mattpan

In my opinion the Key was good for just a few things: Early boarding, the embarkation lunch (meh), free room service (although this may be only a perk some get due to covid), and being the first off the ship so we could make our flight. Next time we cruise we will try to enjoy the disembarkation breakfast. We otherwise might not get the Key...

I'm on February 5 Symphony sailing, Eastern Caribbean with the same itinerary as the OP. Original itinerary was Labadee, San Juan, St. Thomas, CocoCay. RCCL has confirmed our new itinerary is Labadee!!!, Cruising, St. Thomas, CocoCay. I half expect our St. Thomas to become St. Maarten if our Covid % is too high.

Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge if the Thermal Suite (specifically on Symphony) has been open before the pause? And do you need to wear a mask there or is it considered more like a pool/wet area? Considering whether to purchase it for our upcoming February 2022 sailing. Thanks

I recently made a request to the RCCL dining reservations email for our February 5 Symphony of the Seas sailing. I requested a private table for our group of 6 guests (we have the late seating). They accommodated my request and noted that we would be assigned a table in the Private Dining Room (PDR) on Deck 4. I think this is an area set aside for suite guests (we are in a Junior suite, nothing fancy). Does anyone have any additional information on this area or have any pictures? Ideally we'd like to be "in the action" in the middle of the dining room, maybe on the center balcony section but the PDR area might be a better option giving the current Covid situation...any thoughts? Thanks!

Another drink tip...my wife and I often ask for bottles of Pellegrino and Red Bull as we head back to to our room even if we don't want them that moment so we can stock our fridge. It's nice to always have a small supply in your room fridge at the ready.

My group and I are sailing Symphony of the Seas on February 5, 2022. I'm totally aware of the current San Juan situation re: turning away ships etc. but today we were notified that our shore excursion at the Bacardi Distillery (Casa Bacardi Distillery Visitor Center) was cancelled. All the other excursions still appear on the website so I don't think it has to do with the current San Juan situation; it seems to be excursion-specific. Anyone have an idea why this was cancelled? One of my friends noticed on the disterlly website that they are closed Monday and Tuesdays...our stop is on a Tuesday. Maybe they recently changed their hours? Does anyone have any other ideas for San Juan that involves tasting LOTS of rum? (Assuming we still visit San Juan on our sailing) Thanks!

I heard this number from the Captain during the Q&A with him on the last day. I also head this number from a staff member at Coco Cay when I was asking if the crowds were "normal". It felt empty on Coco Cay that day.

This is a good article (though highly technical) that explains that vaccinated individuals may test positive up until 10-14 days after the peak viral load. https://timmermanreport.com/2021/12/controlling-covid-in-2022-masks-treatments-and-fast-frequent-testing/ This attached graph from the article shows on average how long after peak infection you would like test positive for the PCR test. Since the antigen test is less sensitive you would likely get a negative result from that sooner. But YMMV and it’s all very person-specific with many variables (how sick you were, the exposure that made you sick, how good your immune system is, etc.) Hope this helps. I’m going through the same thing with two friends who tested positive this week and a cruise upcoming in February.

I was also told by our TA to stop testing at least 14 days before the cruise if you don’t want to risk a positive result (even if you test negative afterwards). You will be asked two times (once on the app and once at the port) if you’ve tested positive within the past 14 days. Assuming you tested positive (despite a negative test afterwards), and you answer the questions truthfully, you will be denied boarding. ALSO, anyone in your family/party that was in contact with someone who tested positive in the past 14 days before boarding will be denied. Our TA had more than one group show up to the port only to be denied boarding.

Vlad, due to trying to stay away from the crowds and having been at those stops numerous times we decided to mostly stay on the ship for the other three stops so can't really comment on the beaches. We got off the ship in Cozumel and Costa Maya just to do some shopping in the ports. Masks were required in all enclosed spaces (not outside with adequate social distancing) but honestly we noticed nothing was strongly enforced. We really didn't spend much time off the ship for the three ports you ask about. Sorry

The temp was good the day we were there, maybe high 70's, low 80's. A little breezy. The water in the water park was fine. Did not cruise with kids, there weren't many on the ship especially since it was the week after Thanksgiving.

My wife and I just got off Oasis of the Seas, November 28, 2021 Western Caribbean Sailing. We had a balcony stateroom, 11624. Ports of call were Coco Cay, Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya. We had a great time despite the Covid precautions. Our ship had ~3900 guests and it felt EMPTY. We had the Deluxe Beverage Package and The Key. The only real "excursions" we purchased were the Coco Beach Club and waterpark at Coco Cay, both were great! I know there are a lot of questions these days about how things are working, what's changed, etc...I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Can't promise I can answer all but I'll try. Matt