GeezerCouple

We had just discovered HAL, on Noordam's NZ/Australia cruise in Dec, 2019, so that was our only time, for obvious timing reasons. (We have not returned to travel yet, being high risk, etc.) We usually sail with Oceania, on their [relatively!] larger ships (~1200 pax), unless there is something special, such as Hurtigruten's Norwegian Coastal round trip, or any very special itinerary. That was why we chose HAL in 2019. DH noticed an ad (I didn't know he looked at ads, but I digress... 😉 ), with the itinerary and particularly the timing. We had been "HAL-curious" a bit anyway... So we grabbed one of the few remaining Neptune Suites, and got our awards first/business air tickets all settled. It was a wonderful cruise. And we attended every classical LCS performance. I was the person (some may remember!) who arrived *very* early, with a nice book, to get two front row, center seats. Everything was just perfect! We were so impressed with the quality of the LCS musicians; we had not expected much, actually. So DH directed: Let's start sailing with HAL now, because... well, we are classical music nuts! ("And proud of it!" 🙂 ) We were just starting to look for future cruises to book, long delayed since the before times... And now? Back to Oceania, where we had been very happy. However, their little chamber group, with assorted "musical presentations" cannot compare with serious musicians in a chamber concert environment, vs. "wandering by", etc., or briefly during a snack, etc. We were more than willing to give up the extra amenities of Oceania to be able to mix our beloved classical music with our wonderful travels! Yes, without LCS - a *serious* LCS! - we will only be back to HAL if there is some itinerary or scheduling that we simply cannot get on O. And of course, we haven't run out of ideas based upon O's offerings. Booking a cruise on HAL and "hoping that maybe, just maybe, the chamber musicians will show up a few times as they travel from ship to ship"? Nope. Or that it is a big stage, large venue with microphones, etc.? Better than nothing, but still not the same... plus apparently it wouldn't be definite anyway. So, Nope again. What a shame. We both thought we had found a new "cruise home"! We are seriously disappointed. GC

And you may need documentation from *both* parents that you have permission to take the child outside the USA. If there is only one living parent, or one custodial parent, then a death certificate or custody documentation might be needed. There may be requirements by the cruise line and also by the US government. It would also be wise to have a letter giving you permission to make emergency medical decisions, etc. Double check whether any of these should be notarized. GC

You definitely need a different insurance agent or broker! We use https://TripInsuranceStore.com and I cannot imagine a response from them like that! They probably offer some of the same policies that insure my trip does, and if they don't, it would be because they feel the other policies or insurers have some shortcoming, etc. CALL them (TIS), and they should be able to give you more useful information. Also, tell them what type of policies you've had in the past, so they have a good starting point with what you are used to having. Be careful relying upon what RCCL tells you. They cannot guarantee that a storm or mechanical failure, etc., wouldn't delay arrival.... Good luck! GC

If you've always used "insure my trip", why wouldn't you contact them straightaway about this, rather than asking anonymous CC members? Why would you have to "plow thru each policy"? Just tell them what coverage you want and ask them which policy would match your needs. Also, insurance is regulated by the state, so what would be covered for CC members in one state might be different than what could be covered for someone in your state. A proper insurance agent/broker should be well aware of what coverages are available in your state. And... is that "very Small airport" *small* like that "‘smallish ship", the RCCL Icon of the Seas, which may well be the largest cruise ship, at least for a while? 😉 That could make quite a difference, too, with a tight schedule. If it seems to be a close call, we'd certainly have a Plan B already in mind, or perhaps just go with a different plan to start with. We seriously try to avoid "travel stress", to the extent that we can make plans accordingly. GC

This is the type of information that would be requested/required if the insurer insisted upon their own physician's portion of the claim form. It's not the "medical history". It's a description of the condition/symptoms/tests/treatments/etc., of the patient when treated. Medical history *might* be relevant, but if not, it's unlikely to be mentioned. If you are familiar with medical software, there's a chance that you have come across insurance claim forms for medical-based claims. That's not exactly the same as what is entered into the patient history/records, although much of that current information might be included in the basic record if it's relevant, and if it exists. A provider who has never seen the patient before won't have access to most of the history unless it's discussed, or unless there are scars or images from surgery seen on x-rays, etc. (I found considerable discussion of my medical/surgical history observed from imaging when I went over the medical records I requested from a hospital stay overseas. In this case, I had requested the entire set of medical records, which was *very* thick and much of it handwritten and not in English. We just sent a scan of the *entire* thing along with my travel insurance claim forms. [Note: We kept a copy of the original. Always!] They could have had translations done or not. The insurer would have helped with translation at the time of my care, but we had dear friends who lived in the country who came to the hospital and helped DH with some "patient advocacy". In this case, our insurer probably had way *more* documentation than they wanted. 😉 ) I think it's especially important to be aware of this, although unfortunately, many first time "travelers in need of medical care, who have insurance" won't necessarily understand this. We "got it" after the first time we needed to submit this type of information. Fortunately, it was a local provider. Had it been "some small clinic overseas", it might have been more difficult to track those records down later. That's why we requested "all medical records please, for our insurance" in the situation described above. Actually, now that I think about it, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a blank copy of that medical portion of the insurance claim form "in the cloud" so we could download it if needed. I think we'll add that to our passport and Rx/etc., documentation that we already keep in the cloud. Thus far, we always use the same travel insurer, so it's just that one form. GC

It's always important to double check with any private vendor about whether they will refund if the ship can't make it. That is quite different than if you are a no show when the ship did arrive. As Turtles06 mentioned, most will refund, but unless they say so (and best in writing!), it's not a given. And always also ask for written confirmation about how far in advance you could cancel and not be charged or only be charged a small fee or whatever the policy is. That's probably especially important in Times of Tripledemics, alas. GC

Very interesting. About the "assist" from the Gulf Stream, etc.... on the west-bound journey, do the ships (thinking especially of the QM2, I guess, without assorted ports of call, etc.) sail any further south, or alter the route in any way, to avoid the "reverse"? GC

We've found all food prep to be pretty good about recognizing allergies, compared with years ago. However, especially if this is a severe allergy, I'd strongly recommend that you remind the waitstaff every time, when ordering AND double check when served, something like, "This is the GLUTEN-FREE bread, correct?" Better safe than sorry! GC

I would guess something like this, too. You (OP) wrote: [emphasis added] Our understanding from submitting claims to travel insurers is that they need a form completed and signed by the physician OR, if that's not available, at least a letter from the treating physician explaining the illness/injury. One one occasion, that was simply a handwritten letter on letterhead, and a separate handwritten receipt (neither in English). That was apparently fine. This was not a large claim, so that probably helped. All other occasions, we've had a physician fill out the travel insurer's own form. GC

We are also among those who *very* much appreciate that Oceania is not all-inclusive. We do drink, but we enjoy fine wine. We either bring some on board with us or buy some if there is something we like on a wine list. But the wines we enjoy are not likely to be "included" in a beverage package. We might have a sail-away cocktail, or something at some gatherings, but not much else along those lines. And we prefer private excursions, although there are times that we enjoy sharing something with others sailing with us, such as if we charter a large catamaran for the day. Then there is plenty of room for a few others, and it's more fun. If it is a land tour, we usually try to customize it so we spend extra time at A and less time at B, and perhaps add in C. Also, because I may need time to rest occasionally, it doesn't work well for us to worry about either keeping up with a large group or slowing them down. Finally, we always have used airline awards for premium overseas flights, so again, we gain nothing from "included" airfare. And we get to select our own flights, which often include a pre- or post-cruise stay somewhere. Oceania hits just the right spot for us, and we love the O ships. We hope that along with the entire hospitality sector, things get back to some semblance of order at Oceania in the not too distant future. For now, because we are high risk for complications (for any of the tripledemic 😡 ), we aren't venturing out yet, unfortunately. We do hope that the food gets back to previous quality, and especially some favorites at the Specialities. Yum... GC

As mentioned above, insurance is regulated by the states. So one source of help, if all else fails, is to contact your state's Insurance Commissioner's Office. It might help, before doing that, to tell the insurer that if you don't get resolution (or a response or whatever the next step should be) then you will contact that office. Perhaps suggest that you expect they acknowledge receipt of that email or -->> a certified letter, signature required/etc., within, say, 10 days or such. GC

You'd probably learn a lot by browsing through: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/ And we are among those who strongly recommend speaking with https://TripInsuranceStore.com They are a broker (no additional cost to traveler), and they work with several vetted travel insurers. CALL them so they can discuss your specific situation and concerns. Please do *not* rely upon online summaries of various policies as this is a time when the "fine print" can really matter! We are among those who have purchased policies from TIS; we've used policies from Travel Insured, as recommended by TIS, but that specific coverage may not be a good match for someone else. We have also had several claims, including some large claims. All were paid promptly, without any nonsense, and that's what matters, after all... And we got 100% cash back; no cruise vouchers or time limits. Contact TIS asap, as the timing that one starts the coverage can make a big difference in which types of coverages can be purchased. For coverage that will get you to your "home hospital", we get MedJetAssured. That coverage starts if you are an INpatient at least 150 miles from home (for USA-based travelers). As long as you are fit to travel (e.g., by air ambulance with medical staffing), they will transport you if the receiving hospital approves. No beancounters get involved in the decision, and no local medical professionals are put in the possibly awkward situation of needing to declare themselves insufficient for your care. It's *your* decision. We almost called them once, but fortunately, it never came to that. GC

Wonderful! Could you let us know if you do get the cash back, too, be it by check or a bag full of dimes or whatever? 😉 It would really be nice if that money was handled honestly. (IF Security are the ones to search for these things, I thought I had read that two officers open safe deposit boxes, for obvious reasons.) What have you done about the timing of your next cruise? Will you be able to take it now, or did you postpone it? What a nice Happy New Year! Thanks for the follow-up! GC

You might also want to post on https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/ And read some of the posts there, for background. However, the bottom line will probably be the many recommendations that you do exactly what klfrodo recommends... CALL TripInsuranceStore.com and explain all of your concerns (above and anything else), and they'll help you find the the best possible policy. It is very likely to be *much* better than the cruise insurance of any cruiseline. It may cost more (very likely), but the coverage is better and the claim would be paid in cash, not in some "cruise credit" with a deadline. Hope all goes well for everyone! GC

Welcome to CruiseCritic! You'll probably get better answers in you post in the Celebrity section of CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/16-celebrity-cruises/ And here is a link to the TOC/categories on CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com You might want to look through those, but also note sections on Family cruising, and also Ports of Call (where the ship docks or tenders). Also... the Roll Call for your specific ship and date, for discussions of activities/etc., on *your* particular cruise. We took our 18 month old grand on a cruise about 9 years ago. He was too young for any organized children's activities, but as one of the few children on board, he seemed to be a real hit and lots of people paid attention to him. There was no babysitting, but we were doing a family reunion, so we had little desire for that on that cruise. Enjoy! GC

Here is a link to that "Disabled Cruise Travel" section of CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/ You might want to browse through some of the posts there for other suggestions that you might find helpful. GC

I don't know what category you sail on the Riviera, but most of the tubs are going away, except for the Vista and Owner's suites I think. 😡 They are keeping the tubs in a handful of PH suites, although those aren't in the location we prefer. Nevertheless, we'd book a PH *with* a tub... if there are any available. Relaxing in a tub when on vacation is a luxury; no other responsibilties are calling me! GC

What soap "dispensers" at our house? We have none. GC

Maybe it's just me, but I do *not* like the "bulk" items where they have been sitting there who-knows-how-long, and just keep getting topped up... How clean is it at the bottom; how often is it thoroughly changed and the full container really *cleaned*? 😟 I'll bring my own or purchase unopened containers somewhere, thank you. GC

Please... that's why we show our super-special e-address in our signature! 😉 (Please put "CruiseCritic" or "Awards air tickets" or such in subject header to distinguish yourselves from some other uses, and from spam/etc.) There are never any guarantees that there will be flights available, of course. Also, given the sudden "return to travel", I would guess that nice awards seats will be harder to find than usual for some time. However, these services do have special software to monitor various availabilities (I suppose we could, too, if we wanted to pay, and spend the time monitoring!), and because they are often doing this for more than one party, they are "looking" a lot more than I would ordinarily do, etc. Some of the "good seats" can get taken quickly, which is why we made that arrangement for our agent to "just grab 'em" if there was something he was pretty sure we'd like. I admit that when I first tried this, especially that very first time, I was mighty suspicious... With our current agent, after one set of awards tickets, he had also booked some of our hotels, so he knew where we'd be, and realized we'd have some overlap in one city. So we got to meet him, which was my chance to decide he wasn't a "bot". (That had become a sort of joke!) F is becoming more and more hard to get, even for cash tickets, and more and more planes are dropping it entirely, alas. Our favorite thus far was Cathay Pacific. Those F beds are 33 inches wide. That's almost a regular twin bed! I think that was the first time that DH *really* slept on a flight. Of course, that meant he missed some of the goodies... 😉 I have my sights on the new Singapore Suites doubles, but I suspect that's useless wishing. For example, even Cathay recently restricted F to only one award seat per flight. First time we did that, it was the two of us, one other person, 3 empty beds, and 3 flight attendants. But NOTE: We had to book 1F and 1J, and wait until 2 weeks out to see if they released another F. Apparently they don't even do that anymore. Last time (2019), we had one F and one J. All 5 other F seats were empty, but they wouldn't let us upgrade for *any* amount of points. Sigh. But an awards agent can help with strategy, at least to the extent that any strategy can help. We try to accumulate points using AAdvantage Citicard (American Airlines) and Amex Membership Rewards. They each have their own group of airline partners, and there's not much overlap in the two networks, so we get access to most airlines we'd be interested in. As mentioned above, the number of awards points needed can get really high. I'm not sure if "dynamic pricing" has been adopted by all carriers; we hadn't encountered it, but we haven't flown since Dec, 2019. To get more points, do consider opening new charge cards for the bonus points. Those can really add up. It's worth a fee for a year or two at $99 (and the first year might be waived) if one can get 60k to 100k points. (Then cancel the card or reduce it to a no-fee version.) Rinse and repeat with a different carrier/airline network, etc., and then start again. Just time the applications so that you have reasons to do the required "spend", which could be a few thousand in the first few months. Note: Do NOT get an "authorized user" card for spouse, because that might interfere with their own "new" card with that large bonus. [sorry for length...] GC

This ^^ It's NOT the same, not even close. I'm not a jazz aficionado, but trying to imagine a possible similarity... For someone who enjoys evenings (or afternoons, etc.) at jazz clubs or such, would watching the same thing on a movie (or a TV!?) be the same for you? If "yes", then why bother to leave home, find parking, pay for the tickets/etc....? GC

Sorry... I should have mentioned that our 2019 cruise wasn't on Oceania. It was our first on HAL, and we were surprisingly pleased with it. But then, we also had a wonderful cruise on one of Hurtigruten's older ships, not one of their new, fancier ones. (Huge mobs on huge ships, "I don't think so", however!). But this current biofouling situation seems to have caught ships from several cruiselines very recently. We use an awards service. My first attempt at long-haul F awards travel was an immediate success: 2 F ticket to Tokyo. "Easy peasy", thinks I. HA! "Never again", quoth me... 😉 We found a service on FlyerTalk. The first service worked well the first time, but then we got someone else the next, and that was it with them. We found a second service that is amazing. He's also a luxury traval agent, so he also books our hotels. (He's not a cruise specialist, but we do book through him by choice.) He has found us routings that we wouldn't have thought of. And by now, he's learned what we do - or do NOT - prefer. It's completely worth the relatively modest fee, which is only if a suitable flight is found anyway. [He now has all of our account info on file, and permission in most cases so that "IF you find something you know we'd like, just grab it while it's still available, please!!! 🙂. Worst case, which has not happened, is the we'd incur a small fee to re-bank the awards. ] Being flexible by a day or two can make all the difference. It's getting hard to get F seats, but J on the top international airlines are more than satisfactory in most cases. We don't need one-on-one staffing. We just want a comfortable and *flat* bed, one that doesn't feel like a coffin, plus some "space" in general. Good food is a plus. (Thus far, Singapore's "Book the Cook" takes the biscuit. I had something like short ribs for one meal, and they were so tender and deliciously seasoned that I would order it again in any upscale restaurant, and if only I could actually do so...!) All of those top seats/beds are getting more and more rare, but fortunately, the J seats/beds are in most top airlines getting better than the F's from not too long ago. GC

There are many discussions about this, in general or for specific countries, on the "Disabled Travel" section of CC (even though it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with "disability"; it's the "medical" issue, etc.): https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/ We *strongly* believe that one should double check with each country, and then abide by whatever rules they have. Many have virtually nothing special: Pharmacy labeled containers, copies of the script (and we keep copies in the cloud, along with copies of other important papers). Others require special permission for certain meds or certain quantities, and others prohibit some meds that might be OTC (over the counter) in our country (USA). Japan was the most strict thus far, but all permissions/etc., were handled within about 24 hours thanks to email... except original formulation Sudafed, which is totally prohibited. The chance of getting "caught" may be low, but when we are in some other country, we are careful to do it right. Some ADHD meds *are* on restricted (not necessarily prohibited) lists, so I'd just get any approvals or have all documentation ready. We loved our stay in Barbados, but unfortunately, I no longer remember what, if anything, we "did" in advance about meds. Enjoy! The water is just GORGEOUS there! GC

I wasn't able to find when these regulations went into effect, or perhaps when they started to be enforced, since this seems to have caught several ships off guard. I'm remembering our amazing Dec, 2019, NZ/Australia cruise, and how *very* disappointed we'd have been to miss many of those ports and sights. And all the more so, given how far we traveled... and *especially* if this could have/should have been predictable by the cruise line, and thus the itinerary adjusted in advance... Yes, "life happens", but that's supposed to be about the relatively unexpected problems. pinotlover: Why can't you use FF miles for this trip? Or do you not want to? GC

Is there a new "outbreak" of some source of biofouling (be it fauna or flora or...?) or are there new regulations, or regulations newly enforced? It seems that none of the ships/lines were prepared for this or presumably the cleaning would have been scheduled and expected. GC