Royal Caribbean Cruisers -- How Are Things Where You Are? (was "Routine" ​ 😁 ​day in lockdown... how was yours?)

[Ourusualbeach]

On 5/8/2024 at 5:18 AM, brillohead said:

But how does the bank account feel about that?  😉

What's the typical cost of a Royal cruise compared to the typical cost of an "all suite, tons of crew" cruise?  

Just took a quick look at a sailing on the Wonder next January and a JS on the Wonder is about the same price as a suite on the Explora Journey on a 7 or 8 day sailing in the same month.  That price on the Wonder also does not include the drinks, internet and specialty dining that you would need to add to even get a somewhat close comparison.   It's definitely more than a balcony but if you add the drink package, specialty dining and internet to a balcony you are getting close.

[grapau27]

41 minutes ago, Keksie said:

+1

+2 @helen haywood.

[Sea Dog]

18 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Just took a quick look at a sailing on the Wonder next January and a JS on the Wonder is about the same price as a suite on the Explora Journey on a 7 or 8 day sailing in the same month.  That price on the Wonder also does not include the drinks, internet and specialty dining that you would need to add to even get a somewhat close comparison.   It's definitely more than a balcony but if you add the drink package, specialty dining and internet to a balcony you are getting close.

So Explora if I understand this right is all inclusive and includes Drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants? Then if you added all those to a Wonder sailing the prices would be comparable?

[Ourusualbeach]

Sea da today so I will post a few photo's from around the ship.

 

last night we had dinner reservations at the steakhouse for 8pm.  At 6:30 we went to the buffet to have a snack.  King crab legs.  You can also get sushi, fresh grilled lobster and shrimp every night.  There are a few things that rotate such as the crab legs and oysters on the halfshell that were available tonight.

 

 

I haven't taken many pictures of food but it has all been delicious including this 28 day dry aged filet that was cooked perfectly.  We also had the fingerling potatoes in creme fresh topped with caviar and a caesar salad made tableside.

 

[George C]

1 minute ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Sea da today so I will post a few photo's from around the ship.

 

last night we had dinner reservations at the steakhouse for 8pm.  At 6:30 we went to the buffet to have a snack.  King crab legs.  You can also get sushi, fresh grilled lobster and shrimp every night.  There are a few things that rotate such as the crab legs and oysters on the halfshell that were available tonight.

 

 

I haven't taken many pictures of food but it has all been delicious including this 28 day dry aged filet that was cooked perfectly.  We also had the fingerling potatoes in creme fresh topped with caviar and a caesar salad made tableside.

 

Does your cruise include any Napa wines? 

[Ourusualbeach]

6 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

So Explora if I understand this right is all inclusive and includes Drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants? Then if you added all those to a Wonder sailing the prices would be comparable?

A JS without any add ons on the Wonder is the same price as the Suite on Explora.

 

Yes Explora is all inclusive other than some high end wines and drinks.  Regarding the wifi, each guest can connect 3 devices simultaneously.

[Ourusualbeach]

Just now, George C said:

Does your cruise include any Napa wines? 

Sorry, not a wine drinker.  There was a list of a dozen or two included wines, I just did not look closely at it.  I will post a list later of some of the premium drinks at the whiskey bar and the upcharge.

[Ocean Boy]

4 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Sea da today so I will post a few photo's from around the ship.

 

last night we had dinner reservations at the steakhouse for 8pm.  At 6:30 we went to the buffet to have a snack.  King crab legs.  You can also get sushi, fresh grilled lobster and shrimp every night.  There are a few things that rotate such as the crab legs and oysters on the halfshell that were available tonight.

 

 

I haven't taken many pictures of food but it has all been delicious including this 28 day dry aged filet that was cooked perfectly.  We also had the fingerling potatoes in creme fresh topped with caviar and a caesar salad made tableside.

 

Quite the Windjammer!

[helen haywood]

2 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

Oh no, that is terrible. I wonder how it happened and where the fracture is. I also wonder where she saw the orthopedist.

 

Isn't Beyond in St. Thomas today or was it yesterday?

 

Edit: just checked Marine Traffic. Looks like Beyond is in Antigua today.

I forgot I’m 64 and need to be careful with every step I take…sigh.  I was in the Oceanview Cafe eating lunch.  I pushed back the low heavy chair…made more difficult by the carpeting underneath.  Somehow the sole of my rubber soled sandals (which are a good idea to wear on cruises, yes?!) didn’t slide on the carpet and the chair leg may have played a part…I stumbled, twisted and fell.  I could hear bones break.  
 

Passengers nearby were instantly at my side offering pillows…etc.  I had fallen but not hit my head or back.  Celebrity staff were also there instantly and told me medical help was on their way.  Off to medical and after X-rays told it was a fracture that would need surgery and I would have to be evaluated by a doctor on St. Thomas as to whether the surgery needed to be done immediately.  If not I could return to the ship.  Thank goodness we had a late departure of 8 pm from St. Thomas.

 

Not knowing what was going to happen I had DH go to the cabin and get our passports, wallet, cash, phone chargers, meds, etc.  When the medical staff hadn’t yet gotten confirmation of the on island consult they said if DH wanted to go pack our bags in case we weren’t coming back and the bags would be given to the port agent…they’d send someone up to help him pack.  They said they’d call him if I was ready to go.  He only had time enough to get the cases out on the bed.

 

So I’m wheeled off ship and only at the very last moment I’m told there is a $50 per person charge for the transport van.  Luckily I’d had DH get the wallets!  I wasn’t surprised at all…but they should tell people earlier to not have a delay if you need to go back to your cabin for more cash.  Transport van does not take credit cards.  But it turned out the medical staff information was incorrect…it’s $25 per person each way.

 

The orthopedic doctor I saw came highly recommended.  We had pictures of the X-rays so he didn’t need to do more for diagnosis.  “Closed fractures of the distal tibia and distal fibula.”  He said this injury always required surgery…but that I’d be OK to go on with the cruise.  Whew!  I’d looked into flights and hotels and the logistics were overwhelming.  He took off X’s cast, rearranged my foot to relieve some pressure on my skin and put me in another soft sided cast.  Got a pair of crutches.  The device of the devil!!!  (If you’re out of shape and over 20…)

 

He prescribed what he called extra strength Tylenol …the bottle says Tramadol.  The leg isn’t hurting at all and the printed information on the Tramadol was so frightening I was afraid to take any!  Today I took some acetaminophen because my arms and shoulders really dislike those crutches!!  (You should see the charming huge purple bruises on my inner arms!!)  Celebrity let me keep the wheelchair but it won’t fit in the cabin door so I’m on crutches in the cabin…and getting over that small step into the bathroom is a killer.

 

With DH’s help I managed to wash my hair in the sink.  😊

 

I was able to contact my PA back home and she got me a referral to an orthopedic specialist.  They just called and are forwarding my info to their branches.  Hopefully someone calls me tomorrow and hopefully I can be seen soon next week.  Lots of logistics to work out once home.  Can’t get a rental wheelchair until the day after we get home so I plan on using a wheeled office chair…

 

Thank you so much to those who expressed sympathy!  I wasn’t going to post it here until I got home and had more idea of next steps…

 

 

Edited May 9 by helen haywood

[Ourusualbeach]

9 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Quite the Windjammer!

Makes it real hard to go to the restaurants.  There was also a whole roasted pig at the carving station

[Coralc]

6 hours ago, Jimbo said:

 

Here is a chart that tells what the different colored flags mean when they are posted on the shoreline.

 

That is interesting about the purple flag! I did not know that, and don't think I have ever seen one. 

[Ourusualbeach]

A few pictures of the cigar lounge and whiskey bar.  While I have not been there at night I did step into the cigar bar and there was not a trace of smoke.  Definitely a very good ventilation system on board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DaniDanielle]

@helen haywood

Don’t

be afraid of the Tramadol, it is pretty mild.  They gave it to Charlie when he fell and he is a transplant patient.  Feel better🙏🤞

[Ourusualbeach]

There is a spa on board.  They do offer a number of "treatments" at an additional cost however the hydrotherapy pool, wet and dry sauna, heated beds and salt cave are all included.  A few pictures.  One thing I wound interesting is that unlike most lines Explora does not contract out their spa services or retail so there are no sales pitches.

 

 

 

 

 

No pictures of the saunas or heated chairs as they were in use at the time.  There were also scented showers available.

[Sea Dog]

35 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

 

 

Yes Explora is all inclusive other than some high end wines and drinks.  Regarding the wifi, each guest can connect 3 devices simultaneously.

So no need for drink package as cocktails are included except for some high end bottles stuff?

[Ourusualbeach]

2 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

So no need for drink package as cocktails are included except for some high end bottles stuff?

There are no drink packages, no packages of any kind, it's all included.  Except to unlock my room or exit the ship I have never pulled out my seapass card.

[OCSC Mike]

29 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Makes it real hard to go to the restaurants.  There was also a whole roasted pig at the carving station

 

I was just thinking that I might never leave the buffet how I eat, lol, but that sorta defeats the purpose of having all that other stuff included. I suppose I could be lured away by a good steak or two (and my picky wife who could happily have filet 7 nights in a row, lol).

 

Again, the food sounds amazing.

Edited May 9 by OCSC Mike

[Ourusualbeach]

Just now, OCSC Mike said:

 

I was just thinking that I might never leave the buffet how I eat, lol, but that sorta defeats the purpose of having all that other stuff included. I suppose I could be lured away by a god steak or two (and my picky wife who could happily have filet 7 nights in a row, lol).

 

Again, the food sounds amazing.

This 6 day sailing is simple not long enough to fully appreciate the food options and the wide variety of menu options.

[helen haywood]

15 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said:

@helen haywood

Don’t

be afraid of the Tramadol, it is pretty mild.  They gave it to Charlie when he fell and he is a transplant patient.  Feel better🙏🤞

That’s good to know!!  The information sheet said it could cause seriously shallow breathing…that could be fatal…and to take it under a doctor’s supervision!  

[DaniDanielle]

The Information sheets are scary!

[Jimbo]

Storms  rolled in last night,tried to get pictures of the lightning  bolts but very hard with my cell phone. Just got pictures of the sky lit up.

 

More storms tonight !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 9 by Jimbo

[OCSC Mike]

3 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

This 6 day sailing is simple not long enough to fully appreciate the food options and the wide variety of menu options.

 

Given how stuffed I get and the weight I gain in 7N on a ship like Wonder... anything significantly longer might put me in medical. 🙈

[Momof3gurlz]

36 minutes ago, helen haywood said:

I forgot I’m 64 and need to be careful with every step I take…sigh.  I was in the Oceanview Cafe eating lunch.  I pushed back the low heavy chair…made more difficult by the carpeting underneath.  Somehow the sole of my rubber soled sandals (which are a good idea to wear on cruises, yes?!) didn’t slide on the carpet and the chair leg may have played a part…I stumbled, twisted and fell.  I could hear bones break.  
 

Passengers nearby were instantly at my side offering pillows…etc.  I had fallen but not hit my head or back.  Celebrity staff were also there instantly and told me medical help was on their way.  Off to medical and after X-rays told it was a fracture that would need surgery and I would have to be evaluated by a doctor on St. Thomas as to whether the surgery needed to be done immediately.  If not I could return to the ship.  Thank goodness we had a late departure of 8 pm from St. Thomas.

 

Not knowing what was going to happen I had DH go to the cabin and get our passports, wallet, cash, phone chargers, meds, etc.  When the medical staff hadn’t yet gotten confirmation of the on island consult they said if DH wanted to go pack our bags in case we weren’t coming back and the bags would be given to the port agent…they’d send someone up to help him pack.  They said they’d call him if I was ready to go.  He only had time enough to get the cases out on the bed.

 

So I’m wheeled off ship and only at the very last moment I’m told there is a $50 per person charge for the transport van.  Luckily I’d had DH get the wallets!  I wasn’t surprised at all…but they should tell people earlier to not have a delay if you need to go back to your cabin for more cash.  Transport van does not take credit cards.  But it turned out the medical staff information was incorrect…it’s $25 per person each way.

 

The orthopedic doctor I saw came highly recommended.  We had pictures of the X-rays so he didn’t need to do more for diagnosis.  “Closed fractures of the distal tibia and distal fibula.”  He said this injury always required surgery…but that I’d be OK to go on with the cruise.  Whew!  I’d looked into flights and hotels and the logistics were overwhelming.  He took off X’s cast, rearranged my foot to relieve some pressure on my skin and put me in another soft sided cast.  Got a pair of crutches.  The device of the devil!!!  (If you’re out of shape and over 20…)

 

He prescribed what he called extra strength Tylenol …the bottle says Tramadol.  The leg isn’t hurting at all and the printed information on the Tramadol was so frightening I was afraid to take any!  Today I took some acetaminophen because my arms and shoulders really dislike those crutches!!  (You should see the charming huge purple bruises on my inner arms!!)  Celebrity let me keep the wheelchair but it won’t fit in the cabin door so I’m on crutches in the cabin…and getting over that small step into the bathroom is a killer.

 

With DH’s help I managed to wash my hair in the sink.  😊

 

I was able to contact my PA back home and she got me a referral to an orthopedic specialist.  They just called and are forwarding my info to their branches.  Hopefully someone calls me tomorrow and hopefully I can be seen soon next week.  Lots of logistics to work out once home.  Can’t get a rental wheelchair until the day after we get home so I plan on using a wheeled office chair…

 

Thank you so much to those who expressed sympathy!  I wasn’t going to post it here until I got home and had more idea of next steps…

 

 

I’m so sorry this happened to you but glad you’ve been well cared for.  Please keep us updated as best you can. 

[A&L_Ont]

44 minutes ago, helen haywood said:

Thank you so much to those who expressed sympathy!  I wasn’t going to post it here until I got home and had more idea of next steps…

Just catching up. I’m so sorry that this happened.  From your description it sounds as things went as well as possible, even though it is a terrible situation.

[Ourusualbeach]

The first of our 2 port stops was Astoria.  Nothing really planner other than to head to town and go to Bowpicker fish and chips.

 

 

 

Very limited menu.  Tuna as opposed to the traditional cod or halibut.  Delicious.

 

 

There was a free shuttle from where the ship docked into town which was a 10 minute drive or a 45 minute walk.  It was another 10 minute walk to Bowpickers.  After lunch we decided to tour the Columbia River Maritime museum which included a tour of the Lightship Columbia which is in effect a portable lighthouse.

 

Mooring lines from a different perspective

 

 

 

 

On the way back we met the singer from the show on board and ended up walking the 45 minutes back to the ship talking to her.

 

We also had a helicopter evac in the early am that woke me up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 9 by Ourusualbeach