Markmom18

On 9/9/2022 at 6:56 PM, Moltar said:

Adults have multiple beaches to choose from, The huge and beautiful Oasis Lagoon Freshwater Pool with Swin up bar, multiple on shore  bars, a floating in the ocean tiki bar, sports courts.

  Hi,

   Thank you.  We don’t drink and 3 of the “activities” you mention are being at a bar.  I guess if we want to participate in an actual fun activity we will have to pay.  
 🛳🛳

 Bobbi 

I was hoping to read of any included activities for adults. Is there anything “to do” that Royal offers its guests?  
 

This will be our first time at CoCo Cay.

Thanks,

🛳🛳

Bobbi

We cruise next month 😁😁.  
 

Having read my email from Royal several times I came here to express my interpretation of the updated protocols. 

For my own peace of mind, we’re traveling with our documentation too!   
 

Thank you for your replies. 🙂

🛳🛳

Bobbi

Hi,

We’re vaccinated & boosted.  
 

Did I misunderstand the thread regarding Updated Protocols?  I just finished reading it.

#1 passenger no longer need to be vaccinated. As unvaccinated passengers are allowed. Beginning September 5th or so …
 
#2  passengers cruising on cruises under 9 days don’t need to take Covid tests before boarding.*

(* Depending on the Countries visited & their own rules)
 

So, then why do we need to upload vaccination records on the App?? 
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi

30 minutes ago, Rubyfisch said:

As an adult, I shared an interior cabins on Freedom. I had a Pullman bed that folded out of the ceiling. It wasn't uncomfortable, I slept fine, and we saved money (splitting it three ways). And this was for eight nights.

   I did what you did ⬆️⬆️  But on a 4 day Baja cruise on the Carnival Inspiration. It was my 80 year old Mom, myself & friend (60) we shared an interior too. The friend had the Pullman.

We had the best time …. Lots of laughing …  🤣😍🤣

OP … go & have a blast!! 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

14 hours ago, brillohead said:

 

You're very welcome!

I missed it the first time, because they just called it "boarding day testing" which makes it sound like "the testing that everyone has to do to board" instead of "testing that is done on the day of boarding by a specific subset of the cruising population".  

When I read it the second time, it clicked in my brain.  I'm glad I was able to share my brain-click with you.

   Ugh - oh .. ….  Sorry about my reimbursement for the proctored tests question yesterday.   I read your comments and “I got it” too!

  I “assumed” and you know what that does … 😚😁

 🛳🛳

Bobbi

We purchased the Covid proctored tests that are recommended on Royals web site. They were $99 for 3 tests. We leave next month out of Florida for our cruise.

Does anyone have any knowledge on how to get a refund?   Yes, I believe the mfg site states NO refunds. I just clicked on the Link that Royal has provided. I didn’t go on my own searching for these tests.

Since Royal changed the rules, shouldn’t cruise passengers be given a refund?  I believe so.

Now, do I actually believe Royal will refund us, no. But it doesn’t hurt to ask here on the board. Maybe someone will be able to guide me ..

🛳🛳

Bobbi

P.S. We are both vaccinated & Booster shot. 

Mmmm …. Still no replies …..

Anyone have info I’m looking for?

Thank you.

🏌🏼🏌🏼‍♀️

I’m an alcoholic who quit 10 years ago. Best , truly the best❣️❣️🙏🏼💙🌌📘

Now,  I don’t care for sugary mock cocktails, so don’t bother. In adulthood stopped sodas for the same reason.

I’m a sparkling water person. And on vacation I like a flavored Red Bull out by the pool. Never been coffee or tea drinker.
 

Before it was red wine and sparkling water. So, at least for me, plain sparkling water is tasty! 
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

2 hours ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Oh, I get that, people love their drink vouchers and any other "free" drinking opportunities to avoid drink packages. I totally get that, that acknowledged, taking cruises just because, booking cabins you won't use and making it a life goal is kinda nucking futs in my book. Complete insanity. How much does five drinks cost vs all the time, effort and energy? If one got there naturally, sure, it's a nice perk but some folks have probably paid much more chasing free than they could have simply paid for and enjoyed the journey naturally. It's a nice perk, not a heroic feat or meaningful life achievement lol. It's drink vouchers!! 🤣    

 
And for some, who don't drink alcoholic beverages, it’s just not a perk at all!

SO many perks and excursions involve alcohol.  
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

2 hours ago, TheSeagoer said:

Hahahaha. Cruise people are the worst. Oooh I got a bottle of water and a pin for being d/p

People cruise, they accumulate points. That’s the system the cruise lines put into place.
 

Perhaps the folks who act entitled, also act that way in regular ‘ol life. 🤷🏻‍♀️
 

I just like to stay in my lane 🙂🙂 ….

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

9 hours ago, kdr69 said:

I love the Panorama been on her 3 times so far.  Great entertainment, Great venues and food.

  Yep,  I agree …. been on her twice since 2021. I love that ship ❣️❣️  I hope Carnival keep the Panorama here in Long Beach for quite awhile. 😁😁

For too long we have had older ships.
 

And to answer the OP — I’ve enjoyed the Radiance & the Miracle. Had wonderful cruises. But, since you asked … I’d definitely take everybody on the Panorama.

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

11 hours ago, LeeW said:

Our experience back last December might be different but at that time you couldn't add experiences.   You. Had to travel on same bus both ways.

 

We had some people with zip line/tubing and others tubing only.   Zip line folks walked to put in point.  Tube only folks rode farther upstream.  We saw them walk by as we were gearing up for zip line but didn't see them again until end of both tours.

 

You could always call or email Chukka.  They run a ton of the Falmouth tours. 

 

The 14 year old loved zip lines. The 7 year old loved the long tubing.  She was first in line behind guide.

 

Tipping is separate for each experience so bring cash both on zip line and tubing.  

 I’m  a bit confused.  
 

Are you saying we all leave the ship (Royals Excursion) and drop people off at their activity? Zip line place? Tubing place? Other activities?

 I didn’t envision a paid excursion where we are dropping off people and then picking up those people up along a route  —while we all wait on a bus.

Usually there is ONE Drop Off and Pick Up location for everyone.  

Explaining this in writing sounds silly to me …. What am I missing here?

Thanks! 🙂🙂

🛳🛳

Bobbi

Hi,

  I’d like to join in the conversation.  We’ll be on the Harmony in September & I booked a Chukka Excursion.

It looks like we booked the very basic tour that Royal offers. Transportation & I think lunch.  
 

So, once there whatever we want to actually do is an extra cost. Right? Just want to confirm …

Thanks!

🛳🛳

Bobbi

I’m curious too …. OP … what religious exemption?  In war times I believe there are religious exemptions.  
 

Wouldn’t it be better to just find a vacation that doesn’t require the guests to be vaccinated?   Why add the “What if I don’t get approved for exemption?” to your upcoming vacation.  At least that’s my thought. 
 

Just going by what I read here on CC it seems these exemptions are for children and such. 
 

Anyone reading this thread have 1st hand experience with getting a religious exemption?  1st hand. 🤷🏻‍♀️
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi

We also went on the Panorama back when it was reduced capacity in September ‘21 and 💙💙  the space everywhere! It was our first cruise on her. I always bought FTTF, but on this cruise I finally made Platinium!!

 We went back in March of this year, it was definitely more crowded. But, still had a wonderful time❣️

🛳🛳
Bobbi

17 hours ago, Tlbecker1 said:

All of the tests will need to be proctored.  For the BINAX now tests you will need to set up an account and have them proctored.  If you wish to use the government tests, you will still need to pay $20 to have them proctored.  Here is a website that you can use: https://rapidtestandtrace.com/product/observed-test-for-travelL

 

We have Providence for our insurance and they did reimburse us for the entire cost of the emed tests, including the shipping. 😀

 

  
  What does “proctored” mean?

10 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Bring the free gov't tests with you and do a proctored test while in Miami.

  Hi,

  Yesterday I ordered BinaxNOW AG Card tests for our RCCL cruise in September. . Hopefully our insurance (Kaiser) will reimburse.  I moved up our flight to 2 days prior, so I needed  do it yourself test. Normally we test here at home with CVS.
 

Ok, so now I read your comment and wonder if I just potentially wasted $99!  (for 3 tests)
 

We have the free govt tests here at the house.But, what is a proctored test?  I’m confused 🫤 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

22 minutes ago, rudeney said:

 

I work in the collections industry (my company writes software for creditor's lawyers).  Everyone is gearing up for a massive influx of new business - Citi, CapOne, BofA, Chase, Discover, etc.  Almost all credit cards use variable rate interest based on the fed rate, which is going up.  People who have been relying on credit cards to supplement additional expenses due to inflation are going to be pushed over the edge.  

 

    It seems every single day both me & hubby get credit card offers in the mail!!! I just tear them in half…. No thank you.

I was going to add on a tad about car loans. We always lease a car for me, I never even get close to 10,000 miles in a 4 year lease. But, I always liked getting new cars. 
 

Well , my lease was up in April. For the first time we extended and will probably pay off the car. My hubby always buys his trucks. He’s got 11 months left.  
 

After the last 2-1/2 years, and me turning 65 in October I just want to cruise and travel. 🙂🙂

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

3 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I dont  have the stats, though analysts on cnbc and I see their opinions elsewhere are saying credit card debt is up.

 

House foreclosures some but nothing drastic.

 

The drastic are auto repossessions. Auto loans are more a month than rent in some cases. All this push to electric autos and people are signing these huge auto loans, like $850 a month or even more.

 

Lots of these 80k cars are being sold ...and repos are up. Credit card defaults not so much yet, so far auto loans are the most troubling. ... I'm just talking from a economy view and a stock holder. This may not be the bottom yet and inflation will probably be stickier than most experts admit. ..some are saying it out loud now. I'm already hearing that well maybe Powell instead of shooting for 2% will shoot for 4% 

After reading up on cancellations & delays etc . I called American Air and moved our flight up a day . Our cruise isn’t for a couple months. It was more $ but I have peace of mind.  
 

So, now we’ll be getting into Orlando Friday for our Sunday Harmony cruise.  Non Stop flight. ✈️
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi

Our son, ex-FunSquad, took one of the battery operated small blenders & glass combo. He was called back to work right after getting oral surgery.

This was back in quarantining Staff days. So, while in the cabin, he drank protein mix and used their juices milk etc. while his mouth was healing.
 

It was fine, but IDK if that is an exception or the rule. 🤷🏻‍♀️

🛳🛳

Bobbi

7 hours ago, HicksRA said:

It’s a hunk of tough roast beef on a dry roll. 
I’ve tried it several times and never bothered to finish one. 

   I had one a long time ago on the Oasis (2018).  My 1 experience … the beef was tough thick slices on a ehhh roll.

  My Mom (86 now) grew up in Grand Island, NewYork. All my relatives live there. Now, there’s one of the BEST Beef & salty top roll!  
 

Back in around 2016/2017 I went on a cruise out of Jacksonville. My cousin joined me.The night before the cruise we had the most delicious beef ‘n wick. She brought it on the plane … 😋😋😋😋

P.S.

  I don’t know the proper spelling. Is it Kimmelwick, Kimmelweck, Kummelwick or Kummelweck ?? 😁

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

8 hours ago, mpdog42 said:

Thats why i fly out now First thing in the morning the day before the cruise..Gives you a little more room