Jax

Updated North American Testing Protocols Received an email this morning for updated testing protocols for guests aged 2-11 affecting sailings on or after Dec 17th. Darn! I was still holding out hope they will go back to 3 day testing.

@Babsy47I can’t add much to the advice from @WAAAYTOOO. When our friends decided to join us last minute I was concerned about the star class non star class perks and how we could make it work. Before they booked I explained to them the star class perks that Lindsay, Reyd and I would receive and that I was reasonably confident their dining reservations could be booked by our genie since they had the UDP and refreshment package. I addressed the elephant in the room right away by letting Shane know that I understood that star class perks didn’t extend to our friends because I think if you don’t it can be awkward going forward in pre cruise planning. In our case he said he would include them in our entertainment; I didn’t ask. I will report along the way on how this works. I know our situation is different than yours as yours is family vs our friends but our experiences may help.

So exited for you guys! We got introduced to star class on Anthem too. So many fun things to do. With your sea days, you won’t be rushed to get it all in. Look forward to following along. Cheers to 10 years

If only testing was this easy.

Star Class Inclusions Sugar Beach, Starbucks and Playmakers are new venues for us this time so I wasn’t sure what items were included. Sugar Beach – Ice creams are included in your package, however all other items, candy etc are of a chargeable nature. Starbucks hand craft coffee and drink specials are included, however all snacks are of a extra charge Playmakers Sundae is included in your package

This felt good! In case you are curious I purchased the luggage tag holders off Amazon.

So far so good I am more worried about Trudeau changing protocols while we are away.

I am so glad you hear your review and that you loved it! Just another thing I love about this community

agree. I don’t see quarantine as a viable option because how do they enforce it…but we have seen stranger things happen throughout this pandemic so anything is possible. Let’s hope for some encouraging news tomorrow.

This article was updated this morning, confirming what others have said about anticipated changes to testing protocols and more. Ugh https://globalnews.ca/news/8415501/us-covid-travel-rules-omicron-variant/

I agree, we got copies of our immunization records a few months back before the QR codes. I had them narrow down the search results to show only the Covid vaccines. But that’s Alberta; not sure about Ontario. It doesn’t provide all the required information but it will supplement the QR code.

Oh no! I had mine printed prior to the new QR code. I don’t know how things work in Ontario but in Alberta the immunization records show the “region of service/delivery management site”. So that may be something to explore.

Let’s hope you are right but recent reporting surrounding omicron are concerning. https://globalnews.ca/news/8412593/hong-kong-canada-omicron-covid-19-travel-restrictions/

Alberta’s new QR code for domestic and international travel does not include the administering physical or medical services provider which is a requirement of Royal’s proof of vaccination. I reached out to the executive office and provided a copy of my QR code for clarification and this was their response. Since your vaccination card does not include the administering physical or medical services provider, we highly recommend for you to bring any supporting documents to ensure you have a smooth boarding experience. I am not sure whether Ontario’s QR code shows this information. I obtained this information from our our public health unit and will take it in addition to the QR code. BTW, We checked in on Nov 4th and our vaccination status switched to validated last week.

Proof of Vaccination Update Alberta’s QR code for domestic and international travel became available last week. When comparing it to Royal’s proof of vaccination requirements I noticed the QR code did not include the administering physical or medical services provider. I sent an email along with a copy of my QR code to the executive office for clarification. Here is the response: Since your vaccination card does not include the administering physical or medical services provider, we highly recommend for you to bring any supporting documents to ensure you have a smooth boarding experience. I was able to get printed copies of our immunization history from local public health that contains the service provider so we now meet all Royals proof of vaccination requirements. One more thing off the todo list

This is going to be so much fun! Hope to see you in CK on night 1. Yay! We had family do this excursion and a huge plane took off. They were finding sand in hard to reach places days later. It was a full body exfoliation. Lol We laugh so hard watching the You Tube videos. I really hope there is a plane during our time there. It will be a highlight for our son.

Well since you asked…yup. Festivus isn’t Festivus without the pole. LOL

I have never tried Lobster Thermidor but it sounds yummy

I think I will put it on the list and tell Lindsay Sabrina recommends the Garden Martini. Lol

That’s so nice to hear! Pass along any gift ideas that you know she will love.

Genie News Shane and I are off to a great start! I love his communication style; he is succinct and always verifies back any wishes, requests or general comments so you know he read them. He usually replies within 3 or 4 days which I am totally fine with because A) my requests are not time sensitive and B) that means he is making genie magic with his onboard guests. Some are curious what pre cruise communication with your genie looks like or what types of requests people make so here is some insight into ours: Dining - Formal nights are on Nights 3 & 6. I have provided a list of dining venues (Chops, Giovanni’s, Izumi Hibachi, CK) and a couple specific nights for certain restaurants but otherwise I am letting Shane tweak it as needed. He is including our friends with the unlimited dining plan on all specialty dining reservations. Exception being Coastal Kitchen (which I didn’t request because access is restricted to Suite guests) Question: We were planning on skipping 150 Central Park because the menu seemed so so at first look but based on @Lovetocruise2002recommendation I am giving it a second look. What are your thoughts and favourite menu items??? Lunches we will plan as we go but will include Playmakers, Portside BBQ, Johnny Rockets, Izumi and Dog House. Entertainment - the onboard Entertainment schedule is not finalized so in the meantime I highlighted the shows that we want to see; Aqua 80, One Sky, Frozen in Time, Stand up Comedy, Adult Comedy, Headliner. I wasn’t sure how reservations would work with our friends because they are not entitled to star class perks and I would never ask for them to be included. Our plan was for them to book once onboard and try to match it up to our schedule but Shane said he would include them in our reservations. Activities - VIP wristbands will be waiting for us to give us preferred access to certain onboard activities. We didn’t receive these on Anthem and trying to access this perk was awkward. This will be so much better. Question: We are new to Oasis class ships so would love you to share your favourite must do activities. Stateroom - Just some minor requests for bedding, pillow preference, preferred temperature in stateroom, fan in bedroom and I already reported on the balcony hot tub. Cami and Azis will be our Suite Attendants. Laundry - Reyd is sensitive to synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals so we will bring our own laundry pods. This worked well last time and we never found any of those laundry tags I hear about. Lol Shore excursions - The jet ski excursion had limited availability and I could not book both Reyd and Lindsay at the same time. It is now sold out but Shane said he will check with his onboard team about possible availability once we are onboard. He will also have his onboard team select us a nice over water cabana. Bridge and Ship tours - these are still temporarily on hold but Shane will advise of any changing CDC guidelines. I knew this already but am hoping this protocol changes by Christmas as this is a highlight of ours Communication will be through Facebook messenger as we get closer to our sail date. This worked well last time so I am happy to hear we will use it again. Celebrations - we have arranged for a chocolate mousse cake for Reyd's 16th and will discuss other celebrations once onboard.

Ooh I see the urban garden martini high lighted on their menu. I can’t make any promises but we will see. Lol I will put it back in play. Cucumbers are a hard no for the 2 men in my life.

No plans to eat at 150 CP; we need a longer cruise to get them all in.

Izumi Hibachi menus. Hibachi wasn’t on Anthem so we are looking forward to this experience.

We have no plans to do Chef’s Table.