Cruising With JT

Nice! We always go with Balcony or higher...nothing like waking up to that view and having breakfast on your own private balcony without the madness of the buffet etc!

I am most likely keeping my Ovation cruise from Alaska even with masks, just to see what the experience is like. I am in the process of booking Oasis in September and even if they have masks so be it I guess. Not really sure when Royal will get rid of them. That or I could book the Carnival Mardi Gras around the same time. That ship does look amazing as well...decisions decisions...

This post didn't age well, I just wish Royal stuck with doing the right thing and not requiring masks onboard for the vaccinated -- makes no sense to me. PS I have glasses so wearing a mask is even more annoying. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/05/24/royal-caribbean-group-ceo-we-will-not-need-be-wearing-masks-cruise-ships

Does anyone believe that Royal will actually change their announced health protocols around masks? They just announced their mask requirement for Alaska in August and now I am looking at Norwegian due to their 100% vaccinated / no masks or social distancing policy. Dang it, Royal!

I am hearing that things may change after July 18th? Lol...that is when the CSO may "go away"...and then Royal can do whatever they want. Who knows. Going to go make another batch of popcorn.

Well I know what cruise I am booking in Fall 2023...

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise?dPort=seattle I I am on Ovation of the Seas so I hope our protocols are different... they do vary from ship to ship...fingers crossed!

One important thing to call out is this is for Serenade, it might be different for Ovation — “Here are the protocols for guests sailing on Serenade of the Seas from Seattle this summer.” Remember every ship within Royals fleet has had different protocols thus far.

It is a little surprising but wearing masks indoors shouldn't really be anything new... most folks are used to it. Things may still change we'll see. Either way I am going on a cruise after 1.5 years and that is all that matters!

Wow, I almost booked Freedom in July! I am on Freedom in November, fingers crossed things look a little better by then! All these restrictions and such are happening because it is the restart...do it safely... and continue on safely but with less restrictions hopefully.

Yup that is the plan right now, but the Odyssey is having a start like no other ship in history it seems like. I do hope it gets going on July 31st...

You know it @PG Cruiser! It would be awesome to have 11/15 be the inaugural, but I think she will start sailing sometime in the summer. Unless...well you know, something else happens, not like anything has happened yet ? It will be a fun sailing regardless!

Whew well this is good news for anyone booked on Alaska including myself: https://www.ktoo.org/2021/06/18/judge-rules-in-floridas-favor-in-cdc-lawsuit-but-alaskas-cruise-season-is-still-on

Okay whew...was beginning to get worried lol...hopefully that is the case.

Does this have any impact to Alaska cruises this summer?

So the unvaccinated have to get a PCR test a minimum 3 days before the cruise, and then another PCR test at the terminal too, and the an antigen test before disembarking? I think Royal is trying to make unvaccinated people not go on the cruise ? that and all the masks requirement + not being able to go to certain events etc. Meanwhile...vaccinated guests --> Vaccinated guests do not have any testing requirements. Thumbs up from me (except wearing masks indoors if you're vaccinated part). I still think anyone who is eligible should be vaccinated before boarding a ship, but that's just my opinion. You want a safe restart to cruising. This is the way to do it.

I got a feeling their vaccinated friends will say "yeah maybe we'll just see you around the ship" Lol

Well...after starting this thread back at the end of March, 2.5 months later I am now booked on 7 cruises LOL... (in Signature). Yay for the cruising restart! So excited ?

I second this ?

Totally! It's sad to see man...sheesh...poor Odyssey can't catch a break... That pic is hilarious btw @PG Cruiser

Notice that July bookings on Odyssey are not bookable at this time!

Odyssey can't catch a break... ? https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/06/15/royal-caribbean-delays-odyssey-of-the-seas-inaugural-sailing-us-due-covid-19-among-crew

Oh wow... here is the article from Matt https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/06/15/royal-caribbean-delays-odyssey-of-the-seas-inaugural-sailing-us-due-covid-19-among-crew

This is for Odyssey...?

Oh yay...