johnjen

20 minutes ago, zoepipes said:

This is a November 26 cruise - no summer storms (not to say there may not be other weather events).

You're probably right LOL. No summer storms, but I'd still never recommend same day flying in as cruise departure day. Placing oneself into a potential "pier runner" status isn't worth it. Spending an extra couple hundred bucks for an overnight stay near the port is worth it.

22 hours ago, BLiles1961 said:

We are sailing on Grandeur in September. The DBP and Voom Surf and Stream are not bundled for this cruise, so I am booking separately. Here is where my brain has run off to get itself bedazzled or whatever it's doing. For Voom, I click on both of our names. Easy peasy, right? Then it pops up asking for how many devices. Do I click on 1 because it's one device each, or do I click 2 for two total devices?

 

If anyone else has a stupid question, feel free to ask in this thread. Then I won't be alone! 🤣

It's a great question because it directly answers just how poorly RCL's technical writers provide information.

On 6/2/2022 at 9:58 AM, zoepipes said:

We are traveling with friends who plan on flying into FLL, arriving at noon, the day of the cruise.  Is that something that is recommended?  We're extra cautious and will be coming in the day before.

Absolutely a foolish practice due to how summer storms weigh in, shortage of pilots and flight delays. Please strongly advise your friends to just fork out their money for an overnight stay.

7 minutes ago, infoseeking said:

 

They responded that they do not provide the CLIA number. They said they provide all CDC required information and the CDC does not require the CLIA number.

 

I have decided not to worry about it. Hopefully there would have been some reports of people being turned away if Royal were really so picky.

 

I am not so sure that any of the pharmacy testing places provide the number either. I have not tried them.

I think if Royal got nit-picky over a silly CLIA number, there'd be reports of people lashing out at cruise terminals. I'm not sweating this CLIA crap either, LOL

I like to prefer that they keep the cash I give to them.

Since this cruise period, post COVID, is going to be short staffed, we will give our room steward $100 in cash, and $50 to each of the MDR waiters. This gives them encouragement to help us when needed.

The head waiter on our last cruise used to come to our table just before we were leaving, would interrupt the table conversation to tell us the same things that the waiters previously told us earlier on during dinner, but she never really helped us in any way - and often held us up, so he/she, whoever it is this upcoming cruise, will need to just settle for the prepaid grats.

On 5/17/2022 at 2:53 PM, mek said:

Does anyone know how far out we can make an appointment for a proctoring  service?

I just now ordered two proctored tests from rapid test and trace, when you order the sessions, there is a link provided to an online calendar where you can choose the date and time, if available. I'll set our sessions up later today when I get home as I don't remember the type of tests we got from USPS - I THINK ours is the SD Biosensor brand, but all FDA approved test kits are authorized via Rapid Test and Trace.

On 5/17/2022 at 1:35 PM, NavyCruiser said:

With  another round of 8 free testing kits from USPS:

https://special.usps.com/testkits

 

A few in our group of 30 traveling to Alaska next month, out of Vancouver, has booked from this proctor company, for $20 each proctored test:  

 

https://rapidtestandtrace.com/product/observed-test-for-travel/

 

https://rapidtestandtrace.com/covid19-rapid-tests-devices/?fbclid=IwAR1UW-08JrAFOYjGoe7MHUU5k1rEojVn2zCeChBuS8TOuUlbt3rd-MbsgAY

 

However, we're still bringing our RCCL/Celebrity approved Emed proctored kits, as backup.

 

But does anyone has any good or bad experiences with the above RapidTestandTrace proctored test company...?

Thanks,

The ONLY problem is that an ELEPHANT can walk from Detroit to Chicago in less time (while grazing) than it takes these free USPS tests to arrive to your home after you ordered them a month back.

1 hour ago, cruisegirl1 said:

I would  hope a bar tender would NEVER allow an alcoholic drink be put on a  child’s sea pass card.  And to bribe a bartender to do so is sad.   Crew need their job and can’t afford a bad survey response because they didn’t break the rules  and serve a minor some alcohol. 

 

No problem to use a minors 4 daily  drinks for soft drinks,  smoothies etc. 

 

m

 

 

 

 

I think people that go THIS FAR might need counseling.

Good grief.

Just get one of these and load it up with vodka.

We're seeking a nice overnight stay at a Cape Liberty area hotel close to the port, and want to leave our car parked there and take a shuttle to the cruise terminal. What's some good hotel recommendations? Thanks in Advance!

We're on AOS July. Had thought of the same thing, concerns about post-COVID era, etc. We're not wearing masks onboard, but will bring some anyway just in case it becomes mandated (I'll be upset if so). I've heard of some paranoic mask-wearers that will tell those not masked, to "please mask up, near me" or,  "you're standing too close to me," to each his own, we'll ignore that lot.

For us, no elevators, taking the stairs. No handrail touching. That has always been the norm for us anyway.

We're cruising because finally, things have gotten easier, and we hate masks. I'm technically exempt due to breathing issues anyway. Just have fun and remember, you paid for a cruise, live your life and ENJOY.

No test required for Bermuda during the application process, so no more worries about having to go back on the application after submitting to submit your test! Simply upload your vax card, the $40 ea. fee for the TA, that's all you need. Of course, the pre-boarding COVID test is required for the cruise.

On 8/31/2019 at 4:14 PM, Yorkvillain said:

 

Exactly. 

 

At least it wasn’t a zipper pull.  

But the zipper pulls are GREAT! I have them on a lot of my trousers!

I'm in agreeance with a poster in here. The cruise lines should cut back capacity to cruising to 70% passengers during the post pandemic hiring issue, where I-765's/EAD's (work visas) and USCIS is lagging behind in the processing of the new hires of staff.

A good strategy - albeit spending more money for us - tip the cabin attendant some cash UP FRONT the first day we meet them ($50-100) and tip the MDR table waiters $50 each. So you think maybe....you're out $200 - but look at it this way. The main attendants for your cruise will be looking out for you.

I'm from Scotland - but I know, at least, how to enjoy myself.

On 5/29/2022 at 1:34 PM, WheresWalter said:

 

I recently read an article on either Cruise Hive or Cruise Industry News that said the visa problem has been compounded by up to 35% of former crew who have opted to keep their land based jobs instead of returning. That gives a double whammy to the cruise lines trying staff up. Of course to mitigate the staffing issues the cruises lines should cut back on bookings to maintain a quality guest experience. Cunard has done that and it would be good to see the other lines cut pax capacity back to 70% or something like that for the ships that are severely understaffed. 

Further - here's the kicker.

What if we go on these barely manned cruises, where we are definitely NOW spending MORE than EVER on cruises - and we get the excuse "Sorry, we're undermanned, we regret this inconvenience" isn't that enough to demand the cruise be pro-rated due to these inconveniences? I cannot see anyone with common sense or care about how much they pay for a cruise to simply say, "it is what it is" definitely not ME.

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Everywhere I go I see "HIRING NOW" signs.  Why should cruise ships be any different?  

How did we as a society get into this situation?  

At least, in MY area where I live, this applies. During the pandemic, a lot of people simply walked away, mostly fast food, service industry who weren't making a good living. Ever since, the quality of every restaurant we used to go to has DWINDLED to where we don't eat out any longer. 

So here is what happened. All of these former employees during the pandemic suddenly found a huge market open for professional jobs, office work, etc. So they took on some training, went back to school, and are now earning better money.

I predict that the service industry (cruise ships apply) are going through a nightmare right now because of the pandemic in keeping employees retained because they're moving on into higher paid jobs where people quit. 

Heres what I don't know, help me out.

Let's say youre booked in a nice jr suite. All goes well. Then you find out your cabin attendant has covid. Do they force you to take a covid test?

#2. You test positive during the cruise. They isolate you in an inside cabin. Do they comp you for time missed in the suite that you paid for?

7 hours ago, cruisinfanatic said:

This is what insurance is for

Spot on. But sometimes these insurance robbers get very nit picky, turn around and find reasons to deny you from getting covered. 

Me in the ship's store, taking pics of prices, then......amazoning in, checking prices there in comparison.

On our 2017 med, out of curiosity, picked up a can of pringles just to see how much....$9. Let that sink in. 

1 hour ago, pcur said:

I am probably the only person who remembers the "toga night".  We were supplied with an extra flat sheet and asked to wear them to dinner that night.  I had to trade sexual favors to get my husband to wear it........................................

See, we all just wanted to know that😁

It depends on availability and how much each invitee bids. Sure, call them and see if you can get a bid in on that third room. Now, WHEN the bid approval comes in, that can arrive up until the time you're checking in, I believe. If you win, they add the bid amount to your card.

Good luck with this and have a blast! We have a bid in on a Grand Suite u/g from a Jr. suite, who knows when it comes in though!

As I've booked Chef's Table, and the Chops +1 package for our upcoming cruise, I'm inclined to think it is worth it, we have never done it, but we enjoy being seated at the tables for 10 to meet people. However, the regular MDR food is just fine as well. 

1 minute ago, Ptroxx said:

Call it what you want.    
On my cruise the week before covid shut down I wore it.
I walked up to a table of a few men in their military uniforms and families to thank them for their service. And one gentleman was a marine colonel and his wife. And his son who I think was a drill sergeant???

they both loved my tshirt and both said , man I wish I could wear that tonight.    But my wife would kill me.  Lolol. 
so many guys complimented me on my attire. And had the same response 

man my wife would kill me.  
and yes I wore it for humor.   I have many shirts I wear that have funny statements.  I buy just for my vacation trips.   
here’s a few of my newer t’s.   

Nice....all three

On 5/22/2022 at 12:48 PM, renza said:

Yes we always just purchase one device and share. 

It's been awhile, this is what I ordered for the two of us, just one device and share - does this mean when I'm done using it on my phone, she can get on hers and use the same package? How would they know if we did that?