whitsmom

I'm sorry, but I'm removing  any post that has personal/contact information (as though they are applying).  This has gotten totally out of hand.

Hey @Matt!! Since you started this post, you've had a surge of "newbies" coming out of the closet, in a manner of speaking. They were waiting to pounce on an opporunity.  WOW!!!! ?????

Hi Matt,
Doesn't mention anything about qualifications. Here are some of mine, do you think these will qualify me?
Bon Vivant, well versed in the English language as well as Pig Latin, able to walk and chew gum at the same time, highly experienced office worker qualified on most of the Xerox Multifunction / All-in-One Laser Printers, non smoker, non drinker before 12:00 noon, I am a professional amateur, always wading into areas that I hardly anything about and I can make sure nothing ever happens. ?

ROFLMAO at all those who keep creating accounts to "volunteer" even after repeated postings to remind everyone that it's a hypothetical question AND that this isn't where one will go to try to participate.
 

I think this post has brought the most new members ever to this site!?

Our favorite cruise to date was our Alaska cruise on the Radiance.  Hubby had just had a heart attack and stint 27 days prior to our cruise.  Thankfully, we did good and the doctor said that a cruise would be restful and gave us this blessing.  He said no fly for 4 weeks and we missed that by 1 day so the doctor said he could fly.  To make this cruise even more memorable, we were schedule to go with two other couples (one from Grand Rapids and the other from Houston).  Long story short, the husband of the Grand Rapids had a heart attack two weeks after my hubby and he had to have open heart surgery so they had to cancel.  The other couple from Houston, the wife blow her Achilles tendon and had surgery.  But she came with a scooter and did great. 
We did a humpback whale excursion but instead of humpbacks, we saw lots of Orcas. 

Our favorite cruise to date was our Alaska cruise on the Radiance.  Hubby had just had a heart attack and stint 27 days prior to our cruise.  Thankfully, we did good and the doctor said that a cruise would be restful and gave us this blessing.  He said no fly for 4 weeks and we missed that by 1 day so the doctor said he could fly.  To make this cruise even more memorable, we were schedule to go with two other couples (one from Grand Rapids and the other from Houston).  Long story short, the husband of the Grand Rapids had a heart attack two weeks after my hubby and he had to have open heart surgery so they had to cancel.  The other couple from Houston, the wife blow her Achilles tendon and had surgery.  But she came with a scooter and did great. 
We did a humpback whale excursion but instead of humpbacks, we saw lots of Orcas. 

Our favorite cruise to date was our Alaska cruise on the Radiance.  Hubby had just had a heart attack and stint 27 days prior to our cruise.  Thankfully, we did good and the doctor said that a cruise would be restful and gave us this blessing.  He said no fly for 4 weeks and we missed that by 1 day so the doctor said he could fly.  To make this cruise even more memorable, we were schedule to go with two other couples (one from Grand Rapids and the other from Houston).  Long story short, the husband of the Grand Rapids had a heart attack two weeks after my hubby and he had to have open heart surgery so they had to cancel.  The other couple from Houston, the wife blow her Achilles tendon and had surgery.  But she came with a scooter and did great. 
We did a humpback whale excursion but instead of humpbacks, we saw lots of Orcas. 

Our favorite cruise to date was our Alaska cruise on the Radiance.  Hubby had just had a heart attack and stint 27 days prior to our cruise.  Thankfully, we did good and the doctor said that a cruise would be restful and gave us this blessing.  He said no fly for 4 weeks and we missed that by 1 day so the doctor said he could fly.  To make this cruise even more memorable, we were schedule to go with two other couples (one from Grand Rapids and the other from Houston).  Long story short, the husband of the Grand Rapids had a heart attack two weeks after my hubby and he had to have open heart surgery so they had to cancel.  The other couple from Houston, the wife blow her Achilles tendon and had surgery.  But she came with a scooter and did great. 
We did a humpback whale excursion but instead of humpbacks, we saw lots of Orcas. 

Same price that I got a while back when it dropped.  It was $57 and dropped to $43 when I purchased it earlier. I just open Canada opens back up so that we can actually go!

FYI

Wow.....guess I shouldve put a trigger warning on there? 

Just thought it was fascinating and people might be interested to know that its being looked at and talked about....as it relates to flying to cruises. 

Watching that sunset gets me every.... single.... time. ?

My favorite memory....Last December (2019) I took my parents on the Oasis to celebrate their 63 wedding anniversary.  We normally drive to Florida but this time I talked them into flying.  Note they had not flown in over 20 years.  What they did not know is that I booked us first class tickets!  We normally stay at holiday inn or such the night before. This time I booked us in the Mandarin Oriental Miami.  By this time they are just beyond happy.  As we left for the ship I kinda forgot to tell them that we were staying Star Class again.  It was the best cruise ever!

we managed to L&S a 14 night relocation cruise, Sydney to Singapore 2021 to a 16 night Sydney to Hawaii 2022 with negligible price difference so just ask! never know what your going to get.

R Rate is what it was in April so they have came up with new rules, schools and workplaces are still open however we CANNOT visit other houses, can only meet 1 other household at a time outside with a maximum of 6 people. If this does not stop the trend then other more severe measures may be introduced, this includes a complete lockdown as has been recommended by scientists for 1 month possibly over xmas and new year. 
Bloody idiots wont listen to whats being said and either go out partying or protesting etc ruining it for those that stick to the rules 

Resurrecting an old thread.  I wanted to report on a GREAT experience with American Airlines and itinerary changes.
I had to change a flight NOT once, but TWICE.  For both calls, AA made the necessary changes quickly and without charging a dime in change fees.  I am thrilled with this new policy.  The first time I changed it, there was an increase in fare (which I absolutely expected) so I just paid the increased fare.  The second time I changed it, the fare went DOWN by over $350 PP so I got credit vouchers for that fare difference.
After so many bad experiences trying to change air itineraries, I was happy for some good news.  I hope they NEVER change their no change fee policy !!!

My DDP was $57 and today it was $43.  I purchased it so I really hope our L&S October 2021 will be a go!

Thank you! Just saved $25 each on our excursion in Victoria!

Simple spreadsheet, go to the number of days you will be cruising on the tabs at the bottom, change the cost of the deluxe and refreshment package to what yours is. Go down and approximate (don't be stingy) how many of each type drink you would have each day, this will vary for most due to port/at sea or private island.
After you've done this it will tell you how much you would save with the package.
I think my pricing of drinks is still right, let me know if I'm off.
Hope this helps!
Beverage Package Comparison 3-8day.xlsx

That's a slippery slope.  How many slots do Full Suites vs. Junior Suites get?  Pinnacles?  The Key?  D+ then D and so on down the chain? 
It's one thing to say if you are checked in and waiting in the terminal, then here is the boarding order.   It's another to reserve slots for arrival because at what point do you they give up on a "class" that hasn't checked in online to get their arrival time?
I suspect they will adopt something like the Sydney, Australia format.  
In Sydney only Star Class really gets priority arrival/check-in at the terminal.   I didn't get a special early arrival time for my C&A status, I think I received what was available when I checked in.  I dropped my bags then went off to walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge and get pictures (to kill time).   Once back I was still too early for my arrival time.  It didn't matter what my C&A status was, I had to wait.  Walking from the ship luggage drop to the bridge, across the bridge and back isn't exactly a "quick" walk. I went to the museum up there too and I was still too early to check in when I got back.  I asked about C&A status ... nope, what time I had was the only thing that mattered.  This was before any pandemic.  
I think initially some Suites/Pinnacle/Key/D+ will be upset when they assume privilege.  Blah, blah, blah.  We'll hear about it without doubt.  But oh well, I'm okay losing this privilege if it means getting back on a ship.  Others will be more vocal but we all have to give in these difficult times.  Trying to appease special status may not work like it did before.  Eventually it will be back. Until then everyone needs a super large dose of "Calm down and cruise on".
 

I second this! But it depends on what you are looking for in your adventures. We loved our 10 night Mediterranean cruise for the ruins in Italy and Greece but it was SO hot even in mid September 
The 14 night cruise we did of Scandinavia and Russia was simply incredible. Weather much cooler which we prefer and there is so much to see right near the port in most cities so easy to navigate by ourselves by walking or HOHO tours. We also sailed from Southampton which allowed a visit to London first (some also did Paris!) 
You really can't go wrong in Europe though and we have never had an issue with transit or safety. Do your research first and take the regular precautions you would in a big city and you will be fine !

Don't tell anyone please....I have been stalking my "possible sailing" scheduled for Thanksgiving this November because I lost my August VP cabin this past August and I really needed this cabin. (only 1854 or 1804) and both were previously booked so unavailable for this sailing. Of course we have no assurance this sailing will go, BUT it appeared available Friday night, OMG can I switch ??  Enter Sharla our MEI guru, I called her and shot off an email, understanding fully it was after hours so I did all I could do. 
Within minutes of my email I received a response simply saying " I'm on it" I was flabbergasted, this amazing lady interrupted her personal evening and secured my preferred cabin, shhh don't tell anyone SHE.IS.AMAZING. 
I am so thankful for the day I reached out on this blog and was put in contact with Sharla, I feel like she is more then a TA, she is a friend. Thanks @Matt for being the conduit for our amazing advocate all things Royal, @Sharla. [email protected]
LISTEN CDC, we are more then ready to sail, let's go!

 

I came across this video today of someone that is onboard one of the ships that has started sailing (MeinSchiff Blaue Reise). He talks about how boarding was different and the procedures they have on the ship. I thought it was interesting and possibly what it would look like when we can start back.
 
 
 

Royal is required to authorize these promotions. IMHO this a great sign Royal feels confident they will be sailing short cruises in January.