Pete's Girl

Good afternoon,

We'll be on the 9/10 sailing to Bermuda on Adventure of the Seas. We're leaving out of Bayonne. We haven't sailed RCL since pre-covid and I haven't sailed out of Bayonne since 2006. I believe we dock at 0700. We have to be in Delaware at 11am on the day that we return and would really like to get off the ship asap. So my question is, how is the disembarkation process in Bayonne? How fast do you think we can be off?

Thanks!

Hi all,

We sailed on NCL this past May and used Inspire for our covid testing. It was easy and would like to use it again on our next cruise, which may be on Adventure of the Seas in September. Does Royal Caribbean accept Inspire proctored exams or do they only accept E-Med proctored exams. I've looked for this answer and cannot find it....hence why I'm asking on here!

TIA!!!

Thanks for the information. It may be better if I just travel by myself. I've paid for us both and I'm not looking to recoup any of that money, I just thought maybe I could add another name in replacement of the name that's already there. If that's not the case, I've never traveled alone before, but I'm open to it!

Thanks for the info!!

If I am the primary guest on the account but there are two of us traveling, and the other person were to bow out and I have a replacement, what is the absolute latest that I can notify NCL and have the paperwork changed? The week before? 48 hours prior to sailing? Longer? I understand there would be a change fee....I'm ok with that. I just need to know when the absolute latest to change a person on the reservation is.

Thanks in advance.

13 minutes ago, styles27 said:

Follow the directions on the Bermuda website. Do not do what NCL instructs. 

 

 

Thank you

We're not sailing until May 29th, but I just read the BTA steps on their website. Step 2 clearly says to upload proof of vaccination at the time you initially submit your application. But, I've been told to upload proof of vaccination and negative test at the same time...that if I upload the proof of vaccination during the initial application, that it will be rejected and we'll be out the $40. 

For those of you who have already been through this process, what did you do?

On 3/20/2022 at 8:47 AM, njhorseman said:

The $40 fee is not refundable.  Bermuda does not want you to wait until you have your test results before submitting your application because it would be impossible for them to process all the applications for an arriving ship in the two days prior to embarkation.  Submitting the application about ten days in advance is is being suggested by at least one cruise line.

I'd like to ask a question on this and I don't want to start another thread about the same topic. We have every intention on submitting the application as early as we can so that it can get processed. However, our appointment for the proctored antigen test is at 6pm on the Saturday before our Sunday departure. We're leaving out of NYC on May 29th and Bermuda is our only port. We will not be stopping in Virginia. If the application is already submitted and all we need to do is upload the test results, and we upload as soon as we get the results from the proctored test (am assuming that will be by 6:30 pm Saturday), will that be enough time for Bermuda to finalize the last part of the application before boarding the next day? Our understanding is that we cannot board without proof of acceptance from Bermuda. TIA

9 hours ago, DarkJedi said:

That is direct transmission. Airborne is carried on the air and transmits across MILES, not 6 feet.

16 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I think it might be better to think of it in terms of how much MORE you would pay versus a normal balcony or mini-suite on the same sailing. Sometimes those alone cost over $4000 for two people depending on the ship and sailing. But, let me give you an two examples:

 

• On my Escape sailing in June, the price for the lowest Haven category is $1650 more per person than a BA and $1450 more than an MA.
• On my 12-day Bliss sailing in December, the price for the lowest Haven category is $3720 more per person than a BA and $3070 more than an MA.

I simply cannot imagine that the Haven experience is worth over $6000 more for two people on that Bliss sailing. But someone might be able to persuade me that it is worth $3000 more for two people on the Escape.

 

See what I am getting at?

We are on the cruise you'll be on in a few weeks....June 2.  We sailed the Escape last year in a Forward Facing Haven suite and this year, we'll be in the Haven spa suite.  We are not made of money and there are reasons (health challenges) that make the Haven a worthwhile "get" for us, so we budget accordingly throughout the year.  Having said that, we LOVED the Haven on the Escape last June.  There was never difficulty finding a space around the pool to read a book or relax...there were plenty of places in the shade to be found.  The restaurant is wonderful.  Having a butler was nice...even though we rarely needed him for anything.  I think the best part was that we could be part of the "craziness" of the ship any time we wanted but when we needed some relax time, we knew just where to go.

I will also say, I've NEVER seen Haven prices this low for this cruise...EVER.  I stalk them like crazy, again, because of our needs and our budget.  If you've never sailed in the Haven, take the leap.  With the prices the way they are and if you can do it, go all in.

That would be my advice.

Jay 

And just to add a little perspective, our Haven Spa Suite is approximately $3k less this year than last.  Yes, different categories, but there was not much of a price difference between the two suites last year.  We went forward facing because spa was sold out at the time of booking.  It's a great deal this year.  

24 minutes ago, Shoppie124 said:

I am having buyers remorse....  My only cruise experience was an awful cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco (HAL).  It was a work trip so I didn't get to do much in the way of activities.

 

We are booked in the Haven on the Breakaway (End of August).  We booked the Haven because the HAL cabin was barely big enough for me let alone my 6'7" husband and my tween who wears four outfits a day

 

The price of the cruise didn't get me... it was getting to Miami (I could fly to Europe cheaper), the hotel in Miami before the cruise and the hotel in Ft Lauderdale after (because of flight costs), excursions (OMG!  I spent a small fortune - None of them are booked via NCL due to cost)

 

As I add it up, It is costing me a small fortune...  We could have gone to Europe (4 different countries) for 12 days cheaper - all in with spending money.

 

I haven't met a dollar I didn't like to spend but I'm starting to have remorse over this vacation.  My husband rarely goes on vacation with us due to health issues.. 

 

Experienced cruisers... make me feel better...please....

You mention that your husband doesn't vacation with you often because of health challenges.  I totally get that.  Would he be able to do Europe in the way that you've described?  If the answer is no, then regardless of cost, you made the right decision with your cruise.

I am disabled and I LOVE to travel.  But my condition makes it very hard to go anywhere.  I have little energy on a good day, on challenging days, I'm in bed.  However, getting away from my environment is so pivotal to combating the depression and angst that goes along with dealing with health challenges.  Because of that, cruising really works well for us.  If my mobility is challenging, I can park myself somewhere....anywhere....and get that change of scenery.  I have the option to do as little or as much as I like....and depending on the itinerary, I can wake up in a different place each morning....with little to no exertion.  How cool is that???  

Because of my challenges, I find that the Haven offers me exactly what I need to have a relaxing vacation.  I don't have to walk around looking for loungers...I don't have to get up at 6am and join those who drop towels for hours just to save themselves seats....there is a restaurant close by that offers very little wait time...and I can enjoy lunch around the pool without worrying if I'll lose my balance and fall due to so many lounges literally placed on top of one another.  It's relaxed, it's beautiful, and it's stress-free.  We budget every year so that we can be in the Haven.  Not because we're made of money (although I'm with you...there is not a dollar I don't like to spend), but because you can't put a price tag or a dollar value on relaxing vacations and what it does for your mental health....especially when you've got significant challenges.

I say go on this cruise....forget the cost, it's already paid for....and make amazing memories with your family.  Celebrate the fact that your husband is traveling with you....and enjoy every second of it.  At the end of the day, having your family with you for the week...in a way that will make things easier on your husband....trust me...it's priceless.  Have fun!!!

5 hours ago, Casino Comp Chick said:

 

I rented a scooter from disabilities at Sea and NCL changed me to an HC cabin. That is your best bet, btw forget about the stairs, the Gem has 3 elevator banks.

Also, in Bermuda it was easy to ride off the ship and hang around the fort area.

I concur!!  I should have read your response before posting mine!!  Still....great idea!!

You can actually rent an electric scooter from a company that has a contract with NCL.  They'll deliver to the ship...and they'll pick up from the ship.  I'd strongly recommend that route....as well as the knee scooter.  The electric scooter can be charged overnight....and possibly taken ashore with you if you just want to tool around Kings Wharf....if that's where you're docked.  That place is HUGE....and even with a knee scooter, exhausting.  

A shattered heel is crazy painful.  Good luck in your recovery!   

Has anyone heard anything about Somerset Watersports or rented from them?  I think that's where we're going to go, but would like some feedback if anyone has any experience with them.  Thanks in advance!!

Jay

1 hour ago, PelicanBill said:

When are you there?  We are on Anthem in Bermuda on June 22.

We'll be on the June 2nd sailing on the Escape.  🙂 

We are seriously considering this in June.  Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!!

On 3/8/2019 at 9:54 AM, Stuffy8 said:

My husband and I along with my mother and uncle will be on this cruise. Anyone else?

Paul & Eddie

My wife and I will be on board as well!!  We did the same itinerary last June on the Escape.  We loved it and wanted to go back this year!  I joined the Escape roll call back in January, but haven't really participated often.  We will, however, be at the meet and greet.  Hope to see you there!!

We LOVED Le Bistro on the Jade and so when we booked the Escape last year, we made reservations.  Unfortunately, where Le Bistro is located on the Escape, the strong smoke smell from the casino tends to waft in.  It was so strong last year, we left before we even ordered.  It was disappointing as we were really looking forward to it, but sitting in an area where the smell of cigarette smoke was so overpowering literally took away our appetite.  

We'll be on the Escape again this June and we're hoping to give it another try however, we won't be making reservations until we get onboard just in case this hasn't been rectified. 

Thanks for your input, everyone.  A friend also told me about Allianz.  I think I'm going to check that out as well.  I appreciate the help, info, and guidance.  🙂 

3 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

LINK to that Cruise Insurance forum:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/

Thank you so much

Hi all!  I've never been one to purchase trip insurance as I've always been relatively healthy and I've generally seen it as a waste of money.  However, I am scheduled to sail on Mariner of the Seas on Monday and I was hospitalized last week with, what doctors believe to be, a serious health problem that I'll probably be dealing with for the remainder of my life.  However, I'm not a big fan of throwing in the towel when things get challenging.  I'd rather take extra steps to insure I can still do the things I love to do....and cruising ranks right up there!  I do not have trip insurance this time around and lesson learned, but we are sailing on the Escape in June and I'd like to explore the option.  The Escape is already paid in full and it's something we have no plans on missing it if it's entirely possible.  So I think insurance would be a good idea this time around.  

Does anyone know of a reputable 3rd party company that I should look into?  Has anyone had any experiences with said company(s)?  I'd appreciate any and all thoughts on the subject.  Thanks so much!!!    

Jay

Hmm.....okay.  Thanks.  

I am sure there are other posts on this subject so forgive me for asking something I'm sure is redundant. (I've scrolled down some of the posts, and haven't found what I'm looking for.)

We are sailing Mariner in 12 days.  I am seriously considering the Voom and Stream package as it says you can stream movies, etc.  I wouldn't be opposed to watching Netflix at night instead of the countless repeat television shows they offer.  My first question is.....is it worth it?  Is it really fast enough to stream Netflix?  I don't care about social media while we're away...we like to turn off from family, friends, and life back home while we're gone.  But watching movies is definitely attractive.  Have any of you done this and how successful has it been?

Second question...how low have you seen the price drop prior to the cruise?  Right now, it's $13.99/day for one device...which we're cool with.  But if that has shown to go down further, I'll hold out for a few more days.

Thanks in advance!!

Jay 

On 1/22/2019 at 9:07 AM, Spqr105 said:

 

 

We are getting ready to book our spring Bermuda vacation but if RCL doesn't make this right (which I highly doubt they will), we will be booking the Norweigan Escape instead. 

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Escape.  We sailed her last June to Bermuda, and we're booked this June as well.  We're sailing MOS next month for a quick getaway, but after a few sailings with Royal Caribbean, it's only if the price is right will we choose them over Norwegian.  The Escape is a great ship.  

🙂 

56 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

No free messaging on Mariner as of today.  Only Allure so far.

56 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Currently only available on the Allure.

I was afraid of that.  Thanks so much.

- Jay

We will be on the February 18th sailing on Mariner of the Seas.  We've heard that the RCI app allows for messaging others on the ship....but it's only available on some ships.  I'm wondering if Mariner is one of them?  We are trying to avoid getting an internet package if at all possible (we really want to turn off the world while we're away) but we also need a way to set up meet times with others in the group, too.  The messaging app would be a perfect fit...if it's available.  Does anyone know what works firsthand on Mariner?  Thanks in advance.  🙂