Ian T

Thanks !  happy to help out anytime ?

@michelle has made things extremely easy for us.  I hope to someday actually meet in person rather than through email. ?

+1 for Michelle! She always gets back to me so quickly!

For those of you who are on the fence about using a Travel Agency, PLEASE READ. This past weekend we decided to book a 7 day cruise on the Anthem out of Cape Liberty, NJ and bring our daughter and her family along with us over Easter week departing on April 22, 2022. I spent a couple of days searching the Anthem for a JS for my wife and I and two balcony adjoining rooms for our daughter and her family. I did find some of what I was looking for on different decks, near the elevators or on deck 13 (below the WJ) and they all were not acceptable. So, I contacted Michelle, MEI Travel (they also sponsor this blog) told her what I wanted and VIOLA! Today I booked a JS on deck 10 and two adjoining cabins also on deck 10. None of those cabins were available when I searched. Moral of the story here is don't waste your time, get ahold of Michelle at MEI and let her know what you want. She can make miracles happen! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

In terms of potential regret they faced the same potential in the Caribbean.  Imagine for the moment a United States where the federal government was working with the cruise industry.  The decision to move offshore would have been less obvious.  Given the uncertainty and unknowns they made the choices they have made.
As far as the UK goes, we can't really say until the date that international travel will be allowed is known.  However it is refreshing seeing a government that treats all international travel equally and one that communicates their intentions.  If April 12th comes and the UK government says nothing, provides an ambiguous or impossible answer then they aren't much better compared to the US government and the cruise lines did the right thing.

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

I know that at times interactions with the RC service team can come with an element of frustration so I thought I would share an example of where the RC rep showed initiative and flexibility to resolve my query...
I booked one of the UK only sailings on the day they became available; however upon browsing the RC web site the very next day (as I am in the habit of doing whilst I await the green light for operations!) I noticed that the sailing was available at the same price but this time with OBC as an added extra.
I called RC and explained the situation, asking whether I needed to cancel the original booking under CWC and re-book in order to acquire the OBC. The rep (Christian) advised that the answer was technically yes I did, but as I would then be unable to apply the FCC from the CWC to the same sailing he would see what he could do.
After a few minutes he returned and advised that under the circumstances he had obtained authorisation to apply the OBC to my existing sailing, thereby saving me the inconvenience of cancelling/re-booking/dealing with the FCC/etc. Within two minutes of ending the call I received a revised invoice from RC showing the OBC and it was also available on my cruise planner.
Way to go Christian, and way to go RC! ?

Thanks very much to you both for some very sound advice. I will report back on whether we are successful!

I turned Diamond in the same scenario.
The natural course of events would be for points to post around 7 days after a cruise completes.  In the case of a B2B sometimes points for both cruises post only after cruise #2 completes.  
Most loyalty ambassadors will recognize the situation and grant the "premature" change in status.  They may need to research it, validate the points and that can mean they have to email Miami and wait for a response.  For this reason it's best to approach the LA early in cruise #1.  Their hours and location are posted in the Cruise Compass and in the app should this occur during the restart when paper Cruise Compasses may not be widely distributed.
In my case I was on a ship that could print new RFID cards and the LA did just that.  My new card read "Diamond".  I kept my old Emerald card that I used to keep the lights on in the power slot for this cabin.
A few days after this B2B completed I boarded a 3rd cruise on a different ship.  My points from my B2B hadn't posted yet so I still appeared to be Emerald.  On that ship the LA couldn't print new cards but placed a sticker on my card that said "Diamond Member" and sent me to the DL where the DL concierge gave me a separate card that was said "Extra Key"  to use for opening the DL door.  On that cruise I had to carry two cards, my Emerald card with Diamond sticker and the extra card for the DL door.  
Left: Cards from 2nd cruise of B2B after making Diamond on cruise #1
Right: Cards from boarding 3rd cruise shortly after B2B completed.

The official reflection on your account won't happen during your trip. However, my wife was in this exact situation. She reached Diamond during a 7 night cruise with two friends, then stayed on B2B for a family trip.
All you need to do is head to the Loyalty desk during the first cruise to get the information added for the second. Your SeaPass will not say Diamond, but a sticker will be added. You'll then need to visit again to have the card activated for the Diamond Lounge.

It was a complete waste of time and I decided not to watch the entire documentary I couldn't stomach it after a while.  Instead of focusing on what went on onboard the ship perhaps they should have spent their time focusing on the failure of government.  And I'm not singling out the Japanese government alone several governments around the world turned cruise ships away even the US government left people stranded on the Grand Princess in San Francisco Bay for days then after letting the ship dock at the Port of Oakland they still wouldn't allow them to get off the ship for days.   Then there as another cruise ship on a round the world cruise that was turned away from several ports, a country in Africa finally let them dock and allowed the people to get off.
Ever since the beginning of this pandemic cruise lines have been portrayed as floating ships of hell, when the truth is if these ships would have been allowed to dock and passengers allowed to disembark and quarantine on land there would have been a different outcome for many people onboard those ships.  People in government made decisions based on fear and politics (wanting to keep their countries COVID numbers low) instead of science and compassion which did nothing but contribute to the rise in COVID cases onboard these cruise ships.  We are dealing with a novel coronavirus but the cruise lines are 100% to blame for what happened Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess and governments bare no responsibility?   I don't think so and I'm tired of people in media, in positions of power and in politics using COVID-19 and what happened on cruise ships early on in pandemic as a poster child to portray the cruise industry as unclean, unsafe,  unhealthy and something that should be avoided and shut down.
 Over 400,000 thousand people have safely cruised on multiple cruise lines around the world since cruising resumed late last summer and so far there have only been 30 cases of COVID on ships.  Yet the cruise industry is still fighting the image that has been thrust upon it because people in power refused to allow ships to dock and passengers to disembark until the situation onboard became so dire letting people off was the only choice remaining. But no one is holding anyone in government accountable for the initial decision to say no you can't dock in our country.  If this was a airliner in need of help and the pilot calls out an emergency no country, no government would turn that aircraft away, and not a single country would have made passengers remain onboard with a novel virus they would have taken all passengers off the aircraft and quarantined them on land.  Why were cruise ships not given this option or courtesy as well?  

Thanks! I figured as much but thanks for validating. 

No, you must sail to get the C&A points, even if you don't get any kind of a refund.  They also HAVE to refund you port taxes and fees in this situation.

Open your mouth, hope the server has damn good aim and hang on!?

We have been members of the @michelle fan club ever since we first entrusted our cruise planning to her not long before all this COVID silliness started... great timing and a great decision even if we do say so ourselves! ?

We have been members of the @michelle fan club ever since we first entrusted our cruise planning to her not long before all this COVID silliness started... great timing and a great decision even if we do say so ourselves! ?

We have been members of the @michelle fan club ever since we first entrusted our cruise planning to her not long before all this COVID silliness started... great timing and a great decision even if we do say so ourselves! ?

We have been members of the @michelle fan club ever since we first entrusted our cruise planning to her not long before all this COVID silliness started... great timing and a great decision even if we do say so ourselves! ?