🎄 🎄Festivus Star Class Miracle - Oasis December 19-26th

[Jax]

The Festivus Star Class Miracle Blog is officially underway!! 

We are counting down the days until our 2nd star class cruise; this one on Oasis. I have been reluctant to start this blog for fear of something messing it up but I am trying to push that fear aside and enjoy this experience.  Plus if I am going to post in real time about the star class process I really need to get started!  So when in doubt I turn to my Magic 8 Ball. I got an “outlook good” “without a doubt” and “yes” so here we are!! 

Like so many others, getting to this point has been a rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs and it will truly be a Festivus Miracle once we board Oasis! This cruise was originally planned for Easter 2021, then Easter 2022 and due to hubby’s work schedule, we had to do a last minute change to Christmas 2021.  Inventory was limited, so it initially meant no star class for us, so we settled on the last available crown loft suite. I had my TA waitlist us for any star class suite that came available on Deck 17.  At the 56 day mark our Festivus star class miracle was granted when the Grand Panoramic Suite became available. I grabbed it! I am still doing a happy dance!    

Our first and only cruise with Royal was over Christmas 2019 on Anthem. It was star class and soon after that cruise we knew that we wanted to try an Oasis class ship; specifically for Deck 17 and the proximity to the Suite lounge and CK. We had a few hiccups on that cruise so we are looking forward to having a much better onboard experience this time! I now have the benefit of a TA, all of your expertise and the wisdom gained from this amazing community over the past 2 years so I think we should be in good hands!   I owe a huge thank you to @Lovetocruise2002 @Mindybrite @WAAAYTOOO along with others who have generously shared their knowledge, expertise and advice. I share @Lovetocruise2002love of suites and star class and consider myself a “west coast Canadian suite snob”. LOL  Thank you doesn’t seem like enough but I hope to pay it forward through this blog.  

Now let’s get started! 

 

[Jax]

Festivus Star Class Miracle – Oasis December 19-26  

Who’s Going?

Myself (Jacquie), son Reyd 16 years old and hubby Lindsay.

We have never cruised with anyone before but friends from Victoria BC are joining us.  They were a last minute add on and were not able to get a junior suite so they are in an ocean balcony but have the unlimited dining and refreshment packages. 

What are we Celebrating?

After the past 21 months leaving  is reason enough to celebrate but we have a few big celebrations. Reyd turned 16 this fall and is now driving. Lindsay and I along with our friends are celebrating our 30 year anniversary  and a birthday celebration for me.  

Flight

There are no direct flights from YYC to MIA and limited ones from YYC to FLL. A direct flight was important to avoid possible weather related delays so we are flying direct from YYC to MCO and then driving to Miami.

WestJet Premium because it’s a long flight.  The boys have some planned stops along the way to Miami so it will be fun. If you like Prevost Motor Coaches you will enjoy the trip.

Pre-Cruise Stay

Dec 16^th Marriott In Terminal YYC airport

Dec 17^th Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Theme Park View  

Dec 18^th Intercontinental Miami – Club Biscayne View 

Post-Cruise Stay

Margaritaville, Hollywood – Oceanview 

Hyatt Regency MCO airport

Car Rental

Booked through Sixt as there is a drop off location at the Intercontinental Miami Hotel 

Itinerary

Perfect Day, St Thomas, St Maarten 

Stateroom 

Grand Panoramic Suite – Star Class #1758 ️️

Cruise Planner Purchases

• Coco Beach Club Floating Cabana  
• Coco Cay Wave Jet Tour (Lindsay & Reyd) In progress as there is only 1 time slot available.  
• Plane spotting at Maho Beach St Maarten
• Thermal Suite - couples pass 
• Photo package 100 prints 

Pre Cruise Thoughts

• Reyd and I are so excited to stay in this Suite. I love that it has new décor, is on one level and has a hot tub! 
• I am wondering how Lindsay will react to the upgrade.   That’s right he has no idea! He likes the perks of star class (even if he doesn’t know they are star class lol) but was so so on the genie last time so we are hoping this one will renew his faith in the star class experience.  I am pretty sure the suite itself will win him over because he did not like the 2 story loft on Anthem.  More on his reaction later. 
•  I am relieved to be sailing out of a warm weather climate. We were prepared for winter when we cruised on Anthem. NYC was on our bucket list so we were ok with the extra winter wear and luggage but it was a one and done for us. We prefer sailing out of warm climates.
• Can’t wait to experience one of those star class cakes I see so many pictures of.  I have some ideas so stay tuned! 
• Due to the time of the our flight in the morning the airport testing centre is not yet open so I am working on getting a private test at the airport hotel in YYC the morning before we fly out to avoid a second test in Florida. December’s booking schedule isn’t open yet so more to follow on this. 
• The PCR testing requirement is staying in Canada for trips greater than 72 hours so I will start looking into testing options in Florida. What a bummer. 
• In the spirit of a live blog please ask any questions and I will do my best to answer them. 

 

 

[Jax]

Genie questionnaire 

The genie questionnaire arrived on day 54, only 2 days after we upgraded.  I have mixed feelings on this questionnaire but decided to complete it anyways and will see what happens. I didn’t spend a lot of time on it. Many of the questions were unchanged but I was happy to see a new question “How can we make your experience onboard amazing?” That is the area I spent most of my time on.  On the dining, snacks and beverage questions I said more details would follow with our genie in pre cruise communication.  
 

[Jax]

Why Festivus Miracle? 

Obviously we are Seinfeld fans. After our upgrade to star class, we were  watching a rerun of the Festivus episode and the blog name was born! You will have to follow along to see what Festivus celebrations make it into the blog.  I had forgotten about the airing of grievances and feats of strength.  So many possibilities. Haha 

[Jax]

Genie news on Day 28 - Shane is our genie!! Based on everything I have heard about him I think we won the genie jackpot!

[Jax]

Genie introductory email 

My name is Shane and It will be my honor & pleasure of serving you as your Royal Genie on your upcoming sailing. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Beautiful and Rejuvenated Oasis of the Seas on December 19. We hope you are ready for a wonderful and truly memorable cruise vacation. 

Kindly do take the time to go through the entire email as there is important information with regards to the new Healthy Return to Sailing protocols.

We are delighted that you will be joining us as we get back to our home at sea.  As we return to service, some benefits and services have been temporarily adjusted. To follow new health protocols and better manage the flow of guests in terminals, the check-in process will be different. All guests will be required to check-in and select an arrival time in advance via the Royal Caribbean app. However, Star Class Suite guests can enjoy Flexible Arrival — a new program allowing the freedom to check-in up to one hour before or after your scheduled check-in time, while the terminal is open. I highly recommend that you check-in online prior to your arrival at the terminal.

Before I go further, I would like to provide you with very important information for your boarding:

 

Oasis of the Seas will be docked at Miami Cruise Terminal A. Cruise Boulevard, Miami FL 33132. We kindly ask you to please use the Star Class entrance at Terminal A. Once you arrive at Terminal A, please look for the Purple Star Class sign. 

To prioritize your luggage handling, please do not release your luggage to the porters in the regular drop off area. Please bear in mind the information about the luggage. This will make your check in seamless, and your luggage will be delivered straight to your suite upon arrival. 

 

Once you find the Terminal Staff (wearing a blue polo T-shirt), they will guide you to the Suite Lounge, which is located on the 3rd Level with a priority Check. The Staff will guide you through the Security Check Point. Myself, or my fellow shipboard Genies will then meet you to escort you onboard our beautiful ship while your luggage is tagged and brought to your suite.

Boarding will start approximately at 11:30PM. Since I will be simultaneously assisting other Star Class guests, kindly advise if you have an arrival time in mind.

 

Your health & safety are our top priority, so as we begin to set sail, we have new health protocols that are part of our healthy return to service. Below are some key requirements to ensure you enjoy your onboard experience. Rest assured, there are no benefits being removed; they will just be delivered to you a little differently if you have sailed in a Star Class Suite before.   

Here are some of the important things you need to know before you arrive:  
   

• At embarkation, a mask will need to be worn from the moment you arrive to the cruise terminal through the moment you board the ship.  
• Guests will also undergo a health screening as part of the boarding process to identify any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (or other infectious diseases) – which includes having your temperature taken via a contactless device.  
• Masks and physical distancing are required onboard in certain areas throughout the ship.  
• I want to ensure that you have the full gastronomic experience you desire, so I would like to confirm your preferred dining time. Should your dining time conflict with any of the awesome shows that we have in store for you (show schedules are yet to be confirmed), I will tweak your dining time as required so as to allow you to have a leisurely dinner either before or after a show. While we always endeavor to fulfill all your requests, please understand that due to reduced seating capacity in our restaurants (50% only), last-minute requests may not always be possible. If I may kindly ask whether you are travelling with any family or friends, who may be joining you for dinner, as there are certain restaurants that cater to vaccinated guests only.
• As per CDC requirements, certain bars and venues will be for vaccinated guests only. Also shows, at our entertainment venues, will have either designated areas for vaccinated guests or designated timing. 
• As Star Class guests, we will continue to reserve the best seats, at select entertainment venues. Due to audience pre-curtain instructions, we require you to be seated no later than 15 minutes to curtain, at which time we will need to release your reserved seats.    
• To allow for physical distancing, capacity in our Concierge/Suite Lounge will be limited and accessible on a first-come, first-seated basis. Should you experience any challenges in gaining access, please let me know.
• For your safety and ours, only your Loft Attendants and I will be able to access your suite after you arrive, and we are not permitted inside your suite while you are there. Should you need to speak with me, we can do so on the phone, you may message me via WhatsApp or email, or we may meet in the Suite Lounge or other physically distanced location onboard while adhering to personal protective equipment protocols. Additionally, if you need assistance receiving any items in your suite while you are not there, such as minibar items, do let me know—I am happy to assist.   
• With regards to room service, the delivery is now done with room service personnel placing the trolley, containing the food ordered, right outside the suite door and guests are now asked to pick the food up from the trolley onto their dining table. For clearance of soiled dishes, you can either leave it in your suite and the same will be cleared by the loft attendant while you are out or you can place the soiled dishes outside the suite and call or message me, and I will have room service clear the same.
• Your test result must be issued by an accredited test provider and show a laboratory negative result that can be printed out or shown on your phone. Test cost continues to be the guest's responsibility. Learn about accepted tests at http://royalcaribbean.com/Test.
• Starting Wednesday, September 8th, fully vaccinated guests can order at-home test kits, shipped right to your door (anywhere in the U.S. or Puerto Rico) in 2 business days or less. Guests can complete their pre-cruise test at home, with live video supervision by a Certified Guide and receive results in just 15 minutes. Visit https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/is-there-a-telemedicine-option-for-pre-cruise-covid-19-test.
• Kindly visit https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center.for all of our health protocols & additional details.

With the present health situation constantly evolving, should there be any further updates on CDC Health Protocols or Screening Requirements, I will inform you of the same promptly. 

Star Class Amenities
As our very special guest, you will also enjoy many other complimentary amenities, including our VOOM high-speed internet, Specialty restaurants, the Deluxe Beverage Package, access to the Suite Lounge and much more. 
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Minibar Selection
As our esteemed Star Class guests, you get access to an exclusive minibar set-up which includes Evian & San Pellegrino water. With regards to other beverages, kindly let me know your choices from the selection listed below:
Coca-Cola Beverages: Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Ginger Ale.
Juices: Minute Maid Orange, Minute Maid Apple.
Beers: Corona, Dos Equis, Budweiser, Coor's Lite, Heineken, Michelob Ultra.

 

Activities:

Kindly do let me know if you wish to partake in any of the sports activities on board such as the zip-line, Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm slides etc.  I will have a VIP wristbands for you which will allow you Priority Access to these activities, which you can do at your own leisure. Also kindly let me know if you wish to join in the Escape Room experience, details listed below:

Escape rooms are the hottest new trend in interactive entertainment across the globe, and Royal Caribbean has partnered with Puzzle Break (the first American Escape Room company) to be the first cruise line to offer the experience. Apollo 18 - Mission Control by Puzzle Break is a game where groups of 6-12 players must work together to find hidden clues, solve puzzles, and “escape the room” within 50 minutes.

• The name of our Escape Room is Apollo 18 - Mission Control 
• Guests need reservations. 
• Players must be 12 years old and above to play due to the challenging puzzles.  
• Minimum of 6 guests, maximum of 12 guests per session
• Sessions are not private – Guests can be from different travel groups. This is a Vaccinated Guests only Area.

Pre-Cruise Communication
In the days prior to your arrival, I am usually granting wishes to your fellow Star Class guests who are already on the ship. Meanwhile, I promise to be "in my lamp" and at your service every afternoon between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm EST, responding to your questions and requests within 24 hours. Around 9:00 pm I need to recharge my cosmic Royal Genie powers — after all, even Royal Genies have to sleep.  

If you have any requests for dining, shows, tours, activities, or are celebrating any special occasions, please send them my way. To get started, I recommend you begin reserving your Shore Excursions, including cabanas at CocoCay (on first-come, first-served basis) and any Spa & Salon Services now on https://www.royalcaribbean.com/booked.

From this point on, we will be taking care of any questions or requests that you may have. We look forward to seeing you onboard soon and helping to make your trip with us extra special and safe.

 

Looking forward to welcoming you all onboard!

Best Wishes.

 

[JVPIII]

I am so looking forward to your blog. I followed along on your last adventure on the Anthem as my family was set to go on our first Royal Cruise also in Star Class early 2021. As we all know that did not happen. Now we are trying for a redo on Oasis in early February next year so I am excited for your insight into the STAR life on Oasis!! 

So excited for you and your family!!

[Jax]

20 minutes ago, JVPIII said:

I am so looking forward to your blog. I followed along on your last adventure on the Anthem as my family was set to go on our first Royal Cruise also in Star Class early 2021. As we all know that did not happen. Now we are trying for a redo on Oasis in early February next year so I am excited for your insight into the STAR life on Oasis!! 

So excited for you and your family!!

Thank you so much! Glad to have you follow along! I hope you get your star class rescheduled soon. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, Jax said:

Plus if I am going to post in real time about the star class process I really need to get started!  So when in doubt I turn to my Magic 8 Ball. I got an “outlook good” “without a doubt” and “yes” so here we are!! 

Yay!  Good for you!  I think I will wait it out lol.  Don't want to get flamed by @Matt and @twangster for another early start. 

Going to try hard to follow along on this one but seeing that we are sailing at the exact same time and twinning it, it might be a bit tough! lol

1 hour ago, Jax said:

I owe a huge thank you to @Lovetocruise2002 @Mindybrite @WAAAYTOOO along with others who have generously shared their knowledge, expertise and advice. I share @Lovetocruise2002love of suites and star class and consider myself a “west coast Canadian suite snob”. LOL  Thank you doesn’t seem like enough but I hope to pay it forward through this blog.  

You know what I always say, "Suite Snobs unite!"  and you hit the Genie jackpot with Shane!  Tell him I need him back on Oasis by March 13th. 

[Jax]

56 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Yay!  Good for you!  I think I will wait it out lol. 

I hear ya. If something messes this up I will need therapy from more than just my family! 

 

57 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Going to try hard to follow along on this one but seeing that we are sailing at the exact same time and twinning it, it might be a bit tough! lol

This twinning is going to be fun! I can just see us, blogging in real time from CK on filet night. Lol 

[Jax]

I replied to Shane’s email by compiling everything in a word document. I did not do this on our first star class cruise and I chalk it up to a rookie mistake.  It ensures everything is outlined in a single document and will hopefully keep our requests and priorities organized for Shane. Once I receive copies of the specialty dining menus and entertainment schedule I will finalize our preferences with Shane.  
Observations from Shane’s email: On Anthem we were not given VIP wristbands which became frustrating so I am glad Shane mentioned them. 

[Jax]

Star class amenities received in Shane’s email. 

[Yesiamthere]

Excited to follow your blog!  

[Jax]

7 minutes ago, Yesiamthere said:

Excited to follow your blog!  

Thank you for following along! 

[Dlove707]

On 11/21/2021 at 6:06 PM, Jax said:

 

 

 

Boarding will start approximately at 11:30PM. Since I will be simultaneously assisting other Star Class guests, kindly advise if you have an arrival time in mind.

 

 

 

He must have a lot of guests to assist if boarding will not start until 11:30pm , enjoy your cruise and I will enjoy following along.

[Jax]

32 minutes ago, Dlove707 said:

He must have a lot of guests to assist if boarding will not start until 11:30pm , enjoy your cruise and I will enjoy following along.

Glad to have you following along! Believe it or not 11:30 was the earliest check in time due to Covid boarding protocols and lucky foe us I got that time! So we will be one of the first to board. Yay! 

[Dlove707]

44 minutes ago, Jax said:

Glad to have you following along! Believe it or not 11:30 was the earliest check in time due to Covid boarding protocols and lucky foe us I got that time! So we will be one of the first to board. Yay! 

I was speaking on the pm part lol

[Jax]

4 minutes ago, Dlove707 said:

I was speaking on the pm part lol

Haha, I totally missed that! Good catch. 

[Jax]

Update on hot tub

The process surrounding the hot tub on the balcony of the GPS is somewhat of a mystery. I couldn’t find much written about it from past guests. I asked Shane if the hot tub could be filled on embarkation day for the duration of the cruise. Shane and the suite attendant will look after filling and the suite attendant will have the water tested and treated daily as needed. This sounds simple enough.  I will report back once onboard but if it works as described, it will be a real treat for Reyd and I because we love our nightly hot tub routine. 

[Jax]

Genie news today included menus from the specialty restaurants. First up is CK.  Filet night is Night 1 and I told Shane that I can not disappoint our friend @Lovetocruise2002 like some others have. Lol Filet night has become a right of passage and I need to join this club! 

[Jax]

Chops menu. This is our #1 favourite specialty dining.  The seafood tower is gone but I have heard of them offering something close; if so this will make Lindsay happy. 

[Jax]

We have never eaten at Giovanni’s; on Anthem it was Jamie Oliver’s.  

[Jax]

We have no plans to do Chef’s Table. 

[Jax]

Izumi Hibachi menus.  Hibachi wasn’t on Anthem so we are looking forward to this experience. 

[Jax]

No plans to eat at 150 CP; we need a longer cruise to get them all in.  

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

18 hours ago, Jax said:

No plans to eat at 150 CP;

You need to eat at 150 CP.  Don't skip it.  And get the Cucumber Martini (I think it's known as the Garden Martini now).

[Jax]

16 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

You need to eat at 150 CP.  Don't skip it.  And get the Cucumber Martini (I think it's known as the Garden Martini now).

Ooh I see the urban garden martini high lighted on their menu. I can’t make any promises but we will see. Lol I will put it back in play. Cucumbers are a hard no for the 2 men in my life. 

[GregD]

Excited to follow along with this one. I’ll be on oasis in February in a star class room. I can’t wait!!

I won’t start my blog early…….I won’t start my blog early……

[Jax]

Genie News  

Shane and I are off to a great start! I love his communication style; he is succinct and always verifies back any wishes, requests or general comments so you know he read them. He usually replies within 3 or 4 days which I am totally fine with because A) my requests are not time sensitive and B) that means he is making genie magic with his onboard guests.

Some are curious what pre cruise communication with your genie looks like or what types of requests people make so here is some insight into ours: 

Dining - Formal nights are on Nights 3 & 6.   I have provided a list of dining venues (Chops, Giovanni’s, Izumi Hibachi, CK) and a couple specific nights for certain restaurants but otherwise I am letting Shane tweak it as needed.  He is including our friends with the unlimited dining plan on all specialty dining reservations. Exception being Coastal Kitchen (which I didn’t request because access is restricted to Suite guests)  

Question: We were planning on skipping 150 Central Park because the menu seemed so so at first look but based on @Lovetocruise2002recommendation I am giving it a second look. What are your thoughts and favourite menu items???  

Lunches we will plan as we go but will include Playmakers, Portside BBQ, Johnny Rockets, Izumi and Dog House. 

Entertainment - the onboard Entertainment schedule is not finalized so in the meantime I highlighted the shows that we want to see; Aqua 80, One Sky, Frozen in Time, Stand up Comedy, Adult Comedy, Headliner.  I wasn’t sure how reservations would work with our friends because they are not entitled to star class perks and I would never ask for them to be included. Our plan was for them to book once onboard and try to match it up to our schedule but Shane said he would include them in our reservations.  

Activities - VIP wristbands will be waiting for us to give us preferred access to certain onboard activities. We didn’t receive these on Anthem and trying to access this perk was awkward. This will be so much better.  
Question: We are new to Oasis class ships so would love you to share your favourite must do activities. 

Stateroom - Just some minor requests for bedding, pillow preference, preferred temperature in stateroom, fan in bedroom and I already reported on the balcony hot tub.  Cami and Azis will be our Suite Attendants. 

Laundry - Reyd is sensitive to synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals so we will bring our own laundry pods. This worked well last time and we never found any of those laundry tags I hear about. Lol 

Shore excursions - The jet ski excursion had limited availability and I could not book both Reyd and Lindsay at the same time. It is now sold out but Shane said he will check with his onboard team about possible availability once we are onboard.  He will also have his onboard team select us a nice over water cabana.

Bridge and Ship tours - these are still temporarily on hold but Shane will advise of any changing CDC guidelines. I knew this already but am hoping this protocol changes by Christmas as this is a highlight of ours

Communication will be through Facebook messenger as we get closer to our sail date.  This worked well last time so I am happy to hear we will use it again. 

Celebrations - we have arranged for a chocolate mousse cake for Reyd's 16th and will discuss other celebrations once onboard.  

[WAAAYTOOO]

You are going to love Cami. She is a wonderful room attendant.  She was so great that we gave her a special gift similar to what we gave our Genie (Joyce).  So glad to hear that she is back onboard.  

[Jax]

5 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

You are going to love Cami. She is a wonderful room attendant.  She was so great that we gave her a special gift similar to what we gave our Genie (Joyce).  So glad to hear that she is back onboard.  

That’s so nice to hear! Pass along any gift ideas that you know she will love. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

2 hours ago, Jax said:

Question: We were planning on skipping 150 Central Park because the menu seemed so so at first look but based on @Lovetocruise2002recommendation I am giving it a second look. What are your thoughts and favourite menu items???  

Braised Short Rib, Berkshire Pork Belly, Lobster Thermidor, Halibut, Fried Cheesecake, and of course, the Garden Martini 

[Jax]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Braised Short Rib, Berkshire Pork Belly, Lobster Thermidor, Halibut, Fried Cheesecake, and of course, the Garden Martini 

I think I will put it on the list and tell Lindsay Sabrina recommends the Garden Martini.  Lol 

[Jax]

1 hour ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Braised Short Rib, Berkshire Pork Belly, Lobster Thermidor, Halibut, Fried Cheesecake, and of course, the Garden Martini 

I have never tried Lobster Thermidor but it sounds yummy  

[calvink669]

Are you bringing a Festivus pole? LOL j/k

 

We will definitely follow along even though we are on board at the same time.  Kelli and I are in 1701 and we will be rearranging our night 1 dinner to try the filet at coastal kitchen.

Cheers! 20 more days to go and can't wait!

[calvink669]

On 11/21/2021 at 4:48 PM, Jax said:

Festivus Star Class Miracle – Oasis December 19-26  

Who’s Going?

Myself (Jacquie), son Reyd 16 years old and hubby Lindsay.

We have never cruised with anyone before but friends from Victoria BC are joining us.  They were a last minute add on and were not able to get a junior suite so they are in an ocean balcony but have the unlimited dining and refreshment packages. 

What are we Celebrating?

After the past 21 months leaving  is reason enough to celebrate but we have a few big celebrations. Reyd turned 16 this fall and is now driving. Lindsay and I along with our friends are celebrating our 30 year anniversary  and a birthday celebration for me.  

Flight

There are no direct flights from YYC to MIA and limited ones from YYC to FLL. A direct flight was important to avoid possible weather related delays so we are flying direct from YYC to MCO and then driving to Miami.

WestJet Premium because it’s a long flight.  The boys have some planned stops along the way to Miami so it will be fun. If you like Prevost Motor Coaches you will enjoy the trip.

Pre-Cruise Stay

Dec 16^th Marriott In Terminal YYC airport

Dec 17^th Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Theme Park View  

Dec 18^th Intercontinental Miami – Club Biscayne View 

Post-Cruise Stay

Margaritaville, Hollywood – Oceanview 

Hyatt Regency MCO airport

Car Rental

Booked through Sixt as there is a drop off location at the Intercontinental Miami Hotel 

Itinerary

Perfect Day, St Thomas, St Maarten 

Stateroom 

Grand Panoramic Suite – Star Class #1758 ️️

Cruise Planner Purchases

• Coco Beach Club Floating Cabana  
• Coco Cay Wave Jet Tour (Lindsay & Reyd) In progress as there is only 1 time slot available.  
• Plane spotting at Maho Beach St Maarten
• Thermal Suite - couples pass 
• Photo package 100 prints 

Pre Cruise Thoughts

• Reyd and I are so excited to stay in this Suite. I love that it has new décor, is on one level and has a hot tub! 
• I am wondering how Lindsay will react to the upgrade.   That’s right he has no idea! He likes the perks of star class (even if he doesn’t know they are star class lol) but was so so on the genie last time so we are hoping this one will renew his faith in the star class experience.  I am pretty sure the suite itself will win him over because he did not like the 2 story loft on Anthem.  More on his reaction later. 
•  I am relieved to be sailing out of a warm weather climate. We were prepared for winter when we cruised on Anthem. NYC was on our bucket list so we were ok with the extra winter wear and luggage but it was a one and done for us. We prefer sailing out of warm climates.
• Can’t wait to experience one of those star class cakes I see so many pictures of.  I have some ideas so stay tuned! 
• Due to the time of the our flight in the morning the airport testing centre is not yet open so I am working on getting a private test at the airport hotel in YYC the morning before we fly out to avoid a second test in Florida. December’s booking schedule isn’t open yet so more to follow on this. 
• The PCR testing requirement is staying in Canada for trips greater than 72 hours so I will start looking into testing options in Florida. What a bummer. 
• In the spirit of a live blog please ask any questions and I will do my best to answer them. 

 

 

We have the Plane spotting at Maho beach reserved as well.

 

[Jax]

1 hour ago, calvink669 said:

Are you bringing a Festivus pole? LOL j/k

Well since you asked…yup. Festivus isn’t Festivus without the pole. LOL 

[Jax]

1 hour ago, calvink669 said:

We will definitely follow along even though we are on board at the same time.  Kelli and I are in 1701 and we will be rearranging our night 1 dinner to try the filet at coastal kitchen.

Cheers! 20 more days to go and can't wait!

This is going to be so much fun! Hope to see you in CK on night 1. 
 

 

1 hour ago, calvink669 said:

We have the Plane spotting at Maho beach reserved as well.

Yay! We had family do this excursion and a huge plane took off. They were finding sand in hard to reach places days later. It was a full body exfoliation. Lol We laugh so hard watching the You Tube videos. I really hope there is a plane during our time there.  It will be a highlight for our son. 

[Jax]

Proof of Vaccination Update 

Alberta’s QR code for domestic and international travel became available last week.  When comparing it to Royal’s proof of vaccination requirements I noticed the QR code did not include the administering physical or medical services provider. I sent an email along with a copy of my QR code to the executive office for clarification.  Here is the response: Since your vaccination card does not include the administering physical or medical services provider, we highly recommend for you to bring any supporting documents to ensure you have a smooth boarding experience. 

I was able to get printed copies of our immunization history from local public health that contains the service provider so we now meet all Royals proof of vaccination requirements.  
One more thing off the todo list

 

[DDaley]

On 11/28/2021 at 2:24 PM, Jax said:

I think I will put it on the list and tell Lindsay Sabrina recommends the Garden Martini.  Lol 

I am so glad you changed your mind! 150CP was my favorite meal on board Oasis. Seconding the martini, cheesecake and braised short rib! The lamb Wellington was also delicious.