REALLY ANNOYED …. Would have cancelled if they told us this YESTERDAY when we had 48 hours to go!

[ChrisK2793]

Masks must now be worn at all times inside unless “actively eating and drinking”

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Ugh.  Frankly I’m surprised that they are only mandating this through 1-5-22.  What a PITA

[ChrisK2793]

4 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Ugh.  Frankly I’m surprised that they are only mandating this through 1-5-22.  What a PITA

I wonder if you have to prove it with a positive test if you call today and say you tested positive for Covid??????

 

[WAAAYTOOO]

4 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

I wonder if you have to prove it with a positive test if you call today and say you tested positive for Covid??????

 

That’s a great question.  Really don’t know.

[AshleyDillo]

5 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

I wonder if you have to prove it with a positive test if you call today and say you tested positive for Covid??????

You have to have proof to get a refund per their policy:

Quote

To qualify for a refund or the FCC, if your COVID19 test was administered by a provider other than one retained by RCI, you must present your verified positive test result in a form acceptable to RCI.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/covid-19-cancellations-and-refunds-policy.pdf

[Cruiser4Life]

It's gotten beyond out of hand. I'm sure we will be cancelling NYE sailing next week. I haven't heard from the Concierge yet, but we are definitely out if they are not selling tables on the Promenade like usual for the big party. There are plenty of places on land (especially here in Florida) where we can enjoy a festive NYE party so it's not worth it to pay over 10 grand for what it will probably look like on a cruise ship this year. So sad, another cruise down the drain.

[ChrisK2793]

I’m on hold with Royal now …….. she has me on hold while she gets approval to do a cash refund instead of an FCC

 

[Jennifer Burke]

37 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

Masks must now be worn at all times inside unless “actively eating and drinking”

 

I am so sorry about this for you. I was on last week and it was tough wearing it with my protocols I cannot imagine doing it in the casino, comedy club or dancing in the clubs! Maybe you can cancel since it is new protocol. I already decided after last week that I will never go on another cruise with a mask mandate. 

 

[Jennifer Burke]

It will 

35 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

I wonder if you have to prove it with a positive test if you call today and say you tested positive for Covid??????

 

You don't think they will let you cancel and get credit for future cruise BECAUSE of this new policy?

[dodgestang]

They keep doing this bait and switch crap....first it was the mask free cruises over the summer that turned into masked up alot....now its masked up alot turned into masked up alot more.   I'm just going to do the only thing that makes sense......always have a drink in my hand....even if I'm not drinking it.....once it gets warm and nasty....I'll get another.

[tonyfsu21]

42 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

I wonder if you have to prove it with a positive test if you call today and say you tested positive for Covid??????

 

Don’t let this nonsense ruin your trip. Read between the lines, you have an out regarding the mask wearing. Just literally carry a drink with you everywhere. It’s not a big deal and frankly makes no sense if everyone just took a Covid test multiple times before boarding. 

[ChrisK2793]

13 minutes ago, Jennifer Burke said:

It will 

You don't think they will let you cancel and get credit for future cruise BECAUSE of this new policy?

The girl I’ve been taking to at Royal CLAIMS she cancelled it for a full cash refund ……. But says she can’t sent me an email verifying that ……. The reservation still shows active ……. I’m supposed to just take her word they won’t just say we didn’t show up …… I’m waiting for a supervisor now …….. I want actual PROOF in an email saying they cancelled it and I’m getting a refund!

[tonyfsu21]

4 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

They keep doing this bait and switch crap....first it was the mask free cruises over the summer that turned into masked up alot....now its masked up alot turned into masked up alot more.   I'm just going to do the only thing that makes sense......always have a drink in my hand....even if I'm not drinking it.....once it gets warm and nasty....I'll get another.

This is exactly the right thing to do. Don’t let these obnoxious protocols ruin your vacation. 

[Neesa]

OMG I was just going to post this @ChrisK2793 I am already in Ft Lauderdale and am not happy. I would have canceled in a heartbeat, this stinks!!! THIS IS WRONG!!! This is greedy BS they sent this last minute so they would have to refund less. Again, Royal wants your money if so bad cancel holiday sailings!!!

[ChrisK2793]

7 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said:

Don’t let this nonsense ruin your trip. Read between the lines, you have an out regarding the mask wearing. Just literally carry a drink with you everywhere. It’s not a big deal and frankly makes no sense if everyone just took a Covid test multiple times before boarding. 

Carrying a drink doesn’t work ……… on our October and November cruises if you walked inside around with a drink you weren’t drinking at the time and weren’t in a vaccinated only area they’d yell at you to put your mask on ……… now you even have to wear a mask in the vaccinated only areas unless ACTIVELY eating or drinking 

[Jennifer Burke]

4 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

The girl I’ve been taking to at Royal CLAIMS she cancelled it for a full cash refund ……. But says she can’t sent me an email verifying that ……. I’m supposed to just take her word they won’t just say we didn’t show up …… I’m waiting for a supervisor now …….. I want actual PROOF in an a mail saying they cancelled it and I’m getting a refund!

You should. Not the same, but we were supposed to get a $270 OBC and at the last minute told us that they refunded the amount to a random credit card that wasn't even my card! So yes, get something in writing!

[Jennifer Burke]

8 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

They keep doing this bait and switch crap....first it was the mask free cruises over the summer that turned into masked up alot....now its masked up alot turned into masked up alot more.   I'm just going to do the only thing that makes sense......always have a drink in my hand....even if I'm not drinking it.....once it gets warm and nasty....I'll get another.

Tried that last week, didn't work. Not allowed to walk around with a drink and no mask. You have to put up and down and up and down while you drink. 

[Jennifer Burke]

5 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

Carrying a drink doesn’t work ……… on our October and November cruises if you walked inside around with a drink and weren’t in a vaccinated only area they’d yell at you to put your mask on ……… now you even have to wear a mask in the vaccinated only areas unless ACTIVELY eating or drinking 

Yep ,same here. Tried that and on the very first day they said I had to wear a mask even when I had a drink in my hand. 

[MLH]

10 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

The girl I’ve been taking to at Royal CLAIMS she cancelled it for a full cash refund ……. But says she can’t sent me an email verifying that ……. The reservation still shows active ……. I’m supposed to just take her word they won’t just say we didn’t show up …… I’m waiting for a supervisor now …….. I want actual PROOF in an email saying they cancelled it and I’m getting a refund!

Because of the new policy?  I am thinking about it as well but dont want fcc for the seven of us.  My final refund from a Royal Cancelled sailing on July 19th finally came on Dec 9th, after many many calls to TA, BBB, Chris Elliott and email to Royal.  Dont want any of their fcc,

[ChrisK2793]

7 minutes ago, MLH said:

Because of the new policy?  I am thinking about it as well but dont want fcc for the seven of us.  My final refund from a Royal Cancelled sailing on July 19th finally came on Dec 9th, after many many calls to TA, BBB, Chris Elliott and email to Royal.  Dont want any of their fcc,

Yes, they kept asking if I’d be willing to move to a cruise on a later date or if I wanted an FCC ……. I stuck to my guns and said no, that I wanted a cash refund because had they told me this yesterday before 48 hours instead of today, I would have cancelled under Cruise With Confidence.  They claim the CDC just made the rule for them and told just them today. 

[dodgestang]

Well.....the only ones they are really hurting are themselves.  I have no reason to spend any time in the casino now.  I will sit outside and drink all day.  Then sit inside and drink all night.

[Baked Alaska]

4 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

Well.....the only ones they are really hurting are themselves.  I have no reason to spend any time in the casino now.  I will sit outside and drink all day.  Then sit inside and drink all night.

The DBP will probably go up now. Shhhhhhhhh.

 

[wordell1]

9 minutes ago, ChrisK2793 said:

Yes, they kept asking if I’d be willing to move to a cruise on a later date or if I wanted an FCC ……. I stuck to my guns and said no, that I wanted a cash refund because had they told me this yesterday before 48 hours instead of today, I would have cancelled under Cruise With Confidence.  They claim the CDC just made the rule for them and told just them today. 

The CDC has no power to enforce anything leaving from Florida. It's time that Royal tells them to go stick it.

[Baked Alaska]

We received the same email from Royal for our Oasis NYE cruise. We are discussing this tonight. Agree with you that they should also have to honor that 48 hour window, as well. Granted the Fine Print blah blah blah.

 

[D Alt]

It could be worse and they make you wear masks outside too like NCL, but whatever. 

[Baked Alaska]

I'm sure more Royal Up (yours) will be accepted.

 

[jeffmw]

Just remember: This isn't about you or your vacation. This industry cannot stomach a huge outbreak right now. It could kill them if they can't continue to prove that cruising is safe. We should understand that they know more about this than we do (these cruise execs have spent their lives focused on this for the past 22 months), and if they think it'll help they're probably right. At least more so than we can claim to know.

They are FULLY aware that people don't like wearing masks and that it drives down demand to make people wear masks any more than they have to. They know this will cause people to cancel. So obviously they feel this is necessary or they wouldn't do it. 

[dodgestang]

4 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

Just remember: This isn't about you or your vacation. This industry cannot stomach a huge outbreak right now. It could kill them if they can't continue to prove that cruising is safe. We should understand that they know more about this than we do (these cruise execs have spent their lives focused on this for the past 22 months), and if they think it'll help they're probably right. At least more so than we can claim to know. Honestly, it doesn't seem like that drastic of a change. 

WE (and I use that term collectively) are keeping the industry alive by continuing to cruise and book cruises.  I am one bad discussion away (and I suspect many others are as well) from walking away from the industry completely.  Yes they have to walk a fine line.....but they are off the line right now (AGAIN).  I can drop 5 digits a trip ANYWHERE but I choose to do it here multiple times per year......but not much longer

[Baked Alaska]

Does this mean we also have to be masked in our staterooms?

Just found the answer.  Nope!

 

Edited December 18, 2021 by Baked Alaska
Follow-up

[jeffmw]

10 minutes ago, wordell1 said:

The CDC has no power to enforce anything leaving from Florida. It's time that Royal tells them to go stick it.

This really doesn't have much of anything to do with the CDC. These executives have one focus: their revenue and their stock price. They are going to do whatever they have to do to maintain the viability of RCI. If they felt that this new rule would cause more cancellations than it would help them continue to cruise safely, they wouldn't do it. They're doing it because they feel it's their best course of action right now to ensure safe cruising and the long-term viability of the company. 

[Baked Alaska]

WOWZERS!! I just looked at the available cabins for our sailing (NYE on Oasis). A LOT have opened up since yesterday. I count 11 suites. 10 Junior and one 1bdr AT. Lots of balcony and inside.

[ChrisK2793]

7 minutes ago, D Alt said:

It could be worse and they make you wear masks outside too like NCL, but whatever. 

When my spouse had to wear a mask for work, he had horrible headaches every day for months within the first 2 hours of getting there that wouldn’t go away until the following morning ………. Then he’d go to work and there was the headache again.  But he never had headaches on his days off.

Whatever is right …….. it’s not worth spending thousands for him to have a miserable headache all the time on a vacation because we have to have masks on all night every night to hang out at the bars and clubs unless “actively” putting food or drinks into our mouths at all times.  No thank you!

[jeffmw]

5 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

WE (and I use that term collectively) are keeping the industry alive by continuing to cruise and book cruises.  I am one bad discussion away (and I suspect many others are as well) from walking away from the industry completely.  Yes they have to walk a fine line.....but they are off the line right now (AGAIN).  I can drop 5 digits a trip ANYWHERE but I choose to do it here multiple times per year......but not much longer

I get it, totally. It's a tricky situation. You do have other choices, but everyone has known for years that cruise ships are a time bomb for any kind of outbreak. This comes with the territory of cruising as long as you have thousands of people trapped on a boat for days at a time. What I'm saying is that you can't really be mad about it. They're doing what's best for the company. They aren't caving to any sort of trend or regulation. They feel any short-term issues and cancellations from people like many on this thread are easily worth swallowing to maintain the perception of a safe cruise industry. 

[dodgestang]

5 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

This really doesn't have much of anything to do with the CDC. These executives have one focus: their revenue and their stock price. They are going to do whatever they have to do to maintain the viability of RCI. If they felt that this new rule would cause more cancellations than it would help them continue to cruise safely, they wouldn't do it. They're doing it because they feel it's their best course of action right now to ensure safe cruising and the long-term viability of the company. 

Ohh I agree its all about the stock price but other than that my opinion differs from yours.  They did it NOW because it is essentially too late for anyone with holiday plans to make alternative arrangements.  If they had done it 5-7 days ago.....there is a larger viability for transferring to tropical land based destinations with less stringent masking rules but stricter testing rules for entry.  Now.....not so much.

[tonyfsu21]

15 minutes ago, Baked Alaska said:

I'm sure there will be more Royal Up (yours) will be accepted.

 

I hope so. Oasis 12/26 Royal Loft Suite for the win!

[jeffmw]

4 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

Ohh I agree its all about the stock price but other than that my opinion differs from yours.  They did it NOW because it is essentially too late for anyone with holiday plans to make alternative arrangements.  If they had done it 5-7 days ago.....there is a larger viability for transferring to tropical land based destinations with less stringent masking rules but stricter testing rules for entry.  Now.....not so much.

I don't disagree with you on that. The timing stinks. But honestly this Omicron stuff has come fast and furious. A week ago I was living a completely normal life. I was going out and not thinking about it. My kids in school every day. I didn't know anyone with COVID. Now it's like everyone in my town has it. So I think it's somewhere in between. I don't think they purposely did this now to screw over their customers. I think they weren't expecting this and it came quickly. But I agree for sure they should be understanding and allow people to change their plans!

[tonyfsu21]

What’s the over/under on how long until Matt puts the lock on this thread? I say less then 30 minutes. 

[Baked Alaska]

9 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said:

I hope so. Oasis 12/26 Royal Loft Suite for the win!

No wait! I'm bidding on that!  Star Class Baby!

[tonyfsu21]

5 minutes ago, Baked Alaska said:

No wait! I'm bidding on that!  Star Class Baby!

Good luck! In life, I always “bet max”. 

[Pooch]

I don’t know guys but half the time I forget to take my mask OFF!  So used to wearing it now, I barely notice it.