cruisinagain1960

We are pretty comfortable with most of the restrictions on board.  I would like to see what kind of "walking" excursions the cruise lines are going to offer since we cruise with two scooters and generally go off on our own and explore, which wouldn't be allowed initially.  However, we are also fine with staying on board too.

I'm fine with wearing a mask in common areas and while waiting in line if I can't social distance, however if I'm on deck and there is no one around me any my cabin mate, I would like to be able to take my mask off.  We love to go to the top deck and just sit in the breeze.

All this being said, the one thing that does make me wary is what will happen if you get to the port and have a positive test.  I've heard they will give a 2nd test to rule out a false positive, but if we can't board, what happens to our cruise fare?  Are we going to get FCC or will the cruiseline refund?  And of course I know no cruiseline has publicly announced how that will be handled in the US.

My other pressing question is how are they going to "thin the herd" if a current cruise is fully booked.  We have a cruise scheduled in January (i'm fairly sure it's going to be cancelled) and I'd like to know how they are going to bump passengers.  Will it be voluntary at first, then by cabin class or date booked or VIFP level?  Or will they just cancel the entire cruise and then make us rebook?  That option, for me, would be very problematic - we book pretty far in advance because we have to have a handicapped accessible cabin, which means we get our cabins at a pretty good price.  Are they going to cancel my reservation and then make us rebook at a higher rate?

So many unanswered questions.....

We currently have a 4/9 cruise booked out of Tampa - 10 nights.  

I'm thinking this cruise is going to get cancelled since the reports from the Tampa Port are stating they don't anticipate cruising to begin again until mid-April.  Also, being a 10 day cruise, I'm fairly sure there will be no cruises longer than 7 days til probably. mid-year 2021.

We've only paid the deposit so far and I'm budgeting for paying this off, but would prefer not to tie funds up on a cruise that most likely won't go til 2022.

Does anyone have any insight as to when cruising will resume from Tampa and will Celebrity be sailing out of Tampa when cruises restart?  The article I read about the port's thoughts said that they thought one Carnival ship would start sailing mid-April and there was no mention at all of any Celebrity ship sailing at all...

2 minutes ago, Babr said:

If it helps you make a decision about how much coverage you need, remember that if you have to be evacuated most likely you would be stabilized/treated until you could travel safely. Then you would be returned home by commercial air, maybe with a nurse if that was necessary. Something really terrible would have to happen for you to be returned by air ambulance. 
 

Don’t worry about being evacuated at sea. That is a last resort measure, and it is carried out by Coast Guard or military at no cost to the patient. More likely, you’d be disembarked at the nearest port and transported by ambulance to a hospital.

Awesome!  Thank you so much - I think for 2021, at least, we are going to go with the cruiseline insurance we've already purchased and our Global Assist as a back up : )). We've not had a need for any medical care or anything like that as of yet, but as we grow older, it's always in the back of our minds and with COVID, that adds another layer of uncertainty.

Thank you!  I knew I couldn't claim an expense that was fully covered under another policy, I'm more concerned about having more evacuation coverage than what the cruiselines offer on their policies.

FWIW, we also have Global Assist through our company benefits package, which might be enough on it's own that I don't need to purchase additional evac-only insurance.  I'll have to take a look at what benefits we are offered.

I have a question about yearly policies - if we already purchased insurance from the cruiseline for our booked cruises and then purchase an annual policy - can we collect off both?  I'm specifically thinking if coverage from the cruiseline policy isn't adequate to cover evacuation or repatriation costs.

And I'm hearing lots of positive things about Allianz.  Has anyone else used a different annual policy and had a good experience?

Thanks so much!!

Personally, I think it's going to depend on the length of the cruise and where it's departing from.  I don't think anything over 7 days will sail til mid-year at least, and smaller ports that support one or two ships will come online later than ports like Miami or Port Canaveral.

We have a January 2021 Journeys cruise booked (been booked for about 18 months).  We have decided to push that out to a 10 day Journeys cruise in December of 2021.  IF cruiselines can sail the beginning of the year, they are going to be limited and shortened itineraries.  I don't see anything over 7 days sailing until mid-year or so.  We are also sailing out of Charleston, which I don't think will be operational for a couple of months after sailing resumes.

That being said, we found an awesome 7 day cruise in a balcony cabin on HAL for mid-Februrary - we are going to book that using our FCC from our November cruise that was cancelled.  

We also have a 10 day booked in April on X that I'm pretty sure won't go because of the length of itinerary, but we'll cross that bridge when the time comes.

On 2/8/2020 at 3:18 PM, soremekun said:

I am anxiously awaiting the results.  I am on the next cruise on Anthem.

I'm thinking that if any of the results would have come back positive for Corona, they would have had to quarantine the crew, thus the reason for delaying embarkation on this sailing.

Let's also not forget that grandpa also tried to blame all of this on the fact that he's colorblind - he said in an interview, "he was told" that because he's color-blind, that's the reason he didn't see the window was open - which, of course, is totally disputed by the video because, well, you can't lean out of a closed window (for obvious reasons).

Mom is an attorney, I think she knew exactly what would happen if this lawsuit was pursued.  If she gave a fig about grandpa, she would have highly encouraged him to take the deal that PR offered of no jail time for a guilty plea.  Obviously, she saw the $$ signs and opted to pursue the lawsuit.

The family has also played the "child's play area" line ad nauseum.  However, in the video, it looks to me like there is a bar right behind the bank of windows that grandpa held that child out.  I highly doubt a bar area would be described as a child's play area.

I never thought he should get jail time, he's in his own special hell at this point, but maybe an example needs to be made that when you lie to try to extort money from a corporation, there are consequences.

On 1/25/2020 at 11:35 AM, jeditden said:

Yeah, money isn't the issue.  Right now I'm actually wait listed for traditional dining.  If we end up stuck with your time dining, I may take the advice here and book two nights in specialty restaurants.  Travel agent said since I want the 8:15pm time, my request will most likely go thru, as that's the less popular choice and more people would take your time dining.  We'll see.  

Even if you can't get traditional dining and have to take YTD, you can request the same servers each night - just let them know what time you think you'll arrive and they'll usually have a table just about ready for you : ))

On 1/5/2020 at 12:39 PM, Algebralovr said:

I was at least able to get through the hallway.  
The parking place they used was in a corner, and didn’t impede the traffic.  
 

I wish they would offer “valet parking” of scooters!  That would be a huge help,  but sadly they do not.

When we were on in the Summit in June, they did.  All we needed to do was park in the corner of the elevator lobby and then call guest services - within 5 minutes the scooters were gone - they also charged them for us and returned them bright and early the next morning.  

I did use Uplift with RCCL for our last cruise - it worked well for me.

That being said, I think the only time I would use Uplift again would be on a last-minute deal that I just can't pass up.  Something that needs to be paid in full at the time of booking.

But, as others have said, no one is forcing anyone to use the option.  Some people will find value in it, some will not.  Those that don't find the value, simply don't use it : ))

13 hours ago, Doug R. said:

Pepsi is it on NCL and you are not allowed to bring any soda on board. Personally I smile at the kerfuffle over Coke vs Pepsi as I can and will drink both. Just thank your lucky starts that it isn't Royal Crown Cola they decided to replace Coke with.

I don't get it either, and I'm actually pretty happy to see them switch to Pepsi, just for the Bubly : )))

3 hours ago, purplephenom said:

I thought I didn't care about this, but then i saw the list of included drinks on John Heald's page.  I dont drink soda, but I do enjoy Pure Leaf teas.  I also like Propel, Gatorade, and especially the Starbucks frappachinos.  If those are all actually available on board as part of Bubbles, I may end up purchasing.

the Pure Leaf, Propel, Gatorade and Starbucks will not be part of Bubbles, but will be a part of the alcohol package.

I know NCL has a contract with Pepsi as well.  Does anyone who's sailed NCL know how they handle that?  Can you ONLY get Pepsi products or do they have a supply of Coke for the bar?

4 minutes ago, dave_k58 said:

WIth all the brands Pepsi makes, including the fruit and teas, will the free pepsi, lemonade and water in the Lido disappear?

There's never been "free" Pepsi on the Lido - I doubt you will see the current "free" offerings disappear.

You all realize the announcement says "Preferred", not "Exclusive", right?  I'm willing to bet there will be Coke in the bars for those who want a Rum & Coke or Crown & Coke.

I'm also happy that Bubly will be available under the Bottomless Bubbles package.  I don't usually purchase that, but I will with that addition.

I do agree it probably means the Freestyle machines will be a no-go on Carnival as well, which disappoints me.  I really enjoyed the flavored Vitamin Water on RCCL on our last cruise.

I have a cruise on hold with HAL, it will be our first.  We requested an HAC due to the fact that we have two scooters.  My question is is the access to the deck in the Lanai cabins flat so we can take the scooters out on the deck from our cabin?

Thanks for any feedback!!

It seems to me, from reading some of the comments on here, that one of the biggest problems is if someone puts a hold on an HAC and then releases it, or reserves and cancels, the room doesn't show up on the website as HAC any more - that is something that ALL cruiselines should resolve to fix.  This way those that actually need an HAC can find one.  And I do not have a clue how a person who booked a guaranteed rate would get an HAC cabin.  I'm almost 100% positive that someone was looking for an HAC at some point on that cruise.

The other thing that does not help is the cruiselines push people to book HACs when a regular cabin might work.  If someone is cruising with one standard size scooter that they use for bad knees (as an example), no other real health concerns, then a standard cabin would most likely be sufficient.  A party traveling with two scooters are being directed to book an HAC simply because there is no public space to park and charge.

As I stated on a previous comment, we can get by with a standard stateroom (it's a stretch, but we make it work).  However, if a cruiseline is going to deny access to me with my scooter (as Carnival is suggesting they will do), that's a problem.  My scooter will not fit through a standard cabin door.  Rather than denying access to the ship, perhaps they would be better served to have a dedicated scooter storage area.  That would open HAC's to availability to those who need a fully accessible bathroom and the other amenties offered.

22 hours ago, BNBR said:

Down to $16.99 on my Med cruise next year on Jewel.  Thanks for the heads up.

 

For those saying it's not worth it.  That's opinion.  But at $16.99 it's a no brainer.   We get internet anyways.  And the 2 person plan for internet is just $2.75/day less than The Key per person.  Add in Chops lunch which has a $24 value (and we want on embarkation day), on our 12 night sailing, The Key is costing about $9 per person, total, not per day.  At that price, why the heck not?  Lots of ports.  Even if it didn't come in handy, the risk is $9.

Agreed and that doesn't even add in the value of the priority debarkation - that's where we found the greatest value on our recent Grandeur cruise - we were called right after the self-service group - got taken to customs as a group (with dedicated agents), then picked up our luggage - from the time we got off the ship and in to the van to head home, was less than 10 minutes...

On 10/16/2019 at 3:16 PM, Merion_Mom said:

Just a little bit of odd wording, IMO.

 

Will Grandeur of the Seas be replaced in Baltimore?
Grandeurs’ sister ship, Enchantment of the Seas will sail from Baltimore, Maryland for the 2021 season, in late April. With her she’ll bring great amenities like, additional whirlpools and extra pools, a Diamond Club, and for adventure junkies, a bungee trampoline! Plus, some of our fan favorite dining options, like Park Café, Windjammer Café, Chops Grille, and Chef’s Table.

 

There's an implication that Grandeur doesn't have a Diamond Lounge?!?!?!?

I also just noticed that RCCL only committed the Enchantment to the 2021 season in Baltimore.  

My understanding is that when a new cruise director comes aboard they generally come on about a week prior to the existing CD signing off so they can observe and learn the ship, etc.

And Leigh Xuereb is AMAZING!!   We had him as our CD in March on the Miracle and he's so much fun!!

On 9/11/2019 at 4:43 AM, boomhower said:

No it’s not. It’s fine. It doesn’t have all the new upgrades but it’s a clean ship with a good crew. I believe it does have a dry dock coming up where it’ll get some of the new stuff. We sailed her in March and had a great time. 

We sailed her in March as well and had a great time - she's definitely a smaller ship and is due for her dry dock time.  The staff was wonderful, the ship was clean - if you are a fan of the Punchliner, I would recommend arriving early for shows - it's a small space and fills quickly.

On 9/6/2019 at 1:34 AM, geoffrywillhardt said:

I would change the Anytime dining option to the family style low frills, but still waited on option that moves quicker and possibly have advanced ordering or a more simplified menu. I would keep the set dining early and late options as they are for those that enjoy that. I'm fairly new to cruising so I don't know what options they have changed/removed over the years with the exception of starting to charge for room service and all the plastic changes that have been taking place recently. I can understand people wanting a more premium experience but I do feel that Carnival has great value for the money.

The problem with this suggestion is, I prefer Anytime dining for the flexibility to be able to look at activities on a daily basis and choose a time to dine that allows me to see all the shows I want to see,  but I also still want the full MDR experience.  If you want family style, the Lido deck is a good option for you.  The food is already prepared, no waiting - serve yourself and get out in 15 minutes.  Perhaps the compromise would be to have MDR menu choices available on the Lido deck every night : ))

24 minutes ago, cruisinagain1960 said:

If there are no FAC's, I'm actually rethinking the entire cruise - how does Carnival get away with not having any FAC's?  This is horribly frustrating - we love sailing out of Carnival (it's our home port), but we need a cabin with a wider entry door...Taking apart my scooter every time I want to come in to the room, is going to be darned frustrating.

 

And thanks for the heads up on room location - they use the Liquid Lounge late at night as a nightclub, right?

 

Obviously, I mean Charleston : )))