Andy & Sheryl Unwin

Thanks Jill

I figure next sale will be around Independence day, so will be eagerly awaiting that.  Last time we scored cos of Memorial Day

Freedom of the Seas Sep 27 — Oct 1, 2021

So Sheryl and I were moved from Navigator to Freedom for our September 28 sailing. A logical move and no complaints, we do love Freedom. 

However, as a result our cruise planner bookings were cancelled, including the damn good deal we had for the Beach Club at Coco Cay.  At $79 each it was a locked in and sweet deal. When I go to rebook, thats now $169 per person.  Now this isnt a complaint, I know its one of those things but dayum, I really thought we had beaten the system lol

I will be keeping eyes open for sales and see what happens

23 hours ago, nhilding10 said:

What is curious to me (selfishly, admittedly) is there isn't a word about Navigator at all, either sailing or canceled. I'm scheduled to be on Navigator out of Miami September 20th and can't figure out from this announcement what that means...did I miss something? 

21 hours ago, Seymoure1991 said:

I was scheduled on Navigator for August 2nd, but the way I read it, it's canceled, however I have not received an email or anything about it. 

 

20 hours ago, cpa09 said:

I am on Navigator for August 13th.  Just got an email from Royal Caribbean that those booked on Navigator will be automatically moved to Freedom.  

We had the same notification this morning. Automatic move from Navigator to Freedom. Processing begins June 6th. We dont have an issue with that, not our first time on Freedom and she is an amazing ship

5 hours ago, teddy said:

Did someone say close shipboard quarters?  
 

disclaimer: I didn’t stay in quarters like this, but good friends did

I spent 10 years cruising with the grey funnel line (Aka Royal Navy) in accomodations similar to this.  However, that was my choice.  In this case a two man cabin is going to be somewhat differen than sharing with 20 others

As I recall, Navigator is moving to the west coast so it makes sense her sailings from Mid October onwards are revised

Sheryl and I have had the pleasure of cruising on both. It boils down to what you are looking for in the ship itself, amenities, itinerary and so on.  One thing I would add as a consideration is departure Port.  Having gone though both Miami and Ft Lauderdale, I have to say Miami Terminal A impresses the most. Not only is it new with heaps of carlos fandango bells and whistles, the parking garage is right there. Easy to drop off and get back to the wheels for those of us who can drive down.

On 1/31/2021 at 4:37 PM, MuttMutt said:

I believe Cressi sells a mask that has replaceable lenses for people with a need for prescription lenses. I am ok to drive with correction but usually just wear contacts when I dive. I just make sure that I take along extra rewetting drops and flush my eyes well after each dive. 

Another one to check into, thanks for the heads up...

On 2/1/2021 at 8:56 PM, Mark06 said:

I got some inserts called "Trident Dive Optx Scuba Mask Magnification Lenses" from Amazon for $25.  I had issues because I did not get them placed correctly in my mask.  Due to this things were blurry.

Then on my second dive one of them washed out and is gone.  I will probably keep the one in my mask so I can read my computer with one eye.  This could be due to me installing the night before the dive.  

I like the concept since I can keep the mask I like and the low cost.  A better way to install would be good.  Some reviews use a touch of glue.

 

Thanks Mark, good advice

On 2/16/2021 at 8:52 PM, KathyC said:

I have prescription goggles that are pretty old but they work well enough for snorkeling.  I bring my own snorkel usually as it's already not connected to a mask and just use the flippers & vest from the excursion.  I don't have a problem with the snorkel not being attached as it stays in my mouth fine underwater.  Only difference is that it doesn't hang on the side when I come out, I have to hold it or put it down. 

I found the goggles well worth the investment as we cruise so much.  Exact prescription doesn't matter underwater so they will always be fine.

Thanks, will check into these

2 hours ago, Ray said:

If your are able to wear contact lenses then this option 100% 

On vacation i wear them everyday, only issue i have is if i forget my reading glasses when i have contacts in, makes it impossible to read the cocktail list so i just start at the top and work my way down

Alas contact lenses arent an option in this case, but thank you for the advice, it is all appreciated

On 2/8/2021 at 6:15 PM, CruisingOz said:

Hello Guys, 

I wear glasses, and I have found the cheapest option was to visit a local dive shop who sell masks which are made to be able to click on lenses onto the from of the mask lens. The beauty of these is that if your prescription changes you can simply clip on a new lens. My right eye is different to my left and so able to mix and match lens. They generally come in 0.5 increments. They are quite durable, I use them for diving and snorkelling, and mine are about three years old.

There was an option where I could have glass lens ground and fitted into the mask, but they were very expensive and as a seasonal user, the clip on lens are great, highly recommend them. 

Thanks Oz, much appreciated

On 2/8/2021 at 6:15 PM, CruisingOz said:

Hello Guys, 

I wear glasses, and I have found the cheapest option was to visit a local dive shop who sell masks which are made to be able to click on lenses onto the from of the mask lens. The beauty of these is that if your prescription changes you can simply clip on a new lens. My right eye is different to my left and so able to mix and match lens. They generally come in 0.5 increments. They are quite durable, I use them for diving and snorkelling, and mine are about three years old.

There was an option where I could have glass lens ground and fitted into the mask, but they were very expensive and as a seasonal user, the clip on lens are great, highly recommend them. 

Thank you kindly Oz...  We have looked at a variety of options now, and have discovered none of them will actually go to a strength Sheryl would need. Sooo, we are investigating prescription masks, or in one case, adhesive (removable) lenses.  When we make a decision on how to proceed, or if we decide to save the cost, will let  you know.

A

On 2/2/2021 at 6:12 PM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

Me !  I am particularly looking for late 2023.  December 2023 will be Sheryl and I's 25th anniversary, so I want to figure out something rather special

On 2/2/2021 at 6:19 PM, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Pretty sure that is not coming out with this release.   They will release December 2022 and December 2023 will have to wait for next year.  That has been the general trend.

Yeah, I looked yesterday...  did find a couple of cruises I liked, but will hold out till December 2023 to make it right for her

On 1/30/2021 at 9:12 PM, Drewtastic86 said:

Who else is dying for the 2023 itineraries to come out??? Part of me wishes they could release half or all 2023 so I can get excited and book ahead.  Anyone else chomping at the bit to book more cruises???

 

 

 

Me !  I am particularly looking for late 2023.  December 2023 will be Sheryl and I's 25th anniversary, so I want to figure out something rather special

8 hours ago, melmar02 said:

I need my glasses for distance, but my Rx is slight enough (about 1.25) that I don't even bother. There is a small magnification underwater anyway. DH on the other hand has terrible vision with an astigmatism (4.5 in one eye and 3.0 in the other). He uses a prescription mask for the magnification, but skips the astigmatism bit for the mask. I remember when we bought my gear when I was first getting scuba certified that they had Rx masks for sale in the dive shop (on land, not on a ship). However, he bought his last mask online at Divers Direct. This is the one he got, and you can can select a different Rx for each eye. $110. 

https://www.diversdirect.com/p/tusa-liberator-prescription-mask

Awesome, I knew the vast base of knowledge here would yield a great result.  Thank you sooo much

Our son and granddaughter live in the UK, while Sheryl and I live in Florida. We do not have any idea when we will be able to see them again. The last time I got me a "Squish" was December 2019 when I was over on business and took a side trip. For Sheryl its been even longer.

We had planned a couple of trips across the pond in 2020 but obviously those were a no go.  Skype chat only goes so far eh. But I would much rather make sure they were safe and have the travel restriction than take a risk

5 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

What I've seen (a long time ago) is custom masks that integrate a set of eyeglass lenses behind the main mask glass. No idea what they cost; I don't go snorkeling anywhere near often enough to justify buying a set of those. If I had to guess, those masks simply come with a set of lens frames at a fixed size and fixed distance between each other. Then you would take them to your optician, where they can take the right measurements to grind a set of lenses to mount into those frames.

Thanks Joe appreciated

So, a question for those dive experets out there. Both Sheryl and I wear glasses, me for long distance, Sheryl for close up and distance.

Obviously, unless we do something like helmet diving, we cant wear our specs under a mask.  But there has to be a way either by a custom mask, or applied lenses to the inside.  Are there any thoughts on which is best and why.

This is great news, we are already scouting out a short autumn 2022 break, so this is perfect....

On 12/12/2020 at 3:53 PM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

We had made final payment on our Feb 21 5 nights on Independence, then whammo, cancelled.  Out of the options available, we are going to take the FCC and rebook for Feb 22, leapfrogging our current Sep 21 4 nights on Navigator. We had booked a JS, so we may take the 125% and put it towards a grand suite and absorb the balance.

Yes we were disappointed the Feb 21 sailing was cancelled, but there is an advantage here, and we always look for the positive.

Well we didnt go for the Grand Suite.  Instead we opted to follow some sage like wisdom from Matt (thank you kindly good sir) and book onto an Oasis class to experience the bigger ship.  We now have a JS for six nights on Allure in March 2022.  So a big thank  you to Kelley Hardy at MEI for helping us with that

On 1/20/2021 at 5:22 PM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

Further update received. Royal advise cruise planner refunds were sent on Jan 17, so I need to check with Credit Card company to find out why not applied to the account yet.  For that, I will allow to 01/25/21 before I reach out to them.

Apologies for not getting back to this earlier.  Credits were received on my Royal Caribbean Credit Card on Jan 21st.  So there appears to be a four day period between being issued and being credited.

On 1/19/2021 at 10:14 AM, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

We are in the same position, and additionally have not seen cruise planner refunds to the credit card, although we have the emails to say they are happening. This morning I emailed Royal to ask for a status update.  The first step in the chase.  I will give it another 7 days to see responses then will expedite by phone if needed.

Further update received. Royal advise cruise planner refunds were sent on Jan 17, so I need to check with Credit Card company to find out why not applied to the account yet.  For that, I will allow to 01/25/21 before I reach out to them.

On 1/16/2021 at 10:31 AM, Marsha M said:

I have been waiting for my FCC before reserving another cruise.  I thought we were suppose to receive the FCCs by 01/15/21, however, I have not received mine yet.  Has anyone else not received their future cruise credit?

22 hours ago, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

We are in the same position, and additionally have not seen cruise planner refunds to the credit card, although we have the emails to say they are happening. This morning I emailed Royal to ask for a status update.  The first step in the chase.  I will give it another 7 days to see responses then will expedite by phone if needed.

Partial success, received an email with FCC numbers in it last evening.  Still waiting on word about cruise planner refunds.

Sadly, we will not be able to partake. A shame because I really do want to return to Dominica. We were scheduled to go with Serenade in 2018, but unfortunately hits from 3 hurricanes in succession shut that idea down.

In 1978, I was the guy on TV hauling down the Union Flag after Princess Margaret read the order of independence. So we deliberately booked a return on the year of the 40th anniversary