FManke

I have always felt that cruises are cleaner environments compared to hotels.  As a former frequent business traveler it was not unusual to pick up something on a business trip.  Having had that occur on a number of trips I started wiping down everything in my hotel room from the TV remote to the telephone which I avoided at all costs, and I was wiping down my seat area on the airplane.   That was before any notion of a pandemic.  Even with that sometimes I'd get something from a common cold to some kind of crud in my chest.  
However I never did get any of that on a cruise. 
There has always been plenty of hand sanitizer on a ship but rarely in a hotel until now.  
Fifty plus cruises later and I'm still of the opinion that cruises are safer, healthier environments compared to hotels.  
Now even more so.  Cruise lines took a pretty clean environment and made it safer with the protocols we know about.  Hotels aren't doing most of that.  Hotel employees are cutting back service so they don't come in your room as much but employees may or may not be vaccinated.  Hotels are now putting sanitizer out in some places but still not as prevalent as on a ship.  
There will be cases occurring on cruise ships but there are also cases occurring in resorts and hotels.  The difference is that they are detected on cruise ships because of the protocols.  Make no mistake - cases are occuring at resorts and hotels but there is no reporting requirement, few protocols and zero awareness that cases are occurring.  Out of sight, out of mind and out of the news but that doesn't mean it isn't occurring at land resorts.  

When my Greek Isle cruise was cancelled for Oct 2021, we were given the reason that RC was cancelling all of the European cruises through the end of the year to focus on their North American ones. Now cruises are sailing from Europe! What gives? Did I miss something?
 
Happy Cruising!

Yep. Especially when it's family!

Connecting cabin.  
I don't want to hear about my neighbors day or plans for the evening.   

Hahaha! It's been so long since we've all cruised we've resorted to "Roll Talk!"  I love it! And for the record I don't remember them being warm either and my wife still talks about the pumpernickel type rolls with the raisins in them.
 
Happy crunising!

Great! I'll see you there. I just sent all my info in!

This will definitely be the new norm for the near future. Hopefully not forever though.
 
Happy Cruising!

The latest court action may or not see a change in protocols, even minor changes such as no masks for vaccinated.  That is a distinct possibility and also the reason why everything can change one week to the next.   
The only certainty is that there will likely be change.   

Unfortunately, as with all things involving these kinds of suits and our legal system, it ain't over yet.
I'm also not thrilled with this particular line in the article (emphasis added):
For frick's sake, Today, that area is not a children's play area!! That's just the spin the ambulance-chasing scumbag lawyer has used. The Solarium is no more a children's play area than the Schooner Bar or Boleros is. Do just two minutes of homework so you can give a truthful statement. ?

Looks like I'll be onboard as well for this test sailing.

I would definitely take that about now. Enjoy!
 
Happy Cruising!

IT issues with RC? NO! I don't believe it!
 
Happy Cruising!

You should also check the prices of other cabin categories. Even though it's a year plus away, GS on our Greek Isle cruise next Oct are currently cheaper than JS by like $500 pp and a OS is only $700 more than a JS! You never know.
 
Happy Cruising!

It's available for my October 24 Allure sailing. I had actually booked it quite a while ago for $17 pppd, however I canceled it because I just don't believe there's going to be enough value again until things normalize.

I would definitely take that about now. Enjoy!
 
Happy Cruising!

IT issues with RC? NO! I don't believe it!
 
Happy Cruising!

I would definitely take that about now. Enjoy!
 
Happy Cruising!

Status Update:

Thank you for registering for the Allure of the Seas® simulation voyage. We've reserved your stateroom and reservation numbers will be provided to you once manifested. A system generated invoice will automatically be sent to the email address on record. Please proceed with making your travel arrangements*. For more information, please reference your event info document. We also ask that you acknowledge the informed consent form that will be sent to each guest, as it is required prior to confirming your reservation. We can't wait to welcome you onboard Allure of the Seas!

I was going to ask you about that....wondered if they would allow live blogging.  My guess is that they would not want that to happen.

Congrats! They couldn't have made a better pick. Unless they chose me of course. ? Can't wait to hear all of your incite as usual.

Congrats! They couldn't have made a better pick. Unless they chose me of course. ? Can't wait to hear all of your incite as usual.

Invitation Received  ✔️
Choice of Allure or Ovation.  

Me and hundreds of others by the look of it.  I'll feel more confident that I'll be sailing once I get a confirmation email as they've indicated.    

Sorry @JLMoran. I was jumping the gun a little. Let me go back and reread all of your posts. I should be done in time for our next cruise in 453 days! ?

Not a problem with MEI! They have always contacted me first about a price drop before I even checked!
 
Happy Cruising!