Moby Dick

We'll be in Seattle in May. We have never been there before. We are going straight to our hotel (an "airport" hotel) and stay there till we leave for the port the next day and again upon return. My old Army buddy, that is cruising with us, and I will not subject our wives to the type of crime and filth that has been reported. Even if the media reports are exaggerated by 10 - 20%, it's still too high. No, Seattle isn't the most crime ridden city in the country, but I'm not visiting the one(s) that are, either. I live about 1.5 hours from Atlanta, I don't go there either, etc etc etc. Your milage may vary! https://www.seattle.gov/police/information-and-data/online-crime-maps

Yep, potatoes/potataooos, it's a 3rd party relationship that Royal profits from. No, I'm not against profit. In fact, I love it.

The Abbott Test is just one manufacturer that is acceptable and it happens that Abbott has partnered with Royal. But, that doesn't mean that Royal won't accept others. As long as your test meets the requirements, it doesn't matter what the manufacturer you use. If you look about 4 or 5 lines below, the "Accepted Types of Tests and Results" doesn't mention any manufacturer. See the following for detail: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go Accepted Tests for Guests Sailing from U.S. Ports including San Juan, Puerto Rico Below are details about which tests are accepted to board the ship. The type of test you need for your cruise, as well as the testing window, can vary depending on your vaccination status. If you are unclear on test requirements for your cruise, visit our main COVID-19 testing FAQ to learn more. Accepted Types of Tests and Results There are two common types of diagnostic COVID-19 tests A molecular test, also called a PCR test or NAAT test – our testing requirements call this a “PCR test” An antigen test, also called a rapid antigen test – our testing requirements call this an “antigen test" The test must be supervised by a health professional, such as a doctor, pharmacy technician, public health worker, or telehealth professional. Telehealth testing at home is only accepted for vaccinated guests, and only when it is conducted under live video supervision. Learn more about acceptable telehealth tests including our home test kit. You must receive a valid results document from your test provider that includes the name of the lab that processed the test, the lab’s CLIA Lab Number or Certification Number, the address of the lab, your name, the date the test was taken, type of test, and your negative result. This can be a printed document, email, or telehealth app notification. Fully handwritten doctor’s notes (such as those written on a prescription pad) will not be accepted. Minimal handwritten components (such as a check mark on a “negative” box) are acceptable as long as the other required information is printed on the document. Tests We Do Not Accept Antibody tests are not accepted, as they do not detect a current infection. Home test kits that are self-administered at home, and not supervised live by a telehealth professional, are also not accepted. Supervised telehealth tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests – only for vaccinated guests. More on Abbott Brand Tests We get a lot of questions about Abbott tests, the most commonly available COVID-19 test brand. Here’s what’s accepted. Any Abbott brand test administered on site by a pharmacy technician or other health professional is accepted. This includes the common Abbot ID NOW test administered by many pharmacies. The test provider must provide you with a proper results document (no handwritten notes). The Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Test, which is taken at home and supervised by a telemedicine professional, is accepted. It must be taken under live video supervision. Learn more about our Abbott telehealth home test kit. The Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test, if taken at home and not supervised by a telehealth representative, is NOT accepted. Where to Get Your Test COVID-19 testing is very common nowadays. Most local pharmacy chains offer it, and most county or state websites can help you find a local public testing site. You can also go to a doctor’s office, diagnostic lab, or telehealth provider to get your test. For example, Quest Diagnostics offers appointments at over 1,500 locations in the U.S. with testing at no cost if you are eligible. For sailings that require a pre-cruise test, you will be asked to take the test no more than 2 to 3 days before your sail date, depending on your age and vaccination status. Learn more about how to calculate which days you can take your test. Make sure that your selected test provider can provide you a valid results document in time for your travel. Providing Your Results On Boarding Day You will present your negative test result at the terminal upon boarding. Print out your result if possible for easy access, as you may need to present it at various points. We will also accept a valid results document presented on your phone. If you get a positive test result on your pre-cruise test, please call us at 1-800-256-6649 so we can rework your cruise plans. ALSO https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/is-there-a-telemedicine-option-for-pre-cruise-covid-19-test

Yep, their going to wage themselves out of a job.

We have different minimum wages for different employees here in the good old U.S.A. There's a minimum wage for Restaurant servers, the ones that work for tips. We also have different rules for overtime as well. Many workers are not entitled to overtime, period.

Ohhhhh man, I hope you are right.

Short answer, YES, all testing must be supervised. Long answer, see below: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go Accepted Tests for Guests Sailing from North America (U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada) Below are details about which tests are accepted to board the ship. The type of test you need for your cruise, as well as the testing window, can vary depending on your vaccination status. If you are unclear on test requirements for your cruise, visit our main COVID-19 testing FAQ to learn more. Accepted Types of Tests and Results There are two common types of diagnostic COVID-19 tests A molecular test, also called a PCR test or NAAT test – our testing requirements call this a “PCR test” An antigen test, also called a rapid antigen test – our testing requirements call this an “antigen test" The test must be supervised by a health professional, such as a doctor, pharmacy technician, public health worker, or telehealth professional. Telehealth testing at home is only accepted for vaccinated guests, and only when it is conducted under live video supervision. Learn more about acceptable telehealth tests including our home test kit. You must receive a valid results document from your test provider that includes the name of the lab that processed the test, the lab’s CLIA Lab Number or Certification Number, the address of the lab, your name, the date the test was taken, type of test, and your negative result. This can be a printed document, email, or telehealth app notification. Fully handwritten doctor’s notes (such as those written on a prescription pad) will not be accepted. Minimal handwritten components (such as a check mark on a “negative” box) are acceptable as long as the other required information is printed on the document. Tests We Do Not Accept Antibody tests are not accepted, as they do not detect a current infection. Home test kits that are self-administered at home, and not supervised live by a telehealth professional, are also not accepted. Supervised telehealth tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests – only for vaccinated guests. More on Abbott Brand Tests We get a lot of questions about Abbott tests, the most commonly available COVID-19 test brand. Here’s what’s accepted. Any Abbott brand test administered on site by a pharmacy technician or other health professional is accepted. This includes the common Abbot ID NOW test administered by many pharmacies. The test provider must provide you with a proper results document (no handwritten notes). The Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Test, which is taken at home and supervised by a telemedicine professional, is accepted. It must be taken under live video supervision. Learn more about our Abbott telehealth home test kit. The Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test, if taken at home and not supervised by a telehealth representative, is NOT accepted. Where to Get Your Test COVID-19 testing is very common nowadays. Most local pharmacy chains offer it, and most county or state websites can help you find a local public testing site. You can also go to a doctor’s office, diagnostic lab, or telehealth provider to get your test. For example, Quest Diagnostics offers appointments at over 1,500 locations in the U.S. with testing at no cost if you are eligible. For sailings that require a pre-cruise test, you will be asked to take the test no more than 2 to 3 days before your sail date, depending on your age and vaccination status. Learn more about how to calculate which days you can take your test. Make sure that your selected test provider can provide you a valid results document in time for your travel. Providing Your Results On Boarding Day You will present your negative test result at the terminal upon boarding. Print out your result if possible for easy access, as you may need to present it at various points. We will also accept a valid results document presented on your phone. If you get a positive test result on your pre-cruise test, please call us at 1-800-256-6649 so we can rework your cruise plans. AND https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/will-i-have-to-take-a-test-before-i-cruise Required Testing for All Guests Sailing Round-Trip From U.S. Homeports This info covers cruises that begin and end within North America. Guests on one-way transatlantic sailings should see the next section. All Guests: Required Pre-Cruise Testing Before boarding day, you’ll need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense. Vaccinated guests must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. NOTE: Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. Unvaccinated kids’ pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal. Learn more about how to calculate which days you can take your test. Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test. If you're travelling to the U.S. from another country, you'll also need to take a PCR or antigen test to enter the U.S. For guests on a cruise that visits Bermuda, additional travel and testing requirements may apply to your sailing. Learn more. Unvaccinated Kids Age 2-11: Additional Complimentary Testing In addition to the pre-cruise test, unvaccinated kids will take one or two more tests, depending on the length of the cruise. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests. On boarding day, Unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary test when checking in at the terminal. Registration details will be sent via email in advance. For cruises that are 5 nights or longer, unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary antigen test onboard before the cruise ends. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. For sailings from Seattle, Washington, unvaccinated kids age 5 – 11 will take a complimentary test within 1 day of arrival to Canada. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. Guests Under the Age of 2 Guests under the age of 2 have no testing requirements. NOTE: Sailings longer than 10 nights may have additional onboard testing requirements Alaska Cruisetour Guests: Required Pre-Tour Testing Royal Caribbean Cruisetour guests need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense, before the land-tour portion of your Cruisetour. Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before the day the land tour starts. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before the day the land tour starts. Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-Cruisetour test. Cruisetour guests will also need to complete the pre-cruise testing to board the ship in addition to the pre-tour testing. Vaccinated guests are advised to bring an eMed test kit with them on their Cruisetour to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement. For vaccinated guests without a test kit or unvaccinated kids age 2-11 in need of a PCR test, a testing provider in Anchorage will be available to test guests at their own expense. Details on how to register for testing in Anchorage will be provided by your Cruisetour guide.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-recovered-from-covid-19-need-to-be-vaccinated-or-take-a-test-to-sail If I’ve recently recovered from COVID-19, will I still need to be vaccinated to sail? Will I still have to take a COVID-19 test before or during my cruise? A For Cruises Departing the U.S. ports, Puerto Rico and Canada A Certificate of Recovery will not be accepted in lieu of a vaccination record card for guests of vaccine eligible age. All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. For all sailings departing on or after March 11, 2022, a Certificate of Recovery, for a positive COVID-19 case at least 11 days before boarding but no more than 90 days ago, may be provided in lieu of a pre-cruise COVID-19 test result to board the ship if it meets certain requirements. However, certain ports (listed below) will not permit guests to go ashore using a Certificate of Recovery. The following two documents must be presented: A certified medical health certificate from a doctor stating that you have fully recovered from COVID-19. It must meet the following requirements: Official letterhead from a healthcare provider, public health official or telehealth provider showing: Their name Their address Their phone number Confirmation of your recovery and completion of isolation Must be typed (not handwritten) and signed by the provider Must confirm the sample collection date of the positive PCR test, which must be a minimum of 11 days and a maximum of 90 days before the departure date of your cruise A positive result document for a COVID-19 PCR test taken a minimum of 11 days and a maximum of 90 days before the departure date of your cruise. An antigen test result will not be accepted with a Certificate of Recovery. The test results document from your test provider must include the name of the lab that processed the test, the lab’s CLIA Lab Number or Certification Number, the address of the lab, your name, the date the test was taken, type of test, and your positive result. This can be a printed document, email, or telehealth app notification. Fully handwritten doctor’s notes (such as those written on a prescription pad) will not be accepted. Minimal handwritten components (such as a check mark on a “positive” box) are acceptable as long as the other required information is printed on the document. NOTE: Though Royal Caribbean will accept documentation meeting these requirements to board, many countries are not currently accepting Certificates of Recovery. In these ports, guests who provided certificates would not be allowed to debark. The following ports are currently not accepting a Certificate of Recovery for debarkation: Curacao St. Kitts Panama Panama Canal Jamaica Bonaire St. Lucia Guatemala Colombia Trinidad & Tobago St. Vincent the Grenadines Haiti Cayman Islands Bermuda

What they all said. I've never been on a Disney cruise but I understand that there are no casinos on any Disney ship. I'm not a big time gambler, but it is an entertainment option and Disney doesn't offer that.

I'm not sure the reason, the complete reason for not allowing extension CORDS. However, I asked the question once and I didn't get much of an answer but I was told that if I look into Amazon or other electric supply stores, there are multi-plug devices that plug into the wall (male), without a cord and have several 120v plugs (female) locations. I found the following and have taken 2 of them with me on every cruise without a problem. They even have USB ports: https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-3-Outlet-Protector-Electronics-Appliances/dp/B00ATZJ5YS/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1FQO1JVFZC7FA&keywords=cordless+power+strips&qid=1648496022&sprefix=cordless+power+strips%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-15 EDITED IN: After further review, the link shows what appears to be a much newer model than the one I have and it has a "surge protector" in it. They don't like "surge protectors". Mine, that looks exactly like that one, doesn't. Other options: https://www.amazon.com/CYYLTD-Extender-Outlets-Cordless-Portable/dp/B08LNZ9QRN/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1FQO1JVFZC7FA&keywords=cordless+power+strips&qid=1648496542&sprefix=cordless+power+strips%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-9 https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Power-Strip-USB-Outlets/dp/B07BHVKPC3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2W9VT2W6SIR3K&keywords=cordless+power+strips+non+surge+protector&qid=1648496882&sprefix=cordless+power+strips+non+surge+protector%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-3 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cordless+power+strips+non+surge+protector&crid=2W9VT2W6SIR3K&sprefix=cordless+power+strips+non+surge+protector%2Caps%2C85&ref=nb_sb_noss

Yes

"the guest below as they are between the ages of 2 to 11 and are unvaccinated. " Did they list your kids names? If their names are listed, it's not generic and I'd do like Jeremynshell did and double check by calling. But, knowing Royal's seemingly inability to get all things IT right (an IT glitch), I'd say it probably isn't something to worry about.

We just purchased these. Not saying that they are better or worse than anything else. Just an option. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F2HZT52?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

I use old Hotel Room key cards/RFD cards. Yes, I'm one of those that keeps the Key Card. But, just for this reason. Royal's intent with this energy savings idea was a noble one. However, as people learn and adapt, it becomes mute/useless/lacking desired results.

Our APP has said for months that Check-in would be available 48 days prior to embarkations day. We'll we got to 48 days and the App changed to say that Check-in was closed but if you didn't check-in within 90 minutes of sail time you won't be able to board, or words to that effect. Now, it's being said that Check-in will be at 45 days, not in the App but in my wife's Facebook Roll-Call thread. So, as usual, information is conflicted. Just now looked in the App and it say, "FUN ON THE HORIZON We're still gathering all the cruise fun, check in is not open yet. Check back closer to your sail date for updates". Who knows!!!!!!

"Publix has much better fried chicken". LOL, I hear that. Love Publix, especially their Ice Cream, Ice Tea (sugar free, sweetened), and Italian Bread. Bases upon the many cruises on Royal ships and taking a tour of the/a galley each time, I didn't see many cooks/chefs that I would say are experts in "Southern cooking". But then again, I don't doubt that they do their best, follow recipes, and produce an acceptable product. BTW, I'm no critic of "fried chicken", I'm not much of a chicken fan, no matter where it comes from. I eat it, just not a must have thing for me. Oh, I do love KFCs Original Skin/coating. 46 days until cruise day. Hoping that at midnight tonight I can go into royalcaribbean.com and complete my "check-in" procedure/documents. Looks like there getting my cabin ready

I appreciate your candor. I think we all can only assume, guess, whatever until they, Royal, actually publishes it's detail plans or until the first guest is allowed into the area. As I've stated earlier, I don't think this beach will have as much of an impact as anticipated. Families will still flock to the waterpark, the very popular snack bars and the most popular attractions/locations on the island. I can only imagine what the island will look like, during a time when kids aren't in school, when two Oasis Class ships or One Oasis Class and one Quantum Class ship are at the island on the same day. That's potentially, in the neighborhood of close to 13,000 people on the island. But, again, thanks for your candor.

I understand your concern. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/will-i-have-to-take-a-test-before-i-cruise Required Testing for All Guests Sailing Round-Trip From U.S. Homeports All Guests: Required Pre-Cruise Testing Before boarding day, you’ll need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense. Vaccinated guests must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. NOTE: Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. Unvaccinated kids’ pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal. Learn more about how to calculate which days you can take your test. Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test. So, see red print above. You can only us the PCR or NAAT test, they will not accept the "antigen" test. So, I'd print this or go to the link and print that. I don't see how they could deny your test. Warning: the test kit that I got from the U.S. Government says it is an "Antigen" test. Therefore, if you have one or many of those, they won't be good to use on your 3 year old unvaccinated child. Your best bet would be to get the one on the Royal website: EDITED IN: Disregard the test kit Royal sells, it's an Antigen test. They won't even accept the test kit they partner with/sell. I don't know what to tell you about that. Just call around, CVS/Walgreens, urgent care facilities/your family dr., state or county clinics, what ever, and ask if they have rapid tests that aren't Antigen ask if they have Molecular/PCR/NAATS. Also, there is the following: Unvaccinated Kids Age 2-11: Additional Complimentary Testing In addition to the pre-cruise test, unvaccinated kids will take one or two more tests, depending on the length of the cruise. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests. On boarding day, Unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary test when checking in at the terminal. Registration details will be sent via email in advance. For cruises that are 5 nights or longer, unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary antigen test onboard before the cruise ends. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. I can't guarantee that this Royal webpage is up to date, I'd damn sure hope so because that's what's in their FAQ.

I'm going to beat this dead horse just a little more. NAATs have been authorized for use in different settings, such as in laboratory facilities by trained personnel (laboratory-based) or in point-of-care (POC) settings. Some NAATs can even be self-administered at home or in other non-healthcare locations. Some NAATs are considered rapid tests that are performed at or near the place where the specimen is collected and can provide the result within minutes

Meeeee toooooo, thanks!

I can't and won't get into who did this, that, or the other thing. "MY RCCL" link says nothing about a "48 Hour "PCR" version". RCCL says, " A molecular test, also called a PCR test or NAAT test – our testing requirements call this a “PCR test” There is no distinction between RAPID or not. It just lumps a molecular test, which is also called a PCR test OR NAAT TEST, for their purposes as the same requirements as A PCR test, period. So, according to RCCL's words, a NAAT rapid or not test is acceptable. Once again, a non-rapid NAAT, will take too long in virtually all cases unless you live next door to a lab that can, legally, process a non-rapid NAAT test and return it to you in time. They have to be sent off to a lab, that involves transportation to and transportation from the lab. 48 hours is very optimistic especially if you have to travel long distance to the port/city. I don't think Royal would point you to a test that would cause you not to get your test results in time. But, at the same time micro manage which type test you have to take. They give you options. Sure, they are partnered with a company that will sell you a particular test kit. But, they aren't saying that that is the only option. I think we have beating a dead horse, at this point.

Yes, too many pee-on phone answerers on a power trip.

Staffing, maybe

Exactly right. The pilot takes command of navigation only. I'd add though that the Captain can decide if there is a safety issue and if the Pilot is competent or not and halt the movement of the ship until another pilot can be hired/assigned. Afterall, the Captain is ALWAYS responsible for the safety of the ship, cargo, passengers, and crew, no matter what. I don't know if you'd find that type wording in any actual statute/law. But, I bet it is in "case law" somewhere.

Once we get this all sorted out, let's all line up and do the can can!