Reigert2008

Until it’s announced by Royal it would only be speculation here.  If you’re on the fence, you could always book an eligible cruise on or before October 31st.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-with-confidence

Still no information, but I’m hopeful that the protocols come in the next few days since they just announced the acceptance of mixed vaccines, kinda makes me wonder if they were waiting on that approval.

Depending on the size of your group, you may want to check out Larry’s Limo.  We had a group of 7 and was able to use Larry’s and it was easier than having multiple “Uber’s”.

https://www.larryslimo.com

49 minutes ago, CruiseGus said:

@Psycho and BarbI have a sailing on Explorer soon, so have been watching everything PR.

this web site seems to be accurate, when compared to other google searches

https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines

requires a Travel Declaration Form on the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal be filled out before arrival at the airport.  Should be no problem if you're fully Vaccinated.

Please come back and let us know how your sailing went, Good Luck and have fun

 

 

 

 

The questions I am still trying to figure out and have emailed Puerto Rico about (email address on the site)
 

1. How early can you complete the travel declaration form?

2. What do you need to do if you are staying in Puerto Rico for one night post-cruise?

2 hours ago, Jim D said:

What kind of cabin did you have booked? Rear? Aft? Midship?  and can you let us know what they change you too "like-for-like"??

I think you may be disappointed in this   We have an Interior Room in the AFT of the ship.  We had originally booked this as an Interior GTY, but then had to Lift and Shift it to 2021 and it would not let the TA keep the GTY, she was able to pick a room and it was price protected.  In the end, we basically got the GTY we were originally trying to book

Once we get a new room, I'll update.  Thanks.

Received this email today for an upcoming cruise. At least it looks like the cruise is still going!  

"Dear Guest,

Before we set off for adventure on our Explorer of the Seas <Date removed for privacy> cruise, we have a quick change to share with you.

While we've been working around the clock to get our ships back to cruising, we've had to change how our guests are spaced out onboard to ensure proper social distancing. As a result, your original stateroom is no longer available. We're sorry for the last-minute change, but there's no need to worry. You'll be relocated to a like-for-like stateroom, and all your amenities will remain the same

Please know, there's no action necessary on your part. Once the changes are finalized, an updated booking invoice reflecting your new details will be sent to you and your Travel Advisor via email. If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately or contact us at:

• 1 866 562 7625 in the U.S. or Canada
• 1 800 754 500 in Australia
• In the UK only, by using our webchat service or by calling 0344 493 4005
• All other countries, please visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contactus for your local Royal Caribbean International office phone number.

Thanks for your understanding. Next up: kick back, relax, and start counting the days until you set sail! See you soon!

Sincerely,

Royal Caribbean International

 "

22 minutes ago, CrznTxn said:

You need to each create a Navica account and you can do that at any time, preferably before you call for the test. There are numerous You Tube videos on how to take the test, one of the best is La Lida Loco. He actually messes up and has to retake it. Shows you what to avoid.

You will have to take the test individually and not together as the results are your own and go to your app. It is very easy and I suggest you do it early in the morning to avoid any waiting for the proctor who watches you do the nose rooter. We have a dozen tests at home to cover most of our upcoming cruises.

Thanks so much!

In preparation for our upcoming cruise, i ordered 4 tests, two for me and two for the wife.  I placed one order to get all 4 tests and hope someone here can answer some questions for me.  Thanks!

1. Should the wife and each create our Navica logins now or wait until we are doing the test?
2. Can the wife and I test at the same time or should we each contact the telemed location individually? This may actually be required

Is there anything that would be helpful to complete before the testing to make sure it's "smooth sailing" for this process.

6 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

The white sticker on the lower right corner of the box where you found your lot number will have 2 dates, one is manufacture the other is expiration date, the expiration date will have an hour glass symbol next to it.

Perfect!  Never would have figured that was an hourglass, but now I can't unsee it.  Our expiration dates are 10-4-2021 and 10-5-2021 and in two different lots.  With the extension it should be fine.  Thanks!

20 minutes ago, CrimsonCruiser said:

This is still really cool! I love when I see better class staterooms at a lower cost. Seriously so cool!

 

This is one of the things I'm really excited about, putting the savings toward splurge onboard enjoyment!

 

Owwww that hurts. T_T I  hope you still have a nice cruise though

It was painful  We still had a great time!  The cruise was a family cruise and everyone already had time off, so it was do the 4N one or not do something together.  It was three households and first time for one them, including our niece.  She loved it nd is ready to go again.  IT was also the frist time we had been on a Freedom class ship, which we really liked and may be our "sweet spot" for price and activities.

Hello,

    Where do we find the expiration date on the box?  I don't see anything labeled as expiration date and when I look at the list of Lot numbers that were extended, my lot number doesn't show up.

We ordered 4 tests (2 people) so we have a backup should a test be inconclusive.  They arrived today and two of the boxes were nearly destroyed, but the other two look fine.  It's weird since they were in the same mailer, so i assume it was damaged before shipping.  I've already contacted Optum for refund/replacement options since I don't want to have them rejected at the last minute if I have to go to the backup option.  Thanks!

So far my best was for one that ended up being canceled.

Allure of the Seas -- 7N Western Caribbean and Perfect Day -- August 2021

Original Booking Total -- September 3, 2019 -- $3376 (Inside GTY for 2 people)

8 reprices later....

Final Payment Total  -- April 30, 2021 -- $1747.40

Total savings -- $1628.60

Then it was canceled as the last of the Allure cancelations before the restart.  We ended up on a 4N on the freedom during the same week, that was more than the 7N on the Allure would have been  

1 hour ago, SummerRose said:

It wasn't available - otherwise I would've.  I've been checking the site every day hoping it would come available and it did so I jumped at it.  I was looking for one of the rare studio balcony rooms.

So it wasn't a price issue. I'm not sure what I said that triggered that response or that it had anything to do with price?

@SummerRoseI apologize if i offended you.  I had no intention of doing that and was not tryign to  imply your situation had anything to do with price.  I have edited my original response for better clarity.  I was trying to add a section of "How we cruise" and left off the qualifier.  Since my wife and i are one of the rare cruisers that have no real interest in anything other than an inside cabin, I've received some "blow back" from some messages with people saying i didn't have enough experience to comment.  By adding the "how we cruise" section, i was hoping to explain what our personal cruise strategy is. 

I'm all for people traveling and doing things however they want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

Thanks.

While I can certainly understand the disappointment, I don’t think it’s on Royal for you not booking the room you “really wanted” originally.  As I tell everyone when helping them pick a cruise, you need to be happy with what you originally book, since that could be what you end up with.  You may be able to change rooms or get a lower price, but nothing is guaranteed.  
 

How we Cruise: We always book the cheapest room, which is generally an inside GTY room, and we’ve been able to reprice frequently to get some awesome deals and sometimes move to a “higher category” at the same price but we don’t really care about the cabin or location.  We've had times where we couldn't get the cabin we originally wanted and was able to rebook later.

5 minutes ago, Shari said:

Has anyone used this when boarding yet?  If so do you still have to show your card?

 

You will still need the physical card.  The upload saves times at the port so Royal doesn't need to take the picture and get it in the system.

9 minutes ago, kt2000 said:

I know they extended the program through 2022.   We don't have anything that works in our schedule for 2022, any chance of an extension through March 2023 for FCC?

While this site is extremely helpful, it is a fan site and no one here would have "official" information on this.  Your best bet is to work with your Travel Agent or Royal Caribbean directly to understand the options.  Good Luck!

Have a varied mix of bills to lessen your change.  You don’t want to hand over a $20 for an item that is only $5.

6 hours ago, zach2992 said:

When I say gullible, I mean my dad convinced her for a short time that they still do classes (like in Titanic) and that if the ship starts sinking we could be trapped behind bars until First Class is off the ship.

So far the only fun things I thought of is putting a pineapple magnet on her door and convincing her that the crew takes the lifeboats back to land each night and then come back in the morning.

Anyone have any fun ideas?

6 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

Not a fan, but to each their own. 

This sounds like a juvenile thing to do to anyone, especially a friend.  I’m assuming this is their first cruise and they could be nervous about the whole process. Maybe pulling a prank on someone in the middle of the ocean is not the best idea. You never know what could happen and if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to cut out the people and things that are not worth your effort in the relationship. Life is too short to stick with people who don’t care about you.

maybe you should be helpful to your friend and ensure they remain happy, healthy, and safe throughout the cruise process.  There’s a time and place for joking around, but this is not the time or place.

3 minutes ago, RaDar said:

So my mother in law, my 19 yr old daughter and my self are all going on a cruise together WOOHOO!! We leave Sunday on Liberty of the Seas. Kind of a post 2020 graduation cruise/ girls trip. My question is...How do I request the beds to be in 2 twins? Do we move them ourselves? I am totally ok with that, but I was not sure the proper way to go around that. Do I ask permission before I move furniture? Is it already in 2 beds? I really do not want to share a bed with my mother in law...LOL!! I am sorry if this is a dumb question. I am going to blame it on covid  

Your travel agent can make the request for you. If you didn't use a travel agent, then call Royal and make the request.  However, if it isn't done, then just let your cabin steward know and they will take care of it.  Good luck!

6 minutes ago, Marlena said:

In regards to all the people showing up early...is it badly impacting the rest of us? Does it clog up the line or are they just causing a lot of people waiting outside? Clear lines for each boarding time or are you in kine with people whose time is well after tours?

Sorry for all the questions! Just trying to manage expectations in Miami in nov!

We cruised from Miami in August and they had lines of people based on boarding times.  There were people there 3 hours before their time and it did clog up the front of the terminal.  
 

I understand that even with the best planning you may arrive early,but 3 hours means you just didn’t follow then protocol.

we actually arrived about 30 minutes before our boarding time. We had a party of 7 staying at a hotel on Hollywood Beach, and scheduled a transfer with Larry’s Limo service. The service arrived a little early and then there was like zero traffic to the port and we were there early.  Not much we could do about that. It’s a hard game to try and schedule your ride so you’re there on time and don’t miss your window.

Personally, I would not purchase a high end item on a cruise (or in a port).  For these types of items, i like to have a good relationship with my jeweler.  My local jeweler has given me great discounts for paying cash, where I "essentially" do not pay the sales tax, much like you would abroad (until you claim it on your customs form).  Of course, i'm a rule follower, so YMMV.

I do enjoy looking at the items though!

(Note: i still pay sales tax, just on the lower price.  For example, it the tax on the item is $100, then they give you a $100 discount before completing the transition. It's fair to me, fair to them and I get the piece of mind knowing that it's a real item and they stand by the purchase.)

Don’t forget to tag everything! Your checked luggage, that backpack you’re carrying, a purse, etc… never know when you’re going to leave something while exploring that first day and it’ll at least make it back to your cabin (hopefully)

Royal is going to add it as a daily charge to your room, so I’d add the pre-paid gratuities to each sailing then you can add extra for exceptional service. Bothered always the chance your service teams change.  Prepaid gratuities allow you to not have as large of a credit card bill towards at the end of the cruise or have to carry large sums of cash.

I’ve written this in other forums, but I’ll share again.  
 

if you can get the Refreshment package for the right price, you can easily get your moneys worth, even on embarkation day.  I’ve been able to get the package as low as $18 and never paid more than $25 (prices per day excluding gratuity).  For me it only takes about 4 or 5 drinks in a day to break even.  My general route includes:

fresh squeezed orange juice at breakfast

an espresso based drink at breakfast

soft drink at lunch

soft drink at dinner

lava flow for the nightly show

espresso based drink with cookies from cafe promenade after the show…..

andnthat doesn’t even include the bottles of water (including sparkling) and various “walking around” drinks for when you’re hanging by the pool, watching the “ship runners” before leaving port, bottles of water/Powerade when getting off in a port to explore, etc…

of course YMMV, but we think the refreshment package is a great value.

Each time we've booked GTY cabins it has been canceled or we did a Lift and Shift and we picked a room at the same price.  For us, we spend almost zero time in the room and therefore will book the cheapest room available.  Even when traveling with people, cost is the driving factor.  I also think many people put too much weight into the room selection.  We've never selected our hotel room and never had an issue, so we figure it's the same on the ship.  We've booked GTY cabins for our 2022 cruise on the Oasis with my in-laws and know that we may or may not be near each other.  That's fine, we can meet on the ship

Of course, YMMV since many people have reasons for needing to be near other people, but for us it's not an issue.