novicetraveller

On 7/26/2022 at 7:58 PM, the penguins said:

Private excursions depend on the supplier. We always useToursbylocals - their standard (free) conditions include: full refund if the ship doesn't dock, full cost of getting you to the next port if you miss the ship. We have used TBL in Europe, Japan, China, South America, the Gulf etc and have never had a bad guide. You book direct with the Guide, pay via TBL in Canada and the Guide only gets paid when they have successfully completed the tour.

Sorry for not replying sooner. My comment was purely based on taking out private Travel Insurance in general terms rather than insurance provided by private excursions operators.

As long as your travel insurance covers issues whilst on a Cruise Ship and is able to cover getting you back home for illnesses / medical incidents whilst on a Cruise Ship or accidental or deliberate abandonment by the Cruise Ship, issues whilst on land, you should be ok. Missed ports is generally covered by the Cruise Line, but doesn't cover private excursions if the port has been missed.

7 minutes ago, ALD18 said:

Problem is I am the WHOLE IT department😀😀😀  Small agency.

As I said, IT issues is someone elses problem whilst you are away. lol. If they can't fix the issues whilst you are away, just imagine how they will cope if you lying in hospital.

21 minutes ago, ALD18 said:

Can you get a single day internet connection as opposed to having to book for each day of the whole cruise?  I'm an IT guy and want to connect up to work to look around and see if everything is ok.  Want to do it 1 day, maybe 2 days tops.  Boss wants me to stay off completely, but I'd be more comfortable popping in for a quick peak once or twice.  Thanks.

Listen to your boss.... stay off your network. IT issues is someone elses problem whilst you are on leave.

On 4/4/2022 at 11:27 PM, Heymarco said:

Now time to get rid of the Vision class!

Can that be thought about after I have done my cruise please?

9 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

You get ALL the perks.

 

(if you royalupped from a balcony, you will NOT get the two points per night, though)

 

If we upgrade from an inside to a Suite, do we only get the points we are assigned as if we were on an inside cabin?

Just count yourslef lucky they haven't called a ship the Paracetamol of the Seas or the Ibuprofin of the Seas or even the Diabetes of the Seas!

I've never tried a Prison Canteen. If the lack of self-service on a cruise ship is like being in Prison, please let me experience it before it disappears..... pleeeeeaasssee!!!

I haven't had the chance of reading the whole thread, so apology for posting this if already covered. If you get the chance, record her reaction when she realises she is going on the cruise. I would say post it on something like TikTok or something similar, but most of all, keep it as a memory.

39 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

whatever way they charge, people will still buy them, just that many need something to complain about, cest lavie

I ask myself... do I want to pay more than what I am paying? Nope. Am I committed to going on this cruise and am I willing to pay more? Well, if I have to pay more to have a holiday, as long as it's reasonable.... yes.

9 hours ago, cdwise said:

Any place in the UK that administers a covid test whether it is at a chemist,  pop up testing center like the ones at various airports and Southampton cruise port will work as long as it is administered by a health care worker.   If you are going on Royal Caribbean they have a link to order the proctored home tests and I assume other cruise line's have similar. 

 

We are traveling to Southampton on Antheum of the Sea and will have to treat before leaving the US on 2 May 2022. Whether we will have to treat again to reboarding after we spend a couple of days in Southampton before reboarding for Norway remains to be seen as UK/Europe boarding rules are TBD. Since neither the UK nor Norway require a test I'm hoping that will not be necessary though in our case we will be back on a Royal ship within 3 days so under their current rules Royal will provide a free test. Since we are returning to the US on Cunard the last update was 14 Feb 2022 and says you will have to treat at the terminal. If the US is still requiring a pretty arrival covid test shah we return in June they offer one on board for $35-50 USD depending on which test you take.

 

If you are leaving from the US most major airports have pop up testing centers.  Any pop up testing center,  pharmacy or health clinic can do one.   Just make sure they guarantee results in the time frame needed. Check costs since testing is free for US citizens and legal residents at many places testing for travel is not covered and can vary in price considerably. You may also be able to buy a proctored home tests in a local pharmacy OR have one shipped to a hotel you are booked to stay in. 

 

Transportation covid restrictions are currently serving to expire 18 March 2022 but as much as I'd like to say they will be allowed to expire I'm not optimistic since Biden notified the Senate Majority leader that his intent to extend  the state of emergency for covid pandemic another year last month. 

Thanks for the detailed response. It's my first trip overseas in 6  years, so I had some gaps in my knowledge, so this helps a lot.

12 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Most people will not notice a 5% price rise but label it as "Fuel Surcharge" and everyone notices.

From what I recall from an article I read.... the most RCI would charge for a Fuel Surcharge is $90 on all bookings (new and existing). The 5% increase, albeit about $10+ more than the $90 Fuel Surcharge, would be more noticeable to my booking. However, if a surcharge were added, it wouldn't affect my plans to go on a cruise... just means 1 less visit to the casino.

5 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Why add a fuel surcharge (with bad PR) when all you have to do is quietly raise prices

Because raising prices (quietly or loudly) would be equally bad PR.

I am asking out of ignorance more than anything else. As I am based outside the US / Canada bubble.... assuming Covid restrictions are in place until Christmas (and I hope they are not!), how would I go about doing a RCCL approved PCR test?

4 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Funny those exact words came out of my own physician's mouth.  I don't think she would advise me to do anything dangerous at all.  I tried to "eat moderately" for ten years sneaking a few carbs in and out.  The numbers just kept getting worse.  But to each their own.  My mantra is, educate yourself...thoroughly, about carbs and the inflammation  they can cause the body...then you do you.  I follow Dr. Anthony Chaffee on You Tube, he is pretty much the proof in the sugar free pudding.

Let me add a post caveat to my post.... "Unless your Medical Professional says so". I agree that medical professionals would never tell you to do anything dangerous. My original comment was aimed at being careful in taking advice from those who read up on Dr Google in order to dish out the advice.

5 hours ago, MOSusan said:

 

Thank you but I didn't really want to join your club.  🙂  Thankfully, I am not on insulin.  I take a pill once a day and it is the lowest dosage of this particular drug.  My doctor gave me the diagnosis over the phone and we will have a follow up appointment where I will probably learn more about what is going on, how to check my blood sugar, etc.  Right now I haven't started any finger pricking yet to test.

 

What it has done is it is helping make some better choices.  My adult son has helped by finishing off two containers of Ice Cream the past couple of nights! If it's not there, I won't eat it!  But my love for Ice Cream was pretty strong when I was going through chemo.  When nothing tasted good, I could always eat Ice Cream without my stomach hurting.  It was a good friend to me. 

Believe me, nobody wants to be in the club..... and trust me, it's not my club. I've been testing my sugars daily pretty much from day 1. I appreciate how tempting Ice Cream is, and congrats on getting through Chemo. Some habbits are hard to kick. I say this, as I know! The first rule is... don't listen to people who say "You must cut this and that out!". Speak to your Doctor. they will tell you what you should do. But moreover, enjoy your cruise.

If you have a national Diabetic Association like the American Diabetic Association or UK Diabetes, it may be worth being a part of it, even if it's until you become a non-diabetic. You will get a wealth of information that you will benefit from.

Firstly, welcome to the Type 2 Diabetic Club. I've been a T2 Diabetic since 1996. Not an authority by any means. As many people have already advised, speak to your medical professional. They will know your health record more than anyone else who can comment.

The main thing is to eat in moderation, especially the things you like. People will say to you "Cut out sugar completely" or "Avoid these foods". These types of advice can be dangerous, and whilst I appreciate is given in good faith, it's not something you should take as a rule of thumb, but something you need to decide for yourself with the support of your medical professional.

Check your travel insurance policy to see if your Diabetes is covered. If it isn't, it may be worth asking if it can be covered. Be candid about the medication you are on, otherwise if there is an issue, it can go against you.

Whilst on the cruise, tell your stateroom attendant know about your Diabetes, just in case something happens, they may be able to react. Take your medication as prescribed by your medical professional, and take about 4 or 5 days extra supplies as a just in case measure.

The most important thing is to enjoy your holiday to the best of your ability. If you are on Insulin, be aware of the signs of a hypo and hyper situations and know how to manage it.

1 minute ago, livingonthebeach said:

Funny. I remember computer support back in the day. The first question they would ask is “Is it plugged in?” 

I remember those days of having to ask the same question.... I also remember the running joke about why someone's computer not working during a power cut!

2 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

IT Department here, please answer the following:

 

PC or Mac? Operating system? Version? IE, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc? iPhone, Droid, IPad, Tablet, Laptop, Desktop? URL of site?  Never mind, I see you are logged in. 🤣
 

Whatever you do, don't ask if the phone or computer is switched on!!!

11 hours ago, janetz said:

Hi all

Last of many cruises was right before Covid hit

Seniors, looking at a cruise next month on the Odyssey and realized our passports just expired!

Closed loop from FLL
I believe we can cruise with our Birth Certificates and Licenses 

Thoughts?? 

My first question would be how long would it take to get a passport under normal and these circumstances? If you are able to get one fast tracked, it may be worth the hassle.

43 minutes ago, tunisbridal said:

Anyone else having trouble logging in?

More info is needed. Not had a problem logging on here or the Royal Caribbean website.

1 hour ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

LOL -- what do you suggest I bring onboard to do my misdeed?  Bleach, spray paint, ax, horse manure? Maybe I should wait until I'm Pinnacle to get my 3 get out of jail vouchers before I do the nasty act. 

I am happy to wait. My upcoming cruise will make me a Diamond member... I need that prestigue. 

10 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

Trash the room a la Charlie Sheen or Miley Cyrus then report back and let us know how The Key’s entitlement protection worked out for you. 🤣

I am of the belief that those who suggest it... tries it first. 😂

Thanks. Found it.

2 minutes ago, njkruzer said:

Link posted in a previous post.

The link posted by Doss123 doesn't take you to a page where you can sign up...sadly.