Jump to content

Plan for the worst hope for the best Symphony September 4-18 21


Traveler

Recommended Posts

20 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Isn’t it funny how all that stress becomes a faded memory once you step on board ?

Exactly, bit for me it was 1 minute after I scheduled all the reservations for dinner and shows 🙂 For sure I was surprised how smoothly things were , was already preparing all the screenshots from RCL site and from the Tweeter answers I got , so happy it was not needed.

Now we just enjoying the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Day 1 Miami.

We both got up early again due to the jet lag but this time it was for a good purpose, cruise day ! Quick Starbucks breakfast and we started our way from Orlado to Miami. Traffic was smooth mostly and around 11:30 am we arrived the airport and dropped the rental car. From the rental car station we took a cab to the port (27 $ fixed price +tip) at 12 PM we arrived and turned our luggage  to the porter. There were  separate lines for suits guest and the line was very short. The other line looked quite busy.

20210904_120713_copy_1008x490.thumb.jpg.27195b84362ce87086ed5762fa13adf9.jpg

20210904_120720_copy_1008x490.thumb.jpg.9f69589b05a303f51b2399ae0559730c.jpg

We entered to the first checkpoint were they check passports, test results and vaccination card. Our  PCR test were done on Wednesday and it was fine with them. For vacation card I brought the PDF printout we got , the only confusion they had was with the dates as not like in the US the format is DD/MM/YYYY and it can be an issue for dates like 5 -October for example. First check passed and we were sent up for security and check-in , no health checks at all. 12:15 we were on board. First thing we got rid of the safety drill , it took two minutes. If there one thing that we got out of the C19 situation is the new safety procedure, much much better than the past waist of time. Next was the CK to schedule our dinner time , apparently the concierge done it for us (although never got is email acknowledge) we set for lunch and in between I scheduled the entertainment for the week. Although Red the experience and silent disco going to happen the quest and love& marriage are not.

20210904_164422_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.be16d6e2497d4f22f8f475666d9e331e.jpg

The room was ready at 2 PM and the luggage was already waiting for us. We love the suite , lots of space and heaving two bathrooms is a blessing , no need to argue who use the shower first 🙂 , the Cabin is adjust to the suite lounge and has nice view, only one time downside is to carry the suitcase up stairs.

IMG-20210905-WA0018.thumb.jpg.9920322c0222e65784e71a46ea1a79b6.jpg

IMG-20210905-WA0017.thumb.jpg.a892d2292c931279ea698540a33e9c99.jpg

We done some  ship tours to see if anything changed (no), took some rest and organized for the quick dinner (and a pre drink before). We went for the CK for the first night stake (which was good as always although not really medium as requested) and some smoke tomato soup.

20210904_183948_copy_1008x490.thumb.jpg.e6db6929446a6e5bc27d9d3d74b983f7.jpg

20210904_182555_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.c3bf802d204a8ceb17e83d5ae94d23ae.jpg

That followed with the sell away and some more ship tour.

IMG-20210905-WA0016.thumb.jpg.7f9e82b0e4ff62e67c4b84995d54b071.jpg

The traditional Casino visit came next , can not report any jackpot for myself but some one across from me played a 1.5 $ a hand and won 5000 $

We rapped up the evening with some live music and necessary rest 

Next , sea day

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Yippee !  Interesting that they had a separate checkin line for suites.  I had read that other boardings there was just 1 line.  Glad to hear it !

However, Port Canaveral does NOT have a separate line. They also don't seem to care about check-in times in PC though. I don't know if there ever was a crowd outside the terminal, though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said:

However, Port Canaveral does NOT have a separate line. They also don't seem to care about check-in times in PC though. I don't know if there ever was a crowd outside the terminal, though.

...but obviously they still had the separate SC check-in.  That's good to know.  Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 Day two - Sea day.

Nothing like sea day to start a cruise, everything relaxed and no need to rush or get up early ( if we can just get rid of the jet lag)

Early pre breakfast tour on an empty ship showed us that some people, even if they will be on a deserted island they will need to hogge seats (6:30 am) I guess you can take out people from the hogging requirement situation but you can not take the hogging habit out of people.

20210905_070018_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.ed209e5eb555022407149f9d2f217064.jpg

Breakfast at WJ, we missed WJ so it was nice to go back there.  Every time you enter you need to scan your sea pass , same on the exit.  As you know everything is being served to you by the crew which I think is a good change specially after seeing so many horrible behavior of some people that touch the food by their hands or returning it  from the plates not even start about the food waste. It worked well but I think with bigger capacity it might create some lines. Decided to take some light breakfast and went with the fruits

20210905_070902_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.baceef12aba463695ff44e4369817ddc.jpg

It was a very sunny day , perfect for sea day so more and more people came out to the deck to enjoy it. We went for the 14 floor photo ops to take some "Titanic " pictures , here you can see we really on the ship 🙂

20210905_111447_copy_1008x490.thumb.jpg.19413cba2f404f09b285534781940b1b.jpg

There were lots of free chairs including in prime locations , what seem to go quickly are the beds in the solarium, here is a very enthusiastic hogger , I think its should be presented in Park West art collection.

20210905_110420_copy_1008x490.thumb.jpg.c04ea89cbb2de368e0a0681c3251c853.jpg

I am sure some people think it is privilege for other people to seat were thier flipflops were ...

We enjoyed the sun and music for a while.

20210905_120520_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.1ababa951ca69184e265516047bb9231.jpg

IMG-20210906-WA0017.thumb.jpg.997adf0d4c9dda221e7277a4ddb5bca9.jpg

Quick jump back to the cabin to cool down and enjoy some people watching from the balcony (an excuse for me to answer some urgent emails, they are always become urgent when you are on vacation). We did some 4th floor tour were we played the guess the art price , I guessed no one will guess it again . We collect our art gift and went to Park Cafe for lunch. The only new thing in Park Cafe is a washing fountain which everyone require to use before entering. Since you have only one washing station it might create some delays. We enjoyed the self created salad for a light lunch , the famous sandwich was also offered. We always found the Park Cafe to be a good lunch option. We done some power walks to ease our too much food conscience following by some Kraken lava flows to balance it , love it.

IMG-20210906-WA0016.thumb.jpg.5ad092e939c1250505c78fbb81ecaf38.jpg

Some trivia followed by me going to catch a nap and my spouse going to catch some more sun. At around 4 pm we got the shirts we sent for ironing the day before as part of the suite perk of 5 item that cand be sent for ironing for free at the first official night. It was time to get ready for the first official night. We booked the ultimate photo packages (first time for us) and wanted to take some photos. It was fun to go from one spot to another and pose for the photos, strange enough all the photographers ask us for the same exact things , I guess they all know to spot our best sides or this is what they thech you in the RCL 30 minutes of how to become a ship photographer  intensive training. We had lots of laughs and for sure we will try to do it again. For dinner we went again to CK were we took the lobster salad  (excellent) and the fish (not bad)

IMG-20210906-WA0014.thumb.jpg.bfc132f56b9e4a42058796db423c9f26.jpgIMG-20210906-WA0015.thumb.jpg.8a681916838086cd14826002f772591d.jpg

Our Wonderful waiters .

During the dinner I had to go to the casino has they done a  star loft suite ruffle , they had to call 4 names has no one were in the casino to collect it , at the end they found someone lucky and I was relieved as I could go back to dinner and I  will not need to pack , win win.

Post dinner we went to Buleros to enjoy some salsa music followed by late evening tour, surprisedly the most busy place on the ship so far is the Sorento Pizza. 

Next Cozumel Mexico 

 

IMG-20210906-WA0018.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Got the B2B letter today  few points  : 

1. Need to pack only if we move room (we are) the packing need to be done by 9 am.
2. No need to get out the ship all the process will be done on the ship.
3. Testing for B2B will be done on the 7 days , the results should come in one hour , you are not allowed to the Island until you get a negative results so if anyone planning something on CocoCay take it into consideration , we have Jetski tour on 10 am so I schedule the test to 7:40 , test can be done until 11 am .
4. You have the option to go out in Miami but you will be only allow back when general boarding starts (around 1 PM).
5. In the letter you have a barcode you need to scan for scheduling the test , It failed to me twice until I started to debug it and found out they are looking for state and not just country (meaning if you are not in the US or Canada you will have a problem) , I had to give the the company I am working for US branch address to proceed (I guess hotel address will work also). 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Traveler said:

Thanks , that's was a very rare combination of the C19 situation, Hurricane session and school time . I would gladly give it up for better C19 conditions.

 

 

It's always great when something good comes from a bad situation.  I can't wait to hear your take of Star Class.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Day3 Cozumel Mexico.

 

Today was our first port day, it's always nice to have port day even if just to enjoy the ship for ourselves. The day started early again , how early ? Let's just say we could enjoyed the wonderful sunrise 

20210906_072701_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.32122d457caa86b7d9d3a62525efc35f.jpg

 We grabbed some breakfast at the WJ , sorry CK was not opened yet. They had some fresh guacamole sandwichs which was very good  the guacamole was in the level of Sabor when they still done it in front of your eyes.

20210906_065302_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.be424f681bd100a9d78861ef0acd0712.jpg

We did went to CK for some coffee. As Mexico consider to be C19 red country by our health department we couldn't participate in any shore excursions or  leave the port area so we just went out to take some pictures and watch the shops with the very enthusiastic shoppers. 

20210906_094010_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.59b77b3c3938d4fe21d8c8d795d84de0.jpg

20210906_155012_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.d3ab70f02be1aa1c35835c568cb57e94.jpg

We came back on board and went to check how  came out our pictures from last night , man I was sorry for taken the photo package or even more sorry for not doing my pre cruise diet longer I also agreed with my spouse,  she is taking better pictures of us. We went to do some walking on deck 15 and 16 enjoying the empty ship we also enjoyed to watch one of the trivia games but not active participate in in it. Time passed by quick and we went to check El loco fresh. We took some guacamole (you start to see a pattern here) enjoyed it and went for WJ for some delicious Indian food.

20210906_120036_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.7c007c45270acf46ac72a1d6d33186f1.jpg

We then went to spend some time in the suite deck that was all for ourselves.

20210906_073115_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.9d373fae759865a40a9e474d9069fc1d.jpg

20210906_073026_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.6b01ca3b03eab11b61be595f84edb392.jpg

We took some drinks and went to use one of the big covered beds there. We love the deck and ability to rest there .

20210906_164139_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.b104a848377a2d8d18ecb201a593956d.jpg

Next was  some deck 5 walking (remember the photo package ...) checked the SPA for any new offers and went back to the cabin to get ready for the evening , love the two bathrooms options.

When getting back we got this surprise in the cabin

IMG-20210906-WA0060.thumb.jpg.7395f999317b4a7b177b1088fc4004f5.jpg

This was a good indication the double points promotion is working as pre the current cruise we had 113 points which mean to get to the 140 mark we got 14 points for the suite and another 14 for the promotion. I could also understand why some people leave it behind as it's so heavy but we for sure will take it back , already have the right spot for it.  For dinner (CK police alert) we decided to give a chance for the MDR as it was lasagna night, we weren't sorry, the service was excellent , funny they recognize we were at the CK before , apparently there is some competition between the two establishments. 

Duck terrine and some eggplant dish to start following with the lasagna which was very good.

20210906_183233_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.7c008e02879007bad00c253bfca1da3b.jpg

20210906_183300_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.774526137aaac8861843bff07188a28a.jpg

20210906_184450_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.b4a8346e4c4b473722ac75a5d5b2b655.jpg

Proudly I can report we skipped dessert. When we left there were two lines of waiters clapping their hands for everyone who passed by , we couldn't stop laughing. This was also the time we got the email from royal up regarding our upgrade bid  which was successful . As I bid for the same cabin also for the first lag of our B2B and lost (although they did not sold the cabin to anyone) I knew I had to increase the bid for the second cruise to have a chance to win it. I can only blame @Lovetocruise2002 and @WAAAYTOOO doing too good job selling the star class dream .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

C19 Observations on Symphony.

Mask policy - mask are being used in all internal locations , it's seems that no one is forcing it because endorsement is not require it's very rare to see someone without mask.

Locations  like the promenade cafe or Sorento are now with one virtual line of entry were a crew member asking you to use the alcohol gel first.

Everything is being handed to you by the crew unless it's pre packed like in the park cafe. Even Tabasco in Sorento is being handled by a few (and they are very generous with it be careful).

On the table there some cards saying the table was cleaned, once you seat a crew member will turn the ticket to indicate this table should be cleaned. 

The casino seems to be without any social distancing, no limits to the number of people that can seat in a table nor any turned off slot machine or missing chair, it's still has it's smoking section.

I found it out to be quiet easy to wear the mask inside , but that's I guess different from person to person.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Day 4 Rotan , Honduras. Morning

Today is our first real port day as we can go down and tour the Island, I like Rotan for it's clear water sandy beaches and the jungle like view.

We did the right thing and went to eat breakfast in the CK , service was quick and good , was was not bad but did not feel an upgrade comparing to the WJ , maybe it's because we eat very early in the WJ so everything is fresh. We had an almond croissant and eggs Benedict. We did ask for some vegetables we got some tomatoes , somehow vegetables in the morning looks strange in this part of the world.

20210907_080459_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.07c21c8f76205460903ddc9b0d385c5a.jpg

More to come

20210907_075517_copy_1612x784.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Day4 continue.

We had a planned shore excursion in Tabayana beach which included the beach entry, buffet lunch and snorkel tour. It took us something like 20 minutes to arrive the beach. Once arrived some people signed for the tour and took the equipment and some just went to the beach (like us)

IMG-20210908-WA0050.thumb.jpg.3e4b7221cc2515f5ec65e743ae9720f6.jpg

IMG-20210908-WA0041.thumb.jpg.e3d4535c36bfa153ca57d58bf1f7c694.jpg

In the beach you can choose to seat under the sun near the sea or in the shade under the trees we took something in the middle. 

Near the sea behind a  yellow ribbon you have many local sellers who are trying to offer you  bracelets , shells, wood craft, drinks, massage, shirts and other things, they are not allowed to enter and you have security guards to force the policy. Although loud they were not too pushy . Overall it feels very safe.

IMG-20210908-WA0049.thumb.jpg.5869238e8f3cfc207175839f914430ff.jpg

We went to sweem in the nice clean water which were on the cold side. You can see many fish around you and it's very culm waters. 

20210907_103708_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.84037f42c770d68fd937cf2f7ed281b2.jpg20210907_103734_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.c542a46705d3adc2390227fde36014e9.jpg

The beach was very clean (including very clean bathrooms) with nice  facilities. They had some bar services (extra money unless you wanted water/ lemonade). 

I liked the tree shower 

IMG-20210908-WA0045.thumb.jpg.01a7f5c3191383dc0bdf7cd6ca2fafc2.jpg

The local "cats" 

20210907_104513_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.1edca98d7d92c63958f135561026d82a.jpg

And interesting trees

20210907_115605_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.55ac27d85570f0108836d526b59afc1f.jpg

 

We went to eat at the buffet which included tasty rice and beans, grill/bbq chicken , salad, hamburgers and hot dogs. We enjoyed the food although it was not fancy. After lunch you can choose which time you want to had back to the ship , from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. We stayed for a while and headed back to the ship.

After coming back to the port we took some fresh coconuts to drink and eat and re board the ship for a much needed nap.

Has I explained before it's seems there is some competition between the MDR and CK , each , were sending their representative to make sure we will  choose to eat in their facilities.At the end and since we were still quite full we decided to take the third option and went to Sorento for antipasti and Pizza 🙂

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Day 5 Costa Maya.

Another quick breakfast in WJ and coffee in CK. Again arriving to Mexico we can't leave the port area but Costa Maya is one of the nicest ports with many things to do even without the need to leave.

20210908_074853_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.1b9dd01a0654f94931abe66557153e6a.jpg

20210908_085440_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.d46ad36e604b7c1da11510175910c7e1.jpg

Since we didn't had special plan we decided to use the empty solarium for ourselves. When I mean empty I mean that beside us and the bar team no one else. We used the jacuzzi , it was hard to decide which one but eventually we  entered the one near the bar so we can use the bar service if needed (mimosa anyone ?).

20210908_090652_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.9dfeee2ad5c74ccdc11670d9b08abbcc.jpg

20210908_091833_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.a19c82465890cdadb9ae170c7d038014.jpg

20210908_091836_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.029c09b4617542d323a4e6918dfb7adf.jpg

While enjoying the third dipping in the jacuzzi we suddenly felt interruption in the force and  from the horizon we saw this old looking ship arriving to block our sea view.

IMG-20210908-WA0061.thumb.jpg.87eae82a73310c77104293ecdc84e404.jpg

Soon enough the captain order on ramming speed , but something or someone stopped him after finding some RCB life sign there.

20210909_102715_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.acec937a48d3255a0b2c48a16d2a9471.jpg

Since our view was taken we got back to the cabin to get organized to tour the port village. The port includes many shopping option , some resturants and bars and several swimming pools with bars.  We spent an hour or so over there  (buying Kraken rum for a 25$ ) and headed back to the ship for a WJ late lunch.

20210908_114310_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.4ee8af3b599ccff55c9a15ae9119c5b0.jpg

this was the first time we so WJ busy but still no issue to get a table. We went out to the pool deck and saw Odyssey showing off

20210908_114005_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.c3743a266f478cb3437af950c27fd08a.jpg

After catching some sun we went back to the cabin for a nap. At the cabin we got a nice surprise from the MDR , it was very tasty

20210908_162046_copy_784x1612.thumb.jpg.dbe3ef2ac5e42ff645d98e3d459a18d6.jpg

Finally got some important email back from RCL regarding my question if a PDF is good for the vaccination card , the answer was directing me again to the Q&A page . Wonderful answer , just small problem of getting it after 7 weeks while already on the ship ...

Tonight the MDR team won the competition and we went to eat over there 

20210908_185818_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.2c1d2e4f8837d2ca6acf67907217ea3a.jpg

Chicken parmesan (very good )

20210908_192223_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.8561ec981bfcadd5932c03f7717b53bb.jpg

Wild mushrooms risotto (excellent)

20210908_192228_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.ade5d9c0329baaacc049d10f77ce5b79.jpg

As we ordered wine (from the diamond drinks) the waiter also brought us a cheese plate , nice touch. The dessert was not that good , maybe we were too full.

20210908_194908_copy_1612x784.thumb.jpg.79d0e1e3e150a466e731fa42ed93c54a.jpg

Next we went to check the Casino which was busy but not too crowded.

About the diamond drinks , it working very well everywhere, there wasn't one place they did not know what to do with it including the MDR and any bars/CK.

20210908_085452_copy_1612x784.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/8/2021 at 12:09 AM, Traveler said:

The casino seems to be without any social distancing, no limits to the number of people that can seat in a table nor any turned off slot machine or missing chair, it's still has it's smoking section.

This is odd to me. I mean no distancing between machines I kind of understand (the casinos here do not put distance between machines and tables any longer either) but I think that smoking in the casino should not be happening.  Im not anti smoking per se, but I think this would be another form of Covid 19 protocol.  It is like freely blowing airborne particles in the air. Maybe I am wrong but I am surprised to hear this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...