WAAAYTOOO

I think limiting your exposure for a defined period of time prior to cruising is very wise.  I actually never thought about it but it makes sense.

No shows are handled the same as cancellations.  The amount of port fees and taxes are refunded to the original form of payment.

Yes, Denise, you are right.  If FroggyFlo is upgraded into a full suite, the price of her VOOM package will be refunded as onboard credit.  If the onboard credit is not used during the cruise (in other words, you end up with a negative balance), that $$ amount will be refunded to the credit card used to pay for your seapass account.

So the bottom line is...you will NOT "lose" the money you spend on the internet package.  It will get reimbursed to you, one way or the other.

Tim B. I am so proud of you and so happy that this was handled so quickly, appropriately and best of all, satisfactorily !!!  I have been using Michelle Cunningham (MEI)([email protected]) for many years and know the dedication and professionalism that she provides.  What I also knew, but have had little chance to share with everyone, is the fact that she is a GENIUS and can work miracles !!!  So, #1 I'm happy and proud that this went so well for you but #2 I am SO shocked and thrilled to see that Royal did the right thing here !!!  The bottom line is, they had absolutely no obligation to do ANYthing for you at all.  But it seems, b/c YOU did the right they, THEY turned around and did the right thing, too !!!

This is the kind of good news story that rarely gets shared.  Bad news travels far and wide but good news usually gets left behind. It's so heart-warming to know that doing the right thing (as you did) is occasionally rewarded !  Well done !!!!!

Yes, Private Destinations (I think that’s what it’s called !) can be $$

Yippee !  A new SC blog.  My favorite kind !

1.  You did the right thing by changing from the corner GLS to the OLS.  While still a corner unit, it will be much bigger.  Well done.

2.  Yen is awesome. You will love her.  Tell her Dan and Raye say “hi”. We just saw her a few weeks ago.  It was nice to see her.

3.  I’m sure you’ve received this information already, but be sure to keep your luggage with you until after you have checked in with the SC greeter.  Make sure Yen knows that you expect  your luggage to be taken upstairs.  You will regret having to schlep it up the stairs yourself, if you don’t.

I love being Star Class on the Q class ships.  There are so many things for which a Genie is particularly helpful.  Make sure that when you go to see Spectra, you are not sitting in the ver, very front.  If you do, there will be activity happening behind you and you tend to miss some of it.

I’m so excited for you !  First SC Cruise is so exciting.

18 minutes ago, emsff02 said:

I second the single malt, but from Islay. That red one looks interesting.

You, Pamici and my Dan would get along fine.  He is also a single malt Scotch guy. I think it smells like a**.

1 hour ago, Jon Cooper said:

Hi All, 

    My wife and I are going on our FIRST EVER cruise this coming summer in June on Harmony of the Seas.  One of the ports we will be visiting is Cozumel.  We are not really into sitting at the beach all day and after looking around we had several things would would like to see, including... San Gervasio, The Mayan Bee Sanctuary, Punta Sur (Caracol, the Lighthouse, and some natural beauty), and Swimming with a manatee at Chankanaab.  I know this is a lot, and I had a couple questions I was hoping all of you knowledgable folks might be able to help with. 

1. Would a whirlwind tour of things like this be doable/reasonable?  
2. Since these things are spread all over the island should we hire a taxi Driver for the whole day?
   1. If so, do you recommend a particular company or driver?
   2. How much should this cost?

If this sounds ridiculous please let me know, I a a first timer and would love to have some folks with experience to give advice on this!

Thanks, 

-Jon

It doesn’t sound ridiculous at all.  In fact, you are waaay ahead of the game by already knowing what you want to see.  This is precisely the situation for which Royal Caribbean developed the Private Destinations program.  I have never done this, but “@Matt” has.  Hopefully he can provide some information.  

1 hour ago, Va4fam said:

Booked next January for 11 night Southern Caribbean on Anthem from Bayonne.   318 days to go.  Our 2nd time on Anthem.   St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and San Juan are the ports we are visiting.    Never been to any of these ports or on a cruise this long. 

Might be too early to use Cruise Planner for onboard activities/dining/beverages, but would like some suggestions or advice on shore excursions.  We enjoy snorkeling, catamaran sailing, relaxing at a beach (even better if there's a bar), hiking, and exploring.   I enjoy taking pictures and my wife enjoys shopping for clothes and jewelry.

I've done a little research and read many trip reports and shore excursions but there are so many choices it's hard to narrow down the field.  What are your favorite places to go/activities to do at these destinations?   Do any of these activities sell out far in advance?  Our anniversary coincides with our St. Maarten day if anyone has any crazy romantic ideas to share.

 

Congratulations!  This sounds like the perfect cruise for early January !  11 nights is a great length.  Very good choice.

Chances are, not much will be available to book quite yet but it is NEVER too early to start planning.  I’m so excited for you. The snorkeling in St. Maarten has always been disappointing, to me.  I would probably save that for a different port. San Juan is a great “on-your-own” kind of port with so much history and local sightseeing.  There’s a lot of time to make decisions but doing your research will make the time pass much more quickly.  

1 hour ago, DaiC01 said:

Thanks yes I tried that web page but keep getting "only available 30 days prior to embarkation" massage,

That's the same message I always get regardless of when I try to use it.

1 hour ago, DaiC01 said:

I've heard via Facebook that people are getting Royal Up invites for the cruise I'm on in April 30th, what is the criteria for getting such emails? I've been on the Royal Up web page but it says I cant bid until 30 days before embarkation.

1st time with RC

Not every one receives the RoyalUp offers.  There’s no way to “get invited”.  I have read of others being permitted to bid by using the website you referenced, but personally, I don’t believe it.  IMO, unless you get the email invitation, or at least, unless they INTENDED that you get the email invitation, you will not be able to bid.

Thanks !!!!  Sorry its over so soon !!!!

1 hour ago, PRebecca said:

Caught my eye here: DH insisted on the Key (I think he liked the seats on Nav with the Key and the welcome lunch and getting internet anyway) for our May trip on Indy in a JS; can I ask what prompts your dropping it if you're awarded a RU to GS or OS? Do those come with Internet? I wondered about dropping the key when we were in a similar situation in September but thought it was too close to sailing date to cancel if you're awarded your RU a day or 2 before sail date.

 

I appreciate your input on this

Internet is complimentary with full suites only on Oasis and Quantum class ships.

57 minutes ago, Anastasia said:

Had a question: what if you feel unwell for some reason, a few days before boarding? What’s the procedure then?

 

I don’t know the true answer to your question, but if you answered “yes” to either of the first 2, my guess is you wou be denied boarding with a cruise fare refund. 
 

If you answer “yes” to #3, my guess is that you would be referred to health care professionals who would conduct a more thorough evaluation of your current condition; then a decision would be made about boarding.

In either case, it is my understanding that your cruise fare would be fully refunded, if you are denied boarding,  if they did not refund your cruise fare, people would simply lie about their history or health condition and that would completely defeat their screening process.

1 hour ago, Angieb said:

Hope it’s okay for me to comment because I haven’t been on cruise yet. Going on Ovation in September Hawaii to Sydney but I am looking forward to sitting on my balcony alone with a glass of wine in the evening.  Sure that will be my happy place.

 

Of course you can comment !  Happy to have you on the blog.

I completely understand the obsession with the Aqua Theater view.  It was my first Sirens Song for the “tippy top” suites.  In the end, I do agree with Sabrina that the Deck 17 suites are more glamorous, but you will never convince someone who has the ATS lust so it’s best to just get it out of your system.  The truth is, these days, they (ATS) are a bit more affordable anyway, so they are a good Segway drug.  Hmmm...that doesn’t sound good, does it ? 

Wow, that week went by fast !!!  I can't believe it's already over.  Thanks for taking us with you.

On 3/1/2020 at 5:54 PM, SpeedNoodles said:

• Mr. SpeedNoodles has declared Symphony of the Seas as his favorite ship, and wants to book more Oasis-class cruises.  We don't have one booked until Allure in Jan 2022 and I don't know where we'll fit one in between now and then.  

He gets extra points !!  I'm so glad he liked the O class.  How 'bout you ?  What did you think ?

We have B2B Star Class cruises booked on Oasis 9-23 Jan 2022.  Can't wait !!!!!  We won't be on Symphony until August 14, 2021.

On 3/1/2020 at 5:54 PM, SpeedNoodles said:

• 30 SPF sunscreen doesn't do a damn thing to protect skin that hasn't seen the sun for 5 years.

I am also familiar with this phenomenon.

3 weeks ago when we boarded the shortened Anthem cruise, there was absolutely no delay whatsoever.  They asked a couple of very generic screening questions and off we went.  I wouldn't expect any delays unless there is something in your travel history (passport) that indicates you have traveled through any of the restricted areas.

31 minutes ago, gi333 said:

My cruise from the 19 April on freedom of the seas dropped and is cheaper now then back in August when we booked. We are talking about 150$. it's not much but they refuse to credit me.  Should I keep trying? 

They will not credit you.  Final payment date has passed for this cruise.  You will not be able to get any kind of refund.  What you MIGHT be able to do is upgrade to a higher cabin category for no additional money.  That is the only option you have.

1 minute ago, MicDay said:

I did just call, I figured they could say no.

I actually got a great C&A rep, the best I've ever had, he listened.

The call started with a question about the Royal Up.  We were in 2 family interior staterooms.  The RU offer was for a OV balcony (highest level, rest were for OV staterooms)

I was asking if I could receive another offer for a stateroom more comparable to the my current size.  I mentioned the price the Suite guarantee was and he asked if I wanted to upgrade.  I said Yes.

Not sure why it worked the way it did, this is only our second cruise with RC.

Maybe one of the way more experienced cruisers can explain?

 

Great news !!!!  Every once in a while you get a good one.  I'm so glad it worked for you the way it's supposed to !!!  Congratulations

Just now, SpeedNoodles said:

He's doing The Floss!!!  You're right! I hadn't noticed that, LOL!!

Is that the name of that ridiculous dance ?  LOL  THANKS !!  That's 2 things you've taught me today !

2 minutes ago, smap said:

Experienced cruisers.... do you know what the deepest discount RC will offer on the beverage packages is? Right now they are doing 30% off. Should I snag that now? Or could it go lower? Is it truly a savings to buy it now vs. on the ship? Thanks!

Never ever EVER look at the percentage discount.  It is nothing but a red herring.  Just look at the bottom line - what is the product/event going to cost, in the end ?  That's all that matters.  The percentage discount is based on the full onboard price and they never disclose what that price is, prior to the cruise.  Currently, if your Deluxe Beverage Package is $51 or lower and you are interested in buying the DBP, GET IT.  It's more than likely not going any lower than that.  Also, you must realize that, in addition to the $51 PP/PD, they are going to tack on another 18% gratuity, so it will be even higher than $51...but that's going to happen no matter what price they are charging.

...and finally, even if the price does go down after you purchase the package, you can always cancel what you have and rebuy at the lower price.

You know what I love about that little puppy towel ?  I love how his little legs are just slightly bent in the same direction.  It's like he's doin' that dance where you swing your arms and your legs in opposition.  I'm sure there's a name for it...but I'm too old and uninterested to find out what it is.  But I love that he's doing it !!

3 minutes ago, Mljstr said:

It says departure is May 2021 not 2020 so I am assuming they anticipate the virus will be gone by then,

Ahhhhh.....