Censored
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- Tanner and Vancity Cruiser
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2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:
Yes, we are not vaxxed and will never get vaxxed.
Since we have not cruised since Feb 2020, we have not re-qualified since the restart. If they had not extended our status (again) we would have lost our Prime status on 4-1-22. Glad we will retain status until we can (hope) start cruising again.
Good for you and I respect you for that. In 2020 we did 6 cruises. Came off the last ship in Bayonne March 15 and drove home. Managed to pull off 5 cruises in 2021. Have 8 booked thus far for 2022. Every single cruise is comped , most of them suites.
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On 12/20/2021 at 7:29 PM, CruisnMike35 said:
Hello everyone,
This is my first travel Blog, and I’m not sure how to start. So I guess I’ll just jump right in with a short back story.
In spring of 2020, right when Covid was starting to set in, I began watching a lot of travel videos on YouTube. My family had just postponed/ cancelled a few highly anticipated vacations, and I was feeling pretty down. I understand that watching travel videos in this state of mind might sound like I was torturing myself; but it was actually very cathartic for me.
At some point during the way too many hours of viewing these videos I came across Danny, from Harr Travel. For those who aren’t unaware, Harr Travel has what I have found to be the most extensive and complete library of Cruise ship videos on the internet. They have room tours for dozens of ships, and full ship tours for several of the Oasis and Quantum Class ships. But the video that was most important for me was The Ultimate Guide to Star Class. (Link below)
Once I saw this video, and the video’s of the various star class suites, I was hooked. I began searching for something that would work for me and my parents. I found a 9 Night Eastern Caribbean on the Anthem of the Seas, in the Royal Loft Suite, and after I talked to my parents we decided to book it.
We are now 53 days away from embarkation, and I couldn’t be more excited. Last week we received our “Genie Questionnaire.” In my next post, I will discuss this questionnaire and how we chose to approach answering the questions. I would love to hear feedback from anyone who has completed the questionnaire in the past and what they think the pros and cons of it are.
My plan for this Blog is to document what will hopefully be a exceptional experience, and also to inform others who have not experienced STAR Class on Royal. With this being said, I will be making weekly posts on different topics as we approach embarkation. But I would also love to interact with others if folks have any questions. Thanks for anyone who is interested in following along, and I look forward to documenting this incredible journey.
These youtube stars make me laugh with all their hand gestures. He's Italian of course. good points to know.
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On 12/31/2021 at 8:51 PM, Matt said:
Is this something offered by the government of Barbados?
I think this is it... not sure. need to learn more. https://www.barbadostaxiservice.com/FastTrack/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAr5iQBhCsARIsAPcwROOEbB2qMOuQ9PhE6XsRSdNonmlXlWuDnp8HVIqmOp9F2DqpU1oVQLEaAqpbEALw_wcB
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On 2/10/2022 at 1:42 PM, wordell1 said:
I definitely watched the YouTube videos on Super Mario with interest. I'm not sure I could permanently move to a cruise ship, but I admit the idea is appealing.
I would have interest in one of the world cruises once I retire. I definitely want to be able to do more than one week at a time which I am stuck with because of work.
remember this. Mario is single. He books an inside cabin . There are lots of hiccups that would make that kind of living stressful . His costs out of pocket are about $50,000 US. annual. Many retirement homes can cost that much. So its really not bad when you take into consideration, all the perks in a cruise entertainment, sunshine, pools, food, bed made room cleaned., How anybody can do that must have issues that we are not aware of though...... friends? family? grandkids? special occasions? birthdays? Christmas? etc etc....... Its a hermit mentality.....and certainly not for everybody.
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On 12/31/2021 at 6:36 PM, jansplan said:
Arrived today and after joining FB group Grandeur of the Seas, December 26 I found out about FAST TRACK Barbados. We signed up and wow! what a breeze. Someone met us when we got to the terminal and we bi-passed all the lines. Well worth it. Don't wait too long to book though.
details please.
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On 1/30/2022 at 9:16 PM, pasquale Tarricone said:
Hello it is required to show the PCR test on the day of embarkation from the port of Bridgetown? I will have taken the PCR test on March 2 in Milan on March 3 I will be at Barbados, so on March 6 the test will have expired and therefore my question is whether it is possible to embark or not by doing only the antigen test scheduled in front of the port.I wanted to visit Barbados arriving 3 days before the embark day (march 6) but if I have to take a new PCR test I arrive the day before.(march 5).
Go to the Barbados Government site to see the protocols. You may have an exemption. PCR IS 72 HOURS.
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3 hours ago, Edmund said:
switch is $160 CAD. But I dont think you need it . Royal will give you the PCR test to return home. You need a Travel antigen test to fly to barbados(pcr) Im going to Wallmart $16.99 CAD
I stand corrected. PCR tests are expensive. Wallmart tests are antigen ONLY. You are going to have to find a lab at the lowest price. I am in Toronto, and most of them are $150 24 hour wait Rapid gets crazy pricing 250 and up
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1 hour ago, WAAAYTOOO said:
Not intending to hijack your thread, @Edmundbut I have a little GOOD news for a change.
1. I just received an offer for a complimentary casino cruise on Wonder ! I cannot believe that they are offering casino comps on this brand new ship. That's never happened before that I am aware of. I couldn't resist....even though there is a less than 1.0 X 10 -9 chance that the vax requirements will be gone by then (if ever) I booked 4-8-22, 7 night western. I stuck with the complimentary inside room so that I will not lose anything WHEN I have to cancel. If, by some miracle, they do change the vax requirements, I can still upgrade down the road but I fully realize that is unlikely to happen. It was just so nice to actually book a cruise rather than cancel one !
2. I got confirmation that the Club Royale status will be extended for another year ! That means that even though we will not cruise at all this casino year, we will retain our Prime status through 3-31-23. That is very VERY good news for us. The only indication that I had that this was going to happen was the letter that @Ampurp85posted in her recent thread...so it wasn't a complete surprise, but it has now been confirmed so YIPPEE !!!!
Interesting. I got a balcony offer on Wonder. Perhaps I should just book it (even though my dates are filled) and hope for changes? I take it you are not vaxxed then? Club Royale status reboots April 1st. I am signature now, and will remain that. So I dont know what you mean by an extension? Perhaps if I dont reach my status by April !st, they still push it forward? Reached status last Dec. Signature is a great place to be. Im not getting any junior suites or higher like years before however. I achieve them on board for the week and book it at next cruise.
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I am already in a GS on Grandeur March 20. I got an email to upgrade to an OS for $199 and as good as that is, I passed on it. GS is good enough.
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Not so sure this has been posted before, but its simply an FYI. If you gamble enough to earn points that accumulate for a free future cruise certificate, you will qualify for free OBC or Free play if you book that cruise with "Next Cruise " . I have done it twice, and received $500 per cruise. Another great perk for the best casino at sea! They keep improving the sail dates available and I just got an invite for Wonder of the seas in my weekly /monthly offer. Sadly I am so booked I can't take advantage of it!
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On 2/8/2022 at 11:29 AM, Edmund said:
Im going in March as well. As far as I know, you get a free pcr test on board.,
5 minutes ago, Edmund said:ok, so on b2b cruises , you do NOT need a pcr test to re-board the ship? I hope this is true and can be verified! I want to spend beach days in Barbados in between my 4 cruises!
On 2/2/2022 at 2:19 PM, scousergirl said:hi....we are canadians leaving on grandeur from barbados in march. we really need to know how we get a pcr to come home to canada. we heard ship doesnt test anymore but no one knows about a testing centre happening on the pier like in the US ports. also thinking about switch pcr test kit but some people say they are not getting accepted by canada border agents. any news or advice
switch is $160 CAD. But I dont think you need it . Royal will give you the PCR test to return home. You need a Travel antigen test to fly to barbados(pcr) Im going to Wallmart $16.99 CAD
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On 2/8/2022 at 1:14 PM, pasquale Tarricone said:
Edmund, the Royal Caribbean staff gives us a free antigen test at embark and at disembark to enter in Barbados again,the PCR test is needed just when we land in airport.
ok, so on b2b cruises , you do NOT need a pcr test to re-board the ship? I hope this is true and can be verified! I want to spend beach days in Barbados in between my 4 cruises!
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Does Switch Health offer this? Anybody done it using ships internet? Im doing b2b cruises (8 of them) and Royal no longer comps tests.
Is the PCR at the terminal (Bayonne) still $210 US?
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On 1/28/2022 at 6:55 PM, Jax said:
We did rapid antigen at Shoppers Drug Mart $40 pp and used a mobile lab, called Tap Labs for a rapid antigen for $99 pp. Both met the requirements of Royal Caribbean.
costco is $16.99 Wallmart $19.99
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I have been on ships that have stopped at this port 4 times since Dec . I would not recommend any excursion period . The staff at the excursion desk agree. Too many disappointments/ cancellations. Lack of time .
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On 1/28/2022 at 6:11 PM, tlk said:
I'm a Canadian going on a cruise on Anthem of the Seas in March 2022. Any recommendations for approved Covid-19 testing required by RCCL prior to boarding. I was looking at the approved binax proctored test, but they only ship to the US. Other alternatives are $150 test for each person. Looking for an approved test accepted by RCCL that is affordable. Any suggestions or recommendations are appreciated.
Walmart pharmacy $19.95 . Save your money
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13 hours ago, LCWind said:
Comped cruises from the casino are not eligible to receive the shareholder OBC. So, I sold my shares!
wow! thanks for that info!
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4 hours ago, Ray said:
Oh the old ones are the best!
Everyone knows the Grand Canyon came about because a Scotsman dropped a dime and he kept on digging until he found it.
And that copper wire was invented be 2 Scotsmen fighting over a penny.
Btw youre months late to the party!! I AM the 1st 1 to make fun of us scots being tighter than 2 coats of paint! Have made jokes about it since i got here with regards tips thats personal between me and steward so no need to feel sorry for them as its not your concern you just stick to worrying about your own things such as whether your lumberjack shirt is washed.
I live in an igloo, and wear a parka. Have you heard the rumour that the Grand Canyon was started by a Scotsman who lost a coin in a ditch?
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On 2/7/2022 at 9:04 AM, RorySC said:
OK, time to show just how weird I can be at times when it comes to thinking.
I have pretty much remained Loyal to Royal for several reasons, but here is just a few.16 cruises, 12 with RoyalRoyal (Majesty of the Seas) was the first cruise I was ever on I think it was back in 1997. From that point I was deeply hooked on cruising. I have also tried, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, and regrettably paradise Bahamas. (That's a story for another day) but have always came back to Royal.
I have always been someone looking for the so called Cruise Hacks type of thing while remaining Loyal to Royal.
I am originally from NJ, now living in SC..looking to move to FL.Interested in moving to FL for several reasons, but some of them are cruise related. I was playing on paper one day to figure out, just what we spend on travel to and from ports, luggage fees, hotels the night before, and sometimes a night the day we arrive back to home port. Alcohol package, and Internet. Sometimes, adding this all up came to 2-3 thousand. Sometimes more/less.When it comes to the Alcohol package, we tried with and without a package. Without, we found it to be stressful (Always counting, or looking at the bill every evening) we lost $ every time. Our daily routine We found that with a fresh squeezed OJ in the morning, a water or two for excursions, a coffee or two that is not pee pee water, a Gatorade, and then 2 or 3 drinks a day each was way more then the drink package. So the package pays off for us big time. You have to have at least 5 drinks or a combination of about 5 of anything on that list per day to make it work.So then I was thinking if I became Diamond or above, I would get 4-6 free drinks a day depending on what tier you are at, and discounted Voom (about 20%).
A while back I had hoped to be able to push myself up in tier levels with purchasing points. NOPE, Royal does not offer this. So had to come up with a new plan. I started listening to Matt @ RCB, and now shop early and often to lock in rates on everything cruise related. I do 99% of my bookings downstairs in Next Cruise for the added OBC and reduced Deposits of only $100 pp, then have the reservation switched over to my TA. If we have to cancel or make a change, we only lost $100 pp or during the Cruise with confidence no loss at all. This made it even more easy. We also were purposely booking Jr. Suites because they will normally let us board around 11am, and you get double points for each night. Since we normally sail BtB or longer sailings, we have been getting 28 points per sailing. A added plus is when Royal has a special (like during the early time of Covid) they had double points. So our 28 points were 56 points for a sailing. We pompously booked cruises for cheap at times knowing that they would be canceled during Covid so we would get a 150% FCC. With the extra 50% FCC we switched up to a Jr. Suite We hunkered down and booked as much as we can just to take advantage of the double double points and extra FCC's, pushing us up to Dimond Plus real fast. Now we can relax a bit. We can drop down to a regular Balcony room, with the added discounts for Diamond, made a regular balcony even cheaper, and we get 5 drinks a day each. so no more drink package a savings of around $1,000, per sailing and we even get a discount on the Voom.Also staying Loyal to Royal, keep an eye on RCCL stock. The days leading up to Covid, the stock was about $135 ish. This morning it is around $75. I have seen it up to around just under $100 in recent weeks. It is up & down but I am sure over time, it will go back up and even pass the high of $135. The day the CDC announced a shut down for Covid in 2020, the stock dropped to around $19. If you got in then...Score!!! If you own 100 shares or more, you get OBC for each sailing that range from I think $50 up to $250 per reservation depending on the length of sailing for as long as you own the stockNow here is what we are really excited about.With Celebrity Honoring our Diamond status in whatever they call their comparable status, we have a whole new list of Itinerary's and ships to try and we still stay within the family. BUT, if you ever feel the need to "Jump Ship" (no punt intended) some other lines are honoring your RC status on their lines as well. Such as MSC if you sail with them. But we are Loyal to Royal...and staying here.
P.S. When we move to Fl, we cut out flights, baggage, hotels so there is a nice savings as well.
Yep.....told ya we are weird and or to much time on our hands to think.
Tell me more about your research on FL. Im looking too. It makes sense. I posted about this. Matt may have some insight on this as he lives in Florida along with Tony from La Lido Loca.
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Im a Canadian. I can live in the USA for 6 months a year. The term "Snowbirds" is what we are called. To take advantage of all the "drive to" ports in Florida , with Royal Im looking for recommendations for a place to reside rent or buy (whatever is best) . Take into account all the expenses bond fees, HOA fees, taxes, maintenance, Maintenance condo fees if that applies, and then there is insurance. Lets factor in traffic congestion, weather, and crime/safety. What is the best value proposition for all of that? I also prefer the larger ships and not so sure what ports they are parked at. I do not cruise in summer as I enjoy summer here in Canada. I would say Dec-may thx in advance.
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59 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:
I was aware of that thanks. Ive joined this group to perhaps discover "inside information" Stuff that Royal doesn't publish. Hacks. How to circumvent the system if you can. Avoidances, must dos, must nots, Matt does a good job on most of this on video. Im often surprised as to how much can you talk about Royal on a week to weeks basis? With so many newcomers, the questions will keep coming. so be it. We dont want Matt to lose his job! lol Gotta love those super chats! lol
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On 1/30/2022 at 9:16 PM, pasquale Tarricone said:
Hello it is required to show the PCR test on the day of embarkation from the port of Bridgetown? I will have taken the PCR test on March 2 in Milan on March 3 I will be at Barbados, so on March 6 the test will have expired and therefore my question is whether it is possible to embark or not by doing only the antigen test scheduled in front of the port.I wanted to visit Barbados arriving 3 days before the embark day (march 6) but if I have to take a new PCR test I arrive the day before.(march 5).
You will need a antigen test as far as I know to board the ship. But a PCR to disembark... I think
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On 2/2/2022 at 2:19 PM, scousergirl said:
hi....we are canadians leaving on grandeur from barbados in march. we really need to know how we get a pcr to come home to canada. we heard ship doesnt test anymore but no one knows about a testing centre happening on the pier like in the US ports. also thinking about switch pcr test kit but some people say they are not getting accepted by canada border agents. any news or advice
Im going in March as well. As far as I know, you get a free pcr test on board.,
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Just check with the Casino host on board to confirm