TorontoSailor

Anyone have any recommendations for a gay-friendly resort or hotel in the area? Looking for one right before a cruise (out of Tampa) and one on a nice beach (or super close) for a few days after a cruise.

Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks! 

2 minutes ago, cgolf1 said:

I am most curious when we get back cruising if the Connie will still be in the fleet in 2022 when we sail. Just working lots here and trying to not sweat the big stuff. The good news is my wife and I are building up lots of vaca time for our future cruises:) I mostly gave up posting on here because as you say a bit testy and it's all just speculation and not enough facts. To be fair the testiness started with the Edge and taht was about the time I actively started looking at this board.

Yes. Will be interesting to see. She has intineraries listed. Hope so! I just did a Lift and Shift onto the Connie. Been on her two or three (can’t remember, must look), so it will be interesting to see if she gets that scheduled refurb now on hold! 

1 hour ago, wrk2cruise said:

Mine took over 3 weeks.   I called Captains Club after week 1 and week 2 and was told they were backed up.  After week 3 I contacted someone I had had several contacts before and they told me they had sent an inquiry to the department handling.  Within 30 minutes it was taken care of.  

 

I believe the squeaky wheels are getting the attention and the rest sit on the bottom of the pile.  I wouldn't have been concerned about the time normally but my L&S involved moving between S and M class where there was no equivalent cabin category and I didn't want to be downgraded.  It turned out that their interpretation of compatible cabin didn't match mine and I just cancelled.  Took 3 weeks to get FCC for my NRD which wasn't bad.

Ah, yes. The squeaky wheels always get the grease. Perhaps I’ll call this week. Don’t want to be stuck with a cabin downgrade...and I don’t always trust them to do the right thing! 

Last week, I opted for an online Lift and Shift. Had to change ships, but I don’t really mind, as I’ve been on most of the Celebrity ships, except the newest ones. Changed from a winter 2021 (too soon for us!) to winter 2022 (much better odds it will go and bookings are filling up fast!)

The website said I’d  receive confirmation within 72 hours, but, of course, that has lapsed. Celebrity has a habit of not sticking to its own policies, in my experience. 

For anyone who did an online L/S, how long did it take to get your confirmation? At what point should I call and check?

I’m not overly concerned. Hard to get too worked up about something a year and a half away! 
 

Just curious about other people’s experiences with this.

Thanks...and stay safe/healthy, everyone! 

Well, due to COVID, we are canceling this trip, sadly. Going to do a Lift and Shift to 2022. 
 

Will mean switching ships, to the Constellation, but I’ve been on her a couple times before, so may be kind of fun to return and see her refurbished! 

I don't think anyone is blaming cruise lines for the virus.

I do, however, think they can--and SHOULD--be held accountable for how they have dealt with people on their ships when there has been a case aboard. 

Full transparency and contacting all passengers is the ONLY way to go. Otherwise, it IS a giant fail.

21 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

This press release was issued today on Royal Caribbean's website: Royal Caribbean Comments on Liquidity Actions and 2020 Outlook

 

Miami, FL – March 10, 2020 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (NYSE: RCL) today announced that due to the spread and recent developments related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the company has increased its revolving credit capacity by $550 million bolstering the company’s liquidity.  The company is pursuing additional actions to improve its liquidity by reducing capital expenditures, operating expenses and taking other actions to improve liquidity by at least a further $1.7 billion in 2020.  The company is also planning reductions to the 2021 capital expenditures and operating expenses.

The company had previously communicated that its 2020 guidance did not include the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.  Given the recent government actions and the heightened impact and uncertainty of changes in the magnitude, duration and geographic reach of COVID-19, the company is withdrawing its first quarter and full-year 2020 guidance.

“These are extraordinary times and we are taking these steps to manage the company prudently and conservatively,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO.  “I am proud of the work our teams are doing to address this unprecedented situation.” 

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises.  We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros.  Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019.  They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents.  Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

 

 

As part of Royal Caribbean, you wonder if this is going to have an impact on Celebrity's capital spending (or capex schedule) that is involved for the Revolution makeover and new ship construction. 

 

Sounds to me like we can expect further cuts to the on-board experience. Reducing operating expenses means chopping! 

41 minutes ago, NordicPrince said:

According to a wise old Wall Street sage "Don;t go back in the house until the fire is completely out".

There is still smoke coming from somewhere.

Agree. There is still considerable downside, but it’s hard to time the market. It probably will go lower once financial impact is assessed and analyst calls made. I’d wait myself, but I’m no expert. 

21 hours ago, medtech71 said:

 

It has everything to do with the sitting government.

Nonsense. It is the medical officer of health based on scientific evidence. If the government decides to restrict travel or close borders, that’s an entirely different story. But saying it’s the government is like saying the CDC warnings have been caused by Trump. 

This is a non-partisan public health issue, not a political issue. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with the sitting government. Just to be clear. 

Nobody over 60 with any underlying health issue whatsoever should go on a cruise. Simple. 
 

if you’re over 60 and are in perfect health and take no medications, then it’s a personal choice.

Almost nobody, however, is going to be covered for this by insurance. So if medical bills (possibly even medical evacuation) are an issue for you, DO NOT cruise. If you don’t care about medical bills, and have no medical issues, again, your choice. 

Tough situation. And I wonder how long the cruise lines will stay solvent if this continues through the year. Not sustainable, unfortunately. 

Sorry about this. Hope you get in soon. 
 

it seems to me that every fever now is going to put a ship in suspicion.

They simply can’t risk it.

i suspect we’re going to see more of this in the industry.

The good news is that Celebrity is being professional and looking after their passengers. 
 

Hope it’s smooth sailing for all! 

Any recommendations for a small-group Cartagena walking tour? We’re not into big groups (about 8 is nice) or stopping at shops. Enjoy architecture. 
 

Any great experiences you’ve had? 

9 hours ago, lola2013 said:

Depending on where you are sailing from, I usually purchase flowers before I board.  In Ft. Lauderdale, Publix has a nice selection...and I bring along an inexpensive vase which I leave behind.  I understand from others that you can also ask your steward for a vase.

Also sailed from Honolulu and picked up a beautiful arrangement in town.

What a great idea! On every cruise I’ve taken, I’ve ordered a bouquet or two from Celebrity. They’ve always been really nice. 
 

But.....is it just me or have the prices risen pretty significantly? Everything seems to have! 

6 hours ago, Hllb said:

Isn’t China level 4? Italy is level 3 now. Still terrible. Our cruise leaves out of Venice in July. I’ve got a month until final payment.

 

there are reports of celebrity and royal Caribbean extending final payment dates by a month for a small number of Mediterranean cruises (those leaving end of May to June 11th I think). Fantastic idea and I really hope they do that for my cruise too.

 

This cruise is my daughter’s 16th birthday present and our first trip to Italy. I’ve spent months saving up the money so to just lose it is painful. My insurance won’t cover this (probably). Right now, before final payment, I’d lose $2500. Painful but not horrendous. After final payment though...ouch.

Totally understand how upsetting that is. By better to be safe than sorry! Really. 

It has been a few years and I cannot remember: Is there a special check in for Elite Captain's Club members? Separate line? Any faster? 

6 minutes ago, dis2cruise said:

I believe we booked late December/ early January for our January 20 cruise.  You don’t pay until you go there.  I believe if I remember you have A 72 hr cancellation policy.  

Thanks very much. This is good to know. Assume it's easy enough just to grab a taxi there and back, correct?

On 2/3/2020 at 8:45 PM, dis2cruise said:

Update...

yes, we went to royal palms had a great day!  The cost of our

cabana was $150 holds 6 people. Yes, there was a pool with

a swim up bar.  There was 4 ships that day the pool was empty

and the beach wasn’t that crowded.  

How far in advance did you book your cabana? Just curious if you need to reserve or not. 

5 minutes ago, AmberCascades said:

I have never felt this nor have I noticed it nor has anyone treated me any differently.   The crew is great to everyone.  There are different loyalty levels (which means you get more free stuff the more you cruise) and of course there are people who stay in inside cabins and those who can afford penthouse suites but I've never noticed any special treatment of anyone, beyond the perks they get from their loyalty level or because they've paid mega bucks for the kind of perks you get in a suite.  We usually stay in verandah cabins and we've always been treated like royalty.  I don't know if I've even met anyone who's stayed in the suites (not counting sky suites).  I don't know if that's because they don't flaunt it or because suites are so amazing that they never leave them.  LOL  I think if I could ever afford a penthouse or owners suite I would probably stay in it all the time.  

 

Don't worry.  You'll have a great time.  Everyone else is there to have a great time as well, not to look down their noses at others.

 

Don't worry. You will be fine. I have traveled in both Concierge class and Veranda, and honestly there is barely a difference. Suite guests get a few perks, but, again, not noticeable. Celebrity is not a "class system" at all. 

On 6/20/2019 at 10:48 AM, Heidi13 said:

It is often referred to as cruise ship crud. In addition to the usual hygiene precautions try getting out of the air-conditioned spaces more often and use a nasal moisturiser.

GREAT advice! Thanks.

9 minutes ago, Loracpin2 said:

For many it is just preference, for many it doesn't make a difference but for me who suffers from motion sickness, it is crucial.  For that reason, the S Class spread sheet has been invaluable. We always book port side with bed by the balcony to ensure when I am lying in bed, my head is facing forward same as I would be driving in a car.

I totally get that. Thanks for pointing it out. I think that is a very valid consideration. 

Does anyone have an opinion on what is better? Bed by the balcony or bed by the bathroom? 

3 hours ago, mom says said:

This is all true, but in this scenario there may be a big BUT. Temperature checks using hand held thermometers would show a normal temp even during a hot flash. But what about the thermal scanners used in some airports, or forehead (skin) temp strips? Wouldn't they record a higher temp due to the hot flash? Dunno. 

Those are REALLY good questions. Me neither. 

5 hours ago, spiritkat090909 said:

Umm... female with age related HOT FLASHES... would be denied boarding during an unpredictable episode.  If one makes it through the airport.

Actually, "hot flashes" rarely if ever cause an increase in actual core body temperature. That is not to diminish how intense they can be. It would be unlikely it would have an effect at all that would last beyond a few checks.

From RUSH University Medical Centre:

"The rise in temperature involved in hot flashes is not severe. During a hot flash, the blood rushing to the vessels nearest the skin may raise skin temperature by five to seven degrees, but core body temperature will not usually rise above a normal 98.6 degrees.

Still, it can feel like an extreme change to the woman having the hot flash."