goofysmom99

Chef's Table available online.

The link takes you to a site which provides proctors who watch you use your government-provided tests. Results are emailed. Same thing E-Med does. https://rapidtestandtrace.com/product/observed-test-for-travel/

I no longer book suites. 🚫🛁 😉 Access to the shoreside zenith concierge is the benefit I appreciate most (and laundry). I've recently received a succession of "yes" answers to requests I know would not have gotten off the ground at all through usual channels. My TA, also a zenith, has been equally impressed/astounded during our 3-way calls.

Flavored sparling waters (i.e., LaCroix, AHA, Bubly) are not available. I always bring along a few boxes in a zip up shopping bag if I drive to the port. Even when overseas, I try to get to a store to buy some to have at boarding. Put a luggage tag on it and it shows up in the cabin. The bag goes home either loaded with dirty clothes or in the bottom of my suitcase. Before using the bag, I used tape to hold the boxes together and make a handle; porters would put a tag on that, too. Have never seen spiked seltzers either but never asked.

Royal Suite.

I did go on Equinox in August. It wasn't advertised. Upon embarkation, I asked a maitre d' to please include me, if held. It was held in the private room in Murano. On Summit, it was held in the back of Tuscan. On Equinox the apricot souffle was prepared properly, gluten-free (only egg-whites to hold it together). On Summit, they included wheat in its preparation. They've never been able to prepare a souffle for me on M-class, but that's how they're all prepared in Murano. Must be the ovens on S-class vs M-class. Don't know about E-class. LuAnn, Veuve Clicquot dinners have been around at least since Edge's inaugural. They're $200+ per person. You have to ask, in person, as a rule. It did appear later on the app on one or more of my Nov/Dec Summit cruises, as I recall. Don't remember if it was clickable, though.

Final payment is in 13 days for B2B from Italy. I hadn't been terribly concerned about onboard testing since US eliminated testing requirement to return home. However, since Italian Minister of Health seems to have reinstituted quarantining this past week, I'm now experiencing serious angst. I don't fear getting sick, however I am anxious re quarantining solo somewhere in Italy. If I were to test positive, I assume X would have to inform immigration. Then would that mean I get off and quarantine, or will it be the reverse of Bananavana's Eastbound TA saga where she couldn't get off (meaning I take the TA home and quarantine onboard)? Does Italy have a no-fly list? Seriously. I don't want to have to take a train to Spain to stay mainly on a plane, or something equally absurd. I have drilled down on every roll call, forum and govt release I can find. Arghh! I want to go, but not sure what direction I should be looking for contingency planning. BTW, doubt anyone has answers yet. I'm just venting. Thirteen days isn't much time.

When I had several B2B testings, they were held in conference rooms, same place they did the crew testing.

Rather than the Daniel Boulud Chef's Table, my suggestion would be to book the Veuve Clicquot champagne dinner instead. It costs more but is a much finer dinner. It can't be prebooked but I always hot-foot it to a maitre d' or Cellar Masters very first thing upon boarding to be put onto the list. It's the one thing I book every cruise. Veuve Clicquot controls the menu, not Boulud. The pairings, the glassware, the presentation, are all many steps up from Chef's Table.

They're still having the Captain's Club gathering where they announce the top cruiser. Those are always in the daily. I would imagine all roll call participants are Captain's Club members so, for the time being, you could remind your roll call to be sure to go.

OK, I see the Captain's Club discounts for Spa and I'm familiar with massages and facials, but I'm not sure what else the term Spa encompasses. Is a pedi included? Hair? I think the last time I had a salon visit aboard a ship was 2014. This year I'll be away from home for about two months and will be needing repairs. Thanks.

I just requested quotes from both companies for a one-way rental for 24 nights from Ravenna Italy to Tampa. Within the quote there is $250 ($10/day) for insurance which seems to be a pretty sizeable chunk (35%) of the total figure. Your thoughts?

Heck, I'm eligible to board with suites, sit in the reserved seating at the shows, and do receive lots of swell extra perks. Do I use them? Mostly no. The flowers are nice. I choose standard balcony cabins or above based on location, size of balcony, and always price. Never book suites anymore due to bathtub issues. And most crewmembers address me by name (they have pictures of us - think WW2 plane spotters). When I was booking suites after the restart, I went to the Retreat maybe twice in seven cruises (Summit). Didn't make me feel extra special. I just love cruising in any cabin = having someone cook and bring me food, wash the dishes, and clean my room! It makes me happy just thinking of that, especially right this minute since I need to go find something to nuke for supper. Sigh.