cruise*chic

Thanks for the insight. Maybe time for me to look at more land vacations too.

BTW...I am a female located in the USA. However, maybe I should start looking at other countries with these prices. Maybe if a pay a few more thousand, I can have a new experience.

Cruising use to be my go to for an inexpensive, relaxing and entertaining vacation. I guess they found us out!!

Hello All,

I am looking to book for May and I am very sticker shocked.😲  I had no idea the prices have increased so much!!  Do you think there will be any price drops or is this the new normal?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful response..

10 hours ago, BND said:

Anecdotal means facts based on personal observation and it doesn't qualify as scientific evidence.  You knowing at least 6 people and me knowing no one doesn't mean anything scientifically.  It's our own personal experience.  My DIL is a nurse in a GP practice and they're seeing very few cases now.  I'm not offended, just want people to understand that when they see posts about breakthrough cases that there is scientific evidence and data that supports it being very rare.  Plus, what a lot have forgotten is the reason the vaccine was created in the first place was to limit hospitalizations and deaths which it has.  The fact it prevents disease as effectively as it does is icing on the cake.   The only people I know that have had it were unvaccinated at the time (all prior to the vaccine being available).  I think the CDC is being unfair to the cruise industry considering the numbers that they are reporting themselves.   I just wish my few friends who haven't been vaccinated would quit acting like rebellious teenagers saying "no one can make me" and realize they're only hurting themselves.

I know the actual meaning to anecdotal  but I was not sure of how you were relating it to what I said. I was not relating it to my personal experiences only. Yes I know people that had break throughs, however our hospitals in August/Sept were publishing daily statics by breakdowns of vaxed or not vaxed. We had vaxed people hospitalized daily and some were in the ICU and/or on vents. I think that may qualify for scientific evidence and if they are posting it daily, I don' think it could be called rare.  Again not my opinion but plain facts.

I totally agree with you, the numbers are down and that is why I am here asking questions.  As I said before, I don't put my expectations on others, but I do try and find out what works for me.  I am really sorry it turned into a whole other discussion, but I truly thought I was asking a simple question. 

43 minutes ago, BND said:

And, I don't know any.  Everyone has their own "anecdotal" evidence, but the fact you say you know 6 people is far from the norm, very far.  

 

I haven't worn a mask except to medical appointments (required) in months and I do not miss it.  We're looking forward to our upcoming HOTS b2b and will only wear masks where we have to.  My personal feeling is sometimes people have to decide that if they are at a really high risk, maybe they shouldn't be traveling anywhere right now.  

The covid rate depends on your area that you live in. Some areas take things more serious than others. I am not sure what you mean about anecdotal evidence, but I make sure to educate myself with facts from my clients and friends that are in the medical community. Heck, one of my friends developed one of the first test for covid.  Again, I am not trying to offend anybody, just trying to see what is happening on the ships from those that have actually cruised. I totally agree with you, that is why I am asking questions. Please skip over my thread if it offends you, because that is not my intent. 

4 minutes ago, binro01 said:

I saw this coming from a mile away...

I hope I am not offending anyone. I really am just trying to do some research. Like I said, I don't put my expectations on anybody else that is why I am trying to educate myself from those that have actually cruised recently. I do believe life has to gone on and it's up to each induvial to find out what they are comfortable with. I will not let covid win, but I still gotta think about my family. Again, sorry if I have offended anyone!!

8 minutes ago, Sunshine3601 said:

When and where are you looking to cruise?   

Out of all the ships sailing I believe that freedom 3 or 4 night sailings have been very popular and that is why they have more passengers onboard than some other sailings.   I believe I read last weekend freedom had 3300 passengers where some other ships had 1400 to 2700.

They have more ships scheduled to restart this fall/winter and some coming back from europe to do caribbean sailings so I suspect they will still be at low capacity

I am thinking 3 or 4 out of Port Canaveral.  Honestly I forgot about them being more popular. I typically cruise 7 -8 days but was I was thinking to take a short trip just to go give it a try and to give me time 7 days before seeing my parents at Thanksgiving.  Maybe I should consider the longer cruises. Thanks for the insight!

29 minutes ago, Cel_cruise said:

Maybe the rep means “close to full (currently = 50%) booking capacity?”

I really hope that is the case.  To have a ship at 50% would be like heaven, with or without covid. 

4 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

OP - Am I understanding that you prefer more masking?  No problem, you can wear a mask even if not required.  We wore a mask in the casino, even though it was not required.  I think it actually kept some of the smore out of m throat.   Of course they say the mask keeps others from getting sick from me. I wear a mask often ( as part of my  volunteer  work) and really never notice that it is on.  

 

The ships are increasing capacity pretty fast, faster than I expected.  At least one ship ( Freedom)  is  close to capacity so research before you book so that you are comfortable with your choices. 

 

Hope this helps.

 

Yes I prefer more. However, I don't put my expectations on anybody else. For this reason, I am trying to research to see which cruise line is more in line with what I am looking for. 

How do you find out the capacity before cruising? I asked the RCI rep today and she told me she did not know. She also said they were keeping them low but you said the Freedom is close to full and that is one of the ones I am looking at.

2 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

I"m vaccinated and only wear a mask when required.  I don't feel the need to wear one to protect anyone else.  Fire up your google and check out the CDC's data on breakthrough transmissions that was posted on October 4 and draw your own conclusions regarding mandates.

 

 

I know at least 6 people personally that got covid even though they were vaxxed. Two of them were pretty sick. In my business, if I don't work, I don't get paid. I don't think I will die since I am vaxxed, but I don't want to have down time from work either. However, I do think the boosters will help with the break throughs.

39 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Who others have a no mask policy? Lol I'd like less masking.

 

Rcl has areas designated as vaccinated and no mask .. carnival is masks just about everywhere. I got real tired of masks. Cant wait for rcl and maskless in the theater. 

14 minutes ago, molly361 said:

When I read their post I thought the same thing.  That would more likely make we WANT to go than cancel.  Between the masking and testing I am kind of over it

Both of my parents are considered higher risk due to cancer. Also, I have lost several family and friends. After having knowing several with break though covid, I am overly cautious but I really want to find a comfortable place to start getting back to vacationing.

I thought I read that Celebrity and Carnival only require mask in certain areas. I must have misunderstood. 

I am trying to talk myself into getting back on a ship. Some days I am ready and others not so much.  If Royal Caribbean decides to go to a no mask policy like the others, do you know if I can cancel with no penalty? The Rep told me I could but she also told me no dinners in the Windjammer and all ships have very low guest numbers. However, reading reviews of those that sailed recently, I know that is no longer the case, therefore I am asking here for feedback.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond to my question.

Happy Cruising!!!

I am very covid cautious but at the same time I know life has to get back to normal slowly. I was hoping to take a cruise 3 day cruise to test the cruise waters. My plan was to eat from the windjammer every meal and but take my meals to my balcony or find a nice place on deck. Will that be possible? Do you see other people having meals outside or do they make you stay in dining areas?

Hi,

Does anyone know of any discount codes for Park and Cruise? I think it is great price already, however every penny helps!!

Do you have a cabin number. Most superior balcony pics I just looked at, have the small ones....but most suites have the larger ones.

Unfortunately, I do not have a suite. My cabin is 9404.

On the Oasis, I was on deck 6 and we had a full table. I was hoping since the dry dock, the Freedom would have upgraded to full tables for the larger balconies.

Hi,

What type of tables are on the Freedom aft balconies? Are they the low ones for drinks/snacks or do they have the ones you can sit and have a meal?

Thanks for a bunch!!!

I've been on the aft of deck #9 a few times on both Liberty & Indy...I wouldn't be too concerned about this at all...you can really only be seen when you are out nearest the railing...but as you step back you get more privacy. Don't worry...you'll enjoy this true aft corner.

Great! I like relaxing in my pjs. I have been very hesitant about this cabin but I am finally starting to get excited. Thanks for the feedback!!

Hi,

I have aft 9404 on the Freedom of the Seas booked. In reading, it seems deck 10 can look down on deck 9. Can they see the whole balcony or is there some privacy?

9404 looks like an interesting aft cabin to have. Personally I would do anything to have an aft cabin, but if you HAVE to have the sliding glass door to leave open (which you aren't supposed to do), then you will need to change your cabin. Assuming you aren't to far out from your sailing date, perhaps you can see if another aft cabin has opened up that you can switch to?

Oh gosh, I did not know there was a door rule. Is it because of the a/c? If so, on the Oasis and Allure the a/c shuts off when the door is open. I thought they all did that.

Yes, I like having it open during the evening, but I also like the view throughout the day.

I booked cabin 9404 on the Freedom for May. In recent reviews, some have said they experienced vibrations. We sailed Carnival Conquest last year and the vibration was awful in the aft part of the dining room. I concerned it will be similar. Also, I am very concerned about the door. I LOVE to open my sliding door to enjoy the sight and sounds of the ocean. With 9404 there is no sliding door and a big circle window. I really want to try an aft but I don't want to be disappointed. Is it really worth it for that cabin or should I try for another?

Thanks in advance for all responses.

Hi,

I have never experienced an aft but I may have my chance in May. Can anyone share any insight for cabin 9404. I have found a few really old reviews but they are mixed. I am thinking I may have made a mistake.

Thanks for your feedback!!!

Did I see in a previous post that there is way you can purchase one wifi package but still use a second device? I will be sailing the Oasis with the upgraded connection.

Thanks for your help.

Maybe I imagined it all or maybe it is not Cozumel. I remember it being almost like a bed and breakfast atmosphere at the beach. I am thinking it was in a small cove or something. Oh well. I guess, I will find something else.

Thanks for your replies!!!

I don't think it was Nachi-Cocom. This place was very private and only took maybe 50 people or so. I only saw it once and thought it was far more than I would be willing to pay, but now I thinking it may be great for my husband's 50th.

Hi,

I remember seeing a post about a small private beach in Cozumel. They limited the number of visitors and there was lots of talk about the menu. I want to say the cost was maybe $200 per person.

Does anyone know of this beach or island? Sorry to be so vague, but I really don't remember much.