sandy toes

To me, the $40 TA was not the big deal. The uploading of a test taken within 2 days of sailing, that gave you results the day before sailing, so the results could be uploaded the day before sailing...see all those hoops we had to jump through? The proctored tests were a fabulous find. (Thank you CC!) Why would anyone want to wait until they had their cruise ship tests results to send in the TA forms, risk a back log of processing time in Bermuda, and issues at the port is just beyond me, certainly not worth the $40/pp fee. But, always, each sailing I have seen or heard of someone refused boarding. I look forward to each cruise and think of that $40 like a visa that some countries demand. Same principle. You want in, you pay.

Your "card" has your table # on it and each table has the number clearly noted on a card on the table. Easy to find. If you have any issues, someone will assist you on the first evening or two. This is how it was for us even pre-Covid.

Easy with infuser. Just prefill in the cabin, and take dinner or buffet for use. I have always carried some of the smaller paper towels from home (tear to size) and empty into the towel after use, fold and dispose. I have been doing this for years now with no issues at all. I do carry the tea in a tin that is labeled, bringing 3 varieties. For me, I use my purse to carry my tea items. I have a nice small size Rubbermaid container that is the perfect size for my filled infuser. I think this size container was created for salad dressing in lunch bags. I have 3 of these and usually carry 2. Hope this helps.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Really appreciate you sending the link. I am sure I am not the only one wanting it. 😉 I was not aware of any of these. Did some research earlier and found that yes Royal , and yes even airlines use them. Packing them, realy safety, they will become the packed bag for under the seat. I did find out that you canNOT have them mailed to the hotel outside the US where you will be staying from the manufacturer BUT I will be "testing" how some test kits survive me mailing them to the Med. (I am bringing along a second set just in case, but if they travel well, it will be worth the experiment and save me the transporting by air hassles in the future). Again, my thanks.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Nomi is only in Ft Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami/Nebraska/Utah/ BYU Hawaii/ and Texas.

Hi Sailor, What service did you see the 15 min out availability? We leave in 2 weeks and I like this as a back up plan too. I have appointment for all of us made but if testing has a flare up in numbers(you just never know) then we are not guaranteed the turnaround time. We have the test timed for boarding the ship BUT we have a snag, Bermuda. They need their test results the day before we sail, and THAT is where our problem occurs. IF we cannot get our PCR test results back in time for Bermuda, having this back up plan will be wonderful. Please, share the proctoring company you checked out. Thanks!

My insurance very clearly says unless I am getting a test due to exposure or symptoms, it is not covered. So, if I would submit a claim, it would be a falsified claim AND that is why insurance rates are so high.

Have you looked at the recent roll calls? People frequently post live from ship and keep them going for a bit even once home. Lots of good specific to ship info can often be found right there.

Yes. It is a bit of confusion. Price match is that first 48 hours. The price drop is still in place. Used it on Monday. I have a cruise in 2 weeks and they gave me an on board credit. I am sailing with some family so that will be perfect. Have already planned for some extras while in Bermuda and then, again on Perfect Day and for a special dining package that I wasn't even planning to do. This was a huge surprise. I never thought there would be a drop this close to departure date. Now, the Cruise with confidence plan is separate, that was all set up because of Covid. It will be going away.

Vaccines will be here for this year and might extend into the 2nd or even 3rd quarter of next year. It will all depend upon the case numbers. Worldwide we do not yet have this "thing" contained. Just look at what is happening in North Korea with their inability to make their "we got this" plan work for them. It is not political. It is just what it is, still uncontained. I have/had friends and family that have not gotten vaccinated for one reason or another. I do try to understand that you have to do what you are doing, and completely understand your desire to return to what you enjoy, cruising. But for the industry, it is all about not having a repeat shut down.

Be cautious booking a cabin for more guests than you actually have booked in the cabin. Traveled with friends that had their cabin changed, so a family unit could have a cabin on ship, and they were moved to another cabin, in an area where they were not very happy. No OBC. Just moved. They were told it is the cruise lines right and it was in the fine print of the cruise contract.

May flowers go in all the cruise cabins so, people can have a bit of extra, when they enter their cabin for their June cruise.

Your signature is really perfect. Last cruise there was a couple that were just off the rails, complaining about EVERY thing. I have never heard so much unhappiness while on a fabulous cruise ship with lovely weather and calm seas. Some people are just never able to see the light in the room or else, are trying to get some OBC or even a FFC. Maybe, your signature should become a line in the cruise contract?

Oh I agree. The panoramics are really nice and for just $40/ea it is a steal. Enjoy the cruise.

I was hopeful too, but numbers are climbing again. Now, North Korea is presenting with their results of their flawed "we got this" plan. I think it will be a while before the world is ready to back off on all the requirements, as much as we want them gone, they look like they will be here a while longer.

WOW!Thanks for the USCG link. That view really made my stomach roll over. I have worked on the choppers before but , thank God, never basket lift into one.

Thanks for the info. Always enjoy knowing the mix for sailings in different month. I enjoy stats and even find myself figuring out something to "make mathy", as a middle schooler said to me, even on ship.