jticarruthers

I have snorkeled at Coco a couple of times in the last few months, no restrictions, just walk into the water and start swimming.
Not sure about the vests question, i haven't felt the need for one so i didn't go looking.
There are lifeguards out on platforms so i felt comfortable that if i did have any "current" issues they would be available for an assist.

Ok, so the Wonder of the Seas has finished its inaugural voyage. All the media, youtube bloggers, vloggers, and wannabees were there.  I could have been on that cruise. I declined my offer, as I KNEW the inherent risks of these first time cruises.  Much like the start up of a new restaurant or the launch of a newly designed car,  one needs to be aware of  deficiencies that will happen or "bugs" that need to be fixed.   I've watched numerous clips on posts from other bloggers, which I won't mention, but its honestly laughable they did not expect some hiccups on this type of cruise.  Good grief, we are still at the tail  end of a pandemic , with supply chain issues, people issues, (lack of ) etc.   I am not in the least surprised at all the deficiencies/problems that occurred that these bloggers were crying about...  internet, things not working in staterooms, shows not at full performance, sprinklers, shortages of this and that...etc   I have my differences with Matt H.  I dont always agree with him, and I already have one warning of abusive behaviour for jesting with another poster which I thought was unfair.  Regardless of that, I can see that this is Matt's baby, its his show, and he takes it very seriously probably as a sole source of income.  His report on Wonder of the Seas is second to none. Most of the videos produced are high quality calibre, and on point and come across in a very professional journalistic presentation.  I simply shake my head at the competition.  I don"t watch Monday's live youtube anymore as they are simply too repetitive on questions, and I can't wrap my head around super chats.  Regardless....well done Matt and congratulations on your success and thank you for what you do. Cheers!

Listen to mom 😉

Listen to mom 😉

Listen to mom 😉

Listen to mom 😉

Listen to mom 😉

That’s way too early. You will be waiting outside for at least 90 minutes if not the full 2 hours. 

That’s what my mom said.  

Not cruise related, but the public transportation mask mandate has been extended for another 30 days

Boarding itself is pretty quick once you get "to the door". Probably averaging about 15 mins from entering terminal to exiting terminal since the restart.
The unknown is how long the line will be to get in the terminal, i think its typically been about 10-15 minutes for me, had one as long as 2 hours but that was early and they were in full blown insane/stupid mode on that one.
 
 

I can no longer justify the beverage package, the convenience is wonderful but with 4 (soon to be 5) free drinks each for GF and I every day, it just doesnt make economic sense.

We were on Indy 2/25, had the same impression in regards to crew being overwhelmed but they were throwing out 2000 as the number at guest services and the ship was definitely not close to full (second time on Indy and a couple on Mariner since relaunch so i have an idea of what a post-covid "crowded" ship looks like).
 

Cant speak to the Tourney but we had a hard time finding NFL games on Harmony on Thanksgiving week.
Bucs game on either Sunday or Monday night was being played on the one TV at the bar on the Boardwalk ... kind of awkward with a packed crowd and only one bartender 😉
Second half of the game moved over to the Aquatheater finally.

The CDC now recommends against case counting and contact tracing. 
 
Well except for cruise ships of course
 

 
 

We’re hoping for a cruise credit. With regard to the bag RC has no idea where it went after it enjoyed the cruise.  And trying to get hold of anyone at RC involves 2 hours in the phone - 2 minutes to explain the issue and an hour and 58 minutes on hold while they try to find someone with analytical skills. 

So far, being unvaccinated has been a “get-out-of-cruise-free” card….meaning unvaxxed could receive a 100% cash refund…however, that may not be the case in 2023.  If it were me and I didn’t intend to get vaccinated (and GOOD for them for making that choice !), I would definitely book with a refundable deposit.  Who knows what the situation will be, then. Hoping that the vax requirement is long gone by then, but nobody really knows.

Power trip person! We use the same testing facility every time for our obligatory 2 day out antigen and our last sailing on the Odyssey the young lady scrutinized forever saying this isn't good enough, wait what? We already sailed 2 x with testing from the same facility. So nerve racking for no reason, ENOUGH ROYAL, ENOUGH!!!!

These vax cards will be the death of us!!  Relying on the people filling them out a year ago under enormous pressure to get shots in arms and with perhaps no real understanding of the importance of their accuracy down the road!

proving you are able to click the "right" responses when asked "are you sick?"

Fair enough/Good point. The problem is the media runs with every case and unfortunately perception is reality for an industry that is much maligned and under a microscope. 

There have never been large covid numbers on board. The CDC wants us to think otherwise of course

Interesting question, I still havent run into the "adherence to it" aspect. Outside of the first cruise back in July of '21, I have not been asked to show any proof of my boarding window, just walk up to the terminal, get in line and head aboard. 
Now I have shown up in my window each time so maybe there is an electronic check in the background somewhere in the process but Royal doesnt even ask to see my boarding pass until I am already in the terminal (at Canaveral at least) .. its just the obsessive Vax card and negative test several times to get that far.

proving you are able to click the "right" responses when asked "are you sick?"

Mask Policy for crew
The crew with 'Up to Date' vaccination status are not required to wear masks when outdoors, on Deck 6 fwd open deck and Deck 7 fwd (except F&B venues such as El Loco, Sprinkles, Bar Staff are required to always wear masks.). They are still required to wear KN-95 masks when indoors and on-duty (except in hot working areas, such as the galley). The crew is still required to wear masks while using the crew/guest gym.
The crew with Not Up to Date vaccination status must wear KN-95 masks at all times when outside the cabin
Crew testing
50% of the up-to-date crew per week. Every up-to-date crew member must be tested every 14 days. Not up-to-date crew has to be tested weekly.
https://crew-center.com/royal-caribbean-relaxing-crew-mask-policy-fb-crew-areas-restrictions-and-more