feenix

We are sailing on Oasis for Christmas this year, and I am wondering if anyone knows whether they announce to wear ugly sweaters or some other sort of holiday outfit for a certain dinner. Any information on this is appreciated. Thanks!

I guess I am looking for a yes or no, but everyone seems to be saying maybe.  Don't they have any documented way to determine whether they allow someone to board?

14 minutes ago, BND said:

I've seen reports that no they won't be.  14 days is a bit extreme for incubation period even though I know the CDC says 2-14 days.  Our internist said almost everyone who catches it does so in 3-5 days after exposure.  

 

What gets me about the exposure within 14 days question is a lot of people are exposed but don't realize it because it's someone they don't know personally and they never find out.  So, it's really a useless question.

So you are saying they won't be allowed to sail with a negative test, based on the 14 day exposure?

Asking for a friend who is sailing out of galveston.  I know they need to test before they board.  They have been around someone who has tested positive within 14 days of their departure.  If they have a negative test, will they be allowed to sail?  I think they had it a couple months ago, so likely will test negative.

Will they allow them to board if they have been around someone within that period of time, but they test negative?

Asking for a friend who is sailing out of galveston.  I know they need to test before they board.  Will RC ask if they have been in contact with people who have tested positive or suspected of covid within a certain number of days?  If so, how many days is it?  

Thanks!

We purchased cancel for any reason coverage in March for a late May cruise, and have since cancelled.  There are many reasons we could state for our cancellation, but we also need to avoid reasons that are not covered (such as epidemics).  For those who have successfully filed a claim with cancel for any reason coverage, what advice do you have for those of us who will need to file a claim.  Thanks.

3 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Even though you have made final payment should you decide to cancel prior to March 30 you would still receive a full refund. 

Please correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding is that if I decide I don't want to go, then I end up with FCC plus I lose $100 per person, but if RC cancels, I get a full refund of the method of original payment?  I think a lot of us are thinking the best decision is to wait out RC rather than get a partial refund/FCC.

10 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Royal has reduced the final payment date to 60 days for European sailings.

 

Ships:  AL, AN, EX, JW, RH, VI

Sailing between May 29 and June 11

Where did you find this info?  I am on one of these sailings, and my 90 day mark is a few days away.

11 hours ago, Marilyn Johannes said:

I was booked on Spectrum sailing March 21, 2020 Shanghai to Shanghai. I was going to cancel between 30-60 days and told I would lose 75% of the cruise fare and $225 on each airline ticket even though American had canceled our flights, booked the flights with Air2Sea with Royal.  I emailed Michael Bayley’s office and explained that we saved a long time for this cruise and was then offered FCC. I then decided to wait and see if Royal canceled knowing I could at least get 100% FCC. On February 19th I received a letter from travel agent saying Royal canceled and I would get full refund by February 27th, not any additional FCC. I haven’t received refund yet, but today is only the 26th. Talked to my travel agent and they said refund would come directly from Royal, not travel agent. Hopefully this helps others in the same situation I was in. 

Thank you - this is very helpful!

7 minutes ago, critterchick said:

 

I don't think that Royal can hang on to your money if they cancel a cruise. Not everybody can reschedule. Now, they might give yo something to entice you to rebook over and above the refund - that would be in the form of an FCC.

I did use a travel agent, so I am not sure if that changes how they would refund.  Does anyone know the answer to that?  🙂  Thanks.

3 hours ago, twangster said:

So far when Royal cancels a cruise they have always refunded in full, including deposit.  

Do you mean refund of original payment method?  I was told it would be a future cruise credit.

23 hours ago, lbjen said:

You could also look to see if there’s any insurance policies that will give you cancel for any reason coverage, since you are about to make final payment. I think Nationwide allows you to add it at this point. You’d get 75% of your total trip cost back if you decided to use it. Obviously still some cost involved but it gives you some more time to decide. 

Cancel at anytime excludes epidemics.

44 minutes ago, cured said:

Make sure you double check that the policy will still cover cancellations due to the virus even under CFAR.  A few of the policies we have been looking at have said that they won't cover it anymore since Covid-19 is now a known entity. You had to purchase before January something in order for cancellations due to virus to be covered.

We purchased a regular policy in November, but they specifically do not cover epidemics under either type. 

Just now, MadManOfBethesda said:

Why would you need to lose $1,320 on your r/t flights to Barcelona?  If you decide that you don't want to take a cruise to Italy, then just book hotel rooms instead. Barcelona and the surrounding area is a wonderful place to visit.

This is a good idea as an option if needed - thanks!  I appreciate all the thoughts and encouragement from everyone.  🙂

Yes, there are 4 of us, and we would lose 100 each from RC, but 330 each for flights.

We are booked on Allure May 31 - June 8 going from Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles, and 3 Italy stops, then back to Barcelona.  We are just about at the 90 day mark, and my final payment is due.  With Italy getting a surge in coronavirus cases, is it smarter for me to cancel now and lose between $1500 -2000, take a chance that RC will cancel (potentially I would lose less but who knows), or keep the trip and risk RC not cancelling even though I might want to (and potentially lose all the money for the trip if I still don't want to go)?  

Whats the best way to get to Cinque Terre from La Spezia?

We are trying to figure out what to do when we are in port at La Spezia.  There is a tour we can take to Florence and Pisa, but I have not seen much else regarding other options.  What have you enjoyed from that port?  We are a family of 4 with kids ages 17 and 19.  We like physical activity, scenery, and shopping, more than sightseeing.  Thanks!

2 hours ago, twruger said:

 

If I was going to Aix, I would take the train.  You have these options to get to the train station...

 

1)  Uber (probably ~20-25 Euro)

2)  Taxi (seems there were 15 or so waiting when ship docked)

3)  Cruise-based shuttle - probably 15 Euro or so, picks up right at the ship

4)  Free shuttle - 1km walk to get there

 

We have an upcoming port stop in Marseille in July, and this time we opted for a ship excursion (MSC) to the lavender fields in Valensole. 🌼 😎

 

If we have 4 people, it seems cheaper to just take the uber all the way to aix than take it to the train station, right?  Supposed to be about 50 euros to aix.

After our cruise, we need a hotel in Barcelona for one night, and have a 6:25 am flight the next morning.  Are there any hotels with safe, easy access to airport transportation at 3 am?  There are 4 of us traveling.  Thanks.

On 7/30/2019 at 2:55 PM, Mercruiser said:

I rode Uber today from Marseille St Charles to Aix. The cost was €50. The trip took about 30 minutes on a freeway. It was very easy.

 

At the end of our excursion, we took bus 50 from Aix to St Charles station. It also took 30 minutes and cost €6 per person.

 

I checked the Uber app for you while in Aix and it showed that an Uber driver was available in 4 minutes. You can do this yourself in the Uber app by manually setting your pickup point to Aix.

 

In summary, both Uber and Bus 50 are excellent options for travel between Marseille and Aix.

How convenient are the bus 50 drop off points to the ship and Aix town center?

Thanks for the update - sounds like an adventure, and the pictures are great!

On 6/14/2019 at 10:21 AM, twruger said:

Has anyone had experience kayaking in the Calanques? 

 

Our ship docks in Marseille.  We are looking to get to Cassis, then rent kayaks to go to Calanque d'En-Vau.  Is this an easy DIY option?  What's the best way to get to/from Cassis?  Also, we will be there in late September, so is weather still warm enough for kayaking?

 

Thanks!

How did it go?  I would like to hear about your kayak day and any tips!