kmcg8r

Hello all - we leave out of Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday on Allure of the Seas and have the 2pm boarding time. Our unvaxxed kids will have to get covid tested at the port. Everything I’ve read says it’ll take about 45 min. Does this mean we can arrive around 1:15 and start the testing process then? Since then we would board in our window. We’ve been out of Port Canaveral since covid and this was our experience but not familiar with Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks!

Thank you! We board Harmony very soon and reading this (though we are in the Caribbean vs. Europe!) was so helpful. 
 

I don’t know how to tag it in the reply, but you had a photo where you both were standing on a clear deck that looked down below. Probably in the front or back of the ship. Where was this? You could see the ocean beneath you I think?

Agree with the others - loved your writing and commentary and so sorry your husband was sick for a portion of it! 

We are in a similar boat. I plan on signing the kids up for the cvs test for Friday (departing Sunday 11/28). We will do the at home test. As a backup I will schedule Saturday rapid appointments at our urgent care. My kids are 3 and 5. 

On 10/23/2021 at 6:21 PM, knope2022 said:

Thank you all! 

 

Looks like we can stay in hotels which I think will be a huge win for us. Just need space to stretch between the long stretches.

 

I got a call back from royal saying we can drop any box that's addressed at guest services and they'll mail it, so that seems like a win. I think I may still research local backup options just in case though.

 

Apparently they've also gotten enough requests about schooling that they're meeting this week to discuss how kids will experience the trip + school on the boat. So I'm hopeful now we won't be the only ones on the boat.

 

They also did confirm no babysitting. I am hopeful some people missing their grandkids will be nice enough and we'll trust them enough to beg them to watch the kids once in a while. Fingers crossed, lol.

 

We are at the point now where we are sold on it and about to see what agents can help with the best OBC to blunt the costs of all the excursions. 

 

Thank you all so much!

Thank you for your comments! We can’t swing it financially (or rather don’t think we should!) but it crossed our minds momentarily. That is the best schooling for the kids! What an experience. Our kids would be 5 and 7 at that time and wow- what an amazing experience. Good luck in your planning!

For people on that sailing, what happened? We were about to book it as our friends are on that one. 

6 hours ago, jacobtsf said:

On Allure last week you got 12 hours of time throughout the week to assign when you boarded. After everyone had a chance to get times that first day you could book more. 

Do you know if it filled up? Like did they open up the chance to book more?

21 hours ago, Sianli said:

Yep. Just sailed on Allure last week and it was $1.99 per day to chat.

And you did not have to have the Internet package for this? You just texted each other thru the app?

Also curious about Adventure Ocean if you have any way of finding out. If reservations are required (assume they still are), what are the time slots, how many slots can you reserve, are they filling up. Will have 3 and 4 yr old on 9/5 sailing. Thank you and have a great time!

On 8/16/2021 at 2:41 PM, mac_tlc said:

We are Star Class. There is a separate podium just to the right of the terminal door. Star Class checks in there, they then escort you in to the wellness check, then to the testing area if you have people needing a test, then upstairs to check in, then on-board. Genies don’t come to the terminal. 
 

Bags delivered to cabin and were there before we were, but we had two kids needing tests so had to wait for results.
 

mac_tlc

With your kids needing tests, how long from the moment when you walked in the doors from parking until you were on the ship?

it is the nose test I assume? The shorter nose one or the deeper one? I had to take my 4 yr old today to get a negative test to return to school and she had to do both types and I tried warning her that she has to do it 4 more times coming up soon! 

Thank you!

Hoping to understand how long it takes to board from the start of your boarding time including tests? Our boarding time isn’t until 3:30 but from the compass, I saw adventure open reservations closes at 4pm on day 1 😞

We will try to go in early but I also understand they’re really sticking to the time. Any advice?

I am also curious about your question about the 5 night package... We are booked for 12 nights out of Sydney on Radiance. They have Chops, Giovanni's Table, Samba Grill, and Izumi, If we chose 5 nights, what would be the 5th? And if we didn't want to try one of the options, can we switch it out?

Hi!

Maybe a silly question but can't find the answer. I am traveling on the radiance of the seas out of Sydney in January. I have been on the ship once before out of the USA but was not sure if they change the plugs in the rooms to be Australian outlets… I am curious if my US appliances will work or if I will need my adapter. I will have my adapter either way but it will just make a difference with how many I might need. Also silly question but curious what currency is accepted in the casino… are the prices for alcoholic drinks, etc. in US dollars or Australian dollars? Thank you!

We are going to Cozumel in 3 weeks and are a large group (24) of varying ages (kids 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16), and adults 30s and 40s. We are torn between Playa Mia and Paradise Beach. Like the " a la carte" idea with Paradise Beach but worried it doesn't have as many activities for the younger ones (3-5). Any recent visitors that can chime in? Thanks in advance!

Hello,

In November we will have 25 people arrive on Cozumel on Explorer of the Seas. My parents are taking their 4 daughters, the husbands and all the grandchildren on a cruise over Thanksgiving. So my parents are the oldest (65) with the youngest kids being 3 years old. We are trying to figure out what to do because everyone's needs are a little different but would be nice to all meet up at some point. I've done a lot of reading but still haven't found what we think to be the perfect solution so just want to pose the question to the group...

Ages - variety - 1 family with twin 3 yr olds, 5 yr old, 10 yr old and 16 yr old. 1 family with 16/14 yr olds. 1 family with 12/15 yr olds and 1 family with 10, 8 and 4 year old. Along with my parents with a dad who has walking problems.

We have thought about Paradise Island - been there before and enjoyed it. The kids would have a blast with all of the water inflatables. And is relaxing for the adults. And it's affordable and easy to get to via taxi (which is what we were thinking of doing)

However two of the families with older children (13-16) are thinking of doing a snorkeling trip while in Cozumel since it's so much better than the Bahamas. So then we were looking at Playa Mia since that could overlap with the others being there. Playa Mia has some snorkeling excursions but includes beach time there as well... Are the water toys at Playa Mia as good as Paradise Island? I know the pricing admission is different than Paradise Island - just trying to figure out which is better than the other. If we could try to overlap and see one another while on Cozumel, that is ideal. But if we can't find something perfect, then everyone can fend for themselves I guess. Particularly the family with 5 kids (the youngest kids) - they don't have a lot of $$ for excursions as it is, so cheaper for them is better.

Thoughts? Thank you in advance!