ampurp85

I think they will be under 50% until Dec 31st....that's when the current covid related CWC protocols will expire. I cannot image them continuing to offer refunds, private flight etc. when capacity is over 50%

The higher the pax count, the more probability of people catching covid because there will be less "space" available. I don't just mean from a logistical standpoint but with time and crew.

There are a whole bunch of these post, all speculative until someone reports from a sailing. RCG wasn't releasing capacity in the past and hasn't been since the restart. Just because this week sailing is 1600 doesn't mean it will be the same or higher the next.

A ship being sold out has very little to do with actual capacity limits. I.E just because its sold out or nearly sold out, doesn't mean it is 2800/2900pax.There were some Odyssey booking that were "sold out" but capacity was like 800. 

 RCG isn't in the business of releasing capacity until someone on the ship says it. So if you read the live blogs you will find out what the number is. I am told this weeks Allure has 2300, odyssey has around 1400, I think I read that Oasis is sailing with 2600, don't quote me but you get the gist. Basically they are all currently sailing below 50% With it being shoulder season, I expect they will stay that way until a Thanksgiving sailing.

I agree that regular capacity won't happen until at least 2022. Also Sept/Oct are the slower months as many children are back to school, its the tail-end of hurricane season and a myriad of other reasons. I can say it will probably hover around 50% except for maybe a few holiday sailings. I think my Oct allure sailing may get to close to 3000pax but more than that is not likely.

Please also keep in mind they aren't letting children under 12 do B2B.

There is another post just like this. But Air2Sea is not RCG so you won't get an FCC for the airline funds. You will get a refund minus any penalties....said penalties will be listed on your cruise invoice. I believe the fee is $200 outside of the cancellation window.

So I just checked and yes, all the suites above jr. don't show up. I also noticed that on a lot of sailings OV category says sold out. 

@Biker19 I get that but there is absolutely no reason to not sell the higher suites. Unless Royal IT really does hate @Jimbo

If you have refundable airfare through Choice Air then you will get refund. If not they will penalize you and then give you refund of balance. The cruise fare will will come back in FCC or if allowed a refund if you cancelled based on protocols.

Why do you think the higher suite haven't been sold out? Especially considering those books have been available for almost a year?

I have sailed quite a few lines. While the suite perks can be better on other lines, their loyalty programs don't compare. I understand being frustrated when perks one has been use to getting, change. But I don't think that changing any of that is a slap in the face to loyal customers. The suite lounge was created for suite guest, allowing upper tier member to partake in the SL and CK should have always been seen as a bonus that could go away. Yes you have sailed 700+ nights on RCG but I would hope they did that for the enjoyment of cruising, not for SL access.

I don't think it is some big thing that the pins aren't in the SL currently. No one knows what tips actually occur, you can't judge people by status, clothing, etc. I waitressed when I was younger: not only were those deem best dress some of the worse tippers, but it was often hit or miss with regulars. As capacity is reduced, it is better from a fiscal standpoint to ensure those paying premium prices get what they pay for. 

Look for any live reviews, you will get an idea of how activities and shows are being ran. I will say that based on readings, shows and events are much more restrictive. But imho not to the point it will ruin your cruising experience.

Since Sept and Oct are some of the slowest booking months, plus outside factors that are always being debated. I would guess full capacity to occur maybe around March 2022. Therefore reduced capacity will be the norm for 2021. Also let's be real cruising may be an industry that won't recover fully. Think of the C&A changes or some other aspects that they may keep.

I manage a restaurant, we have permanently lost 8 tables and about 14 menu items that corporate believes will never come back. I am sure RCG and other lines will look for ways to streamline profits as consumer confidence will be low for a while.

Anthem is doing UK sailings so that's really not applicable, unless sailing from there. Most ships are reduced capacity so no buffets after lunch. Depending on ships a cafe will be open late as well as a pizza place. MDR has been consistently better according to all restart bogs.

They have said it is about 90% unlikely that vax will be available for 5-11 y/o this year. So I would suggest moving your cruise.

@John&LaLaExactly, they use to have seat already reserved for suite guest. With reduced capacity its a different ballgame. 

@Itchy&ScratchyFirst of all I love the Simpsons and when they visit Itchy and Scratchy land is in my  top 10 episodes.

Now I am one of those people who have been a realist about this whole thing. When people thought sailings would return in 2020, I know summer of 2021 would be earliest. In June when the first sailings started and people kept saying how things will change daily and rapidly I laughed. I knew that protocols released in July would be pretty much it for 2021. I let everyone in my party know that mask, test, limited ports etc. might be a thing. The Sept protocols are stricter than July/Aug and I am 95% sure that they will remain the same until maybe Jan 22' the latest. I don't think flu season will see the letup of protocols.

They aren't offering lift & shifts unless they cancel the cruise. Anything purchased in CP will be refunded but if you take the CWC deal the FCC will be issued in your MIL name. I would call and see if either you can take her name off because of the medical situation and then get FCC. Or if you could remove her and still take the cruise. If you made final payment, I would also wait until Oct protocols are released and try to get an actual refund.

No, only Star class Genies can book entertainment. The concierge wasn't booking entertainment before the shutdown. The will be no advance booking until capacity rises, right now all of that stuff has to be booked when boarding....or when waiting to board at the terminal on the app.

@Itchy&Scratchy Children under 12 are consider the unvaxx. Saw plenty of people on FB complaining about this on Adventure, Freedom and Allure so far. Also heard about people who brought the Key because it was available in CP but later cancelled because of protocols. RCG says families with children cannot use MTD.

My understanding was that the CP will let you book MTD but when you board those dining option go out the window and you are designated to the unvaxx dining area of the MDR.

By many reports Oasis class ships need to be at 35% to brake even. I would guess that it will hover at 50% until Dec. I doubt Allure will see more than 2750 pax unless it is a holiday sailing. I believe ships won't be close to capacity until March 2022. 1st allure sailing was supposed to be 2000 pax but with protocols I believe it was barely 1800, the next sailing less. With ports being more restrictive I can see it hovering at 35% until the CSO expires...aka Nov 1st. Fain said each month after restart would see an 10% increase but lots of factors to consider.

I agree, keep checking. Also the answer your other question....no don't just show up. All reports say they are making people wait until their scheduled boarding time

@SSBrickNJNope, the only way you might be able to get a cash refund is after making final payment and not agreeing with the Dec protocols. So you would pay more and then MIGHT have the possibility of getting a refund. I would say move that FCC to a later date if you don't want to tie up more money or sail soon.

My understanding is if you cancel under CWC you will get an FCC. Those FCC's are in the pax names on the booking. If you call a rep to cancel under released protocols then they will convert an FCC that was issued due to Covid-19 cancellations into a cash refund. As OP has a refundable booking I would say cancel now to avoid any after final payment fees. Do not pay, relying on getting a refund when Dec protocols roll around might be setting you up for FCCs you won't be able to use.