WAAAYTOOO

For me it’s perfect, just a touch cool so it feels refreshing but warm enough that you just want to stay in and chill

You may be onto something.  There are hornets and there are murder hornets.  I'll take a plain hornet sting any day over the other.  

If so, then the next variant may be called the CV-19 'Murderer Variant.'
That should give the media enough room to scare everyone into getting vaccinated.
They can use scary music, then shock flash hospital beds on the screen.
I lost a cousin to CV-19 in January.
This constant reach for a new deadly variant name and hype is sort of insulting to the really deadly first version.
I don't want in 2025 to hear CV-19 A6Z9 variant.

This is on CDC's twitter feed today. 
The cruise lines after July 18th should ignore the CDC. They would have 2 year olds in masks in all indoor spaces. The cruise lines shouldnt require anyone 2 and older to wear masks. 
Once upon a more rational time, this would be considered child abuse. 
 

This video might help visualize the drop-off layout. 7 minute mark is the normal drop-off area. Goal drop-off area is coming in view at the 7:23 mark.
 

Let's hope this gains some traction
 
https://thehill.com/homenews/news/562183-rand-paul-vows-to-introduce-public-transportation-mask-mandate-repeal

Hallelujah !

We are all vaccinated for our August Allure cruise. If the mask protocols are still in effect, we have no plans to cancel our cruise. If I have to wear a mask for a short time to go from one place to another and when I get there I'm not required to wear a mask, I'm fine with that. I certainly understand where everyone is coming from on this point. As others have said it is a personal preference. This is the last cruise for my in-laws as their health is not that great, and we are all looking for forward to it. 

We will be booking for Harmony Nov. 2022

I recently bought a wig for $1.
It was a small price toupee.

You are such a wealth of knowledge! I have read one of your blogs about the luggage. ??  Girl I will not give it to anyone lol! I am practicing my “hands off the luggage!” moves ?

Not only have you booked the only Oasis class ship that has been amplified, you also are going to be sailing out of the new terminal in Miami, which is another big bonus !!  The suites lounge (if they are using it...which I would be very very surprised if they are not) is a completely separate area with separate elevator access.  There will be a Star Class greeter outside of the terminal that will get you where you need to go.  Do NOT give your luggage to anyone until after you check in with the SC greeter.  Your Genie will meet you in the suites waiting lounge and escort you onto the ship. Congratulations !!  Nice digs for your first Royal Caribbean cruise !

I am always grateful when I can travel and vacation.
I am also grateful for speedos, they provide so much entertainment. Nobody should wear them but everyone who does looks so confident.

A masked day on a cruise ship is better than an unmasked day at home ?

Caribbean countries are still free to set their entry requirements... They're making adjustments because they need the tourism revenue.
Another thing I don't see mentioned wrt other entry requirements is the fact that there are without exception carve outs for age. A child does not need to be vaccinated (or in some cases even tested) to travel to most European countries with vaccination requirements for adults.

@Patta_Conna I love this! Congratulations and have a great time! We have a Crown Loft Suite reserved for our next two cruises. I just might consider doing the Royal Up (but I am looking forward to deck 17).

Just my opinion.
I’m sitting at bars and in restaurants here in NJ with people who may or may not be vaccinated…nobody is masked.  Surely the children at the next table are unvaccinated and unmasked. I go to stores, entertainment venues, parties, malls and public places where it seems life is almost back to normal and hardly anyone is masked. I understand the reasoning given aboard a cruise ship is because so many are there for so long. But, how long does it take to spread from one to another? If aerosol is the method of spread, then a single breath should be enough. I think the air circulation and cleaning protocols now in place on cruise ships are way superior to those in other land based places. Their future business depends on showing how cruising can be a safe and healthy vacation destination. I am in no way diminishing the terrible effect this pandemic has had on anyone. I say this because some of my friends have as their default position…”how dare you ignore those who have suffered”.  But I think it’s time for a reasonable relaxation of the CDC’s stranglehold…and I think the next couple of weeks will be the time when that happens. 
Just my opinion.

What, me worry? I am vax'ed. Let the unvaxed board, sit at my MDR table, chat beside me in the casino, laugh and cheer at the entertainment right next to me, come visit my SC cabin without a mask, have the same freedoms I have on board. And children are not a problem with CV-19, so do not restrict others for bringing their children. It is a 'Family Cruise Line'.

Before any wonder, I am a father of 9, gained 6 more children when I remarried, 40 Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, but not to worry, none are cruising until March 2022, so I have no horse in the unvaxed children issue.

I understand the risks.
I understood them before I made the reservation, when the CDC had released no requirements.
I understood them when I made the reservation before there was a vaccine.

Some may feel me foolish, but the standard for rights in America has always metaphorically been, "Others freedoms end where my nose begins."

I know, airborne virus. But according to the same CDC that started this dilemma, I am all but no way a carrier or high risk for serious recipient of CV-19.

I am tired of Big Brother looking over my shoulder.



 

We got our Genie questionnaire yesterday (Symphony, 43 days out).  That's the good news.  The bad news is, we cancelled the cruise, yesterday.  ?

Explorer OTS - July 9, 2022 - Southern Caribbean from Miami
We will celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary on the second sea day of the itinerary.

I never forget that its a blessing to be able to be on a cruise! I don't take them for granted.

Thanks @twangster  They sure are dragging this out !!  I need to know what the SHIP protocols are going to be !!!  I guess they will withhold that as long as they can.

soon!
 

So far, I know I won't be going on Vision class again. it wasn't a bad experience but the ship (Enchantment) felt too small and dated and there wasn't much to do on my own.
 
If RCI gives them a more impressive amplification, I'd probably try them again, but I think they are too old for RCI to really care about  or even be able to refitting them to be like the larger ships . Plus, they do offer cruisers of a different variety an calmer ship since the Freedom and newer classes gear more toward high-energy fun.

My advice for first time Royal cruisers….
Prepare to be hooked on Royal! Ships, service, activities, entertainment, food, fellow cruisers, value, itineraries…and above all…the friendly crews! 
Enjoy your first Royal cruise and best wishes for many, many more!