oldmom

I have the "opposite" curse. We did a cruise in May 2022 to replace our cancelled May 2020 cruise. I had avoided COVID as a nurse for over 2 years, fully vaccinated- got COVID at the end of the trip. Went on another cruise May 2023- vaccines up to date- got a horrible respiratory illness-that was worse than my COVID experience-took over a month to fully recover. Going on a 5 day cruise October 2023. I have decided if I get sick on this cruise that I need to stop for awhile .Just not worth it.

There is a scale for zipline on Oasis. They just make everyone weigh-so no one feels uncomfortable/or everyone feels uncomfortable. I can not stand to weigh on a scale anywhere-but at least it was in Kilograms not pounds. I was too lazy to do the math in my head-so it was fine. It is probably embarrassing to be turned away, though- so I would not do it if my weight was really close to the limit.

Thanks everyone! I normally cruise with my husband so he usually carries $300-500 with him to gamble-( I know he is not a high roller) so we have extra if we need. But this time I am cruising to Alaska with a friend and I will just have my own money to carry. I will probably use credit cards in port since it is in the USA. I will take some cash for tips, etc. We are going to Juneau which has a Bank of America branch-ATM- so I can get extra there if I need with no fee.( I do not like to pay an ATM fee). My friend has Wells Fargo- they have branches in Sitka and Skagway too, FYI. If not, will use the ship ATM.

Years ago, we could write a personal check for cash at Guest Relations if we spent more in a port than we planned and needed some extra cash for the next port. Is this still an option? I do not like to use credit cards in foreign ports. Are traveler checks even an option now days? Thanks.

On 11/28/2022 at 4:45 PM, Merion_Mom said:

 

^^^This.

 

@oldmom- you didn't give any $$ quotes, like what you think is a "good price", so I can't know what you consider a "shocking price."

We like to go out of Port Canaveral- only 4-5 hour drive. We can drive to Miami/Fort Lauderdale- but takes longer ,of course. I could get a 7 day cruise for 2 off season for $ 1200-1600. Now it is $2100-2800. Cheapest on Allure for 5 nights interior Mid Oct is almost $1700.

I just happened to look at the Royal Caribbean blog site- November 30th blog is about cruising older ships to save money. It was ironic because I had just booked an interior room an the Allure- 5 days out of Port Canaveral. We rarely do interiors but it was almost 800 more for a balcony. May do RoyalUp-if it is offered. Thanks everyone.

Guess I have not been paying attention to this. We normally cruise once a year or every other year or so on RCCL. We are Diamond- finally in 2019. I have been able to get a balcony room for 7 nights on a Oasis ship at a "great price" , for years now. We go off season-early December -early May, etc. We got a great price in May 2022 ( also tested positive for COVID 2 days after) on Harmony. We have been busy with a family member passing away and having to pack up their house and all the stuff that goes along with that. SO-finally started looking for cruises for 2023.WOW! The "great price" is at least $1000-$1500 more than I have ever paid for the cheapest sailing week!! I knew inflation was bad-but I did not expect this much an increase from 2022. These are for 7 day cruises on an Oasis ships. I know the other ships are cheaper-but ? Wondering if this price will continue? We have done interiors to save money before-but these are pricey also now. Just sort of bummed.

I was on the same cruise. I am a member of the facebook May 1st cruise group AT LEAST 40 cruisers tested positive AFTER this cruise-myself included! I only had a scratchy throat and would not have thought to even test myself-till I read how many people had posted they were positive- I was actually 5 rooms down from another positive cruiser.. I was positive on Tuesday after I got off the ship on Sunday. I almost think cruisers should test themselves at home just to be sure. I did feel like the ship was too crowded- the windjammer was only open on one side for dinner and it was crazy in there! I did notify RCL and got a "Hope you feel better soon " reply back .LOL 

I just bought one for the cruise- I had 2nd thoughts once I got it though. I ended up leaving it at home- didn't want the hassle/worry about it. On amazon it does say-extension cord in description.

Well one worry is over-negative COVID tests- it was a little pricey-but worth it to do the EMED test. Everything is printed and on the phone ,too. Now if we survive Indy speedway-I-95 crazy drivers-should be good.  

Glad to know I'm not alone! We have so many accidents on I-95 in South Georgia that backs up traffic /closes interstate. We have insurance to cover the trip so it isn't about the money. I have found that I worry more about "what if's " as I have gotten older. Once we get checked in I am fine. It has been 3 years-so we are both ready! Happy 32 year anniversary cruise-30th was cancelled when cruises stopped.

Am I the only one? I am always a little nervous till I get in the terminal and am sitting down waiting to get on the ship! I worry about traffic and car trouble to the port-but we go down the day before because of this. I worry till I get checked in and every thing is a go. This is our first cruise since COVID- so now I get to worry about the COVID test. We are doing the EMED test this Friday, cruise on Sunday. I know it is STUPID - but?

I'm so sorry for your losses- I can not even imagine your pain. Enjoy your cruise. I had right knee surgery and understand the knee flex part of flying- I make sure to get the isle seat on the left side of the plane. I am able to put my right leg out at times so it doesn't hurt as much. It really helps- I will also pay for comfort class if it is not super expensive. 

You can look up the bars on the Royal APP and it shows the prices of glass/bottle 

wine available. Vintages has the most since it is the wine bar.

I was sort of disappointed in "the experience." Seems like a lot of cruisers had raved about it-so we tried it since we had the 3 night special deal on Harmony. We went with what the waiter suggested. Nothing really stood out and tasted that good to us. I agree with the other review-was kind of nauseated by the food, smells and appearance of it all. My husband said Never Again! I think I took some Tums and Sprite later that evening!

20 hours ago, jljlinda said:

Jerry & Linda from West Virginia - 58th anniversary on May 3;  Maybe we will see you on board!!

WOW-58 years! That is awesome! Happy Anniversary-hope to see you.

THANKS- think we will go with 150!

Will be our Anniversary (32) on Harmony May 4th. We have done Chops, Jamie, Sabor and Wonderland before. Want to try something new-but we could Chops and 150 Central Park BOTH on the whole cruise for cheaper than the 1 Chef's Table dinner. Which would you recommend- also- my husband does NOT drink wine at all. Thanks. Melinda

Thanks- we have always been one of those cruisers that gets to the port early and on the ship as soon as we can kind of people. It's been 3 long years due to pandemic , job changes ; health issues and deaths of both our mothers since my husband and I have been able to go on a cruise,  32 year Anniversary cruise for us in May on Harmony-one of my favorite ships!

Does anyone know what time one can do their check in- at 1201 EST- or more like 800 or later on that date?

I have cruised Oasis ships { Oasis and Harmony} before- my Favorite type BTW- and I am used to booking ahead on my computer. How do I do it when I get on Harmony on May 1st? On the app-or do I go to a certain place to reserve? Or to each venue? If I don't reserve on the first day-can I do it later? I have seen the ice show-so not sure if I want to see it again- Thanks

Yes- please- I would like to know also. Which food plan did you prefer?

Surprised they can open the casino while in port! Are the ships shops open also?

This will be our first time leaving Nassau at 12 Midnight on Harmony on May 10th. My husband likes to play poker in the casino every night. Will it open when we get to international waters that late at night? Thanks.

We were there the end of January- they use hard plastic cups-different colors-royal blue-yellow-orange. Price was the same for refills. Sorry-do not remember exact price-? 14.99 -maybe 15.99 USD. It was a really large drink- so I thought it was fairly reasonable.

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