pasodancer

At both Rite-Aid & CVS (VA) testing is free.  A poster above stated that testing is free in FL.  You may not have any out of pocket expense for the pre-embarkation COVID testing depending upon where you are located.  I would check around to see what major chain pharmacies in your area charge, if anything.  

I can relate!   Wishing you an amazing cruise!

4 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

I think they call those the "Captain's Call" but whatever they call it, it is delicious.

YES!!!!!    And I learned that always give them at least 10 minutes to make the drink - think they (attendant) needed some coffee themselves!

The Windjammer has a bar - they have specialty (aka liquor added) coffee drinks there - I know there is an Irish Coffee and an amazing coffee w/ whatever liquor, whipped cream, & white chocolate shavings.  That is always a daily stop for me after breakfast (w/ mimosa's).  

Just now, not-enough-cruising said:

Myself and wife have tested at CVS in Dallas multiple times the last 3 months. Never cost a cent 

I like that COST!  TY!

Does anyone have an idea how much the tests cost (assuming that my insurance will not cover it - which it probably won't because it is for travel)?

4 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

You’re welcome.  BTW, I’m learning paso doble and like your screen name.

Paso has been my "solo" dance for years --- do it in all showcases and theatrical performances.  Absolutely love it!  Good luck with your lessons - so much fun!

I just saw that Norwegian has partnered w/ CVS pharmacies for pre-cruise testing.  Wish that RCI made it that easy! 

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!   

I'm confused and want to get it right - I know that we need the COVID test (PCR or antigen) no more than 3 days prior to arriving at the terminal. I am sailing on Saturday Oct 2nd (Symphony 7 night).  I've read that the day you get the test is day "zero".   

Do I get the test on Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday prior to sailing?  

Would you recommend the PCR or antigen test?  

Thank you so much for your help.....

36 minutes ago, exm said:

 

Doubtful. Ships sail at limited capacity, so also limited amount of kids. I will sail on the 8/21 Adventure, sol I can share my experiences.

Thank you SO MUCH - limited capacity totally slipped my mind.  I have so much anxiety getting ready for this cruise - all adults are vaccinated, but the grandkids aren't because of their age.

We are a very laid back couple - and I truly loved  going SC and really enjoyed our Genie.  It was the little things - making sure we had our choice of specialty restaurants at the times we wanted and the best seats in the restaurant, seating for the shows were reserved and drinks waiting for us, constantly checking to make sure we were having a fabulous vacation.  He seemed to have a GPS to track us down on ship to check in with us....truly an amazing experience.

We called for our October sailing...we were told that we couldn't make any advance reservations for the kids club but had to sign up once we were onboard.  Also told there would be limited hours available.  If that holds true in October - it will be a mad run to the kids club once we board.   

Regardless of where we port - will be very thankful we can all be together once again.  Will be interesting to see as we get closer to sail date which ports we will be visiting.  We expect the unexpected as the cruise lines try to get reestablished.  

4 minutes ago, Ozark_Kid said:

We our on the Symphony Oct 2 and was notified of the change. They said the following was the reason.  

the Port of Antigua has advised they are not equipped with gangways to accommodate our ship and unfortunately, we’ll no longer be able to visit Antigua.

WOW - did not know that.    Such a bummer.

Hopefully they will open up excursions for St Marten soon.

Sailing - Oct 2d Symphony

We booked this cruise 18 months ago.  Chose it specifically because all of us wanted to go to Antigua. Yesterday, days after final payment, Antigua was changed to St. Martin (been there way too many times).  Of course, we (large family reunion), have airline and pre-cruise hotels booked, not to mention time off from work.   I figured they probably changed from Antiqua because of pandemic issues.  Yes, I know the cruise line has the right to change ports.

I realize the answer is "probably not", but do you think it may be possible that St. Martin is changed back to Antigua?

ALSO, was totally amazed at how many "available cabins" popped up for this sailing yesterday - appears that the "reduced capacity" has been upped because right before final payment only a few interior cabins were available.  Now, everything is available.

Oct 2d Symphony is now open

GO FOR IT (if you can afford it).  We did a Royal Suite for a special anniversary - of all the cruises we took - that one was most memorable and luxurious.  BUT, that trip spoiled us for future cruises.  Wish we could afford to have that level suite again.

21 hours ago, George C said:

We always stay next door at the cheaper doubletree but location is tuff to beat they have balconies overlooking the pier and lots of restaurants and ships and bars in the lobby, no need to go anywhere for dinner or drinks , also live music.

I just checked prices at the Doubletree for the dates we are traveling - they are higher than what we are paying at the Marriott.  Pretax/fees at Doubletree $303/night - Marriott $289/night.  Marriott rate includes the drinks, breakfast & credit for transfer to the port.   

Question - our large family traveling party has 1 child (age 4).  All adults are fully vaccinated but the little guy isn't.  Would that mean we would be restricted to only eating in the "unvaccinated dining area" with him, and all of our activities would be limited also?  

21 hours ago, George C said:

We always stay next door at the cheaper doubletree but location is tuff to beat they have balconies overlooking the pier and lots of restaurants and ships and bars in the lobby, no need to go anywhere for dinner or drinks , also live music.

Thank you for the heads up about the DoubleTree --- may need to check them out on a future cruise!

Pre-Cruise Package:  

• - Breakfast for 2 each morning
• - 2 Welcome cocktails upon arrival
• - Transportation for 2 to the Port of Miami. A credit of 10 dollars will be issued at check in to compensate for the transportation to the Port

Not sure if they are going to give each person $10 credit to compensate for transportation to the port or just per room.  As there are 6 of us traveling together - hoping it is $10/person.  

If you have a room booked at this specific hotel - you may want to go in and see if there is a rate drop.  I checked our rooms (multiple) and saw that the same category (pre-cruise package King Room) dropped significantly for me.  Original rate I booked in December 2020 was $370/night/room (w/ taxes), new rate is $326/night/room.   

Hope this post helps someone save a couple $.

It will be 333 days prior to the day you want it - you can always call customer service and ask when they will be taking reservations for the dates you desire.

Just paid $599 for Thrill Park Cabana (Oct 2 sailing on Symphony)...for up to 6 people (there are 6 of us going together on the cruise).  Admission to Thrill Park (without a cabana is $79/pp for our sailing).  T