Crusin till Im Dead

Klfrodo,

Thanks -- exactly what I wanted to find out...
I too called my company, UHC... and was told they would cover an Emergency; but I lack solid evidence, and the person wasn't 100% convincing.
So, I've checked with Tripinsurancestore and got a quote for their Annual plan; as well as Allianz Travel, and Sqauremouth.

I've never bought extra coverage, but feel for peace of mind, worth it.

Thanks

PirateWife & SimplyAlbert,

Any recommended companies to buy Travel Insurance through?  I know, buyer (me) do my own research, and I will)...  
My wife and I are both on AARP/UHC and I did call and ask the questions, and was told Yes, I would be covered for an emergency.  However, I am apprehensive about how well it would work.
AND
Second question -- As a Cruiser, do you only buy 'A' Policy for One Trip?  Or is it perhaps benificial to buy an Annual plan... that would cover multiple trips ?  Seems as if the cost for the Annual plan is less than double of the individual plan.  Does that sound right?

Kirk

Enlighten me.... what's the Magic Carpet?  And why might it cause interference ?

Kirk

4 minutes ago, Oxo said:

We just got off of the Edge. Fantastic, no mask while on ship. Only about 900 guests. No lines anywhere. No chair hogs. Could not believe the lack of people in all venues.

Oxo,

Where to, what ports?  Was the ship welcomed in port?  7 Day?  would you please share, as that is what I'd like to know....  how was dining, Ocean View & Main dining room?  The shows?
And wondering.... was 900 guests due to apprehension of the Cruising public?  i.e. we aren't booking yet;
Or was it by design to limit capacity as we move towards normalcy?

14 minutes ago, Oxo said:

Seriously, why don't we all accept someone else's opinion if it is describing how they feel about their experience?

Is this forum becoming divided like the political parties of today?

It is easy to find fault with things you don't agree with. 

People make suggestions and ask for opinions. Instead of trying to provide value added,  people immediately disagree with the suggestion. 

Then you have those that  try to control the boards. 

Why not make this more positive and try to understand we are all here to try to help each other with answers rather than criticism.

Remember, we are all interested in cruising, beating C19 and may meet on a future cruise.

Stay safe and happy cruising!

Oxo,

I fully Agreed... thanks for the smack 'upside the head' back to reality. 
We all share many commonalities -- for example we all like Cruising!  And as I ended my last post, I too will most likely book another cruise on Celebrity, before any other one... I simply like the feel of being on Celebrity, and can't wait to go.  Recently retired, I was hoping for 2-4 cruises per year... thus far, ZERO.

And yes for Celebrity to be there for me, they have to be profitable to survive.  Yet I'll look for the best price possible.

9 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

Not exactly correct.  Celebrity still has to pay for the connection from the ship, via Satellite, back to shore and the bandwidth to support a thousand or two customers is not exactly cheap. 

 

Yea, I know there are equipment expenses, and for a ship, with all of the Access Points and Satellite AP, they are considerable. But I believe prices for Internet access are out of control -- rough numbers: A Seven day probably generates $70,000 for Celebrity.  ($10 /day, times 1,000 passengers that sign up for access).  I would think the equipment, even high dollar stuff, could be bought and fully paid for rather quickly at $70k / week.  And if more sign up, and the rate is higher than $10.... it would be more income.

People, people....
I can visualize both sides of this discussion, as I'm 'only' Elite.

I can remember my first "Elite" cruise and finding it pretty cool to see the list of the 'freebies'...  90 minutes of Internet per person; the bag of laundry; Free play in the Casino (that no one ever wins); Wine discounts; Drink BOGO; and many more that I can't even remember.  But it was a page full of coupons. But by far the most valuable to my wife and I, was the Elite Lounge.  Allowing us a place to meet like minded cruisers, while enjoying a few beverages.  Over the years, this has varied widely.  Some sailings, barely a nook to meet; some sailings it felt non-existent and we had those three drink coupons (now added to your card); but Panama Canal (2012) on the Millennium, we had the entire Sky Lounge and it was Wonderful with 300+ people every night!

Those days, we used the Internet minutes sparingly, and the 90 minutes worked (we made it work).
Didn't need a drink package due to the above CC Elite Lounge....

But what I find a bit comical in this thread, is all the talk of the bag(s) of Laundry.  While I can understand the convenience and need for clean clothes, I never used it, not even on 15 day Panama Canal sailings.... But look closer -- What would a Bag of Laundry cost Celebrity? probably less than $20 ?  and yet everyone is asking do I get Two bags, or One?  Really, in the scope of a Cruise, flights, etc., $20 free laundry is not much more than the tip you might leave in a Specialty Restaurant.
And WiFi... once the equipment is in place, it's got to be a Cash Cow for Celebrity...
So I agree it's time to start comparing.... I saw the new Virgin Voyages pricing is per CABIN; and look closer there too.  Wifi - included; Specialty Restaurants - included; Drinks - included.

So, will I cruise with Celebrity again?  Probably because as many have said, being on Celebrity just feels good.  Am I disappointed the benefits are shrinking, you bet!
I'm more worried about Covid protocols, and how many ports will accept us; as 2 or 3 ships in port can overrun many ports... so nothing booked with any line... yet

2 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Do you have a Medicare supplement?  EM

11 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

Medicare alone does not cover foreign medical expenses, but some of the Medicare supplement plans do (like Plan G).  Be careful, though, as they have lifetime maximums. 

Thanks to all, I know this was a topic diversion, but appreciate the 'Heads Up'.
Yes, I have United Healthcare, but signed up for it without checking the Travel aspects, as Cruising was out of the question (..waaaay back in Dec/Jan).
 

I'm still gun-shy of booking, as I want too much?
a) 100% vaccinated cruise
b) Leave my buffet alone... (I'm flexible, if they want to serve me, fine)
c)  Can I simply get off the ship in port, to do as I please?
d)  Are the ports / Islands safe (from Covid-19) for me to do my own thing?
e)  What are the vaccination rates of the ports/Islands?  Are they ready for 3,000 visitors? or 6,000, etc.
f) And oh, I think prices are too high... but as another poster mentioned, until the FCC are used up, prices may remain artificially high?

I wanna go, I really, really do (kids voice) but I'm not ready yet...
And side note, my Bank of America Cruise points are gonna slowly start to fall off....

Kirk

On 7/23/2021 at 9:52 AM, kearney said:

I saw an article in Forbes about best covid travel policies which led me to Smartmouth.com. It is similar to insuremytrip.com... 

23 hours ago, TeeRick said:

I have purchased my last several trip insurance policies using Squaremouth.  Good place to compare and purchase.

To clear this up, the correct site is Squaremouth.com (not smartmouth)
Travel Insurance - Compare the Best Quotes & Buy Online (squaremouth.com)

I too worry for future cruises, and feel Insurance is now semi-required...  I'm asking a question here -- As I was employed, my Work Health insurance covered me (at least I thought so) when I cruised; but now I'm retired and on Medicare... I am pretty sure Medicare covers nothing outside of the US; is this correct?  Therefore, I'll need some form of Travel/Health insurance coverage for any future travels?

Kirk

Ok,
I've read this entire thread, and found it very interesting.
I agree with comments and removal... but I want to take this thread on a different tangent.

Per my Signature, I've cruised enough to know what I'm doing -- yet I'm not sure I feel comfortable cruising just yet.  Too many un-answered question, IMO.

Ships we hear about are sailing at 40% (+/-) of capacity. Have any sailed at full capacity?
Are all ports allowing passengers to get off, even if NOT on a Ships tour?  What's open at the Ports?  I doubt most Islands (Caribbean) have similar access to vaccinations, therefore many business may be closed or operating with different rules; what are the vaccination rates for the Ports?

I vaccinated as soon as I was eligible (ran there, quickly), and have enjoyed the new 'freedom' of no mask for vaccinated people..... but where might masks be required to cruise?  Common, public areas?

In my city / county, it is reported the vaccination rate is roughly 50%.  Which means while out and about, shopping, etc.... I ought to see 50% (the non-vaccinated) wearing masks as they venture out.  Not the case... lucky if you see 10% wearing masks. Does this mean all the non-vaccinated people aren't out shopping?  or more likely, flat out lying..... and making the decision to not wear a mask, when they should?

I think All ships should be allowed to be 100% Vaccinated passengers (and crew), so it can be safer for all.... ok, stepping off my soap box now...

Kirk

3 minutes ago, Cigar King said:

A related question.  I usually cash the points in for a free cruise, as that seems like the best value per point.  Am I missing something?

Me too, as I agree... a Free Seven Day is by fair the Best Value, so my points sit long enough to reach 125k; which is why I have some nearing the Five year expiration

1 hour ago, CSHS1979 said:

Yep, I lost a ton. 10,000 this month alone.😓

 

Ouch....
This is why I wish Royal Caribbean would be Pro-Active, as us BOA card holders are devoted Royal customers; and the should have / could have extended the expiration dates; bump everything out one year, or something similar.  Ships didn't sail, you couldn't book anything, etc.
And I'm leery to book and use points towards a future cruise, when I'm not sure when I'll sail again.  The news talks about the recent sailings, but gives no overview as to what ports, were they allowed free rein at each port?  Or Ship based tours only?  Were they even allowed to dock?  What islands? 
Just gives me a bit of sour-taste towards the whole thing.

 

21 minutes ago, GJustice said:

The current plan says FIVE years, and that matches up with my records. 

My Bad.... should have looked it up before posting.
However, as I mentioned I've used them quite often, but earned them faster than I spent them.  Therefore I'm sitting on 100k points, with some due to expire early 2022.  Right now I'm unsure if I'll be cruising by then.

So, I must say I was disappointed in Royal Caribbean's answer, and how flippant they answered.  No listening to my thoughts, No reasoning, etc.... just a 'matter of fact' No, they will not be extending the expiration dates.... Is this Wrong?

Kirk

Wondering if anyone else has this issue and if anything was resolved?
I've had a BOA Royal Caribbean CC for years, to accumulate Royal Caribbean points.  Typical expiration is Seven years from date earned (money spent).  I've accumulated points and used them many times. Free Cruises, and OBC many times.

So my question / issue is as follows -- since Cruises were stopped, I feel that they (Royal Caribbean) ought to extend the Expiration Date of accrued points.
I called BOA and they said to contact Royal. Royal Caribbean was 'short' with me, and instantly said NO, there would be no change to the Expiration dates...
Anyone else have BOA points about to expire?

Kirk

Wow, Wow, wow....

Not sure what to say, but I feel as if "I'm sorry" might be in order?  Sort of kidding, sort of not.  
A few weeks ago, I listed what are we are doing, since we aren't sailing on various oceans throughout the World.... but my list sure sparked an interesting, in depth discussion -- which was contributed by cruisemom42 when she added "Organizing your digital photos from cruises and vacations..."
So that took our thread WAY off track (not a complaint, almost an appreciation), with so many sharing whether to keep or toss old family photos.  Funny.... I'd read one post, suggesting if I barely want them, no way in hell, would my kids... so I was about to toss them and clean up.
Then the next post about memories... dementia...  whooo, what detour did we take?
I must say, the pictures I have have no value to me; but reading some other posts (house burned down, fading memories as we age, onset dementia, and just good old fashioned Memory Lane.  I found many of the posts enlightening, sad, inspiring and more; so I'm stuck.  Still nothing has been tossed.  I did inquire about scanning them all.... but I know No One would ever see them again... 'cause when I die, no way are my kids gonna look through my hard drive... oh, here are the pictures.... nope, format the hard drive and I've got a new computer, is way more likely. I'm 'only 65', so it better be quite a few years away....🤪

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for all the great thoughts, input, and forward thinking ideas.  It's been an interesting discussion.... and I wanna sit and have a few drinks with everyone... can't we be on a ship Now?  Even though I was late to this Board, I feel as if there are some friends here.
I'm tired of waiting; and I have some FCC that may die on the vine, unused...   
Oh, for now, the Pictures remain.
Just trying to say thanks for the discussion, distraction.. and more.  I for one, have enjoyed it.

Kirk
 

After my father passed (2012) I found myself left with two boxes (copier paper size) of old photos...
I've sorted and re-sorted, I know who maybe 1/4 of them are.  Some go back 2 or 4 generations, or more.  I barely can place a value on them.... my kids barely want any current pictures, let alone anything older of people they never met, never knew, never heard of, etc;
So I feel as if I don't throw them out, my kids will most likely toss them without even looking.

Using ancestry stuff, I've scanned some, trying to match names to pictures... but there are simply too many, and the task is daunting.... i.e. will never get done?  Even doing that, just adds them to my HD, which unlikely they would ever be found there either....  So it feels as if it's a waste of time.  Yet I can't throw them out (yet).

I agree, posting here is friendly...

Kirk

Yep,

Not only are we this bored, I just saw that Canada is preventing all cruise ships till 2022!
There goes the 2021 Alaska cruising season.... wonder if this might trickle to other regions of the world?

Kirk

3 hours ago, ldubs said:

Then why is it I still don't have time to do all the things I want to and still can do!   😀

 

Simple -- we have too many distractions. or is it just me?

• Browsing Cruise Critic
• Organizing your sock drawer
• Checking to see if I can get a Covid-19 shot, yet.. .nope, still 70+ here
• Walking the dogs... yep, 22f today and I still walk!
• watching the news?  or Market?
• Looking at Celebrity's web site to see over-priced cruises.. that I don't want to go on
• oh wait - now it's nap time
• watching the snow fall?  (I'm in the mid-west)
• finding something to snack on, before dinner
• deciding where to order carry-out from
• Looking at Amazon, Offer-up, Craigslist

Before the cold weather hit, I did do plenty of outside yard work...landscaping, new fence, etc.

'nuff said!

Kirk

Have the Test Cruises even happened yet?   Results of ??

9 hours ago, Love.II.Cruise said:

But what about the cruise staff?  Will they be able to get vaccinated?  They are much younger. 

Hey,

I believe it has been mentioned before, but the Cruise Lines can mandate (require) their staff to be vaccinated..... and they (Cruise lines) will find a way to make it happen.
So, if I can get my shots; they've vaccinated all crew, it ought to be reasonably safe?

Next step is any ports of call....vaccinated?  allow us to port? safe for us, or require a re-test to board?

Kirk

On 1/17/2021 at 5:25 PM, sdnich said:

I have some  friends and family that think we are crazy to want to get back on a cruise ship We just booked two in the last couple weeks! But most of the people that think  we are crazy never liked and  some never tried but knew they would not like it .

sdnich,

Off the wall questions --
As I too want, desperately, to cruise again, I'm very leery, at least until I get my Covid shots.... so asking how did you determine that Sept 21 it would be safe to cruise again?
I've been browsing, searching, dreaming, fantasizing, etc about my next cruise and had my eye of the 10/27 Millennium... and saw in your signature that you've booked 9/21 on her....

Since Celebrity has suspended cruises through April 21.... aren't they to start with shorter itineraries, then advance to longer sailings.... yours is 10 days; my 10/27 is Panama Canal = 15 days...
And then add to the worry -- will the ports let us dock?  us to get off?

I've got way more questions, than answers.....

Kirk

28 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

With all of the potential cancellations by passengers, I will be looking for superb deals when I have not planned any sailings this year, yet ....

Bo1953,

I like your thinking. 
I've bought and sailed with some fantastic bargains;  However, like many, my wife is a bit too nervous for me to book anything.
My best deal ever, was $299 for a 7 day Caribbean, atrium cabin.

Kirk

Oh, and on to the Insurance.... I saw mention of using a Third Party Insurance.  Makes sense;
However, I've never used the Insurance, 23 cruises.... and perhaps should have?

I like the idea of Third Party insurance... but buying the Insurance through the cruise line...
They increase revenue, selling the Insurance... you have a claim;
The Insurance division settles with you, the consumer;  We're happy.
Cruise line resells the cabin and they're happy. 
So the only one on the hook here is the Insurance division of RCL.

I do find Cruise Insurance difficult to accept (sorry to any Insurance agents), in principal; and really is a way for the Cruise Industry to protect themselves, with us paying the policy.

Good points by all:
 

-- I checked, as I used my Royal Caribbean Visa CC to book it.... nothing there, except for Emergency Travel benefits.
-- Yep, I clicked "Book" willingly, as I've done quite a lot.  But this time, my wife broke her ankle.  Airline reviewed, has a medical exclusion clause; refunded 100%

--  Celebrity, within five minutes of my cancelation, had my cabin available. (fast)

--  Keeping some of my money, refunded some$$ , then resold the cabin.

--  Had the cabin remained Empty, unsold.... I would understand, not their fault, money is theirs.  Should I cancel next time, not tell a sole, and simply be a no show... let the Cabin remain empty.  I paid for it..... they lose, my alcohol, my tours, my Specialty dining, etc.  And, shouldn't I get my Captains points based on dollars... not whether or not my butt is in their cabin??

Once the cabin resells, they should Increase the amount refunded... perhaps less a fee?

My point is, why is this the Industry Standard?  Because we allow it....

ok, I want to take this discussion on a different tangent....

Why / How... does the Cruise Industry get away with this?  Referring to cancelled cruises, costing us, big dollars?  Without insurance.
In many cases, if you cancel, yes it is financially painful, as they withhold 25% / 50% .. depending on the time-frame before sailing.  Then they re-post your cabin as Available and re-sell it.  And if you initially bought it on sale; they now resell it for more money; PLUS get to keep your forfeited money... i.e. double selling the same cabin?
For example, any of the posters on this board; the penalty.... look at your sailing and you'll see your cabin available.  So Celebrity then gets your $1,000 + resells the cabin.  No wonder the Cruise Industry does so well.  The ships shows a profit before sailing, due to our cancelation fees.
I for one, think this is wrong....  The Airlines have done it for years; but we also know this as a $200 change / cancellation fee.  So for Two sailing, this could be a fee of $400.  Acceptable!
But 25% or more of your Cruise fare?  Not Acceptable!

Kirk