Ampurp85

I just read this and it made me laugh https://nypost.com/2020/02/08/stranded-royal-caribbean-cruise-passengers-slam-liner-amid-coronavirus-scare/ My favorite part is Darren's quote that "RCC put their profits over customers"...which would have meant they sailed without taking any threats seriously. Clearly the media wants to make everything 10x worse than it actually is.

I only carry the cup when I plan to take a drink back to my room. Every place will acknowledge whatever drink package you have. I have gotten soda at shows, in the MDR and at Coco Cay without said cup. Also there are some ships that do not have the freestyle machine...

Your MIL looks adorbs, maybe that drink is why she had to walk it? Its also awesome they let everyone handle the birds, some aviary's have strict rules about that.

@WAAAYTOOO Well the most important thing is that you have a wonderful time. Are they putting on shows like normal? I assume the only thing off limits is the casino. I cannot imagine how relaxing it must be to be one of the first on a ship and for almost 24hrs. I would take super advantage of all the ample space

@Pima1988 Lol,, gotta love those "accents." As a person from Chicago people always comment on our "accent," but it is definitely not as pronounced. I would have definitely sailed, it is basically 2 cruises for the price of one. But I had heard of some people cancelling, I am thinking maybe RC will be selling those cabins quickly to people who can drive in. Selling them at a discounted price is better than not being at capacity.

I hate to even utter this but...you might be better off calling. Often times they will have a program that allows them to search much easier.

@WAAAYTOOO I'm glad things are on the upswing. Did they estimate how many cancellations? I just wonder what the cruise will be like with a reduced load of people. Also do you think they might upgrade some others to Suite life or keep them empty?

There are probably only a few options available this early. I think most stuff will start to open up when you are under a year. I don't know if you booked through a TA or online. Online will tell you all the perks you have available based on your class. However, I think that only grand suites and above, possibly only on oasis or quantum class ships, get Voom included in the fare.

@WAAAYTOOO I am glad you are finally aboard, Have a wonderful time.? Sorry the suites aren't up to your standards, I am sure everything beats that Jersey smell?

@S&MDaw The more you pay for a room them more "perks" are included. The actual fact is that these things are factored into the price of said room. For example with Sky class, about $1700 per person, you get a special restaurant called Coastal Kitchen, Internet and a certain amount of drinks for free in the lounge. With Star class, about $4100 per person, you get all inclusive. So the beverage package, internet, dining package and priority everything is included.

@S&MDaw He is talking about star class

Well if you have 4 adults with you, then we could make it to 12?

@Ogilthorpe Isn't anything over cocktails, the best way to do something....well after too many you might agree to strange things...like 14 cruises in a row....which might not be too strange?

I am doing an Eastern Caribbean on Allure in Sky class next year. I plan to visit Next Cruise on my Liberty sailing this year so I will make sure to ask all the right questions.

@Lovetocruise2002 Wow so there is a "star class savings promo"? Do they do it every year or is something that was a once in a life?

@GA Cruiser Not unless it was part of the cruise price. Nothing will change except the price of the actual cruise itself.

@SpeedNoodles That was my assessment too. I know there was a lot of frustration about the lack of communication but its hard to be transparent when you don't have all the facts. I am sure that RC will cover some hotel stays because of their insurance. But they may set restrictions like only for those choosing to continue on with the cruise.

@gatorskin76 I didn't think you were of the "owed crowd", just extremely frustrated. I was just disagreeing with the assessment that RC was handling this poorly. I hope now you either make lemonade or go home with piece of mind.

@gatorskin76 I hope you weren't offended by anything I said. I respect everyone's opinions and would hope mine would be respected as well. I just really hate the "owed" philosophy. I exclusively travel in October; which can be hurricane season, shoulder, rainy, and winter. All sorts of things have happened on my vacations but I go in accepting the risk. RC would not go, after all that prep, and immediately cancel. The fact that they ended up offering the refund option is amazing.

@gatorskin76

Wow, I hate to say this but people are so entitled these days. I read my contract, RC has the right to change or cancel for multiple reason. No where does it say I am entitled to a refund or prorated anything in the event of such happening. I don't think it is about getting over it per se, more like putting things in perspective. RC is giving up to $200 for hotel and food cost and 2 days worth of refunds. I bet if you took a 7 day cruise but were stuck on a ship for 2 weeks, you would be p*ssed if they made you pay for 2 weeks... because that's basically the logic. I get what I paid for and nothing else is good enough. Bad things can and will happen all the time. I flew Air France business class to Egypt, 2 hours before my flight they cancelled the connection, told me it would be 24hrs of delay in Paris. I cancelled my hotel and made a new reservation. It ended up being a 11 hour delay and there wasn't even any more flights available for almost 36 hours. My flight on the other airline had no business class or even premium economy service. When we landed everything was booked up and we had to book a room for the night at a hostel...in Egypt. I didn't sleep at all because we looked like rich Americans and were constantly being hounded. We lost out on two whole days. I had to fight and all I got was $536 for my troubles. I could have been mad, let it ruin my vacation, instead I "rolled with the punches" because life happens.

No new updates is good. At least they are trying to make the rest of the cruise as fun as possible. That is unless you have your heart set on Bahamas. I have no doubt that the piece of mind you have from knowing they took every precaution will help to alleviate some grumpiness. Like @emsff02 said it is still a cruise.

I love the shirt, I hope Mimi's birthday cruise is awesome.

@Coach9 What about all the people who are already there? Cancelling the cruise will not get them they time or travel fees back. I also don't think that this situation was handled very poor. It is a unique situation, things can arise to stop anything from happening. I bet everyone would have been upset if RC didn't take all the precautions.

Those trees are beautiful. Did they provide adequate shade from the heat?