CJS2766

Kinda off topic, but I bought the 3 pack for my wife and I. Thoughts on is the 1 spare test enough in case either of us need it or what do I do now???

10 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Yes, insurance has to pay at least $12 per test (so the 6 test kit would get you $72 back)

Great! I assume that I need to contact my insurance company then!

Hello all,

I searched before posting this and forgive me if I did indeed miss it. Does anyone know if you purchase the Covid test kits from RC if they are reimbursable from your insurance company? In the past we have always been able to go to a CVS or Walgreens, but we have a upcoming Alaska cruise in 65 days and with flying in early, we only have 1 day where we can test. I decided to purchase the test kit from RC and try it at home. Our previous tests have always been free. Are these kits eligible for a refund through insurance? We have BC/BS if that makes any difference?

Thanks all!

Carlos

We've purchased the "Key" a couple of times and in my opinion? Nope, not worth it. I only tried it a second time to give it one more chance to compare it to our first experience with it. There are better ways to spend your money.

This reminds me somewhat of Las Vegas. We used to go all the time and then "resort fees" then charging you to park in the hotel that you are staying in, etc.. It got so unaffordable with all their "fees" that we stopped going. What was stated above is correct. As soon as one line does it, the rest will follow. I see them pushing the boundaries. 

The question is? How much is to much before people started bailing on cruising. I hope cruise lines consider how they go about charging even more "fees" If they aren't careful, I could see where people find it no longer a choice and decide to do something else.

1 hour ago, steverk said:

I think all the cruise lines would be reluctant to implement a charge on fully paid travelers.  IMO it will have a better look to raise prices on new bookings instead. 

I'd suggest booking anything you might take now before they implement this.

While I hope this would be the standard, with the crazy rise in oil right now, I'm waiting for the hammer to fall on all passengers (fully paid as well as those still paying) These are new times we are living with.

To me? this may possibly change how many cruises I now do in the future. We are being nickel and dimed to death (wish it was nickels and dimes vs dollars ) Pretty soon, cruising may not be a viable option (IMHO of course)

I saw this also. I wouldn't put it past RC to somehow add this even though I am paid in full for our May 2022 Alaska cruise. Also, is this going to be a per passenger charge? Just another way to milk customer for more money. If things don't get better soon, I may have to reassess my future cruises. 

2 hours ago, James K said:

Like say, a Helicopter ride to the Mendenhall Glacier instead of a bus.

That was the first thing I booked! 

If and that is a BIG "IF" is an extra $400 worth it for a JS? My only fear is that if I ever do get a JS, I'll never want to go back!  That's already happened with a inside cabin. I always used to book a inside cabin. I decided to try a outside balcony once and have never ever booked an inside cabin again. That's the fear if I keep moving up in room class 

Hello all,

Going on our first ever Alaska cruise in 74 days. I just received a "Royal Up" email. I currently have a nice standard outward facing balcony room that my MEI travel agent booked for me. I see that among all the room classes, a Junior Suite is priced at $200 PP on the Ovation. Is it even worth it to bid the minimum?

I understand, what is there to lose. I was curious if numbers of passengers now cruising makes a minimum bid no longer worth it. Back when we cruised last October, capacity was barley 40% and your chance at a RU bid was almost a sure thing. How about now? Thoughts??

I have 74 more days until Alaska!!! What do you recommend for clothing in May? How cold "could" it get in May???

Not trying to be unsympathetic, but it's up to the consumer to read all policies whenever booking a cruise or anything else. I get it that a lot of people maybe try to cruise on the cheap and therefore look for the cheapest price, but with that comes potential consequences.  Again, I am sorry this happened to you and wish you good health. All you can do now is to take this as a lesson learned and make sure it never happens to you again whether its with another cruise line or anything else. Always read the fine print and ask questions before plunking down any money.

Have to admit, kinda nervous as we cruise Alaska on May 19 (80 days) I have so much invested in this trip that I would be crushed if it gets cancelled. Really hoping this Canada thing is resolved soon. This is our first time to Alaska and we splurged in every facet of this trip. 

We cruise Alaska this May and I still owe $50.00! Checking now to see if there is any repricing. Doubt it! I always like paying about 98% way ahead and leaving a $50.00 to $100.00 balance just in case!

Does this mean that you "must" get the booster to cruise now? Kinda confused myself??? 

I'm just hoping by the time we cruise Alaska this May that we won't have to wear masks at all! (fingers crossed) 

Anyone else booked on this cruise or am I cruising this one solo 

Was hoping someone would have an idea as to how soon cruise planner sales start before a cruise. I've never really paid attention. I was hoping that this coming Black Friday nd any other major holidays that deals are announced that I would be able to purchase for a October 2023 cruise. To soon? Again, anyone have any idea the earliest that CP sales go live for a sailing? 6 months before? 8? ???? Thanks all!

2 hours ago, Riley said:

The gardens are worthwhile and she might change her mind... downtown Victoria (right at the harbor) has nice walking and some cute little shops, plus it's fun to watch the seaplanes take off and land.  If you have the time the Museum is really good and they have solid whale watching choices right there as well.

I like the sound of these options. Honestly? I think my wife would prefer this way more. Thank you for the advice!!!

Hello all,

Excited for our first ever Alaska cruise in May. I've been getting hit hard by the cruise planner sales recently. Thankfully, I purchased everything we wanted a while back during a "Black Friday" sale I believe?? This lead me to thinking? How far in advance do cruise planner sales go into effect? Reason I ask is because we just booked a Oct. 2023 cruise on the Harmony. While I am always checking prices, I was wondering? Is there a chance that come this October/BF, would cruise planner sales be active for a cruise a year from Oct 22?

I realize I can always purchase and cancel and rebuy if I find a better deal. I was just wondering what the general rule is for how soon sales will be available for a future cruise? Other than BF deals, typically, what are the other times Royal has "good" deals (and I use that word lightly )

We are staying at the Marriott Waterfront for our May cruise. This was recommended to us by our MEI TA and it looks nice and I like the location to everything.

17 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

If you are comfortable walking with luggage and taking public transportation there is a train from the airport that goes into Seattle which will end up being cheaper than Uber/Lyft.

That may be a possibility. Is the Tram/train close to the airport? The price difference I am seeing is crazy! Way cheaper to take the tram.

10 minutes ago, 12thman said:

Depends on the time of the day. Traffic in Seattle is terrible, if you are coming in the morning it'll be really slow about 30 to 45 minutes. Uber and Lyft are allowed to charge more for the ride to and from the airport as well as staying in the Seattle area. Strange that the city council allowed it but nowhere else can they do this? You might want to price it for Lyft since they allow it on their website.

Yea, we get in at 10:30. I figure by the time we make it out of the airport, it will be after 11:00. I also see there is a tram option? Would you recommend that? Sure is way cheaper than taxis and Uber/Lyft from what I am seeing.

27 minutes ago, 12thman said:

Good place to eat by Pike Place or SeaTac by the airport is 13 Coins. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner when they are open, wide variety of food. https://www.13coins.com/

Thank for the recommendation! Looking forward to spending the day there before our cruise. Any idea how long the drive would be from the airport to the Marriott Waterfront? Trying to decide which is better, Uber/Lyft or Taxi?

We are cruising Alaska in May as well. We are staying at the Marriott Waterfront per recommendation from our travel agent. Looks nice and close to a lot. Link below:

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seawf-seattle-marriott-waterfront/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2&y_source=1_NzQ4MDg4LTcxNS1sb2NhdGlvbi5nb29nbGVfd2Vic2l0ZV9vdmVycmlkZQ%3D%3D