JsMom2

Azamara just laid off 20% of their shoreside personnel. Hopefully that will free up revenue enhance the onboard experiences.

It’s definitely very frustrating, but please be kind to the reps that you talk to on the phone. They are even more frustrated than you. They have new systems, and are working with no training. So they are struggling with this all day, every day!

Interesting article. Always book B2B cruises as separate reservations. Then link them for the B2B OBC after the fact. Azamara definitely screwed up, because the first leg should never have been repriced. I know in the past they’ve marketed Grand Voyages where they basically create a B2B for you. Maybe this was one of those. But still they should’ve reverted the first leg back to original pricing. They just laid off 20% of shoreside personnel yesterday. Maybe a leaner company will be able to communicate more effectively.

Yes in the fine print on the website it says they have the right to correct errors. So legally they can change it. But morally and ethically, once a cruise is paid in full it’s just not right!

Do you cruise solo a lot? I’ve done a lot of solo cruises, and for me, I wouldn’t do a holiday cruise solo again. Too many families. Now if you’re booked in the Solo cruiser section on Norwegian, you may have a better experience. Hopefully you can connect with some folks who are also booked. Keep asking!

Last time was 2022. I know prices are much higher now all over. But these were last minute (within 30 days) deals. So might not be as cheap as I got (14 days total split between Equinox and Infinity. I paid a little under $2k all in for aqua class on both ships. Single occupancy!). But this seems to be the best time to look for 0 single supplement.

Check Celebrity in July and August. I’ve found multiple sailings over the years with 0 supplement.

Celebrity is one of my favorites to cruise solo. Especially on the M class. But there are travel insurance companies that cover pre existing conditions, as long as you purchase the policy the same day you make your initial deposit.

Azamara had that as well previously because their promo was based on double occupancy. But revenue control was able to put on an override. Other option is to book a double and cancel the other person out at the last minute to get the taxes back.

Navigator moved the gym to the back of the ship. But they put on a very small complimentary steam room. I believe I accessed through the women’s locker room. So if so there should be one in the men’s as well.

I’ve done many solo cruises, and I’ve gotten quite spoiled having a room all to myself! I also love setting my own schedule, and never having to consult with someone else about what we’re going to do today! I’ve done back to backs for 14 total nights, and wouldn’t have minded staying longer. When the ships first started up after Covid, I had to eat at a table for 1 in the main dining room, and the buffet wasn’t open for dinner. I thought I’d hate that. But I even love that now, and usually choose to have my own table. If you want to meet others at dinner, I’d suggest signing up for late dining, as you’re more likely to be assigned a table with others closer to your age. But trust your gut. You know yourself best!

It’s been that way for the last year or so with all the post Covid Travel. Hoping things will settle down in the next year or 2.

You didn’t mention if you are unable to get out of Israel at all, since you just said that your flight was “affected”. While I understand your situation is frustrating and stressful, it’s not up to Royal Caribbean to mitigate the consequences of a terrorist attack. Perhaps you can reroute your itinerary. Yes, it’s a horrible situation, But Royal Caribbean has a fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders. They can’t just give out refunds to every person who fails to take out insurance. I do have compassion for your situation. But just don’t believe you are looking at the big picture here. Good luck to you.

When you call to make the change, request that they reissue the e-docs. They should be available the next day.

I usually book a JS, which has a coffee maker in the room. I bring the individual pods of half and half and flavored creamer onboard. No issues with it being in my checked bag.