S0nny

So I can only speak to what I observed and what I discussed with the instructors, but here's what I learned. You do not have to take another cruise from what the instructor said. We had a girl that couldn't get past her motion sickness, and gave up after her first open water dive. I specifically asked the instructor what happens to her now that she paid for all this, and she indicated that she would be credited with PADI to complete her certification once on land. She wouldn't need to book another cruise. She paid for 4 dives and the lessons. She completed the lessons and 1 dive... she would just need to complete the other 3 open water dives. This truly comes down to preference. I've certified both ways, and preferred certifying on the cruise ship. We had 2 Master Dive Instructors with the 9 of us the whole time... One lady always had difficulties equalizing... she had 1:1 instructor with her the whole time. I don't know if that is normal... but when I got my Jr. Open Water Cert... we had 1 instructor for like 15 of us... and my buddy/instructor was NOT interested in hanging around to make sure I was equalizing ok. I think it just goes to show there isn't a perfect answer for everyone. Collect as much info as you can and make the best informed decision you can and be adaptable ?

1000%... We packed too much "fun" into this cruise. Really you "shouldn't" be drinking... so there goes the wasted drink package, and if you're on a cruise with friends, at least 3 days will be dedicated to this. While there are no longer didactic classroom instructions (everything is online)... the time in the pool and then early mornings of excursions may be a drag for the other party members. I would 10/10 recommend getting certified on a cruise ship... I would just plan the cruise accordingly. (short 3-4 night, inside cabin, very cost effective) And I say this as someone who went through PADI Jr. Open Water Certification back when I was 16. It was a lot of night classes, a lot of rental fees, a lot of poor visibility and dive spots.

Looks like you and I are planning similar cruises! I would highly recommend you plan for some time in Rome if you have never been. With that being said, I don't think there is anything wrong with B2B cruises... but I think your instinct for the 10-11 night cruises may be a better way to enjoy the Med AND experience one of the most historical cities in the world. May I suggest planning some cushion days on the back end of your cruise (this way you aren't completely jet-lagged). We were able to see "everything" in the 3 days we had planned there. We are always so tired after our cruises... if you can plan for 4-5 relaxing days in Rome, enjoy the wine, see the sights (there are so many to see), eat the great food... you won't regret it... I promise.

This defines EXACTLY what is needed. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/qualifications-special-pricing To qualify for a military rate, an individual must be classified as one of the following: Active personnel currently serving in the Canadian National Defense; United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves. Proper identification in the form of a United States Uniformed Services WHITE Identification Card for U.S. military personnel, and a WHITE N.D.21 Identification Card with a Red Canadian Flag displayed for Canadian National Defense personnel, must be presented at time of check-in. Retired from any of the divisions listed directly above. "Retired" is defined as A) enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, B) medically retired, or C) 100% disabled. Proper identification for those classified in category A or B must be in the form of a United States Uniformed RED (Reserve retired personnel) or BLUE (Active Duty retired personnel) Identification Card. Proper identification for those classified in category C is a United States Uniformed TAN Identification Card. Retired Canadian National Defense personnel are eligible and must possess a green NDI-75 card (retired personnel). All forms of identification must be presented at time of check-in. Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years, or 6-months in an active war zone, in any of the United States service divisions listed above. Proper identification in the form of a DD 214, plus a current photo must be presented at time of check-in. Spouses of actively deployed military personnel are eligible to book one stateroom as long as the eligible spouse is occupying the stateroom. This rate also applies to all other guests traveling in the same stateroom. Spouses of deceased military personnel are also eligible for the military rate. As proof of eligibility, spouses must present the Pink or Tan Dependent Military ID upon check-in. All guests traveling in the same stateroom are eligible to receive the military rate. No additional staterooms, other than the one that is occupied by the military person is eligible for the military rate. Spouses, parents, in-laws, children or other family members or friends are not eligible for the military rate without the eligible military person occupying the stateroom.

Also if you get really sea-sick, discuss with your general practitioner a Scopolamine patch. (it is a transdermal patch worn behind the ears). In the UK it's called Scopoderm. As a natural alternative, ginger pills can help a lot! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! (... or in metric... 28.3 grams of prevention is worth 0.4 Kg of cure... doesn't sound as catchy...)

This is EXACTLY what they told me on our upcoming booking. I was attempting to reprice our cruise, and the agent ended up making excuses as to why he couldn't rebook; This went on for DAAAAYS. (he kept saying the "hold lines are super long" and "they aren't repricing cruises right now"... I used the advice from this blog. I called the service number and used the phone routing intended for travel agents (was connected in no time). Then I had to fight with the agent to release the travel agent's grip on our cruise. They said they are unable to do anything about it. I expressed that I HAD contacted the TA (who is the owner), and I kept getting the run around. The rep kept putting me on hold (I think they were just contacting the TA on another line). Lo and behold... I got an email from my TA saying the cruise had been rebooked for a lower price. The rep came back on the line and explained that everything should be corrected... and I insisted otherwise. After some back and forth, I eventually got an email, and was told I had to email them with my request. I emailed them, and no more than 2 days later, we were released. (not notified... I just noticed I could finally pay our balance online). The email is: [email protected] Good luck!

lol... we had the same trend... and now I can't even THINK of booking an inside stateroom ? Even though you don't get ALL the bigger suite perks for booking a Junior Suite, you can often can make up the (some) of the difference with The Key. It made financial sense to us on our last cruise because we normally buy internet. (plus... those double points help tremendously if you're like us and only cruise once a year).

We love a good clam shell case! And honestly nowadays... is it really worth it to spend hundreds of dollars on luggage?! That ish is just gonna get tore up. Save yourself the money and get a cheap set from Ross or TJ MAX... they always seem to have luggage on sale. For added bonus, we like using all 3 sizes when we travel! This means that if you didn't spring for the suite, you can shove them all in together like Russian nesting dolls, and toss em under the bed! (just don't be too cheap and opt for luggage that has 4 wheels and preferably ones that look like the one posted above!)

1. Good question... If this is a genuine concern of yours, I encourage you to contact your state and local representatives. Not a lot of people were up in arms when the regulatory agencies were telling me, a registered nurse taking care of COVID-19 patients, to reuse my surgical mask for a week (thereby exposing me and my family to take care of you and yours). If you insist on having a single-use disposable mask... they are selling a 50 pack for $9 bucks on Amazon... that's about 18 cents per mask. 2. Yes, I do realize that the masks are intended to be single use... desperate times call for desperate measures. 3. You do not need a respirator or N95 mask for getting a haircut, or going grocery shopping (especially when healthcare providers can barely get their hands on them). The masks are not intended to filter anything. They are intended to prevent the spreading of droplets. This can be done with a reusable mask, or a disposable surgical mask (Taiwan was able to confine the virus without shutting down the country by implementing mandatory facemasks and contract tracing with isolation). While I agree that the safety of reusable masks has not been thoroughly studied, surely it cannot be disputed that they are more safe than wearing nothing. (sorry to the OP... I'm not trying to hijack the thread... I just want to minimize disinformation)

The most important part of that citation seems to be something that was completely glossed over... Surgical masks are designed to capture bacteria from the wearer’s mouth, and prevent them from spreading to other surfaces (or people). While Wikipedia goes on to delineate between surgical masks and masks used to prevent airborne illnesses (like N95 masks or respirators), we can still use surgical masks to prevent infection through universal use. One of the primary benefits of wearing a surgical mask in the “healthy” is by acting as a physical barrier to your mouth and nose (something humans touch constantly without realizing it).

Both my spouse and I are former smokers... We avoid the casino and the smoke area on the pool deck (unless we are a few drinks in... and then those tasty smokey treats start smelling heavenly!!! lol)

Hi! These are vary valid questions. Unfortunately, the answer cannot be summed up in a meme. If you are really interested in the answer, feel free to review the literature below. These are all peer-reviewed research articles (and some of them are systematic reviews and meta-analysis). The TLDR: Masks work, but we use 6 ft because not everyone can/will a mask. 6ft work because science has shown social distancing to be the easiest intervention to implement on a grand scale. Social distancing COMBINED with masks substantially decreases the likelihood of spreading the virus. The lockdown is in place because science has shown that to be the BEST method to prevent the pandemic from spreading. Ahmed, F., Zviedrite, N., & Uzicanin, A. (2018). Effectiveness of workplace social distancing measures in reducing influenza transmission: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 18(1), N.PAG. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5446-1 Greer, A. L. (2013). Can informal social distancing interventions minimize demand for antiviral treatment during a severe pandemic? BMC Public Health, 13(1). doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-669 Hatchett, R., Mecher, C., & Lipsitch, M. (2007). Public health interventions and epidemic intensity during the 1918 influenza pandemic. The National Academy of Sciences, 104(18), 75825-7587. doi:10.1073/pnas.0610941104 Jefferson, T., Foxlee, R., Del Mar, C., Dooley, L., Ferroni, E., Hewak, B., & Rivetti, A. (2007). Interventions for the interruption or reduction of the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2007(4), 1-162. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006207 pub4/full Kelso, J. K., Milne, G. J., & Kelly, H. (2009). Simulation suggests that rapid activation of social distancing can arrest epidemic development due to a novel strain of influenza. BMC Public Health, 9(1). doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-117 Nicol, G. E., Piccirillo, J. F., Mulsant, B. H., & Lenze, E. J. (2020). Action at a Distance: Geriatric Research during a Pandemic. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. doi: doi: 10.1111/jgs.16443

Exactly this! haha I am desperately in need of a vacation... and I'm eyeballing an 11 day cruise out of Galveston in December... I could just sit on my balcony and get room-service and still be content! (as long as my room had quick access to a bar ?)

As others have mentioned, airport lounges are a great opportunity! But it really just depends on when you are sailing. If it is anytime this year, I would doubt it is possible to gain access to a lounge on your arrival (since most lounges are closed or limiting access as it is). Not to mention, the lounges are located in the terminals next to departure gates... you wouldn't be able to grab your bags and then head back in. (you could leave them on the turnstile... but that sounds riiiiiisky to me!) Military Hospitality Lounge is an option (if you have an honorable separation from military service) that's outside the TSA checkpoint... but they don't open until 09:00... and are ALSO under restriction right now. Even the shopping and restaurants appear to be closed... https://www.shopmiamiairport.com/

100% this! I wear a mask for work everyday (including gowns, gloves and goggles ?) I don't personally want to wear one when on vacation. I wouldn't mind wearing them in public spaces if it was required... but where is the line drawn? At the bar? In the theater? In the main dining room? We are heavy users of the UBP... might be a stinker to be constantly adjusting the mask to get my drink on. And don't even get me started on hand-washing...

Hi! I found this info about Travel Router Blog on these forums. It might be of some help. Another thing to consider (besides the terms and conditions, which seems to prevent the unauthorized use of more than one person); Most smart phones/tablets have the ability to create a personal "hotspot". If one phone/tablet is connected, you may be able to connect through there without needing to buy a router.

In search of a quality TA ? Last year we booked through a TA that was an authorized AMEX TA. We were hoping that it would mean we could get the same 5X the point bonus when booking, but sadly, in spite of this TA "assuring" it would qualify, it didn't. We got some other perks (like champagne and the same promo cruise credit that was offered online), just not the point bonus. This is a huge draw for us because it makes the difference between getting Medallion status with our airline. I reached out to the TA about a price adjustment, and he basically said there were long hold times and he couldn't get through... If we aren't getting the points AND he's not willing to sit on hold... I'm not really seeing the draw. We are just going to call RC tomorrow and see what can be done. I'm not sure if there is a way that a TA can be removed from your reservation... but we might have to go the route of just figuring it out ourselves...

I’m an early riser (while my husband is a sleep-till-2 kinda guy ??) WJ is the quickest and preferred place to grab a quick bite! We rarely (if ever) eat dinner there though. Usually only if we missed other options.

Oh no! I’m sorry ? I did a search of the blogs and saw some of your live posts mentioning your booking; I just thought I was missing it. You have the same thoughts about the perks as I do. I’ll keep my fingers crossed it all works out ?? Thanks! You’re right... ours is. I didn’t think of that. As much as I love the balcony, I love being one of the few awake to watch the sunrise. There’s something serene about being on a huge empty deck watching the sunrise. Didn’t think about the concierge club! Thanks ? (we definitely aren’t Diamond Plus ??... it’s a shame my Royal Caribbean tier isn’t the same as my Royal Caribbean Blog status ?) This is a group cruise, so the exclusivity is actually a negative if we can’t spend it with our friends. (Although... giving a few high-browed downward glances at our friends in steerage would be funny ?) That was our favorite too... much to consider.

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Alright y'all! We are less than a year out from our cruise on Freedom of the Seas ? We originally booked a Junior Suite, but the Oceanview Panoramic Suite (VP - No Balcony) is calling my name! (And so are the suite amenities ?) The cost is really not that big of a difference. We were planning on purchasing The Key, so some of the benefits are similar. The hubby hates the idea of losing a balcony (we LOVED having one on Harmony), but the idea of the HUGE WINDOW is a big draw for me. Any input?! @Lovetocruise2002 I think I saw that you did the VP on your Indy sailing in 2019, but I couldn't find a live blog. Thanks in advance!!

IF you are considering doing the parks on a compressed schedule, consider Disney After Hours!! It looks like Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom might be your best bet if vacationing in August. It costs about 30-40 bucks more than normal tickets, BUT: You can enter the park as early as 7pm (just when some families are clearing out) You get FREE snacks, drinks, and novelty ice-cream (unlimited!!) The park closes usually an hour earlier to everyone else, and stays open EXCLUSIVELY for you and your family. It is a limited ticketed event (when we went, it felt like there were only 20 other people in the park with us! lol) We got to ride on Flight of Passage as much as we wanted! (we tried every seat haha) No SUMMER HEAT! Universal has similar events (and some early morning opening hours). All of it is in limbo right now, but just wanted to give you some solutions!

We cruise for the adventure and opportunity to meet new people. For me, the benefits don't outweigh the risks. I don't know why, but I routinely get sick when I go on vacation lol... I couldn't imagine adding a pandemic into the mix ? They would probably have to medivac me on a helicopter! We cruise in less than a year from now, so I'm team vaccine.

^^ This! Sitting and listening to the guitar covers while enjoying a glass of wine (or 3 ?) is always a favorite pastime

They are waterproof! We got Wow bands with our JS (so don't be like us and rush to get in line to buy them, and then have to wait in another line to have them credit us again!). We weren't huge fans of them. It was convenient if we were just going to the pool or to grab a bite real quick. Not all of the bars were able to scan them on Harmony when we went. That meant we needed to bring them just in case and that kinda defeats the point. And even if the bar took them, sometimes the scanner would be amid passengers or on the other side of the bar; it just made for some weird Twister-like body contortions ? And at dinner, it was just easier to take out a card vs. taking off a watch-band.