rebeccac

From Royal's website: The following policy applies to sailings that were cancelled as part of our COVID-19 operations suspension: You will receive one Future Cruise Credit combining the two amounts: 100% of your original Future Cruise Credit amount and 125% of any additional cruise fare funds paid on the reservation. The additional 25% issued as an FCC can be redeemed on any sailing departing on or before December 31, 2022 or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later. The remaining FCC amount will not have an expiration date. So, it looks like at least the original amount paid will not expire, only the additional 25% added on.

I thought it applied to all FCC????

Royal has changed their policy and FCC no longer expire.

We are sailing on the Symphony in December. When I first looked at MTD reservations the only thing available was 9:15pm. Since that time, there have slowly been more times added (at least on certain days). My suggestion is to keep looking regularly as things have a tendency to change. Worst case scenario, is to try to make reservations the first thing after boarding the ship.

There will be longer sailings in the Caribbean once the Valiant Lady finishes up her season in Europe.

Or you can order the proctored home tests which cost anywhere between $25 and $35 per test depending on how many you order.

On the Virgin website, it says the test must take place "in the 48 hours prior to boarding". I know most cruise lines are not sticking to a strict 48 hours, but more like anytime 2 days prior. Since I sail on a Friday, does that mean I can do the test anytime Wednesday or do I need to wait until 48 hours prior to my boarding time?

One of the nice things about Royal is that (unlike Princess) you can use OBC to make purchases before you board.

I don't know for sure (we board in 9 days), but as far as I am aware the bands for regular rooms are red and for all suites are black. So, likely they will scan you band, at least until the bartenders get to know you. 🙂

I would imagine they know your status through the wrist band.

I don't have any direct experience with these particular tests, but here in the US, the supervised tests do not require any pre-booking. You just log in and are put in a queue for the next available proctor. So far, we have never had to wait more than a few minutes. Perhaps, your test is similar and does not require you to book an appointment for the video call?

The 18% gratuity is added at the time of package purchase. You will not be charged an additional gratuity on each individual drink.

We're only in a Junior Suite, so no concierge, but I will look for something in our cabin the first day. Thanks.

We have the Beach Club booked, but how (and when) can we actually book the lunch?

The last time I did afternoon tea in a dining room on Princess (which was admittedly a very long time ago), there was no dress code other than the standard no bathing suits in a dining area. I believe I just wore the shorts and t-shirt that I had on at the time.

I might take another serious look at the cruise planner around Black Friday when there are generally some half-way decent sales. Not that they don't have "sales" all the time, but you really have to keep track of the prices of things in order to know if they are actually on sale.

I've not yet sailed MSC, but if you are looking at suites, the Yatch Club on MSC gets much better reviews than the rest of the ship. I have a friend who has done the Yatch Club and absolutely loved it! Not that you can go wrong with Royal either. Heck, most lines in a suite are going to be an elevated experience.

I think you have posted this question in the wrong forum. I believe that Vintages is on Royal Caribbean ships.