Fabulous97

Often on European cruises (we are in the UK) we don't bother getting off, France, Spain and Italy are easily available to us via a short flight, train or ferry.

We have done cruises where we have never got off, for both of us it's a break from work. Time to read and relax.

It is possible if off first thing and a private transfer, the port is some distance from Rome. We got the coach transfer 20 Euros and spent a lovely day in Rome before getting a late flight back to the UK.

If you Google luggage storage Rome there are quite a few options. Central Stations always have lockers to store quite big cases.

Depends if you are desperate to get home or extend your holiday.

Ring in the morning, I got through in about a minute. Spoke to a lovely lady in Guatemala she was working from home literally in the middle of the night for them. I could hear her dog in the background and my two were running around so we had a lovely doggie discussion as well (everyone is human!).  

Definitely call before the USA wakes up!

2 hours ago, Native Floridian 26 said:

Under Barcelona.

Barcelona, Spain rules are not the same as Southampton, U.K. ones. It definitely cannot be over 270 days for the booster. 
 

I think I will just stay onboard!

I got it in an email from RCI this is a cruise from Southampton in the UK. Your last vaccination must not be more than 270 days before. So if you had early doses you will need to be boosted.

This is specifically for the EU. RCI also request masks in the port terminal.

We are boosted and will take the next one in Autumn. The UK is very supportive of vaccinations and boosters.

We sail 22 May and are happy to do what is required. A lot of people here are still wearing masks even though the mandate has ended.

It's all delightfully confusing!

I think we will book Lloyds as well as we have one in our local Sainsburys, we are going from Southampton on the 22nd May. The email came from RCI yesterday it would be helpful if it had UK links. It also says masks in the terminal are required. I don't know if that is UK specific only.

You also have to be fully vaccinated with your last jab no more than 270 days ago, so luckily had our boosters in January.

Another odd one was if you do not have a passport for your country of residency they were asking for proof. I do remember last year when we did the four days to nowhere my Swedish OH had to go and stand in the "naughty" queue.

On 8/14/2021 at 1:09 PM, debsjc said:

Apologies if this has already been covered, I have read some pages, but not all 53 🙂
 

I know RCCL are saying
'Vaccinated Guests must bring the negative result of a PCR test taken within 3 days of sailing. We will email instructions on how to register for your complimentary test approximately 14 to 18 days before your cruise'

 

Could anyone let me know how this works, and if we have to go to a testing centre, is there one near Reading or Bracknell? ... thanks 

We did our at a small place off Junc 11 of the M4 heading down the A33. We are in Bracknell

On 7/26/2021 at 7:25 PM, scottbee said:

I'm curious. Does your vaccination record show it as different?  I'm in the same boat here in Canada, with my records showing

Dose 1: "Covisheild" (aka Indian AZ)
Dose 2: "Astra Zeneca"
 

Yep the batch numbers show on our vaccination record app. I think it’s the EU being angry with the U.K. for leaving the EU. Hopefully it will settle down as there are quite a number of countries that will not accept it.

Mia to Bcn via Lisbon $510 each. Skyscanner is a U.K. based site so all taxes etc will be shown and included. You can show prices in multiple currencies including USD.

42 minutes ago, tottenhamfc said:

It is showing around 700 via Air France so not sure what search engines you are using. 

Sky Scanner, TAP, Air France, Swiss Air

18 minutes ago, Mark_UK said:

 

What? No it doesn't. Both of those studies are population level stats in the UK. Hardly anyone here has been vaccinated at 4 weeks, not even clinically vulnerable.  

Exactly, 8 weeks is the earliest and you will not get around it either! My first jab came from the 5million does made in India for AZ!

We are doing well here in the U.K. Even though the mask mandate was lifted 19 July a large number of the population are still using them (me included) at the supermarket etc. I am not hugging my friends.

The minimum between jabs is 8 weeks and you cannot get round this. It is becoming noticeable that places are asking to see proof of your vaccination, we have an NHS app. I.e no jabs, no holidays, restrictions.

Young men seem to be the worse!

I think when each country followed their own science it’s going to be really difficult.

I was on the RCI cruise from Southampton on 15July, all twice jabbed and proof, PCR test before however only for British residents. The government are only just looking at letting overseas British residents back into the country as they were not vaccinated here! The travel industry as a whole is on its knees.

Also if you can go from Miami there will be more options. Just had a quick look prices start from $300 each.

Try the Skyscanner site, it checks all airlines, direct and with connections. 

The shows were only available to book on the app i.e when you were connected to the ship WiFi. It’s a very good system, if you want speciality restaurants book early. TheWonderland restaurant is small! 

On 7/15/2021 at 9:01 PM, gilbster said:

 

Funnily enough was just trying on half my clothes to see what decent tops that may still fit - and basically just praying a smart top and my black trousers and converse will be ok for formal nights - as that is basically all I own - haven't owned a dress in over 20 years - and normally cruise NCL so don't have to worry about anything directly called a formal night. 

As a lady I wore tailored shorts, a blouse and loafers absolutely fine! I wore corporate business wear for 20 odd years, I am on holiday!

On 7/15/2021 at 7:42 PM, kw1816 said:

31 days to go - can’t wait for our first family holiday in 2 years 😊

 

Just tried my suit on for the first time in a while, it doesn’t fit - not entirely surprising! What are the expectations for formal night on UK sailings, is it a big thing or can I get away with smart trousers and shirts (8 night sailing).

 

Kevin

Wear what you like, on the 7/7 sailing it was not very formal at all.

1 hour ago, Trixie21 said:

Am I correct in saying 19th July will lift all capacity restrictions ?

Or will they continue with a self imposed capacity restriction for a limited time until they are confident with protocols etc.

July 20th cruises are back on sale so who knows what the capacity will be. We had 1000 passengers and 1300 crew!

39 minutes ago, 6MonthsHere6MonthsThere said:

Just a heads up for anyone on with the 1000 guest restriction the Windjammer is only open for Breakfast and Lunch, it is closed in the evening until the capacity restrictions are lifted.

Less than 70 Diamond and D+ onboard.

Coffee in Diamond lounge during the day is served by a waiter. 

We got a very cheap Royal Up so used Coastal Kitchen. We went to the lounge on deck 12 and it was empty.

2 hours ago, Roybthered said:

I had the same problem and was worried but about 3 days before they appeared and was able to print them. 

I could only print them from my computer not the phone app.

35 minutes ago, Stevio said:

 

Glad to hear it all went so well...

 

May I ask if the slots in the casino will take US dollar currency? (Have a good few left over since last cruise.)

 

Thanks.

Yes, I had dollars with me.

Masks were required moving around, in lifts etc.

Bars, restaurants, sun loungers etc they could be removed. Everyone was very well behaved.

Interesting that as it was only British residents onboard it was quiet. My OH is Swedish however a British resident we got sent to the naughty passport queue!

Just now, Cool1054 said:

 

Did you happen to see if the Coke Freestyle machines were operating as normal?

The one I saw wasn’t working.

Back home now. My PCR test results came back Wednesday afternoon and my OH Friday afternoon! So complete waste of time. We did the test at the port and both negative.

drinks package was £80 each per day and we did certainly abuse it! 😁

We had four fantastic days and nights, the ship is brilliant. To see live music again was amazing, the music hall is well set up with great sound. Go and see the Spectra (spelling?) at the back of the ship, it’s like a crazy cheese dream. It was spectacular, we both really enjoyed it and it is very different. Didn’t have time to see We Will Rock You due to dinners, I love leaving a ship wanting more. Solarium was a great place to hang out.

Favourite restaurant was Wonderland, awesome food, atmosphere and service.

I nearly had to roll down the gang plank, back to simple food!

The art work in the lifts made me smile and being on a ship with only 1k passengers you never had to wait for a drink.

For the future cruisers enjoy! We think it is our favourite RCI ship just missing Central Park.