JustMeJoe

Wishing for the 'good ole days' when all we worried about was Norovirus, those were the days.

Yes, Kadena 1988-1991. Loved it also!

Looks like they are stopping by Okinawa.

Hi again Whitsmom. We made it back from a 10 night on Freedom with no problems! Just had to do a couple of nose swabs for the back to backs - negative. Ship was about 20-40 percent capacity - smallest 1191 to 2609 largest - holds 4375. Masks were on and off (sorry about that) - most wore them some did not - was really not a big deal since we were outside mostly or eating/drinking. Really nothing to do ashore - mostly closed at Nassau. Stayed on the ship and just glad to be sailing again. Talk later, take care.

Hello whitsmom! We are in Miami today, going out on Freedom tomorrow if all goes well. Vax done, Check-in complete, antigen test done and negative, health questions answered; now let's see if they'll let me onboard.

I wish Everything was Cruise related. Can't give up hope!

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/crown-anchor-society/program-updates Also got this last week in an email from the suite concierge: As we return to service, some benefits and services have changed. To follow new health protocols and better manage the flow of guests in terminals, the check-in process will be different. All guests will be required to select an arrival time in advance via the Royal Caribbean app. However, suite guests can enjoy Flexible Arrival — a new program allowing the freedom to check-in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time while the terminal is open.

I'm all for the chance at a RoyalUp. YOLO; go for it. The part I don't like is the "small print" in the terms. The terms and conditions of your original cruise booking will remain in effect following the acceptance of an Offer or if an Offer is not accepted. This includes terms and conditions pertaining to cancellation, penalties, changes, the Crown & Anchor® Society. Accepted offers will earn Crown & Anchor points at the original stateroom category purchased, and not the category of the upgraded stateroom. Upgrade does not include any additional promotions. If you purchase an Upgrade RCI cannot guarantee a specific cabin number assignment within the upgraded category. Your cabin number will depend on space availability. Underlined the unappealing parts for me. (Probably some more).

As they say - small world. We more than likely crossed paths. Was there from 88-91.

I spent 3 years in Okinawa, Kadena, while in the USAF. This one looks better than I ever saw before. Cheers!!

Yep, sounds like it. I agree, I like it crispier too. Will try it again and check.

Speaking of bacon (most everyone loves bacon), does Chops still serve that Black Pepper Bacon thing? Hope so, can't wait........... Fantastic Liveblog you're doing!

Thanks Kayla disposable might be best. BTW we'll be on Jewell with you in Jan. We're from Lex flying from CVG.

I really hate to start this topic, but thought I need some mask advice from current cruisers. It's the time we're living in. If we pass the C19 antigen test next Wed, we'll be cruising this time next Friday. I've done the "blue surgical type" - nah; the cloth type that pull on my ears and make me look like Dumbo - nah. I've seen the type with a lanyard that lets it hang around your neck - Maybe? But all of them seem to fog up my (sun)glasses. When I need to wear one, I finally decided on the pullover "gaiter" type which I can't lose and is always there if I have to pull it up. What type do you guys recommend for cruising? Does RCL advise one vs. another? I'll bet Royal has some logo masks for sale in the shops onboard -Haha.

I'm a Newbie, so take it easy on me Smokey. This may be best for BrianB; but everyone chime in. Met a guy in the Diamond Lounge once (yes one of those stories) who said he only booked adjoining balconies for he and his wife. They sail solo and have the 150% supplement (not sure if D+ or Pinnacle). Said he liked the extra space - two baths, two balconies, etc. and that he got more points for doing it this way. Thoughts, pros, cons ?