Gadget Hackwrench

I just got off the Enchantment of the Seas a few hours ago. We were very fortunate that the major hurricane heading toward Bermuda did not impact our stay at all. My condolences to the Mariner of the Seas that was impacted while at port and the other ships that chose to divert. The Bermuda Travel Authorization process is very straightforward. You fill out the document when it becomes available and wait for many weeks until the week before the cruise when if the paperwork is in order and you uploaded the correct documents you are approved. For me the document was approved on the Saturday prior to sailing. You can ignore the part where it asked for the COVID test to be uploaded, because you are traveling with one of the Big 3 who have an exemption which are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian. When my party arrived in Baltimore we were processed for this aspect of the overall boarding process by being given a sticker to wear on our clothes. Once you have actually boarded the ship, you can remove the sticker. I have attached a photo of my sticker. In Bermuda no one, not even the Port Authority, will ever ask you for documents or the sticker. You will be required to wear a mask for ten seconds while walking through a very tiny open air building, after which almost everyone promptly removes it.

I think this comic would have gone over better for a different cruise ship company.

Here is a video that includes footage taken from the cruise ship during this medical incident. Also I would like to point out the name of the ship was initially reported incorrectly and the YouTuber did not verify this before recording. There was a note on his channel with the correct name of the ship.

JustMeJoe is 100 percent correct, this is the Enchantment of the Seas operating out of Baltimore.

Answer your required health questions now We can't wait to welcome you onboard tomorrow! Get ready for your adventure by completing your required Health Declaration, exclusively on the Royal Caribbean app, before you arrive at the terminal. Your cruise is only one day away To complete your Health Declaration, just tap the notification we’ve sent to your mobile phone. Don’t see the notification? Sign in to the app and follow the prompts. Still don't have the app? Download the app here Enjoy the fastest boarding experience, plus more Check-in for your cruise and complete your Health Declaration. Take advantage of touchless, paperless boarding – keep your mobile boarding pass and passport at your fingertips. Jump start your required guest safety briefing before boarding the ship – it’s required of all guests before the ship sails. Access daily activity schedules, make dining and shore excursion reservations, and browse your onboard account, as soon as you’re onboard and connected to ship Wi-Fi. Here’s your Travel Documentation Checklist [ ] Passport Book/ Passport Card is recommended for all guests with a validity of at least 6 months after their sailing's return date. If you don't have a passport, please bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older. If your name doesn't match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate. [ ] Proof of Vaccine is required for all guests 12 years and older, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests. The full cycle of doses must be completed no less than 14 days prior to sailing. [ ] Negative COVID-19 Test Result must be presented (printed or shown on your phone and cannot be a doctor’s note) by all guests 2 and older upon arriving at the port. For vaccinated guests, the COVID-19 test must be taken no more than 2 days prior to boarding. For unvaccinated children ages 2 - 11 a result from a PCR (not antigen) is required and must be taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing - but not on boarding day. [ ] Bermuda Travel Authorization is required for each guest 2 and older at $40 per person. Please apply here before heading to the terminal. [ ] Visa/ESTA: all international guests must check their visa/ESTA requirements before traveling. And lastly, all guests will undergo additional screening at the terminal to ensure everyone boarding the cruise is in good health. If for any reason you may not feel well or have any flu-like symptoms, please contact us ahead of time as we’ll sadly have to deny you boarding one of our ships. Thanks for your cooperation. We can’t wait to see you onboard! Sincerely, Royal Caribbean International

My main concern is not the price of the new Starlink program, but how it will impact the overall cruising experience for those who wish to be as disconnected from society and if you drink enough, reality. I cruise partially to escape from the bustle and constant monitoring from work and social media, and I will not be happy if this ends up with tons of people chatting all day on their phones with their loved ones on the Lido Deck about the details of their upcoming colonoscopy.

oops wrong room tour. I meant this one....

I remember the days when Royal Caribbean didn't have specialty dining on ships. The big special meal was called the Midnight Buffet. You could find all sorts of amazing foods. It was part of everyday dining that has largely disappeared.

I went to a place called SameDayHealth that if you have insurance gives free for you PCR tests while you wait in your car. They told us it could take up to 72 hours for the lab to process the results. We received the results after only 11 hours. It was required for our Bermuda trip. Fortunately Bermuda does not have many covid cases.

In addition, Mariner of the Seas had a medical incident. https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-diverts-cancels-port-of-call/80106 Mariner of the Seas has changed its itinerary due to a diversion for a medical emergency Monday night, and will now visit Cococay twice.

It's never a good cruising day when the local fire department is dispatched to your ship and they have to clear the pool deck to make way for a landing medical helicopter. Stay safe everyone.

Here is the followup letter when you initially fail to earn an upgrade.

The most economical and easy method of travel is walking. Or by bus from Vancouver to the Seattle Airport https://quickcoach.com/

My cat. I have heard cats really enjoy being on boats surrounded by water.

I always figured that I was growing because of all the delicious food I was constantly eating, and that is why my clothes no longer fit by the end of the cruise.

It's fine family. They are launching the Artemis almost a week before we leave port. Friday, September 2nd looks like a great day to set sail! *checks the news*

My only port of call is Bermuda. This reminds me of that scene in Jurassic Park. I can deal with bad weather, but I would rather not encounter any velociraptors on this trip.

Well I submitted a bid for RoyalUp just to see what happens. There's no way they would accept my low bid for the ship's only royal suite considering I am already in an owner's suite. Still I will post my rejection letter here so people can see what it looks like.

Imagine your reaction if the test ended up coming back positive.

Check this out to, the staff here wrote this article about the spa. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2016/08/27/first-time-cruisers-royal-caribbeans-vitality-spa

Please see this topic regarding spa treatments. There are many posts.