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Everything posted by Andy & Sheryl Unwin
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Smoking on Cruise Ships
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to FLcruiser2022's topic in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
Full disclosure, I am a former smoker who quit 11 years ago for reasons of my own. However, I do enjoy an occassional cigar, particularly when cruising. I have noticed a subtle, but non the less significant shift in the direction of anti-smoking policies onboard. For example onboard Freedom: The Connoisseur Lounge which was formerly next to the Star Lounge, was changed to a library/game/quiet room during her amplification. The size of the smoking areas, where ash trays and such are provided, on the port side of deck 4 and pool deck appear to have reduced. This is my own observation and not based on scientific fact. But it does indicate to me that Royal are at least attempting to accomodate all passenger requirements rather than promote a particular lifestyle. So while I may be a bit miffed at the loss of the Connoisseur Lounge, I applaud their actions in ensuring all needs are addressed. -
Rant on Deluxe Beverage Package
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to Dimension's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
For us, the DBP is essential to preven the nasty surprise at the end of a cruise. We also add Voom to each package purchased. For our March sailing on Allure, I am watching the prices daily and will snip out and modify as needed. Something I do for everything on the cruise planner. As Matt reminds us often, you can cancel and immediately repurchase. We were in a quandary about the value of the DBP a few years ago, so I kept a record in a note on my cellphone during a 4 nighter on Navigator in Feb 2020. One star equals an alcoholic beverage for either of us. Like many, I use $13 as my price point. I did not record other premium drinks like OJ, nor sodas Monday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆14 × $13 = $182Tuesday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆16 x $13 = $208Wednesday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆20 x $13 = $260Thursday☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆8 x $13 = $104Running Total = $754 $432.00 Drinks package plus Voom $754.00 Consumed $322.00 Saved I intend keeping the same kind of record on Allure. I didnt do so well on Freedom last time. -
BinaxNow test kits ~ edited
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to TammyMK's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Arrived here a few moments ago. Expiry Date is : 2022/11/20 Start to finish from order to delivery, 3 days -
BinaxNow test kits ~ edited
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to TammyMK's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Left Oakland CA on Wednesday, now in Ft Worth, and scheduled for delivery tomorrow before ipm We are also March 13th, on Allure -
BinaxNow test kits ~ edited
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to TammyMK's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Given what I have seen here, I ordered 2 kits for our March cruise today. Will update shipping status and stuff in due course. -
Still a thing, happened on our cruise on Freedom in September
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We always carry at least $100 per day in cash. Out of that, $100 is in small denomination bills, $5 and $1, specifically for tipping.
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We carry a printed copy as a back up. The primary is a screen shot of our Set Sail passes on Cell phone. I have been doing that with airline tickets for a few years. The screen shot means you are not at the mercy of failing wi-fi
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Until the Covid shut downs, I flew in and out of Ft Myers every week near enough. I live about 40 miles north of there. That being said I would not fly in on a budget airline, nor on the same day of cruise to allow for delays and cancellations. Technically it is under 3 hours to either Port Everglades, or Port Miami. However, there are always unpredictable surprises such as an overturned tanker on I-75 which happened today. So if you are flying into RSW, plan on doing it at least 24 hours ahead. In your situation, I would choose the additional costs of flyng into Miami or Ft Lauderdale if only for peace of mind and less hassle.
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No Black Friday Deals!?!?
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to FManke's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
I have been monitoring several items for our Allure sailing in March. I have to say, none of them changed in value at all. -
How do you carry your seapass?
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to MomOf6's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
We have lanyards with a detachable end and a supply of plastic pouches, they work well -
Coco Cay 2 ships C.C. Beach Club?
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to foxrunner's topic in Shore Excursions
For our last trip on Freedom (Sep 27) I booked at $161.00 using the repricing option, that went to $124.00 then down to $91.00 so it works -
Allure January 22, 2023 Charter?
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to AlmondFarmer's topic in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
Thank you for the responses. I had rather thought this is what was being inferred, but didnt want to assume anything. To each their own I guess -
Allure January 22, 2023 Charter?
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to AlmondFarmer's topic in Royal Caribbean News and Rumors
Can someone explain what kind of group this is? I see the innuendo, but never heard of any group chartering an Oasis class. And yes I am being serious, I just dont put it together... -
Always print them out and take them with you. Back up is sometimes a wise move. This way if no internet connection, you still have a way to board
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Cruise Planner issues
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to kittysoul's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
It happens a lot. For our upcoming Allure trip in March, there was very little listed until last week, then "boom" it all filled out. I have the feeling (not an informed opinion) that Royal is validating all excursion providers and their protocols, prior to showing them on the cruise planner -
We made the mistake of doing just that. With 3 cruises in the future, (Freedom Sep 27, Allure March 13, 2022 and Serenade Oct 29, 2022) it seemed like a good idea to buy the 6 pack. However, when received they have an expiry date of December 2021, ergo, four of the kits were wasted. We still have them so if anyone who wants them prior to their expiry date wants to get in touch, they can be freebies.
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for those who have done the E-med covid test
Andy & Sheryl Unwin replied to Mark_A's topic in Royal Caribbean Discussion
We did it using the camera built into the all in one computer. Prior to the test, I accessed the camera app, and adjusted the angle of the screen so I could see a clear patch of desk, and me together. When we connected to Navi Online, all was good and it went without a hitch. Rather than doing a trial test, maybe just try accessing the camera app and adjusting the view