gadaboutgal

We did not receive our Authorization until the week before sailing.  I believe others had the same experience so don't panic yet.

FOR FUTURE REFEENCE

"Generally, there are no restrictions on baked goods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a general list of approved products of which breads, cakes, cookies, and other bakery goods are listed."

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-318?language=en_US

On Divina last cruise and this week: I have the surf internet and it is painfully slow.  And, they do block sites like YouTube, etc.

So sorry you had a disappointing cruise.  Here is a little info that I hope will make you feel a little better:

Cost of a Take Out Meal at Outback Steakhouse with no table service, no drinks per person

$5.99 French onion soup

$2.50 Steakhouse mac n cheese

$4.99 blue cheese chopped salad

$23.99 petite filet with baked potato

$1.99 per topping for sauce for potato or steak

$8.99 New York style cheesecake

$48.45 x 4 people:  Total before tax or tip $193.80

The menu is equivalent to a full dinner in Chops- and with Chops you get the ambiance and table service.  So I don't think you should feel cheated at what you receive at a specialty restaurant on a ship do you?

We were surprised this morning on Divina when she docked at the International Pier.  We are the only ship in today though there is one Carnival ship docked over at their usual pier.

Currently on the Divina, they only require 2-4 year olds to mask and I see many in that age group who are not masked.

Returning to the original questions:

We are on Divina this week.  Passenger count is about 3000 and at 70%.

Masks are not required except for infants and toddlers.  Crew is still "mostly" wearing them (as sometimes completely down around chins) and very very few adult or teen guests in masks. 

Cannot relay as to what if any protocols if one is sick as they are not published or announced.

For this cruise, there are around 3000 passengers; I was told by staff the passenger load is at 70%.  Although we are staying on for the next cruise, I was not able to find out the expected guest count.

Currently In cabin 10130 balcony on Divina, the bed is a pull out

On 4/20/2022 at 1:46 PM, pe4all said:

And just remember the drugs you buy at a Mexican pharmacy may not be as "pure" as the drugs you get from your local pharmacy.  Different fillers, etc.

If you are buying the same brand that you get at home, why wouldn't they be the same drug?  Would pharmacies or drug manufacturers sell inferior drugs to the citizens of Mexico?  What about buying drugs in any other Western country-Europe or Canada?  I have purchased drugs in all these areas and have found no difference.

Yes, you can get a scooter into a balcony cabin ; however even with the coffee table removed, if you have a stability issue, maneuvering between the bed and the bathroom or anywhere else in the room is a hazard.   With a scooter next to the sofa, you are left with less than 36 inches between it and the desk. This would be sufficient for able bodied guests but not so for those who have any mobility handicap.

I was just in the accessible cabin on that ship. No, they do not have night lights in the cabin.  I usually kept the bathroom light on which gives more light in the cabin.  There is always a very low light in the bathroom at night if you don't turn on the full light. 

I don't think a tea light from $Tree would be sufficient light in the main cabin.  The cabin is quite large.

I think the scam is with the TA.  Sounds like she wants the new booking and is going to hold you up until you give it to her. And you asked her to cancel the booking with her and then she will be charging $100 for each fcc?  

When we have onboard credit, we book online in advance for one passenger, then add the "bogo" passenger when we are on the ship.

Call Royal's Special Needs.  They can tell you of the rental options.

Beginning with sailings commencing tomorrow (2/25/2022) wristbands are gone, masks are no longer required, and no more unvaccinated/vaccinated areas on the ships.

There are still many Caribbean islands that require masks to be worn no matter what the rules are on the ship.  One masks up on leaving the ship for the day.  So European cruises will most likely be the same. 

One cannot fault the older generation for not knowing that  second hand smoke can be deadly; that protecting occupants of vehicles with safety belts would save lives.  We now have vaccines that can protect from the flu, that there is medical interventions that can reduce ear infections, etc., etc.   We, also, now know that there is a vaccination that will eliminate or reduce the chance of Covid infection-of getting it and of spreading it to others.  Most parents now know what actions they can take to reduce the chance of illness in their children.

I guess I am getting to old to understand some of today's parenting models.  Why in the world would they continue to expose a child to an illness when they know they are vulnerable to it?  Do they not care to protect their child from even the mildest form of illness?  Even the flu is a very uncomfortable experience at its mildest form and most people would not want to be exposed to it.  

I only drink one or two alcohol drinks a day.  This may blow some peoples minds:  I use the other four vouchers for water for washing my hair. I find the water on the ship makes my hair unmanageable.

Thank you so much,  This so good to know.  I will make do with a non-accessible.

Has anyone had experience in a Central Park balcony cabin on deck 14 on any Oasis ship?  I need an accessible cabin but the only one available is next to the bridge that crosses the pool deck.  I know that is where the band plays, but would like to know if it is too loud when the cabin sliders are closed.

According to Royal's website masks do not need to be worn:

• At venues designated for vaccinated guests only, such as select bars, lounges, restaurants, shows and Casino Royale. NOTE: For cruises departing through February 14, 2022, masks must be worn in vaccinated-only venues                      So, sorry, for your cruise leaving next Monday, the new mask exceptions will not apply.

If you can remove the arms on the scooter you might be able to fit in the door.  

Churchill's closed and locked

No olive boats in Crooners

No Elite special bath amenities

Individual small pre-plated items in the International Cafe