Ship

Matt has some great photos of these rooms… https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2020/01/11/photo-tour-of-2-bedroom-grand-suite-royal-caribbeans-freedom-of-the-seas

I love aft balconies on this class and GS, although have never done a GS aft. The balconies are bigger than the standard. It’s important to note that the view is a bit obstructed by the ships super structure. Also a bit more of a hike, especially from front if ship. For us, the aft rooms have always been worth it though.

Europe and Italy are currently making reopening plans that include American tourists starting in June. You should be good by the time Odessa arrives, but would recommend booking refundable/transferable airfare just in case. In an interview with the NY Times, European Union (EU) authorities announced the intention to accept visitors who have received E.U.-approved vaccines to travel from North America to Europe this summer – no further details are available at this time

Royal has had some cases onboard even before there was a vaccine. It did not bring most cruises to a halt, only early on. Also, chance of children catching or spreading in a fully vaccinated crowd is so unlikely. Now people’s very unrealistic fear of unvaccinated children is another story and you bring up a great point to consider.

I’ve been watching our NOV cruise for a year now. It always has altered between two prices, $54 then $40. About a month ago the prices changed to $56 and $47.

You could always go big… https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/

This is by design. The app allows you to pull up any sailing in the coming months and check out ship, activities, etc. If you click on select different sailing at the bottom, you will have the option to either click into one of your actual upcoming reservations or select another ship and mock sailing. Hope that helps!

Not sure if anyone saw Matt’s post this week, but Royal is planning on US restart with kids… https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/05/05/royal-caribbean-says-kids-may-be-able-cruise-under-cdcs-95-vaccinated-restart-plan

I think they will announce what ships will be sailing first. At that point we can assume cancellations for the rest. Actual cancellations will come about a month out, following previous pattern. My personal prediction is that not much will sail in July at this point, maybe a couple of test cruises if they choose to go that route. August is when we will start seeing ships go.

Hopefully masks won’t be needed for much longer. Those that like them can continue to wear, just like in the past. ?