ladysoleil

4 hours ago, hallux said:

It only needs to be empty when going through security.  Yes, at ports that is when you board, but at embarkation that is prior to the check-in desk.  Once in the terminal you can fill it and bring it on full...

Thanks, that's a helpful clarification. I usually always board with an empty bottle to reduce weight in the bag, but depending on how long the line is to board, might be a good idea to fill er up. 🙂

We were able to get canned Coke Zero on the Gem and were not charged for it, but most of the bars didn't have it. We found some at the sake bar on the last night and my husband made friends with the bartender instantly and somehow ended up with three cans of it. 😄

1 minute ago, realnice46 said:

I guess that policy means no insulated beverage containers?

If you mean a refillable water bottle or tumbler, you can bring one and fill on the ship but I think it has to be empty when you board.

These are some good lists. I bring most things that folks have mentioned. Also like to bring an ace bandage as I'm slightly prone to ankle sprains. I also make sure I bring a big Ziploc which I can use as an ice pack if needed for any minor injuries. Also bring a couple of kn95 masks just in case someone gets sick. 

On 12/8/2022 at 7:11 PM, pookel said:

 

Is it January 16 out of NYC on the Norwegian Gem?? That's my cruise & we have a roll call for it here too. 

Oh, I'll be on the Gem the week before you. I'll let you know how it goes. My entire wardrobe is basically some flavor of drapey cardigan over layers, in everything from duster to shrug length. 

On 12/1/2022 at 12:36 PM, pookel said:

 

We are flying from ND to Newark the night before and then making our way over to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in the morning, so yeah, I think I need a coat 🙂  It's a lightweight puffer coat from Columbia

I'm also doing NYC to Bermuda in January and I'm also thinking about sweaters.

The internet claims average temp in Bermuda in January is 70 for a high and 60 for a low, and can be rainy. That to me is chilly, I am one of those always cold folks, so I'm bringing more lighter layers and fewer summer clothes. I'm basically planning on dressing for casual early fall/spring with some flexibility. 

I'm planning on wearing a Columbia zip up fleece under my lightweight Columbia omni-heat jacket for boarding, instead of a big winter coat. So that should cover me for anything from snow in NYC to a rainy day on land to chilly night on deck. Either piece can be stuffed into a carry on.The Columbia stuff isn't officially rainwear but I've noticed it's decent at shrugging off light rain while staying warm. 

I'll probably bring three of those light, drapey Jersey knit cardigans to throw over nice tops or tanks and black skinny jeans for casual evening outfits. Daytime is casual, I tend to live in Columbia hiking pants. I swear, I don't work for Columbia. I just like how practical the clothes are and they travel so well.

I haven't figured out formal night, I'm on NCL and not inclined to get super dressed up, maybe a cute velvet dress and flats. I'll bring a sun dress in case, which I can wear with one if the cardigans if it's chilly.

So basically I'm bringing my usual fall clothes with a couple of summer outfits in case we do get a warmer than normal day. The nice thing about the layers is that they're all light so they pack easily and if you need to hand wash, they dry quickly.

Just now, julig22 said:

I always bring baggies with me, sometimes get cookies or pastries to save for another time.  Maybe not absolutely fresh but I'm good with that.

Not a bad idea at all! I'm not picky, just need a little something in the morning. The guy will want coffee, but if he feels strongly enough about it, he'll get up. 😂

I'll probably treat us at least once, but every day, well, I'd rather spend the money on something else. 

Kind of a bummer, we both liked to get the continental breakfast so we could pregame breakfast and take morning meds with food without needing to go eat a full meal right away. Not the end of the world, but I should probably remember to toss a few granola bars in the luggage in case we're feeling lazy and want to sleep in.

3 hours ago, topnole said:

Wow.  I’m really surprised they gave you a full refund.  Did they require prof your were sick?   

They didn't. My husband had to talk to them as I was occupied at the time. But at the end of the day, I would have failed the health screening so there was no way I should have been on the boat. I know I'm lucky to not be out the money but this is now the third time this has been cancelled. It will supposedly take 30 days for the refund so I guess I'll see what happens.

3 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Now get on the phone with insurance company and see if they will switch the cruise insurance to your new cruise when ever you pick that so you don't have to buy insurance again.

That's a good idea that I wouldn't have thought of. Thanks. 

And hey, now I have a cruise to plan. Again. (But later...🤢)

3 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

This is good advice if going for a cash refund.....................but if just trying to shift the cruise funds to another cruise Royal might easily allow that.........Pretty sure this sailing isn't booked full anyway so by them just shifting the money to another unfilled sailing isn't a real  big deal for them.

 

Like said above getting a Doctor's note of some kind could be useful also if you need it later you will have it on record.

Thanks to both of you! Not exactly a happy ending but they did give us a full refund. We asked and they actually would not let us shift the booking. I thought that was going to go the opposite way. 

This was not how I wanted my first vacation in 3 years to go, but, here we are. 

We're currently on hold with Royal but wondering if anyone else has dealt with this and has advice/support. 

We are supposed to board Adventure today. We filled out our health screening yesterday and were fine. Today, not so much. It's not covid, tested negative this morning. Seems to be a stomach bug/food poisoning type thing. I'm not going anywhere. I know for Covid the Cruise with Confidence applies, but I have no idea what they do for regular horrible illness.

Aside from being sick as a dog, I'm really upset. We have travel insurance so I'm sure we'll get something back that way if we have to. Hope everyone else's day is going better.

Royal is good with lactose intolerance. It's worth giving a heads up, especially if you plan eating in the dining room. They will make sure you have dessert options and lactose free milk or soy milk for coffee.