Gears

The EOS is a Vision class ship that RCL cut in half and added 100 feet in the middle to increase the number of staterooms (this is the only ship they did this too). But...the overall space in common areas did not increase. The solarium on the EOS is nice, you will have more choice of space on the AOS.

We have been on both more than once. If given the choice we would go with AOS.

I have heard the suggestion (and it's only that at this point), if your doctor can prescribe a second Pfizer shot (a third for you)...this may cover you for fully immunized (as long as the record shows such). Again, just a suggested path of exploration.

Yes, the at home tests are USA only...so far. Here's the RCL page on the acceptable tests (home testing needs to be 'supervised'): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go The Shopper's tests seem to be the best way to go at this point. But...wait a week...with all things C19 anything is bound to change.

The Shopper's Drug Mart option looks more doable. From what I see on their website an appointment will be needed. Probably best to schedule something as late in the day as possible...you never know how '2 days' may be interpreted as C19 time goes on. A test at 9:00 am in the morning and a boarding time of 2:00 pm two days later is more than 48 hrs. I see testing can be done at YYZ too. If there is one place on the planet I don't trust for crowds and timing...it's YYZ.

Going! Last week of November on the Jewel. A simple six night get-me-the-hell-outta-here cruise. The only 'bump' we see right now is the hassle of getting pre-cruise C19 tests. (as of the requirements today...end of November?...who the hell knows) We will need (today) a negative C19 test within three days of our flight...and a negative C19 test within two days of embarkation. Could prove difficult to time a single C19 test to cover flight and cruise embarkation for timing of both since we always fly in day before. I haven't yet looked into the logistics of it all...but it's sure looking to be a high probability PITA.

General rule of thumb is to expect two weeks after a sailing to have the C&A points reflected on your profile and resulting tier level changes.

RCL announced yesterday that they have decided to make what I understand were Covid-19 changes to the Drink Voucher program, permanent. (Link:https://www.royalcaribbean.com/crown-anchor-society/program-updates?ecid=em_12141207&rid=585163544&rcid=47242204&empc=RCIN_CAS_0820&emsc=RCIN_CAS_0820_DP_CN&empf=&emct=DIAMOND PLUS&lnkid=INTRO_CTA&ect=TAC&ecv=DP) Previously (pre-Covid), drink vouchers could be used at any bar during the hours in which the Diamond Lounge was open for Happy Hour. Outside of those hours, get out yer' sea pass card matie...arrrr. If you were in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour...line em' up, the vouchers were not relevant (but don't forget to tip your friendly Diamond Lounge staff!). However, there is a nuance built into the announcement that did catch my attention. "...These can be used at any bar, at any time, in the Diamond Lounge during Happy Hour or in our private destinations..." This reads like the Diamond Lounge effectively becomes a temporary bar...and any drink you have within said lounge is effectively deducted accordingly from your daily voucher allotment. Anyone else reading it differently?

2009 on the Independence. A very disruptive passenger who actually threatened to kill me and one other person...hauled off to the brig (they do have them so I learned!). One entertaining part...disembarkation day...guest services announcing (numerous times) his name to come to the Service Desk...usually the ones who have not settled up a cash account. ?

If you mean 9514 (there does not seem to be a 9415) by the deck plans...been in one of those. If you think the layout is weird...wait until you see the ceiling...angled. About 25% of the floor space is unusable due to the angle of the ceiling...unless you are only 36 inches tall. Having been in one (won't do it again), my recommendation would be to punt it if you can.

Part of what I used was ship tonnage divided by max number of guests. That will give an idea of how many passengers per square foot-ish of space (not a specific metric, but a general guide). Any time I compared RCL to Carnival, RCL always had a higher (by a good amount sometimes) tonnage to max guests ratio (inferring more space per passenger). This kind of topic has been around for a long time. The best overall value, RCL seems to always come out on top.

Media reports are out that the Canadian government will announce today that it will lift the 14-day quarantine requirement AND the three day quarantining in an authorized hotel requirement for fully vaccinated Canadian travelers. Expecting the changes will go into effect in early July.

I think you are going to see a debate on what defines public transportation versus private transportation.

Looks like the CDC is contradicting themselves again... People vaccinated against Covid-19 can go without masks indoors and outdoors, CDC says: https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/13/health/cdc-mask-guidance-vaccinated/index.html

When you follow the gimmick and figure out you've been baited...

That's just your 'book your next cruise' reminder alarm mechanism...

This dynamic may lead to the creation/establishment of what has been mentioned in the press as a 'vaccine passport' or some government/universal certification mechanism.

And here I thought it was something else...

I am now finding some TAs are quoting with the Classic Package included and other TAs are quoting the Premium Package included.

Interesting to see Ms. Freed's comments that a relationship with a government body (the CDC) is a 'partnership'. She's delusional. The definition of a partnership includes the goal of mutual benefit. She has confused the concept with what is called 'regulatory risk' in the business world. The CDC has now proven themselves to be massive regulatory risk...businesses will find a way to reduce or eliminate regulatory risk (especially if it is overbearing), it just takes a little time.

Under the category of 'I knew there had to be a catch!' I found out Celebrity's Always Included program is 'somewhat included'. Their new policy of Always Included includes 'a' drink package for all adults. BUT...said package is actually what they define as the 'Classic Package'. Seems there is a separate drink package called the Premium Package that is not included. OK...so does anyone know the upgrade cost to get the Premium Package? ?

Many of us take no responsibility for many of the head scratching decisions being made. Banning cruise ships essentially 13 months out...well, I would like to understand the rationale for that. An extension now...for six months I could understand based on available data.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/covid-19-ban-on-cruise-ships-in-canadian-waters-extended-to-2022-1.5296063

PR has had the requirement for a while. We "were" scheduled on a cruise out of PR and that was on the entry to the country requirement list.