AustinCruise

My experience is dining is always more expensive on the holidays, yes, because they can. Many restaurants we go to on land also switch to a price fixed over priced menu on holidays.

It also has been mentioned here many times for months that that none of the ships have had belly flop contest, or organized pool deck parties, no saillway parties, the quest, or parades in promenade. So no surprise there.

The rest of it sucks.  And my guess is it isn't contracts ending, it's that they were quarantine for covid.

Royal specifically says laminated is ok on their web pages. 

40 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Wonder how many more not tested that are positive, a lot of people coughing?

Same question for the grocery store. 

We really don’t see the shows or organized activities, so this would not bother me. 
 

BUT, I know many people do cruise for this stuff.

So good warning. Know yourself and your expectations. 

5 minutes ago, Ptroxx said:

Wouldn’t most these cruises already be booked up to capacity with that only being 2weeks worth of cruise.    
just sayin.   It’s useless.  Just a media blitz.  

No, they are not at capacity. Bookings fall off sharply after the holidays (per crew on liberty thanksgiving). They had bookings open so they could entice last minute folks and/or replace people that cancel…. But now closed that off. 

Liberty was also postponed.  I cannot imagine this even getting scheduled until the world hits “normal”. 

Don’t worry. They always ask to see the physical cards at the port and they can take a new photo if needed. 

Typo above - “box” not “bid”

8 minutes ago, BuckeyeMan said:

Wife had a bad case and was in hospital for 5 days. Not sure if this affects how long she will test positive but concerned to say the least.  That is if the cruise happens.  It is a charter and they are saying it is going to go.  Time will tell.

You can always grab a home test from a grocery or pharmacy and check occasionally. About $20 for a bid with 2 in our area. 

@BuckeyeManits possible, but not common. Esp for the antigen test. 

the TA is likely sitting on that money, or at least maybe willing to if you want the extra week. TA will collect early so there is no risk of the payment being missed. 

1 hour ago, D4 said:

Even before Covid, your wife could have ended up in a foreign hospital if she had a significant medical need during a cruise.  If your wife honestly wants 0% chance of ending up in a foreign hospital, she needs to stay in the USA. 

And if she does leave the country, purchase the best travel insurance possible. But that still wouldn’t guarantee a return to the USA in all circumstances. 

Who cares. Not for us to decide. Choose to go or not go. 

1 minute ago, yogimax said:

I haven't heard this.  What's the source?

They have definitely allowed medical exemptions.  Well, at least as definite as people here claiming such. 

On 12/13/2021 at 4:00 PM, davekathy said:

I'm telling. 😜

Wonder if there is a reward 🙂

It will be phased in. IMHO. 

I’m sending a good opportunity to book trips 🙂

I’d survive fine with a book or two. And they give future credits for quarantine days. To me it would be a bit if a waste of time but definitely an adventure.  I wouldn’t be contacting all the news stations after the trip. 
 

We do usually book a suite. 

You are really going to have to call the bank and find out.  I have had different cards treat points differently.  In a recent case I purchased a hotel with points + dollars.  I got the refund back in points 😞

@clover18 they don’t use the helipads anyway. They are dangerous and they don’t support the weight of a typical rescue helicopter. You may complain about the ship all you want, but the helipad makes no difference. 

17 minutes ago, Jingerwoppy said:

I guess we'll be drinking throughout the shows. 

I always drink throughout the shows anyway 🙂

Oh no!  So sorry.

Lots of $2 bills...

/s

I would have to say given the current restrictions, no is the best answer for traveling with an unvaccinated child.

4 hours ago, livingonthebeach said:

The Miami Herald reported 48 cases of CV-19 recently on the Symphony.  They quoted some passengers who said the following:

 

"James Johnson and Connor O’Dell, an engaged couple who live in Orlando, were on Symphony of the Seas with a group of 12 family members. All members of their party were fully vaccinated. Johnson’s aunt started feeling very ill with a sore throat and an ear ache and later developed a strong cough. After testing positive for COVID-19, Johnson said she only received an oxygen and temperature check and were told that medical staff was too overwhelmed to monitor her more closely.

Read more at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article256719962.html#storylink=cpy

That’s generally the treatment at many places.  Most folks aren’t getting someone holding their hand 24x7.