Chawkjewel

Okay...in the spirit of the top five items to bring on a cruise that we cannot live without: 
1. USB/plug adapter/hub.
2. Antacids.  Lots of them. (we are older and acid and alcohol are not our friends anymore)
3. Flip flops or some type of easily slipped on footwear.  Don't want to be fussing with shoes every time we go in and out of the room.
4. air freshener for the bathroom.
5. Packable tote bag in case we bring home more than we take on.  Also handy as a beach bag.

I don’t agree with this recommendation. 
Until something changes, the abbots test is the only at home test accepted by Royal Caribbean. 

Tasteless food...  isn't that a symptom of CV?  🤣

I love the new member rant posts.

Loved his Florida vacation vlog.  
Very happy for him and his girlfriend!!

FEBRUARY 19 - 6:00AM EST - Wonder is in the Atlantic Ocean, 36 hours away from her ETA in Fort Lauderdale

I'm hearing about a stop in Cadiz too.

If it did, how will I be able to work???   ha ha 

The email also makes no mention of it coming here first.  it specifically says " Embark on an awesome Euro tour in summer 2022, or sail from Florida's Space Coast on an out-of-this-world adventure in November 2022. "  I think that may be a clear indication that they aren't bringing it over for the two months.

My worry is they might be thinking it’s not “cost effective” to bring Wonder here for 6 weeks of cruises at 50% or less capacity and then bring it right back to Europe ….. they might be thinking it’s more profitable to just leave it there until the European season starts.
 

The infection rates are measured differently on land and on a ship.

On a ship, it's generally the total population that is calculated, hence the 1%. On land, it's the percentage TESTED, not the total population.

If you're going with the scientific experiment theme, it's best to be accurate and compare apples to apples. On a percent of the entire population, ships  and on land, the popular data isn't data isn't really what it seems.

I think it is a world cruise.

This promotion is part of your pre-cruise planner. You will receive $25 of free play after your lesson.
 
Currently, it seems like I will be onboard until the beginning of January.

I have a friend who's wife is a travel agent living in South Florida and they received their invitation for Symphony a couple of weeks ago.  My last hope would be Mariner I guess.

Today we have a pep-rally to celebrate the launch of the new ship!

Same thing has happened to all of the Odyssey sailings.  So sad.

I just wanted to touch base on the COVID testing/EHAS (health) visa process.
I had my COVID test at a local CVS pharmacy on Sunday and had my results on Monday.  For US residents, you can take the test up to 120 hours prior to scheduled arrival. Since we're staying in a hotel the night before our cruise, that worked out to Sunday afternoon.
I filled out the EHAS application for entry in to St. Maarten. This took about 15 minutes per person.  I had to purchase their travel insurance for $30 per person since I was staying overnight in St. Maarten. (passengers arriving and leaving the same day as the cruise do not need to purchase the insurance but still must apply for the visa)
The visa was granted within 15 minutes of my submission.
As always, your mileage may vary, but that was my experience this week.

$12 sounds about right.  We did an upgrade on-board a few years ago and was $13.   We really like the Martini bar (which many of the martinis exceed the classic drink price) and determined we could make it back.  So if you're a martini bar person, you'll want the premium package.

Two words... PCR Test
Until I have a better understanding of timelines and a solid plan for getting PCR test results in hand in time to board a flight and use them to meet both cruise line and country requirements I'm flying in the day of.  A2S is part of my insurance for doing the unthinkable. 

Add another vote for art auction!
We also thought it would be a good idea to walk to the main Cozumel area from the non-main pier.  We, uh, rode back in a taxi.

It's hard to capture in pictures or words but perhaps this time lapse better represents the experience.
 

I no, right?  ? 

This is probably the last update. Just after the muster drill my wife fell badly.
She was seen by the medical staff onboard and are now in a halfcast on her left leg, waiting to get a proper medical examination at the hospital in Puerto Rico. She got a wheelchair to use while onboard, no swimming, no walking. This vacation could have started better. 

I for one would actually start gambling on cruise ships if the casinos were entirely smoke free.  So I wonder how many current gamblers would quit and how many new ones would start...

Mudslide is our traditional embarkation drink.