EmptyNestTravels

I skipped the performance for another event. But it appears Mariner had a guest choir in 2012, and there's a YouTube video of the performance. Perhaps Harmony's choir is similar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIcrjKbk_7M

On my most recent cruise, I didn't get the email that my RU bid was unsuccessful until the first day at sea. Had heard they could award RU at anytime up to the last minute, and it must be true. There were obviously suites available because the advertised grand prizes for Bingo onboard one night were two CLS upgrades. (Maybe that's a common thing?)

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/price-change-information

Is there a way to find/view the "theme" night dinner schedule for the Windjammer? Would be nice to know at the start of the cruise which nights in the Windjammer will be featuring Indian, Chinese, Italian, Caribbean cuisine, etc. I only found it to be listed in the Cruise Compass on the day of the theme dinner (published night before).

Just cruised on Harmony last week. They had the iSkate ice skating show. You could only sign up for it (via app or at Guest Services) once you were onboard. Then, no problem, and they offered multiple shows/nights. Same for all entertainment (Aqua Theater, Royal Theater, Studio B). No masks required. Beverages were available and served to your seats at all events in all entertainment venues.

Get some souvenir merch from the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach!

BTW - Overheard some discussions onboard last week about parents wanting to place limits, or prevent onboard charges, on their kid's SeaPass cards (keep the kids from uncontrolled spending). Answer I heard from the crew was both of those options are possible.

Royal Caribbean will offer short cruises on an Oasis Class cruise ship for the first time In: Allure of the Seas https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/03/08/royal-caribbean-will-offer-short-cruises-oasis-class-cruise-ship-the-first-time

On Harmony last week, smoking was allowed in the "smoking section" of the casino.

They had this last week. IDK when they rehearsed, but the Guest Choir (pax) performed one evening in the Royal Promenade. The cruise director is Dan; am sure you can reach out to him via Guest Services if nothing is posted in the Cruise Compass on Day #1.

Last week's 7-Night sailing on Harmony of the Seas: Guest Services crew member reported 3,300 pax (about 60% capacity) including over 300 children. Masks were optional for pax (crew still wore masks 100% of the time). There was frequent cleaning throughout the ship, and disinfectant fogging of the passageways in the middle of the night. Handwashing was enforced at eateries, and alcohol hand gel stations were located everywhere. It was a very comfortable environment and didn't feel/seem crowded to me. No problems that I am aware of.

Cruise Compass Harmony of the Seas 7 Nt Eastern Caribbean Feb 27-Mar 6 2022.pdf @MamaG - Will try attaching here, but it's 10.2 MB so not sure it will post. Will email to @Matt also. Great cruise and highly recommend Big Daddy's Hideaway Heist Aqua Show; iSkate ice show, and DSB Journey Tribute Band Concert (if available on your sailing). Grease musical was good also.

I just returned from this 7-night itinerary this past Sunday. Will get them scanned and sent to @Matt

Agree 100% with the above. And @michelle at MEI-Travel is awesome! She noticed a price drop this week for one of my cruises; saved me $$$ and also got me OBC!

Took pool towels off the ship in CocoCay. When returning to the ship, they instructed everyone to take the towels to the pool deck and turn them in at the towel stations. Everyone who turned in towels, then tapped Sea Pass cards so we got credit for returning the towels. Didn't think to check the cruise statement to make sure there were no erroneous towel charges listed before leaving the ship. Great idea! Will do that from now on.

If adding a "fake" second person to get a lower solo cabin fare, what happens when that person doesn't check in via the RC app, and doesn't add passport, vax details, etc. Is that an issue? Or, do you only need to enter the second passenger's details just to get the lower fare and to book the reservation; and then it doesn't matter if they never check-in with the app, or add any other details/documents, etc.? *Also, if you added a "fake" second passenger, and then wanted to purchase a drinks package in the Cruise Planner, would it force you to purchase two drinks packages (one for you and one for the "fake" passenger)?

Last week's 7-Night sailing on Harmony of the Seas: Guest Services crew member reported 3,300 pax (about 60% capacity) including over 300 children. Masks were optional for pax (crew still wore masks 100% of the time). There was frequent cleaning throughout the ship, and disinfectant fogging of the passageways in the middle of the night. Handwashing was enforced at eateries, and alcohol hand gel stations were located everywhere. It was a very comfortable environment and didn't feel/seem crowded to me. No problems that I am aware of.

Does anyone know the preferred format for submitting Cruise Compasses to RC Blog? I have been unable to locate any guidance regarding preferred format (pdf, jpg, png), resolution, file size limitations, etc. Would hope there's some guidance somewhere, or would encourage that to be added to the blog's Compass page. All I've been able to find on the blog's Cruise Compass page is a link to submit them via email, with no standards or specifics. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass

Does Celebrity have an upgrade program similar to "Royal Up"?

On my last cruise, the ATM (with $6.50 surcharge!) was out of order when I went to get cash. Was not aware of the option to charge up the Sea Pass card in the Casino and then cash out. Thanks for that great tip!

You can book onboard with Next Cruise to get the OBC, and then transfer the cruise to your own TA when you get back (within 30 days of booking) if you want your TA to manage the reservation for you. Other than the getting the OBC ($100 for mine), reduced deposit, and some free Royal Caribbean SWAG, I haven't found any "great" benefits to booking onboard with Next Cruise.

Allianz annual policy covers not only cruise and international travel, but also domestic travel, as long as you are at least 100 miles away from your home.

Thanks. I did that last cruise when i was assigned MyTime on my Sea Pass card, instead of traditional time that was listed in my cruise documents. It was not a problem and the MDR staff were very accommodating. Was just wondering if there was a way to put in a request ahead of time before all the details got printed on the Sea Pass card. Not a problem. Thank you.

I would be cautious given the language from Royal's "Alcohol Policy" as listed in the "Things to Know" section of the eDocs Guest Ticket Booklet pasted below. The minimum drinking age is also addressed in the Cruise Contract (Section 13(c). So, IMHO, those who violate the policy would be risking the possibility of being put off the ship and finding transportation home at their own expense. Don't know if Royal would actually enforce, but they went to the trouble to cover themselves if the did.

My approach exactly! "concentrate on reducing exposure to other people 14 days prior to my sailing." Learned the hard way after being exposed to a COVID positive friend only a few days before first scheduled cruise last year. FWIW, after doing the at-home Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card test the first time, it was reassuring to know how easy the whole process really is. No stress doing the test - just a bit while waiting the 15-minutes for it to "cook" and hoping for negative results. The online process and proctors have all been great. Documented results available in the NAVICA app and online within minutes (and in Florida it also integrates with the "Healthy Together" app from State Dept of Health.