-know-travel-agents-can-do-your-cruise-vacation

I just renewed my annual Allianz policy (US if that matters) and there was absolutely no mention of vaccination.  Frankly, that surprised me.  I expected there to be a requirement to be vaccinated but there is not (that I am aware of). They are still offering limited COVID coverage.
 

Symphony is currently testing and hopefully confirming the theory of buoyancy.  

Thanks! We are booking with a travel agent so definitely got some discounts in that way! Having previously cruised with and without the use of agents, we've discovered that we love our travel agent and will never go back to not using her! 

To be fair... The 8 crew on Odyssey tested positive less then a week after their vaccine. Its said to only be effective after 2 weeks. So that group was not really considered full vaccinated yet.

For price reference I just checked all my upcoming cruises that visit CocoCay and the beach beds range in price from $149-$199.

If you are serious about wanting one and willing to pay that much, lock it in at that price.  You can cancel and rebook at the lower price if the price drops later.  When you do that, book it under the other half's name before you cancel the one in your name so someone doesn't accidentally snatch it up when you release it!

On Instagram, EatSleepCruise posted that they sampled them, and said for non-alcholic it was "blueberry NOjitos" and Shirley Gingers, and then for alcoholic it was a retooled rum punch, a strawberry blonde, and a passion spritz. 

Bring a drinker, I am particularly interested in the new alcoholic drinks that are available. 

Yep us too! I’m assuming she’ll be out of Canaveral unless Miami gets it’s LNG by then. 
 
PC would be awesome as I’m 2 hours from there. We’ve got 3 booked through October 2022. Not sure I can wait a year after that for Icon, so may have to jump on a 4 night Bahamas to hold me over. 

Yes! I really enjoyed the innovation and changes in both Oasis & Quantum class ships but still keeping the feel of a Royal Caribbean signature ship. I have faith Icon will not disappoint continuing that trend. I've already warned the wife, I need a new ship (& class) smell, so Q3/Q4 2023 we are cruising LOL.

Yes! I really enjoyed the innovation and changes in both Oasis & Quantum class ships but still keeping the feel of a Royal Caribbean signature ship. I have faith Icon will not disappoint continuing that trend. I've already warned the wife, I need a new ship (& class) smell, so Q3/Q4 2023 we are cruising LOL.

I’d like a clean sheet design too.  I do hope she has a Central Park kind of thing though. That’s just spectacular and I miss it on every non oasis class I go on. 

It docks. I took this in 2012 from the top of zipline.

I think @Lovetocruise2002's grade 6 lesson plan review board might have a small issue with that particular class. Unless the drinks were all made "virgin" of course. ?

Let's not forget about the chemistry lessons of drink mixology. 

Hey, if there's one thing students learned this past year it's how to do school remotely. It'll just be reversed; you'll be remote on the cruise ship, and the kids will be stuck sitting in the classroom.
Think about the teaching possibilities as you show them islands and talk about volcanic activity and erosion, or how isolated ecosystems like those lead to unique and varied wildlife. Get creative, I'm sure the school board will totally approve the remote teaching opportunities.
?

This is what we are getting on Adventure. I haven't seen Evian at all.

Yes, my wife and I have done it several times today! I drink one before bed and usually one in the middle of the night. Prevents hangovers.

With the package, you can pick up 2 at a time (each) from a bar by showing your card. You could easily go to the next bar and repeat. They can be stored in the room cooler.
If you don't have the package,  the ships water is really good. You can fill up your drink cups and ask your room attendant to keep the ice bucket full.

You're welcome. Not sure when your cruise is, but always check back and keep track of what you paid. If the price drops, they don't exactly adjust, but you can cancel and rebook for the new price.