Mrs. Thomas

4 hours ago, Neesa said:

I agree with @Ogilthorpe seriously reading my mind. To add to it I feel like the CDC is "enjoying" their "celebrity" right now.....and they want to continue to feel relevant, so go after the cruise industry. They stay relevant and they "ONLY" really hurt this industry/people. It's easy because of the "not US flagged" situation. 

I just returned from a drive over at Clearwater Beach Florida. The place was packed, license plates from everywhere that is still locked down, no CDC comments there, it was a sea of people enjoying themselves. 

Enough CDC we get it you're the schoolyard bully and only have us to pick on, everyone else told you to pound salt, time to lift the no sail order, the cruise lines will " police" themselves, get out of their way! RANT OVER....

Be safe, stay healthy....wash your hands, let's get some direction and sail. 

I agree. They are the nerd in class that just got more power and they are now going to flex their muscles awhile. I wonder if the cruise lines could sail out of other places not controlled by the CDC and just never touch US soil that is regulated by the CDC. All of the ships are based in places like the Bahamas. Could it be a loophole? I would gladly take a flight in order to cruise.

2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

The best way to handle this situation would be to go ahead and book the “replacement” cruise now with a fully refundable deposit.  That way you can be sure to get the cabin that you want and you will be ready if they cancel your August cruise.  Royal has a temporary policy in place at the moment that will allow you to hold a reservation without a deposit but there are some limitations which your TA should be able to help you with.  If your August cruise is cancelled then you can either get a refund or have an FCC issued....but both of these options are taking a LONG time to execute.  If your August cruise is not cancelled then you can cancel the replacement cruise and get your deposit back if you paid one.

I don't have the money for another deposit or to pay for another cruise. I also don't want to wait another year to do this. This is my family vacation. It is also a birthday present for my MIL from my husband. Honestly, if they cancel I may cry. I may have to just contact my TA to see what he says. I have found a date in October that is the same itinerary. I don't want to postpone it if I don't have to because my kids will have to miss school if we go in October. Why is it that a tube with wings that is smaller doesn't catch the crap that a huge ship does?

2 hours ago, Andrew72681 said:

If you are looking to do the same time frame next year (+- 4 weeks) you could lift and shift right now provided it was a standard rate, Lift and Shift doesn’t apply to casino rates. 

I am looking at October. I don't care to wait another year to cruise. I also don't have the money for another deposit.

So far my cruise hasn't been cancelled, but it isn't looking good as we are going in mid August. How soon can you reschedule your cruise after it is cancelled? Do you have to wait for your FCC to be given first? I am using a TA, but it is hard to contact them right now. I already know when I want to go if RC cancels this one. TIA

73 more days.....Let's hope that things really will get going on August 1st!

I was afraid of this! I'm sorry for everyone who's cruise was cancelled. It makes me more nervous about mine in August. I also hope that any changes won't suck the fun out of cruising no matter when they decide to resume. Maybe this will mean that most, if not all, ports will be back open and they won't have to change itineraries.

1 hour ago, whitsmom said:

Years ago (after a Noro outbreak) we sailed on RCCL (can't remember which ship). The WJ buffet was there; however, you weren't allowed to serve yourself.  They are servers to put the serving on your plate as you held it.  This was also the first time that they started the hand sanitizer before entrance to the WJ (at least for us it was the first time).  I think that they will possibly do this once cruising starts back.  Some people complained (and some of the complainers were the ones who refused to use the hand sanitizer); however, I welcomed it so I didn't have to touch a serving handle that everyone else had touched.   I think some people just refuse to let someone else tell them what they can and can't do.

I think it is hard for people to be told what to do. I honestly hate most sanitizers as their smell irritates my allergies, however I will endure it if it means getting back to cruising without much hassle. Making WJ a new "pay restaurant" would be a big mistake. It would cause even more people to eat in the MDR and the crowds would be atrocious! There are many cruisers, some loyal to RCCL many not, who won't cruise with RCCL if there isn't more than one free food place where they can get more than just snacks. They would choose other lines. I think that any changes would be temporary and that only loyal RCCL cruisers will be ok with dealing with them. Just my thoughts. 

20 hours ago, Andrew72681 said:

If it’s only five I’d recommend the 2 bedroom grand suites, especially the ones on Oasis on deck 12 that still have the private hot tubs. If you can find a star class room, the Aquatheatre suites hold more than five. If you can find a bunch of friends. The villa will hold all of you, up to 14. 

At some point I would like an Aquatheatre suite. It would be cool to watch a performance from the balcony of my room. However, I don't think that we will have quite that much money this time. It's on the bucket list though.

20 hours ago, dodgestang said:

If you can swing it and can afford it....the Royal lofts are the most comfortable way to sleep 5 in a 'single room' in my opinion.  I always try to get them with just my smaller mob of 4......they have 2 separate rooms with bed configs that can be for couples or singles....plus a pull out in the main living room so no need to have an ugly roll away sitting around in the corner during the day time.  It also comes with the added benefits of star class meaning all specialty dining, drinks,  and wifi included....plus a Genie (personal/dedicated concierge that does everything for you that you will need on the ship).

Many have report that if add up the food, wifi, and drinks....the star class level isn't much more than standard suites.

It's easy to spend other peoples money though so I will say 2 simple adjoining rooms with balconies (not suites) are far cheaper as an alternative to think about.

Considering 2 of the guests are children, ages 7 and 11, some of the extras of a royal suite, though nice, are not needed. I honestly could care less about what a roll away looks like in the room during the day since we will rarely be in there. However, the idea of 2 adjoining rooms sounds about like what we may do. We were getting 2 rooms anyway, though were unable to get adjoining rooms for my original booking. My MIL snores, so a separate room may be a good idea.   All of these is hypothetical as of now. Our cruise hasn't been canceled yet. It is for the middle of August. I'm just trying to keep an open mind and see positives in all of this just in case. If you have a plan B already in the works, then if plan A goes bad you don't have to be too upset.

I apologize, I was thinking of an Oasis class ship mostly. However, it would be nice to know for other classes. I have only been on Oasis class though. It sounds like I will just need to hang in there and pray that everyone starts sailing again soon. My heart truly breaks for those whose sailings were canceled. My mother has been staying with my kids while my husband and I are still working. I have promised her a day at sea where she can just do as she wishes and we won't schedule anything for her to do if she doesn't want, guilt free. After all of this is over, I think we all will need some smooth sailing days!

Hello all! I am looking at the idea of booking a suite (especially if I have to rebook). However, I would really like for all of us to be in the same room if I do. Which suites would be able to hold 5 people (3 adults 2 children)? How do the prices compare to balcony suites? TIA!

Hello all! I was just listening to the new vid and realized that I forgot about the boarding order. I am the only person in my group at gold status because they have never cruised before. We are divided up into 2 rooms. How does the boarding work for this? Will I need to just hang back with them? Or will those in my room get to go with me? My kiddos are going so I'm not a fan of leaving everyone behind. TIA

Depending on where you are sailing to, I would still go. There is a lot of needless hype in the media. If you live on the west coast or are sailing from there I would think twice, if not then I wouldn't worry too much. You have a better chance of getting the flu. Wash your hands well and often as if you were trying not to get sick from anything else. I personally am not cancelling my cruise. I refuse to let something like this ruin my fun when it doesn't have to. At the end of the day, you have to make the decision yourself. IMO, if RCCL thought is was a crisis, they wouldn't risk lawsuits and keep the sail date.

Sitting at the aft on the Allure watching the wake.

Are you still able to check-in on the app if you don't have a passport? We will not be able to get passports for our cruise, thankfully we don't really need them. Due to certain circumstances, it would be very hard to get one for my daughter anyway. Are we going to have to wait to check-in at the port? TIA

Thank you both! That makes me feel lots better!

My son is still young and though he will be getting swimming lessons I'm not sure how well he is going to do. He loves to jump into pools and such. Are there complimentary life vests/jackets at Coco Cay for kids or will I need to bring one from home? TIA!

I am not one to just sit around in my room and watch TV or whatever, so 2 cruises with interior rooms is what I would do. There are always places on the ship that is pretty much quiet and you can just chill out. My room is for changing clothes, bathing, and sleeping. Personally, the balcony is a waste of money because I won't be staying in the room very often. It all comes down to what  you use your room for and if you are ok being in a smaller room. Also, some ships have a virtual balcony for not much more than a regular inside room. It has a real time view of outside.

On ‎2‎/‎7‎/‎2020 at 6:03 PM, melski94 said:

If you tell your wait staff, they will put a candle in the dessert and sing happy birthday.  You can also have a cake delivered to your table by purchasing it at guest services (always double check with your waiter that they have it before your dinner).  Once again they will put a candle in it and sing.  

I would bring decorations as the ones that you can buy on the ship are overpriced.  I purchased a magnetic door personalized decoration on Etsy and put it on my son's door on his birthday.  If your MIL is up for it, you could buy her a personalized birthday shirt and have her wear it that day.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/611691301/cruise-shirts-ah-ship-its-my-birthday?ref=pla_similar_listing_top-3&frs=1

 

I LOVE the shirt idea!! I have a friend who can do things like that too. Thank you so much! I do think we will take some decorations. We will be in St. Maarten that day so I may get her something special while we are there.

On ‎2‎/‎18‎/‎2020 at 12:07 PM, SteveinSC said:

You ever reach that point where you feel like youve researched all you can, youve set up all your excursions, youve filled out all there is to fill out.....and youre just WAITING. Its agony, and I just want my embarkation day to GET HERE. What do yall do to deal with the agony, the torture, the slow death of WAITING? 

Same! We just had this snow here in NC and I'm wanting palm trees. I can't book but one cruise every few years and this will be the first time for my kids. The fact that it's a surprise for them is making it worse. My poor mom (who is going too) has to hear me talk about it all the time. 178 days to go.

Hope you have a great time! I still have 179 days until I'm on SOS.

On ‎2‎/‎12‎/‎2020 at 4:26 PM, SpeedNoodles said:

May I refer you back to your original thread on this exact topic? 

 

I know, but wasn't sure if anyone would see if I added a different part to the question. I saw so many people talking about how porters "lose" their luggage because of not being tipped or tipped properly. I don't need this happening to us considering I will be having my kids with me.

Ok guys, my trip is a few months off, but I want to figure out what kind of cash I need. I have heard many things about the porters. Do I really need to use them? Can we take our luggage on ourselves and save about $30? I don't want to risk getting a person who is having a bad day and they "misplace" my bags.

Went on the Allure for my honeymoon. It is Oasis class as well. They are wonderful ships with lots to do. The shows are wonderful! My #1 thing I would say to do is find some time to just sit on the beach and relax and do nothing for a few hours. Take it all in. Don't get preoccupied with trying to do too much. The best day we had was when we just sat on the beach under an umbrella holding hands. I wish you the best and smooth sailing!

Can WOW Bands be used for more than one cruise?