Riley

Agree with all this - if you have a camera (preferably two as the program switches itself to selfie mode for the proctor to observe the swabbing) you will be fine. It's easy to do with a cell phone and a helper - it is difficult to do by yourself with a cell phone.

Couple other points to consider - if you are on a low deck and near an anchor line any tender port is going to be NOISY early in the morning when the ship drops anchor (also rattle-y - I thought I was in an earthquake for a few moments). Also I have been on "Rhapsody" with cabin 3501 - it was a very long walk to the Centrum elevators, main dining, etc. I got a lot of exercise that cruise!

1) Try for an early check-in and arrive at the terminal on time or a little early to limit the lines you'll be in. There will be porters to take your luggage (be sure to have a couple $ to tip) so be sure to tag everything the night before. Keep your paperwork, ID and, e.g., a backpack or carry on with items you will need, as your luggage might not arrive at your room until dinnertime. RC usually does a good job of moving everyone along - you will go through security including an X-Ray just like at the airport, then wait in line to check in. 2) Passport or ID and birth certificate is required, yes. 3) Bring a few magnets and a pad of paper and pen for leaving notes to each other. Also a nightlight for the cabin is really helpful. Pack the kids' swimsuits in your carry on so they can go right to the pool. 4) Eh, mixed results. You can (legally) bring 2 bottles of wine per cabin, as well as a 12-pack of soda under 16 ounces per can/bottle (BE SURE to have this in your carry-on to go through the X-ray. If you pack it in your checked luggage you will have to fetch it. NOTE: the folks at security do not confirm cabin when you bring your 2 bottles through, so won't know if you and one kid go through and your husband and other kid go through with 4 bottles total. I have also heard *cough* that saline solution bottles filled with vodka work really well, especially if packed in your checked luggage with contact lenses. 5) Depends on where you are. Most ports you can pick up service but on ship out to sea? Not likely. 6) there are regular US power outlets but often only a couple per cabin. You cannot bring power strips on board but ask your cabin steward if you need an extra. 7) Continental breakfast room service is free - you can order coffee or tea and pastries each morning to relax with. Tip the delivery guy $1 or $2 if you can. 8 Soap as well as body wash/shampoo provided. 9) No guest laundry unless you pay for it, but the shower has a small clothes line for drying bathing suits and will also work for socks, undies etc. I use the body wash and the bathroom sink and it works just fine. 10) big long list so I will defer to others here for recommendations... 11) There are a few options for beach clubs that are an easy taxi drive away - let me check my cruise notes from a couple years ago and see if I can find the best one.

I doubt it as they don't print out a receipt for signature. I always tip $1 per free drink to make sure they are recognized.

Just got back from Europe - for 1st B2B (on Vision) we did not need to test as we were boosted. For the second B2B (on Rhapsody) the government of Greece requires not only COVID tests for B2B but has also mandated in-person testing. No proctored (eMed) tests are allowed. Be wary of changes on a country-by-country basis.

WATCH THIS - if you're going Transatlantic this spring you may need to test 1 day before... I fortunately caught that when I was reviewing my set sail pass paperwork as the online information was two days. Check really carefully!

Walgreens (and probably CVS) all open their testing slots a week out so if you sail on the 16th you can get an appointment for the 14th by registering on the 7th. If you are international and flying in the night before, most airports have anitgen testing available. Good luck!

Real quick note: the ships all have Gosling's ginger beer (I do a lot of Dark and Stormys so I know this for sure) - when you order a Mule ask for the Gosling's so you get proper ginger beer!

Absolutely! Getting on and off ship is easy and - depending on weather - visiting ports is awesome. If you share which ports there are a lot of people on this site who will have suggestions...

And 10 billion mosquitos?

ENJOY! We are leaving Friday on Vision for Barcelona and beyond. I am really, really looking forward to NOT having wifi on board. Just a stack of trashy paperbacks

It's a little ways from the cruise port to the the train terminal (you can walk it... I think it's 3/4 of a mile) - I would not book a ticket prior to 9 am as either walking or waiting for the local bus takes time; as well as clearing customs etc. Have fun!

Check at the airport or get a test before you leave (the 26th or the 27th). Worst-case scenario take a taxi to one of the local Walgreens offering Rapid NAAT testing (results in ~2 hours and you can schedule it up to a week ahead).

Agreed- I drink it all the time in the room without issue. The only downside is it's usually tepid or warm - can't get cold drink unless ices is available.

You can but please note: no fresh fruits can be brought on board, not even apple slices. I'm not sure about dried fruit.

You can buy some of them at Walgreens these days and probably Walmart and CVS too. It's becoming more common.

First off, try for fresh air and a stable thing to look at (the horizon, for example). Go up on deck somewhere you can look a long ways ahead and take deep breaths. Second, all the bars stock Gosling's Ginger Beer. Try a can of that (the ginger and the carbonation will both help). Third, pressure bands - which they may sell onboard - can be used in conjunction with any meds taken. Fourth, know it will pass. Hang in there!

My recollection is you have a few options, at least. Guest Services, calling from your room or going to the main theater where they set up a "box office" were all options on "Allure" a couple months ago.

Also Cayman is terrific for low-key snorkeling and you don't have to go on an excursion. Take the tender across, turn right when you get to the street and walk about 1/3 to 1/2 of a mile until you get to a dive shop/restaurant and water "park" (several huge inflated slides and bounce castles in the water) on the water side. I don't recall the name but it's blue and white and has decent food and great beer. You can either bring your own gear or rent it at the dive shop and just go down the swim ladder right there. Spectacular and reasonably sheltered from waves etc.

Except it's not. RC has the right to adjust itineraries. Grand Cayman closed itself for a while due to COVID and the cruise ships had to adjust. You can try to call and ask (or check local health trends and regulations online). Depending on how long ago you booked you may be able to change without any fees assessed.

Ah - as someone who doesn't frequent the casino this helps. How much do you have to gamble to get to the status?

Customs and Border Patrol.

Agreed - we have to fly and often book back-to-back. It's one plane ticket, one "night before" hotel and the only cost incurred other than the second cruise is additional days boarding the dogs. Depending on how much the plane tickets are, it's totally worth it if I can convince my boss to approve the time off

First option: ask your hotel or locate and ask at a pharmacy. Also there are testing options at the airport. (Finally, keep an eye on the "2 days" requirement as I have seen it both 2 days and 1 day before...) Good luck!

If you got your vaccines at a Walgreens or CVS they can look up your profile and fill out a new card.