F1guynz

They are still “free”

Son Del Mar is playing Boleros Switched on Band at the music hall havent noticed any band by the pool. one of my favourites, magician Phil Cass, is the headliner show tonight

There are now charges to use North Star and IFly since last time we cruised Ovation. still complementary on port days when operating. North Star offers to experiences now, basic and extended. Basic on port days just goes up and down. Extended on sea days goes left, right, up and down.

Yes 1pm but they were running late today as Customs wanted to do a full inspection of everyone’s passport and immigration documents. People were still getting off at 12:30. On the plus side our cabin was ready as soon as we got on.

About 40 minutes from terminal to cabin.

Had to show passport, vaccine certificate and RAT. Mask not being used by most people

Found the suite queue. On our way through to boarding

Appently they are turning people away who have arrived early

Long line to start boarding at 1pm.

So are we. Excited to board this afternoon.

Just the standard quarantine for 7 days if you have Covid, otherwise pretty relaxed rules. Only places masks required is in hospital and aged care facilities. ‘Covid is on the rise here again at the moment with over 16,000 cases last week but no expected changes to any settings.

It didn't take the media long to report on Covid cases on Ovation. Hardly any cases but still worthy or reporting in the media's eyes. They don't report on cases on inbound aircraft because they can't, they aren't tracked and certainly not in a convenient way that cruise lines are obliged to do. Covid cases on first cruise ship to Napier and Wellington - NZ Herald

I am pleased we will be diamond+ after the next cruise which will give us 5 drinks vouchers per day, more than enough to see us through the cruise. I always bring some coke on board when we cruise as well as grabbing some extras from the suite lounge.

Wow, We paid $142 nzd pp when we did it on Ovation in 2017. Doubled in 5 years.

Also they are putting up the base price of cocktails in the US to $14. For somebody in NZ with the exchange rate that is around $25 per drink. Luckily I don’t drink.

I was considering a Royal Up offer on our October cruise as there are 4 suites available but the minimum bids are more than I am willing to pay.

Looks like you are.

I have recently received the latest healthy sale guidelines for our October cruise. Requirements for entry into New Zealand seem a bit confusing to me: The NZ Government website states: When Royal says "all guests as required by the NZ Government" I interpret that to mean Australians and Kiwis do not need one as the NZ Government does not require it. I will contact Royal Caribbean directly to be sure but wondered what is your read of the statement is.

Masks will no longer be required in cruise terminals when Royal cruises recommence. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20220919_00.aspx

I have noticed our 29th October cruise on Ovation has disappeared from the Royal website. Hopefully it has just sold out and there is nothing to be concerned about. I always get an uneasy feeling when a cruise disappears as in my experience that is usually followed by a cancellation.

I had to upload the vaccine certificate listing all the doses we had and what dates. Royal must check them and a few hours later I got an email saying we were officially ready to board

All checked in with vaccine certificates approved. our check in time is 1pm which was the earliest available. We received an email from Royal and Ovation is now not leaving Sydney until 8pm. The latest arrival time for check in is 6pm for the wellness check. I guess the Kate check in times are so the ship can be thoroughly cleaned of TP bugs before we board for the first sailing.

Woohoo finally able to check in for our October cruise. It's been a long two years waiting to be able to cruise again. Also as a bonus New Zealand has dropped all Covid restrictions completely. (apart from aged and healthcare facilities). I'm finally getting excited.

I think the prices on an Oasis ship ship would be eye watering compared to a Voyager ship. I am sure it would still sell out though.