RoperDK

I was hoping for testing to go away for longer cruises. Bummer.  We are vaxed and boosted and going out of PC so no difference there for us.  Wonder why only a few ports allowing unvaxed?  Testing the waters?   

Yes, you can.  Lysol spray is our travel pal.  Also, take a "to go" pack of clorox wipes.  We've done that for years.    

We don't eat at Windjammer every day and will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner there at some point over a cruise.  I feel that newer ships have better choices and quality overall.  Breakfast is pretty standard.  I usually get an omelet and bacon 😁and am not disappointed.  I like that there are always steamed or sauteed veggie offerings at lunch and dinner.  I can't eat raw veggies anymore, so my beloved salad bar is out.  😔  My absolute favorite Windjammer offering is....mashed potatoes and gravy!  Go figure.  It is consistently good.  Odd thing is that I don't eat them very often at home.   

Hope you have a great cruise!  We are on Harmony in a couple of weeks.  I noticed that the free evening drinks go until 8.  I thought it ended at 7.  Can you still get a free drink if you are eating at CK before 8 or do you have to be sitting in the suite lounge portion of the room?  

1 hour ago, Bxc53 said:

Is this the 'new normal'? Hope not.

 

I think that most cruise lines are experiencing staffing shortages and supply issues post Covid.  I know Carnival has really pushed the envelope with only once a day cabin service and bartenders and service staff exhausted and overwhelmed.  One bartender at a busy bar just doesn't work. One guy making late night pizza with a long line doesn't work.  Changing MDR steak night to hamburger steak night doesn't work. My Royal cruises have been better, but we were in suites and there were still signs of things being off.  I feel that we are all willing to give a little, expecting that the cruise lines are just starting back up and there are numerous logistic issues to deal with.  However, my biggest fear is that things won't go back to normal and we will be expected to deal with these service issues and lesser quality food along with increased prices.  Carnival has been edging this way for several years.  They lost me as a customer.  I hope Royal steps back up when they have the opportunity. 

Oasis of The Seas in Oct. 2015.  Seven day Western cruise out of Port Canaveral.  We weren't new to cruising, our first cruise was in Oct. 1998.  We had cruised on several different lines in all different types of ship.  It wasn't our first mega ship either, but when we first boarded and walked into the Royal Promenade, all we could say was Wow!!!  It truly was a floating resort.  

I think that shorts and clean shirt along with sandals are quite acceptable nowadays.  It is what it is.  My husband has dressed down over time from dockers, polos and loafers to nice golf shorts, polos, and sneakers.  No problem so far, even though I would prefer long pants.  A grey goose cosmo is my go to drink and they are available at any bar.  Enjoy!

I'm in for this one.  I've followed you on Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal live reviews.  Haven't considered NCL since our Norway cruise way back in the day.  Perhaps you will change our mind.....  Looking forward to your experience!

I am sorry to hear about your wife's crohns condition.  I have autoimmune microscopic colitis and while it is not as severe are crohns, I have to plan for the worse while traveling.  I preemptively take my normal meds and emergency meds in case a flare happens.  In other words, my GI has me take meds as if in an active flare for a time before traveling and continues the course along with stepped up meds in case things escalate.  I then wean myself off after the trip.  It has worked for me.  Because your wife's condition is more complicated, I would reach out to Royal and tell them of your concerns.  It would be better to have the peace of mind that your wife will be properly accommodated.  Best of luck and enjoy your cruise!     

4 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

I have been a prime member for several years so I don't get charged the fee (waived for prime or higher members) but as I recall doing as a room charge on the slot machine does not incur the fee.    If you went to the casino cashier and handed them your card and asked for cash back then you are charged 5% fee.      Best to double check with them.      I usually bring my own cash as I set my gambling budget and if my cash envelope is empty them I am done (most of the time).    

Yes, this is correct.  No 5% fee if you charge your room for cash at a slot.  The 5% is charged for a cash advance at the cashier unless you are prime or above.  To ensure this slot charge privilege doesn't go away. Spin a few times at the slot before going to cash it out.  Other cruise lines have caught on to the cash out trick used by some to just get walking around money and not recycling it in the casino.

On 7/21/2022 at 2:51 PM, Tolkmit said:

 

I'm not sure where you heard they don't force you to quarantine onboard for any other illness, but that's completely wrong. Cruise lines have always forced passengers to quarantine if they believe you have certain communicable diseases, like norovirus.
 

On 7/21/2022 at 2:56 PM, smokeybandit said:

Yes, you're right. Norovirus, which is extremely contagious and very easy to swallow a ship. So that makes sense.

 

But for any airborne upper respiratory virus, not as much.

People can and have been quarantined for a confirmed flu diagnosis.  The difference with covid is they can move you to another lesser category cabin.  I am hoping that they will now allow you to quarantine in your assigned and paid for cabin.   

4 minutes ago, Air&Sea said:

We just booked the Allure to the Southern Caribbean for September. 

 

We chose the My Time Dinning and assume that we have to make the reservations when we board. You have given me the impression that the reservation times aren't that solid. Is that correct? 

 

Thanks in advance. 

Not on the Allure, but Odyssey to Southern Caribbean.  Also, on Mariner recently.  We were able to book the days and times we wanted to eat for My Time Dining on the app a few weeks before boarding.  Tried to book another night closer to boarding and my preferred time wasn't available, but the next time slot was. We eat later, 7:30ish, and just walked right up to the desk and were shown to our table. We did not eat in MDR on the first night or formal night though.   

So, I've decided to rent a scooter for my upcoming Harmony of the Seas cruise.  I am having hip replacement after the cruise and while I can walk, long distances with a cane are no fun.  I have a Grand Suite and only need the smaller scooter size and I've been told it will fit in the cabin door just fine.  I have a question about the functioning of the scooter.  Do the arms fold up?  Does the seat swivel?  If I have to maneuver out of the seat by contorting my hip then a wheelchair would be better for me.  How do you "mark" your scooter to easily see that it's yours when parked among other scooters.  Is one company better than another?  Lastly, can recent Port Canaveral terminal 1 renters confirm that I can pick up a scooter outside of the terminal for either company?  You can tell I'm a novice for sure.  TIA   

We are doing Chops lunch.  Sauteed mushrooms aren't on the menu as a side.  Do you think they would add them if we request it?

12 minutes ago, torpeedo said:

It is really easy.  When you reserve your scooter via their internet site you will receive your information and receipt.  Either Scootaround or Special Needs at sea, will send you a text or call the night before asking you when you will arrive and how you will arrive.  They may again email, text, or call you the morning of departure.  They will try to take the scooter to your mode of transportation when you are arriving at the port if you want them to.  Otherwise you will find them to the right of the terminal entrance.  Both of them have their scooters at the same place.  They will show you how to use it if you need instructions.  Then off you go into the terminal and the staff there will guide you to where you will do your x-rays of your carry on's etc.  Then there's an elevator that takes you up to the next level where you check in...again!   They are very good at directing you .  

We used Special Needs at Sea last time because they were much cheaper.  They include the insurance in the cost which I believe was $225.  We use the 3 wheel transportable scooter.  Go slow!  If you have a handicapped cabin that would be great or a JS or above is also good because you can get the scooter inside easily.  Always take your keys with you and put something in your basket that's notable.  That's so somebody doesn't take your scooter by mistake at dinner or elsewhere.  The keys fit all the scooters sooo. Oops can happen,
IF YOU ARE ON THE MARINER..it's a different terminal, terminal 5.  Basically the same instructions apply to that and the vendors know that the Mariner is at a different terminal.

Thanks so much!  We will be on the Harmony in a Grand Suite.  I only need their smallest scooter.  I read that it will fit in the regular size door.  How do you get through the cabin door by yourself?  I can get out of the scooter and open the door, but it closes automatically.  Also, as a new "driver" any hints on navigating the bridge walkway to get on the ship?    

On 6/29/2022 at 3:12 PM, torpeedo said:

If your wife is using a cane then maybe a walker wouldn't be enough support for her.  You might talk with her MD and see what he recommends.  We rent mobility scooters from Scootaround or special needs at sea.  You can compare prices and the service is the same. In Port Canaveral you pick up the mobility scooter outside the terminal.  Very convenient. 

Please tell me more about picking up the scooter outside the terminal at Port Canaveral.  I am having hip replacement following our cruise and can't walk long distances.  I thought the scooter would be in your stateroom.  Picking it up outside of the terminal would be great! Saves time in waiting for wheelchair assist at the port.   

I wonder if the requirement to move from your cabin to quarantine will go away?  That has been a worry of mine.  I like my balcony and fresh air!

Thanks for the help.  Check in was magically available, lol.

Today was our check in day.  I got my coffee and tried to check in at 5 AM.  The app continually says check in not available or that check in has checked out.  I've heard of this before, but never experienced it myself.  I force stopped the app.  I cleared cache.  I uninstalled and reinstalled.  Help, what else can I do? 

I did search the forum, but didn't get the answer I needed.  I am determined to cruise prior to a hip replacement.  I can walk, but long distances and prolonged standing really do me in.  I can rent a wheelchair or scooter to help me out.  I don't have a handicap cabin.  My husband can push the wheelchair for my longer travels.  I will use my cane for short distances.  I am a bit scared of a scooter.  Elevators and tight spaces with a lot of people make me break out in a cold sweat.  I have used wheelchair assistance to get on board and disembark before.  Can you fold and park your wheelchair or park your scooter outside of the casino or dining areas?  Has anyone had one stolen?  Any helpful hints would be appreciated.  FYI...we are on a Royal Caribbean Oasis class ship  and it is BIG.  

Oh my, so many memorable cruises.  Each was great in its own way.  I am older now and not as mobile.  I missed out on Australia, Tahiti, and the Mediterranean.  I am not sure that I will be able to be adventurous anymore. I love watching the sea roll by and am most happy while on a cruise.  If I had to pick my favorites, then these are the ones that I remember the most.

Alaska

Hawaii

Panama Canal    

So, I have to admit that I read the first and last page of this thread.  However, I feel that I understand the feelings that KmomChicago is expressing.  We have cruised on Carnival for over 20 years and have 25 cruises with Carnival under our belt.  In the last few years we have been disappointed in Carnival's product.  We don't like to dress to the nines and put on airs, but I do want good food and service.  Our only post covid cruise was on Mardi Gras and we have one more booked.  If it doesn't get better, we are done with Carnival.  We have cruised on Princess several times and it wasn't our cup of tea.  Food and service moderately better, but no fun.  It was boring to us.  I would try Celebrity, but we probably prefer to dress too casually and what the heck are we going to do all day?  Lounging and reading aren't our top priority.  We went back to Royal after our Mardi Gras experience and haven't looked back.  It is more expensive, but I feel the food and service quality is worth it.  Their loyalty tier and casino benefits are great and help bring the cruise prices in line.  We are not luxury cruise line folks, but have to admit that a European river cruise would be amazing.  Try another Oasis or Quantum class cruise and see how it compares.         

I have cruised shortly after leg surgery.  This is what we did.  Go to the windjammer early or late and sit close to the food stations.  DH knows what I like and brought me a plate.  Silverware tucked into a pants pocket.  He would then go get his plate.  By then, wait staff would stop by and I would tell them what we wanted to drink.  He would pick up dessert for both of us.  It really wasn't all that complicated.  Toting trays and carryalls might not be necessary.  Just sharing our experience.    

20 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I enjoyed the desserts on Odyssey.  One day they were making made to order cannolis, another day was crepes.

I totally missed that.  I love cake and the windjammer's versions weren't great to me.  A plus for Carnival is they have multiple types of cakes (5 to 7) that they slice for you at the lunch buffet and they are quite yummy.  The rest of the time they are just like Royal where everything looks good, but lacks flavor.  JMHO 

11 minutes ago, Ky Bill said:

Probably my last 60 cruises has been on RCCL.  I've been on many Carnival cruises including the Inaugural Cruise for the Sensation circa 1990.  Both lines have a lot to offer, IMHO.  There isn't much different in the food quality, quantity or food service between the two lines.  Staff is about the same with most being friendly and capable.  We started on RCCL and just seemed to be more of what we were looking for like sniffing corks and such!

Bill

Most of our cruises have been on Carnival.  Their 50% military discount was too good to pass up back in the day.  I felt the food quality and selection was great.  That has not been the case in the past 5 years or so.  They offer many great free fast food type options, but I miss the quality offered in the MDR and buffet.  While the staff tried very hard, they were overworked and service suffered.  I haven't given up on Carnival, but for now we are Royal cruisers.