ConstantCruiser

I've seen a couple instances where people ignore the red seat covers with "RESERVED" in large letters at a show.  Then the Genie comes along and tells they have to move.  At this point they freak out and claim all sorts of things.  Some slink away quietly knowing they got busted, some have a full Karen moment even in the pre-Karen days.
Naturally they rant about Star Class but it's their own stupidity on display.  
Lots of people do the same with the reserved rows for Sky Class.  They see empty prime seating and decide to go for it only to be blocked by a crew member.  Then the whining begins.  I feel bad for the crew who have to police it, they've heard the same old rant every show, every cruise.  
When I had the Key one time there were two us at the Flowrider during the hour reserved for Key members.  We just went again and again after each other.  Other non-Key guests were giving us the stink eye.  Too. Friggin. Bad.  
Don't like it?  Buy it.  
Their ship, their rules.  Don't ever feel bad using the perks you paid for.  

Crossing my fingers for 2023.  Toying with Quantum from Brisbane, fully refundable deposits of course.  
Really hoping for some better news soon.  

I've seen a couple instances where people ignore the red seat covers with "RESERVED" in large letters at a show.  Then the Genie comes along and tells they have to move.  At this point they freak out and claim all sorts of things.  Some slink away quietly knowing they got busted, some have a full Karen moment even in the pre-Karen days.
Naturally they rant about Star Class but it's their own stupidity on display.  
Lots of people do the same with the reserved rows for Sky Class.  They see empty prime seating and decide to go for it only to be blocked by a crew member.  Then the whining begins.  I feel bad for the crew who have to police it, they've heard the same old rant every show, every cruise.  
When I had the Key one time there were two us at the Flowrider during the hour reserved for Key members.  We just went again and again after each other.  Other non-Key guests were giving us the stink eye.  Too. Friggin. Bad.  
Don't like it?  Buy it.  
Their ship, their rules.  Don't ever feel bad using the perks you paid for.  

Yes, absolutely.  
However until the Judge in Tampa determines otherwise the cruise industry must comply with the CDC.  

I've seen a couple instances where people ignore the red seat covers with "RESERVED" in large letters at a show.  Then the Genie comes along and tells they have to move.  At this point they freak out and claim all sorts of things.  Some slink away quietly knowing they got busted, some have a full Karen moment even in the pre-Karen days.
Naturally they rant about Star Class but it's their own stupidity on display.  
Lots of people do the same with the reserved rows for Sky Class.  They see empty prime seating and decide to go for it only to be blocked by a crew member.  Then the whining begins.  I feel bad for the crew who have to police it, they've heard the same old rant every show, every cruise.  
When I had the Key one time there were two us at the Flowrider during the hour reserved for Key members.  We just went again and again after each other.  Other non-Key guests were giving us the stink eye.  Too. Friggin. Bad.  
Don't like it?  Buy it.  
Their ship, their rules.  Don't ever feel bad using the perks you paid for.  

I've seen a couple instances where people ignore the red seat covers with "RESERVED" in large letters at a show.  Then the Genie comes along and tells they have to move.  At this point they freak out and claim all sorts of things.  Some slink away quietly knowing they got busted, some have a full Karen moment even in the pre-Karen days.
Naturally they rant about Star Class but it's their own stupidity on display.  
Lots of people do the same with the reserved rows for Sky Class.  They see empty prime seating and decide to go for it only to be blocked by a crew member.  Then the whining begins.  I feel bad for the crew who have to police it, they've heard the same old rant every show, every cruise.  
When I had the Key one time there were two us at the Flowrider during the hour reserved for Key members.  We just went again and again after each other.  Other non-Key guests were giving us the stink eye.  Too. Friggin. Bad.  
Don't like it?  Buy it.  
Their ship, their rules.  Don't ever feel bad using the perks you paid for.  

From all reports the vaccinated on Celebrity were very eager and willing to share their vaccination status with the cruise line.
That's the crux it right there.  The vast majority, an overwhelming number of people who book cruises and are vaccinated don't have an issue with showing proof of vaccination.
This discussion is mostly fueled by individuals who are not vaccinated.  
For most vaccinated who book cruises there is no controversy.

Royal told TA's on a call this week the CFAR included in their coverage has been raised from 75% to 90% FCC.
Keep an eye out for that change.

There are local tourist attractions near the shopping and port area where they are open to non-cruiser tourists.  The beach area at Mahogany Bay has traditionally looked for a Carnival cruise card to pass the checkpoint to the beach.  
Couple of caveats - I've not tried flashing a Royal SeaPass card at them to access the beach and it's been several years since I've been on a Carnival ship so it's been a while since I've been to Mahogany Bay.  However the animal park and zip lines is available to anyone in a taxi (or was).
 
 
 

Approved by Governor.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/01194
Amendment 116138 is the bill submitted by Boyd that was attached as an amendment to bill 1194.

 
Text of amendment 116138 here:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/1194/Amendment/116138/HTML
1 Senate Amendment to House Amendment (672415) (with title 2 amendment) 3 4 Between lines 4 and 5 5 insert: 6 Section 17. Section 311.25, Florida Statutes, is created to 7 read: 8 311.25 Florida seaports; local ballot initiatives and 9 referendums.— 10 (1) With respect to any port that has received or is 11 eligible to apply for or receive state funding under this 12 chapter, a local ballot initiative or referendum may not 13 restrict maritime commerce in such a port, including, but not 14 limited to, restricting such commerce based on any of the 15 following: 16 (a) Vessel type, size, number, or capacity. 17 (b) Number, origin, nationality, embarkation, or 18 disembarkation of passengers or crew or their entry into this 19 state or any local jurisdiction. 20 (c) Source, type, loading, or unloading of cargo. 21 (d) Environmental or health records of a particular vessel 22 or vessel line. 23 (2) Any local ballot initiative or referendum that is in 24 conflict with subsection (1) and that was adopted before, on, or 25 after July 1, 2021, and any local law, charter amendment, 26 ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy adopted in such an 27 initiative or referendum, is prohibited, void, and expressly 28 preempted to the state.  

The value of the drink package exceeds merely the break even calculation.
There is a certain freedom obtained by being on vacation and not having to constantly think about it.  You're on vacation after all.
"It's 4pm and I feel like a beer, I'm going to have a beer"
vs.
"I had two drinks earlier and that was $28.  I know I'll want something at the show tonight, or maybe two, so that's going to take me to $42 or maybe $56.  I better not have one right now even though I really want one".
Right now it's hard to predict how you'll feel on day 2 of the cruise at 1:30pm.  Even if you don't break even there is vacation enjoyment to be found in "What drink is that?!?  I want to try it!"

The dress suggestion for the CK is the same every night.  There is no formal night difference for CK.

Miami traffic can be a PITA during rush hour and sometimes on weekends too but it's still very doable, just don't book early flights out of FLL.
There are fewer people debarking due to reduce capacity but the process is uncertain since no ship has done it yet in the US during the pandemic.

The dress suggestion for the CK is the same every night.  There is no formal night difference for CK.

Could you imagine the CDC imposing the same restrictions on airlines that cruise lines have been faced with?

Could you imagine the CDC imposing the same restrictions on airlines that cruise lines have been faced with?

Could you imagine the CDC imposing the same restrictions on airlines that cruise lines have been faced with?

Post away...   just want anyone who visits this thread to see it from this site and get it straight from the source.

There is complimentary beer and wine available 11am to 11pm.  It is a small selection of house wines and basic beers.  I'm not a hard cider drinker so I might have glossed over and ignored if hard cider is included as part of this suite lounge offer.  
It is only the Oasis class suite lounges that do this.  This is separate and distinct compared to the daily cocktail happy hours 5pm to 8:30pm (or 4:30pm to 8pm on some ships).

It depends on cruise length.
The crazy Voom pricing this year that some cruises seem to "enjoy" in the cruise planner is also a factor so YMMV.
With a cruise planner price of $18.99 for a diamond you are better to buy it on board for anything less than 8 nights.
With a cruise planner price of $14.99 for a diamond you are better to buy it on board for anything less than 4 nights.
With a cruise planner price of $11.99 for a diamond you are better to buy it in the cruise planner.
The age old trick of waiting to buy Voom until the morning of day two on board still works, assuming you don't need Voom on day one since the ship is in port most of day one.  With so much going on and the ship departing at 4pm or later do you really need Voom on day one?  This approach changes the statements above by a few days in each scenario. 

Crown & Anchor Society® Members
Last updated June 28, 2021
We’re thrilled to welcome our valued Crown & Anchor® Society members back onboard! As we prepare to make new vacation memories at last, we want to share some great enhancements and a few updates to the Crown & Anchor Society program and benefits.
Enhanced Benefits
We’re excited to now offer our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members additional beverage vouchers for drinks up to $13. Each day of the cruise, Diamond members receive four vouchers, Diamond Plus members receive five vouchers, and Pinnacle Club members receive six vouchers. These can be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour or in our private destinations. Consider it happy hour all day long!

With the new staggered arrivals appointment process, all guests need to pre-select a terminal arrival time. For our Pinnacle Club members, we created Flexible Arrival— a new benefit that gives you the freedom to check in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time while the terminal is open.
Reimagined Events & Access
We’ve totally reimagined our behind-the-scenes entertainment tour. Members can now enjoy a MasterClass-type experience and get an insider’s view into the world of entertainment straight from the experts that bring the entire experience to life night after night. You won’t want to miss these workshops! Speaking of shows, we’ve enhanced our entertainment experience by giving our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members priority access to seating in venues up to 45 minutes prior to showtime. This gives you ample time to select your preferred seating prior to opening the doors to all other guests.
Lounge Access As We Resume Sailing
Because of new health and physical distancing protocols, we have temporarily suspended access to Suite and Concierge lounges. These venues will operate with capacity limits and will only be available to guests staying in Suites. The Diamond Lounge will also operate with reduced capacity.

Our health protocols will continue to change as public health conditions evolve. While we envision these temporary changes to be short-lived, they are dependent on health conditions and guidance from local authorities.

On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard. Pinnacle Club members sailing on Oasis and Quantum Class ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice.
  Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Why are Crown & Anchor Society benefits changing?
A : The pause in operations gave us the time to relook at the program and find ways to improve. We added exciting enhancements and also made some temporary adjustments that align with new health protocols.
 
Q : How will the Crown & Anchor Society benefits change?
A :  Most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits remain the same. Some, such as the top tier event, private departure lounge, daily breakfast, and behind-the-scenes galley tours have been temporarily suspended. However, we intend to bring them back as soon as we receive the green light to do so.

We also added a handful of new benefits such as Flexible Arrival for Pinnacle Club members, and additional daily beverage vouchers for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members. We even reimagined the behind-the-scenes entertainment tour for an enhanced experience.

To ensure compliance with health protocols and capacity limitations in some venues, access to the Suite and Concierge Lounges is temporarily limited to members staying in Suites. While the Diamond Lounge will also operate at a reduced capacity, we’re happy to welcome our members on a first come, first served basis.

On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, our Pinnacle Club members are welcome to make reservations at Coastal Kitchen once onboard. On these ships, these members will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any specialty restaurant. Voucher will be added to your SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : How will the onboard events change?
A : Based on new protocols, we had to adjust some events while still ensuring your full enjoyment:
Meal with an Officer —This experience, for our Diamond Plus (340 points and above) and Pinnacle Club members, has evolved to a Champagne Toast with an Officer. This event will still take place in the Main Dining Room, but with new physical distancing protocols in place.
Entertainment Tour — This tour has been reimagined, allowing our valued Diamond and above members to learn more about the amazing Royal Caribbean productions and entertainment team.
Behind-the-Scenes Galley Tour — This benefit for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members has been temporarily suspended to ensure the health of our guests and crew.
Priority Seating for Theaters and Shows — This benefit has evolved to priority access. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can enter the show venues up to 45 minutes before showtime to select their preferred seating.
Daily Breakfast in Main Dining Room — This benefit for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members has been temporarily suspended.
Departure Lounge with Continental Breakfast— This benefit has been suspended for all Crown & Anchor members as a result of the new departure process.
 
Q : Will I still have Priority Check-In at embarkation?
A : When we return to service, the embarkation process will be different. To manage the flow of guests and follow new health and safety protocols, guests will request a set arrival time in advance.

For our valued Pinnacle Club members, we are introducing Flexible Arrival. While the terminal is open, Pinnacle Club members have the flexibility to check in up to one hour before or after their scheduled check-in time.
 
Q : How will the daily happy hour be impacted?
A : The Happy Hour in the Diamond Lounge will take place daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Diamond and above members will now enjoy additional daily beverage vouchers to be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour, or in our private destinations. Whether it’s sparkling water, sparking wine, or the drink of the day, you choose when and where to enjoy these beverages.
The number of daily beverage coupons will increase as follows:
Diamond — 4 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond Plus — 5 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Pinnacle Club — 6 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members will be able to redeem their complimentary beverage vouchers (for drinks valued up to $13) at any venue except Starbucks and Bionic Bar, at any time throughout the day.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Diamond Lounge?
A : Yes — Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can access the Diamond Lounge throughout the day. The Diamond Lounge capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing and sanitation. The lounge is open for regular hours, with Happy Hour daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Guests will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Suite and Concierge lounges?
A : To manage venue capacity, access to the Concierge Club and Suite Lounge will be limited to members staying in Suites (Grand Suites and above).
 
Q :  Will Pinnacle Club members still have access to the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen on Oasis and Quantum class ships?
A : On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard.

Pinnacle Club members on these ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice. This voucher will be pre-loaded on their SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : Will there be any changes to onboard amenities?
A : Yes — due to new health protocols, deliveries to staterooms are limited to embarkation day only. For our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members, food and beverage amenities will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. The Chef’s Choice amenity is temporarily suspended until further notice.
 
Q : Will I still receive my onboard recognition?
A : Yes, although some recognition events will change based on onboard protocols. Our Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond members will still receive pins in their stateroom. Diamond Plus members will receive both a pin and luggage tag.

To celebrate our new Pinnacle Club members, our Loyalty Ambassador onboard will invite the new member and their immediate family to a special intimate recognition which will be filmed and broadcasted on Royal Caribbean TV.

Members reaching 1,050 points and above will receive a Pinnacle Club milestone recognition letter in their staterooms. Our Loyalty Ambassador will reach out to arrange the delivery of a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine.
 
 

The dress suggestion for the CK is the same every night.  There is no formal night difference for CK.

The dress suggestion for the CK is the same every night.  There is no formal night difference for CK.

Could you imagine the CDC imposing the same restrictions on airlines that cruise lines have been faced with?

Crown & Anchor Society® Members
Last updated June 28, 2021
We’re thrilled to welcome our valued Crown & Anchor® Society members back onboard! As we prepare to make new vacation memories at last, we want to share some great enhancements and a few updates to the Crown & Anchor Society program and benefits.
Enhanced Benefits
We’re excited to now offer our Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members additional beverage vouchers for drinks up to $13. Each day of the cruise, Diamond members receive four vouchers, Diamond Plus members receive five vouchers, and Pinnacle Club members receive six vouchers. These can be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour or in our private destinations. Consider it happy hour all day long!

With the new staggered arrivals appointment process, all guests need to pre-select a terminal arrival time. For our Pinnacle Club members, we created Flexible Arrival— a new benefit that gives you the freedom to check in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time while the terminal is open.
Reimagined Events & Access
We’ve totally reimagined our behind-the-scenes entertainment tour. Members can now enjoy a MasterClass-type experience and get an insider’s view into the world of entertainment straight from the experts that bring the entire experience to life night after night. You won’t want to miss these workshops! Speaking of shows, we’ve enhanced our entertainment experience by giving our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members priority access to seating in venues up to 45 minutes prior to showtime. This gives you ample time to select your preferred seating prior to opening the doors to all other guests.
Lounge Access As We Resume Sailing
Because of new health and physical distancing protocols, we have temporarily suspended access to Suite and Concierge lounges. These venues will operate with capacity limits and will only be available to guests staying in Suites. The Diamond Lounge will also operate with reduced capacity.

Our health protocols will continue to change as public health conditions evolve. While we envision these temporary changes to be short-lived, they are dependent on health conditions and guidance from local authorities.

On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard. Pinnacle Club members sailing on Oasis and Quantum Class ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice.
  Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Why are Crown & Anchor Society benefits changing?
A : The pause in operations gave us the time to relook at the program and find ways to improve. We added exciting enhancements and also made some temporary adjustments that align with new health protocols.
 
Q : How will the Crown & Anchor Society benefits change?
A :  Most of your Crown & Anchor Society benefits remain the same. Some, such as the top tier event, private departure lounge, daily breakfast, and behind-the-scenes galley tours have been temporarily suspended. However, we intend to bring them back as soon as we receive the green light to do so.

We also added a handful of new benefits such as Flexible Arrival for Pinnacle Club members, and additional daily beverage vouchers for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members. We even reimagined the behind-the-scenes entertainment tour for an enhanced experience.

To ensure compliance with health protocols and capacity limitations in some venues, access to the Suite and Concierge Lounges is temporarily limited to members staying in Suites. While the Diamond Lounge will also operate at a reduced capacity, we’re happy to welcome our members on a first come, first served basis.

On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, our Pinnacle Club members are welcome to make reservations at Coastal Kitchen once onboard. On these ships, these members will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any specialty restaurant. Voucher will be added to your SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : How will the onboard events change?
A : Based on new protocols, we had to adjust some events while still ensuring your full enjoyment:
Meal with an Officer —This experience, for our Diamond Plus (340 points and above) and Pinnacle Club members, has evolved to a Champagne Toast with an Officer. This event will still take place in the Main Dining Room, but with new physical distancing protocols in place.
Entertainment Tour — This tour has been reimagined, allowing our valued Diamond and above members to learn more about the amazing Royal Caribbean productions and entertainment team.
Behind-the-Scenes Galley Tour — This benefit for our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members has been temporarily suspended to ensure the health of our guests and crew.
Priority Seating for Theaters and Shows — This benefit has evolved to priority access. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can enter the show venues up to 45 minutes before showtime to select their preferred seating.
Daily Breakfast in Main Dining Room — This benefit for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members has been temporarily suspended.
Departure Lounge with Continental Breakfast— This benefit has been suspended for all Crown & Anchor members as a result of the new departure process.
 
Q : Will I still have Priority Check-In at embarkation?
A : When we return to service, the embarkation process will be different. To manage the flow of guests and follow new health and safety protocols, guests will request a set arrival time in advance.

For our valued Pinnacle Club members, we are introducing Flexible Arrival. While the terminal is open, Pinnacle Club members have the flexibility to check in up to one hour before or after their scheduled check-in time.
 
Q : How will the daily happy hour be impacted?
A : The Happy Hour in the Diamond Lounge will take place daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Diamond and above members will now enjoy additional daily beverage vouchers to be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour, or in our private destinations. Whether it’s sparkling water, sparking wine, or the drink of the day, you choose when and where to enjoy these beverages.
The number of daily beverage coupons will increase as follows:
Diamond — 4 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond Plus — 5 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Pinnacle Club — 6 beverage coupons loaded daily on SeaPass card
Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members will be able to redeem their complimentary beverage vouchers (for drinks valued up to $13) at any venue except Starbucks and Bionic Bar, at any time throughout the day.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Diamond Lounge?
A : Yes — Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can access the Diamond Lounge throughout the day. The Diamond Lounge capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing and sanitation. The lounge is open for regular hours, with Happy Hour daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Guests will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.
 
Q : Will I have access to the Suite and Concierge lounges?
A : To manage venue capacity, access to the Concierge Club and Suite Lounge will be limited to members staying in Suites (Grand Suites and above).
 
Q :  Will Pinnacle Club members still have access to the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen on Oasis and Quantum class ships?
A : On Oasis and Quantum Class* ships, Pinnacle Club members will still be able to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen. However, to manage venue capacity, reservations are required and can only be made with the Maître d’ once onboard.

Pinnacle Club members on these ships will also receive a $25 dining voucher per member, per sailing to enjoy at any Specialty Restaurant of their choice. This voucher will be pre-loaded on their SeaPass card.

*Excludes Spectrum of the Seas®
 
Q : Will there be any changes to onboard amenities?
A : Yes — due to new health protocols, deliveries to staterooms are limited to embarkation day only. For our Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members, food and beverage amenities will be waiting in your stateroom when you arrive. The Chef’s Choice amenity is temporarily suspended until further notice.
 
Q : Will I still receive my onboard recognition?
A : Yes, although some recognition events will change based on onboard protocols. Our Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond members will still receive pins in their stateroom. Diamond Plus members will receive both a pin and luggage tag.

To celebrate our new Pinnacle Club members, our Loyalty Ambassador onboard will invite the new member and their immediate family to a special intimate recognition which will be filmed and broadcasted on Royal Caribbean TV.

Members reaching 1,050 points and above will receive a Pinnacle Club milestone recognition letter in their staterooms. Our Loyalty Ambassador will reach out to arrange the delivery of a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine.