AlohaLivin

We usually do not have any problems with the mattresses on royal, but we are currently on explorer and I feel like I’m sleeping on a hard rock (that’s not in exaggeration). We have a new cruise acquaintance onboard who recently had back surgery and he has had to take a pain pill each morning to cope due to the hard mattress. They no longer have the egg crate variety toppers, but they are putting a comforter as a mattress topper when a topper is requested (at least on Explorer). It isn’t great, but it’s something.

We typically really enjoy coastal kitchen. To be honest when we pay for a full suite we feel that we have already paid for specialty dining (at the coastal kitchen) and we don’t really love paying twice. On back to backs it can be repetitive, but there is usually enough variety that it isn’t a huge problem. Now if when we retire and try a B2B2B2B we may rethink it 😬

Someone said that EMED is the best - I do not agree with that. Emed is fine, we have used it several times, but definitely not better than what we found with Rapid test and trace. With the latter we were able to use our free Covid tests the US govt sent to us, the communication from the assistant was much better, and we were able to do 2 tests at the same time with the same assistant. Plus, when I had a question beforehand, their customer service was fast and helpful. The rep also said that I could get a refund should we have needed to cancel. So definitely another vote for RT&T!

You are fine 😀

What happened to that thread? I am assuming that Covid happened. I had for a while been posting new concierge info, but not sure it is still a viable thread.

😲

We thought this one was much better than the emed - plus, their customer service is super fast and friendly 👍🏼 Semper Fi

On the topic of Explorer, does anyone know a concierge by the name of Belkis? Federico was onboard, but said he is leaving on 8/14/22 to be replaced by Belkis.

For the pregnancy status was there an option of “I don’t think so, did you see a very bright star in the east perhaps?” 😇

P.S. I just got another email from the Concierge on Explorer saying that reservations would not now be needed. So, things change quickly at RCCL LOL

I think the answers vary because currently it seems to vary by ship. We had a S2S in mid-late April where reservations were needed for all suites . The concierge on Allure was not willing to make them ahead of time, but while the symphony concierge was willing (Nadja is fabulous) the scheduled time/date for a few shows were different by the time we boarded (which apparently is why the concierges are hesitant to book for people ahead right now). We will be onboard Explorer for a b2b very soon and the suites concierge has indicated that reservations will be needed for all shows.

We don’t find the NCL does any more nickel and diming than any other cruise line (in fact maybe less since usually the drink package and some internet minutes comes with most fares). And, we have always thought that their food was quite good (particularly the Haven restaurant, I have never had that matched by any cruise line restaurant). The menu for the RCCLcoastal kitchens in April we’re virtually unchanged from the previous fall - didn’t bother me, it was delicious all times with plenty of options.

The chill island ones (the ones on the first inlet to the left from the dock) are ,very quiet every time we have used them. If you want to have a restful day that is the place to be.

The policy very recently published shows those sailing through 8/14 need a negative Covid test within the 3 days prior to the sailing date. No one yet knows with any certainty what the policy might be for sailings 8/15 or beyond.

W E

It is really not a simple fix. Different counties within states have different tax rates. This would be logistically impossible. Everyone always has advise about how someone can or should do things better without understanding that perhaps they are already doing it the best way they can. Is it a take it or leave it issue. Now on with more useful cruise topics 👍🏼

Oh Lord Twangster, PLEASE don’t tell us 😂

Yep - thought I was in Goundhog Day for a minute there 😬

I ask my patients to use masks and so does every single other healthcare provider that I know and use (including all Quest and Labcorp locations). It isn’t a political issue. Probably a shaman around somewhere who won’t care either way.

I would think so, but do email them through their customer service email at info@rapidtestandtrace.com - they get back to you very quickly.

They have extended the expiration date on most all brands, but I have never had a telehealth rep ever ask about the expiration date (not Optum emed or Raid test and trace). Here is a list of common tests and a link for all test extension dates below those: BinaxNOW Covid-19 Ag Card Home Test (Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.): Extended to 15 months from 12 months BinaxNOW Covid-19 Antigen Self Test (Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc.): Extended to 15 months from 12 months CareStart Covid-19 Antigen Home Test (Access Bio, Inc.): Extended to 12 months from 9 months Flowflex Covid-19 Antigen Home Test (ACON Laboratories Inc.): Extended to 16 months from 12 months Celltrion DiaTrust Covid-19 Ag Home Test (Celltrion USA, Inc.): Extended to 18 months from 12 months Detect Covid-19 Test (Detect, Inc.): Extended to 8 months from 6 months iHealth Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test (iHealth Labs, Inc.): Extended to 9 months from 6 months SCoV-2 Ag Detect Rapid Self-Test (InBios International Inc.): Extended to 10 months from 6 months https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests?utm_source=CDRHTwitterD

I agree completely, it is a scary proposition just for a long awaited vacation! Since we sail on the 14th, it is inevitable for this cruise, but at least the second leg of the b2b won’t require testing and it seems this is likely our last “testing” cruise.

Both of ours are now changed over for Dec 2023 - same cabin. I didn’t notice our stock obc, guess I do need to check that.

Us too. But we are set up and ready, but honestly it isn’t half as bad as going through airport security and that is every flight, all the time.

In my view, investing is sometimes a science and sometimes an art. Our increased cruise line investments have been more the latter. The last time I did that I purchased Square during the initial offering period since I used in my private health practice and loved it - thankfully that was a wonderful investment. At age 62 now we moved 2 years ago to a more conservative portfolio, but I have some funds that I continue to use for “gut” purchases, Time will tell.