Diamondntherough

1 hour ago, Ray said:

@Ray. Please accept my apology. I was not trying to be rude or disrespectful. I was merely asking questions that maybe everyone on my original post could take part in. I should not have addressed you personally. Thank you for checking me and my lack their of for not checking my spelling. Im human, just not a perfect human.

 

 

 

 

As i mentioned at start i dont have the answers in fact no one does, if they did we wouldnt be discusing here!

All i stated was that it would be a complete waste of time only testing once at start then allowing someone off ship at a port of call and they get infected by a local and are not tested when reembarking. 

Costs, legal requirements, PPE, Social Distancing thats for the experts and those in charge to work out, if we are not happy with the results we simply dont cruise

1 hour ago, Ray said:

It's ok saying test everyone but if they are going to do it then it has to be done correctly, no point testing only once when we first board ship, it must be done every time we re-board from a port of call and before we disembark, which if in UK expect 14 day quarantine rules to be applied tomorrow for all Brits and visitors!   

  

Ray, How do you propose the testing being done correctly? Who will pay for said testing? If the cost are placed back on the traveler what do you feel is a pair price for said testing? I can assume that a family of 4 would be very costly for a 7 day cruise. Three or four ports a test at every stop. Let's say it cost $50 per person =$200 boarding test then $50 at every port for every family member. And if one test positive, does the entire family stay in the Bahamas or wherever the ship has ported? And the travel insurance doesn't cover that part. This is something we all have to think about. I love cruising but at what cost my friend.

Not to mention how do you social distance at coco cay. 

31 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

So how do we account for time? I mean in order to test each embark/debark there would have to be time windows in order to ensure there is no contamination. A 5 min test creates too large of a strain on boarding. To ensue it does not affect sail away, you would have to pull employees from other venues or employ a ton of extras at each dock. That is a ton of extra expenses that take away from vacation time. I am sorry..... but I am of the mindset that vacation is a time to do things I might not be able to do at home and to relax and enjoy. Having to subject myself to constantly testing, whether its as simple as a mouth swab or as harsh as nose or blood, is not worth it. Imho if RCCI wants to get back to cruising so soon, it needs to be a cruise to nowhere.....3 or 4 nights on a ship that does not dock at any port. A COVID-19 test before boarding and one when you debark.  Everyone on the ship would be virus free and able to enjoy, not have to worry about wearing mask or social distancing. That way they can have some revenue coming in without having to worry about all that extra cost.

You can't account for the time. And I would still be concerned about a cruise to no where. Lets say for the sake of a fair argument, that a test was given and all came back negative. And then when it's time to debark and one of those asymptomatic  cruisers test positive. Now that 3-4 day turns into a month's stay. Then what?

1 hour ago, Jill said:

My sister’s company is supplying antibody tests to FEMA for the next 5 years. All 3 major cruise lines have called about antibody tests. 

What does antibody test have to do with testing each traveler before they board a cruise? Nothing! We are here discussing what safety measure will take place when the industry starts to sail. How are we going to be protected. It's no safe and effective way to protect each and everyone of us, on a ship that holds up to 6600 thousand  travelers with 2200 staff members. It only takes one person to slip through the cracks and all heck breaks loose. So I can appreciate your sister checking up on the antibody test. But that's not going to solve the burning question. 

My Husband and I are scheduled to cruise in June. However I'm still concerned about being in an environment, where large crowds and the thought of someone sneezes or cough. OMG! are they sick have they been sick? And we are stuck on this ship for seven days. Only to find out that someone boarded with this virus. So my question to everyone that is schedule to cruise, in the next few months. Would you feel better if Royal had a way to rapid test ever person before they checked in?  Im not talking about asking the questions if you are anyone been sick or taking a temp.  Swab your nose and throat. 

Good Evening All,

First things first. Praying all is well that are in the path of the storm. And you have been able to make it to a safe place. Traveling Mercy to everyone. 

Port Canaveral is open. I received an e-mail from our hotel stating that the establishment will be oped for our reservation on sat the 7th. We are staying less than 2 miles from the actual port. Once again, safe travel too all that are coming in on the 7th & 8th .

13 hours ago, ChessE4 said:

We are scheduled to sail 8 September on Harmony, but we don't know if Port Canaveral will actually be open on the 7th or 8th due to storm and clean-up.  Further, we don't know if we can get down there from North Carolina because the hurricane may skirt the coast line.  Actually, it all boils down to our cat -- will we be evacuated with the cat, or will our scheduled cat-sitter stay in town?   And that isn't something covered by trip insurance....I tell you, I am going to look for better storm travel insurance next time....We remain optimistic that we will manage somehow.  Good luck and safe travels to all being affected directly or indirectly!

ChessE4, hello neighbor. We are leaving out of Gwinnett Ga. We are driving down the day before as usual. Safe travels to you and your family as well. See you on board : )

14 hours ago, Rob&Ana said:

Hopefully all will have passed by then and things back to normal, enjoy your cruise!

Thank you for the well wishes. Last sept we were in the storms  path on carnival.  It is our first Royal Cruise so we are looking forward to this new experience. 

Thanks to all that gave a response. I pray that all goes according to plan, however  Woody Allen said it best. — 'If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.'

@ ScottL: We are booked on the harmony of the seas. Should not have an issue getting to the port, fingers crossed. @ Benny: The last report for the bridge was last friday. 

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – Port Canaveral announced on Friday that the State Road 401 bridge at the Port will only open on the hour until 5 p.m. today (Friday), due to Hurricane Dorian.

After 5 p.m., the bridge will be open on demand for transit.

@FManke: We are sailing to coco cay the first day. but last update was it had been closed due to the approaching storm. And the itinerary had beed changed for those who sailed last weekend up until this weekend. 

Bakerette,

I think you misunderstood my question. Let me say it this way. My family is scheduled to sail on the 8th. Will the cruise date be pushed back to monday or tuesday?

And shortened like the sailings before the 8th. I'm just trying to get a heads up so we can govern ourselves accordingly.

Hello all,

Just checking in to see if anyone here is schedule to cruise on sept,8th. I'm reading a lot of info on the shorter cruise dates but nothing for the upcoming 7 day or longer, leaving out of port canaveral. Praying that the hurricane passes and all is well in its path.

Thanks for sharing. Are you using a Go Pro to capture these amazing shots?

Well that's a bit of sunshine. I have a  Samsung device so fingers crossed I can mirror. 

@twangster

I'm going to make you my Royal Caribbean go to ambassador I really appreciate you taking the time to school me on how royal operates. I'v been a loyal Carnival cruiser for over 20yrs and look to make a change. I'm very OCD about the flow of things, and I love order. Carnival has lost a lot of points with me over the last few sailings. So making the decision have a cruise love affair (if you will) with another line with out the added protection (pun intended ). Anyway I digress.

So Voom surf & stream  for 2 is the better option for  me and the hubby 

I will pack the tablet  just in case I can't use the fire stick. And expect some buffering or freezing .

We are sailing on Harmony of the seas 9/8/19

The different internet packages. Which one is the best value? And it states that you can surf and stream your favorite movies. I have several questions...

1: Am I able to stream my movies to the television in the state room or is movies available via the television?

2: Can I bring my fire stick to watch on the television?

3: Is the speed as fast as they state or a lot of buffering?

4: Will I still be using my cellular plan or its all wifi inclusive?

Thanks in advance for all of your feed back....

What is Expedited Arrival with an appoint time?

I have gotten spoiled !!! This is what I was expecting from purchasing the key. @ $29 dollars a day Verses a flat fee of $69 for faster to the fun. 

Faster to the Fun offers Carnival cruise passengers the following priority access:

Priority security lines, check-in and boarding
Early access to cabins on embarkation day
Priority delivery of checked luggage
Dedicated phone line to the guest services desk, as well as an exclusive line at the desk itself
Priority dinner times (early, late or Your Time Dining -- does not include priority reservations for flexible dining passengers on a daily basis)
Priority tender service
Choice of early or late debark at the end of the cruise

Thank you all for answering this burning question. I will take everyones advice and cancel  the key. I was soooo excited to purchase this, because I thought my family would be able to board early and just relax in our room until the muster call.  Generally how long does it take to get your checked bags into your rooms if its not ready until after 1pm? 

10 hours ago, fonemanbob said:

Cancel the KEY and save your money.  You will be dollars ahead.  Your luggage has to be checked so it can go thru the scanners.  You don`t want to be dragging around a bunch of suitcases.  Carry on`s sure.   Everyone is embarking at the same time.    I.E.   Suites, Key, Platinum, Diamond Plus, Diamond, General Public and so forth.   make sure all your documents are in order.  Matt just did a podcast the other day and the Key was mentioned not to get it. 

I have gotten spoiled !!! This is what I was expecting from purchasing the key. @ $29 dollars a day Verses a flat fee of $69 for faster to the fun. 

Faster to the Fun offers Carnival cruise passengers the following priority access:

Priority security lines, check-in and boarding
Early access to cabins on embarkation day
Priority delivery of checked luggage
Dedicated phone line to the guest services desk, as well as an exclusive line at the desk itself
Priority dinner times (early, late or Your Time Dining -- does not include priority reservations for flexible dining passengers on a daily basis)
Priority tender service
Choice of early or late debark at the end of the cruise

Thank you all for answering this burning question. I will take everyones advice and cancel  the key. I was soooo excited to purchase this, because I thought my family would be able to board early and just relax in our room until the muster call.  Generally how long does it take to get your checked bags into your rooms if its not ready until after 1pm? 

10 hours ago, CruisinUpinLife said:

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-key-program

This link may help you understand your benefits with The Key.  It does not appear (to me) that you can enter your stateroom early but only that your carry on bags (with limitations as mentioned in the link) will be delivered to your stateroom.  The rest of the cruisers will be having to hold onto their carry on bags until the rooms are ready.  I also have not seen anyone comment on the blog about being able to get into your rooms early with The Key.  I also have never cruised with Carnival so I do not know if anything is similar or not.

Welcome to the blog!  This place is FULL of amazing information and helpful tips.  Enjoy your cruise!

I have gotten spoiled !!! This is what I was expecting from purchasing the key. @ $29 dollars a day Verses a flat fee of $69 for faster to the fun. 

Faster to the Fun offers Carnival cruise passengers the following priority access:

Priority security lines, check-in and boarding
Early access to cabins on embarkation day
Priority delivery of checked luggage
Dedicated phone line to the guest services desk, as well as an exclusive line at the desk itself
Priority dinner times (early, late or Your Time Dining -- does not include priority reservations for flexible dining passengers on a daily basis)
Priority tender service
Choice of early or late debark at the end of the cruise

Thank you all for answering this burning question. I will take everyones advice and cancel  the key. I was soooo excited to purchase this, because I thought my family would be able to board early and just relax in our room until the muster call.  Generally how long does it take to get your checked bags into your rooms if its not ready until after 1pm? 

Good  Morning,

If you are boarding early, how does this work if you choose to carry your luggage on rather than check baggage? I purchased the key in hopes that this would allow me to get into my state room early. This is a first time experience with royal. Carnival offered faster to the fun is the key similar?