Biff215

We were on Adventure July 3-10. I know Harry was the pianist in the Schooner Bar the previous weeks but he was nowhere to be seen during our cruise which seemed strange. They seemed to try to fill the hole with the orchestra pianist and classical guitarist. Anyone know what happened?

Thanks for this. My daughter was being told by staff in the teen club that the fire was causing Odyssey to push her first sailing off until September. ? We just left CocoCay and passed Odyssey while eating dinner. The North Star was up so it looks like all is well! So blessed to spend two days back-to-back at Perfect Day but it’s still not enough! Jumping on the first cruise to offer three days there! ?

We’re on Adventure now and fortunate to so far be completely unaffected by Elsa. Just a couple of notes: 1. We’re staying here at the CocoCay pier overnight. Pretty sure all previous cruises have left and come back. Some seem to think it means we have enough fresh water, or maybe it could be weather related? 2. Last night for the 4th, we were floating next to Odyssey for the fireworks. A decent amount of smoke was surrounding her on the starboard side. Hearing today that there may have been a fire at the Seaplex but haven’t been able to find it here or verify it any other way. 3. Last night was pretty amazing out here. Seeing all the other ships while we rolled up was incredible. As we all gathered on the top deck, it was certainly the most “normal” feeling I’ve had in the past 16 months. Just so great to see cruising back and Royal making a big statement! If we come across anything else interesting, I’ll post it here.

Just to confirm, that was without Voom and the messaging in the app? We’re on Adventure this Saturday so I’ve been debating this, particularly because we have a 12 year old we need to keep in contact with. On Harmony in 2019, iMessages came through with no problem. I assume they use the same port as the app. Messaging through the app was hit or miss then though. I’d really love to be completely disconnected and spend that money elsewhere!

Update…talked to Royal today. They confirmed that this policy is only currently in effect for the June 26 Adventure and July 2 Freedom sailings. Beyond that, decisions have not been made or announced.

From what I heard they were both 14, meaning they could have been vaccinated. It’s just not required by Royal until August 1 since the approval came pretty close to the June sailings. My 12 year old will be two weeks past full vaccination when we set sail this Saturday. I’m very frustrated with this right now as those of us on the July 3 sailing have received nothing to notify us of this change. I’ve reached out to Royal and can’t get a straight answer, still waiting for them to get back to me. I just need to know so I can plan accordingly and give the private companies I had booked the courtesy of a proper notice. Royal’s offerings are pretty slim so it’s certainly our preference to go third party if we can. Anyone know more?

It’s official, Royal bumped Adventure for Freedom on July 4th at CocoCay, citing the CDC for why two ships won’t be there together. Still interesting that it’s ok in Nassau on July 3, definitely seems like it’s more about the marketing and having the first US sailing there on the 4th. Royal is promising to bring Adventure in close enough to see the fireworks though which is a nice addition.

I hear you, but you should see the slim offerings available right now in Freeport and Cozumel. We actually booked one through Royal only to have it canceled a month before the cruise. We’ve booked plenty of private excursions in the past with no problem. I’m fine with being flexible, but now that we’re 10 days out, there’s not much you can do if they do adjust the itinerary now. Don't get me wrong, we’ll be happy to be cruising again!

I understand that and they did mention that in the video, it’s just concerning with a ship who just tested and sets sail in a matter of days. Hopefully it’s something minor!

Maybe they’ll keep us the same. Not surprised they changed this week’s sailing since the CDC was on board, but wondering why other Adventure sailings later in the summer got adjusted. Maybe there were three ships scheduled for CocoCay? I’m fine with it either way, it’s just the possibility of a last minute change that concerns me when it comes to private excursions we’ve booked.

Just saw this but can’t find anything else about it. Confirmed myself that Edge is red on the CDC site and they were testing the crew recently. Hope it’s temporary or a mistake!

Happy for Royal and the successful Freedom test, but now begins the waiting game for those of us on Adventure July 3. Speculation is that it will be our itinerary that gets changed to avoid two ships at CocoCay on July 4th when Michael Bayley has promised fireworks. Just lousy when we’re ten days out and booked since March, let alone any private excursions that can’t be altered. Royal seems to have quickly forgotten about Adventure. I get it, all the real money is in US sailings, it’s just disappointing after we chose to support them by flying out to Nassau.

I’m wondering about dropping our bags with Royal at the airport. Is it really worth it? We have a taxi set up that will take us straight to check-in where they’ll take the bags immediately from what I’ve heard, so it seems like the advantage is minimal and I fear something going awry. I also wonder if your bags might get to you sooner on the ship from the hotel. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your experience!

It was briefly offered back in late March right after we booked Adventure. They must have pulled it shortly thereafter, possibly once they set capacity. I can’t imagine it being worth it at 50% capacity or less. I’d expect capacity to increase rather quickly if things go well and the demand is there. Royal may not publicize this though so you’ll have to base it off of firsthand reports.

“Before arriving in the Bahamas” For June 19 sailings forward. Agree that more clarification is still needed however. It seems like Royal is implying that the negative test needs to be submitted for the Bahamas Health Visa. Unless something has changed, that’s not required for vaccinated guests and those under 10. I understand things are changing by the hour but Royal needs to communicate better. They’re getting slammed pretty hard on social media as they don’t even seem to be contacting guests directly about it. I know I haven’t received anything from them.

Vaccinated guests now need to get a PCR test at their cost before leaving for the Bahamas. I don’t mind it as it gives some peace of mind before traveling to Nassau, it’s just the constant changes that can be frustrating. Just trying to stay patient as Royal figures out what works best as they get slammed in the media for a couple of positives onboard.

We like GMA but they are always overly dramatic, particularly at the top of the show. Gotta convince people to keep watching I guess.

Didn’t have time to stay and watch the story, but Good Morning America ran it at the top of the show and referred to it as “chaos”. ?

Exactly, we’ll likely see more testing as a result of this. Can’t be a coincidence that this happened today along with the decision to test everyone before boarding Adventure. Testing before someone travels doesn’t account for the airport, plane, and any pre-cruise stays. Rapid tests aren’t perfect either but it’s the best they can do at check-in. Either way, the protocols are working even if the media coverage will focus on the negative. Go test every guest at Disney today and see how many positive tests you get!

They have to test for the return to the U.S. That’s when this was discovered. https://apple.news/ATJM9PipxTSCJFsxjnj0WiA

Any word on July 3? Freedom is currently scheduled to be at Nassau and Coco Cay with us, but I also heard a rumor that they told travel agents today that there will be fireworks for both ships on July 4th so who knows!

We thought the same thing and also booked a taxi tour. Seems they run around $50-70/hour for four people so it’s not too bad when Royal is charging $20/person for transfers alone. Depending on what time we actually get off the ship, we’re just going to do some sightseeing for 2-3 hours and then straight to the airport.

We had a snorkeling trip canceled in St. Thomas two years ago due to problems with the boat so we found out at the dock. We were offered an alternative at a lower price so we received refundable onboard credit. While better than before the pier and seemingly more successful than Disney going into Castaway Cay, there are definitely days when it’s too rough to dock at Coco Cay, particularly in the winter months when high winds and rough seas are more common.

W just had our July excursion for Freeport through Royal cancelled yesterday. Disappointing as the “VIP Sailing and Snorkeling” sounded good even though it was on the pricey side. There weren’t many great options to begin with and now even fewer left available. We started looking into some private offerings but haven’t found too much other than some expensive day passes at resorts. Anyone have any suggestions for Freeport excursions? Thanks in advance!