serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 #1 Share Posted December 7, 2021 I’m currently sailing HOTS Dec 5-12th 2021. Ask me any question, I’ll try to find the answer while I’m onboard. This is our first cruise since the restart of sailing. We are Diamond Plus staying in a Jr Suite. We were awarded Royal Up 2 days before departure, nice surprise. Embarkation was smooth and quick. We were onboard and straight to our stateroom in 20 minutes. Our boarding time was a 2pm. The ship is currently sailing at 75% capacity. Not too crowded anywhere EXCEPT the Diamond Lounge. It’s been a horrible disappointment. Too crowded to find a seat anywhere and long lines just to speak to the Diamond Concierge for assistance. By the time we were able to speak to him all of the Aqua shows were completely sold out so we’ve been waitlisted. Same with some specialty dining due to limited capacity seating. We have eaten at Cafe 150 and Wonderland so far. But overall we are loving our cruise and delighted that everything is mostly back to normal! I’ll try to post updates throughout the week! Cheers! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare psternklar Posted December 7, 2021 #2 Share Posted December 7, 2021 FOLLOWING, our 1st post shut down cruise and first on HOS in Jan. Can not wait! Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Itchy&Scratchy Posted December 7, 2021 #3 Share Posted December 7, 2021 53 minutes ago, serious sealeggs said: Ask me any question. By the time we were able to speak to him all of the Aqua shows were completely sold out so we’ve been waitlisted. why didn't you use the app as soon as you boarded to book the shows yourself? 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arzeena Posted December 7, 2021 #4 Share Posted December 7, 2021 52 minutes ago, serious sealeggs said: I’m currently sailing HOTS Dec 5-12th 2021. Ask me any question, I’ll try to find the answer while I’m onboard. This is our first cruise since the restart of sailing. We are Diamond Plus staying in a Jr Suite. We were awarded Royal Up 2 days before departure, nice surprise. Embarkation was smooth and quick. We were onboard and straight to our stateroom in 20 minutes. Our boarding time was a 2pm. The ship is currently sailing at 75% capacity. Not too crowded anywhere EXCEPT the Diamond Lounge. It’s been a horrible disappointment. Too crowded to find a seat anywhere and long lines just to speak to the Diamond Concierge for assistance. By the time we were able to speak to him all of the Aqua shows were completely sold out so we’ve been waitlisted. Same with some specialty dining due to limited capacity seating. We have eaten at Cafe 150 and Wonderland so far. But overall we are loving our cruise and delighted that everything is mostly back to normal! I’ll try to post updates throughout the week! Cheers! Thanks for posting. I am following too. Have a couple questions please: Who is the D concierge? Do you have the schedule of the weekly shows they leave in your cabin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodger1964 Posted December 7, 2021 #5 Share Posted December 7, 2021 What is the current "mask" requirements on the ship? Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted December 7, 2021 #6 Share Posted December 7, 2021 (edited) Can I "assume" that the buffet is not self service? I am concerned about people touching the serving utentils or using their fingers. Also do unvaccinated guests have a special area in the buffet and dining rooms? Edited December 7, 2021 by Cruise a holic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Itchy&Scratchy Posted December 7, 2021 #7 Share Posted December 7, 2021 (edited) 24 minutes ago, Cruise a holic said: Can I "assume" that the buffet is not self service? it is NOT, except for some pre-plated items, like seafood salad in a glass or a bowl of fruit salad or regular salad, for example. 24 minutes ago, Cruise a holic said: Also do unvaccinated guests have a special area in the buffet and dining rooms? no special areas are set in the buffet for the unvaxxed. Some tables are "reserved" as buffers, but in general - no space between tables whatsoever. However, one MDR was set aside for the vaxxed only, Solarium Bistro is also V only, while both 4th and 5th deck MDRs were for everyone. This was a holiday sailing. During a non-school break sailing, you may see 2 MDRs for vaxxed only, and one MDR for everyone. Edited December 7, 2021 by Itchy&Scratchy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise a holic Posted December 7, 2021 #8 Share Posted December 7, 2021 Just now, Itchy&Scratchy said: it is NOT. no special areas are set in the buffet for the unvaxxed. However, one MDR was set aside for the vaxxed only, Solarium Bistro is also V only, while both 4th and 5th deck MDRs were for everyone. This was a holiday sailing. During a non-school break sailing, you may see 2 MDRs for vaxxed only, and one MDR for everyone. Thank you. But the buffet isn't self service correct? I am concerned that an unvaxed person might be sitting at the table next to us at a buffet with masks off. Also, is the suite lounge only for vaxed guests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-2 Posted December 7, 2021 #9 Share Posted December 7, 2021 (edited) could we ask if the solarium bistro is adult only, we are on the Harmony coming up in spring and have a fully vacinated 12 year old with us but wasn't sure. Edited December 7, 2021 by T-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Itchy&Scratchy Posted December 7, 2021 #10 Share Posted December 7, 2021 8 minutes ago, Cruise a holic said: I am concerned that an unvaxed person might be sitting at the table next to us at a buffet with masks off. they will, if there are any little kids onboard who are unvaxxed. We had an unvaxxed person seated with us at every meal. 🙂 lol 9 minutes ago, Cruise a holic said: But the buffet isn't self service correct? it is NOT self service Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Itchy&Scratchy Posted December 7, 2021 #11 Share Posted December 7, 2021 1 minute ago, T-2 said: could we ask if the solarium bistro is adult only, we are on the Harmony coming up in spring but have a fully vacinated 12 year old with us but wasn't sure. Solarium is adults only. Solarium Bistro was vaxxed only during our Thanksgiving sailing. So, no matter what age, as long as they were vaxxed (mine is now, so he'll be able to use the Bistro on our next RCI sailing). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vandy Posted December 7, 2021 #12 Share Posted December 7, 2021 Have you been to any shows yet? How were they and is space blocked off between groups of guests ? Is housekeeping still twice daily? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #13 Share Posted December 7, 2021 The app would not let us book shows once onboard. It was already full by the time we boarded at 2pm. So we had to go to Mario in the diamond lounge. He was able to put us on a preferred list and we are now booked for the 9:15 Aqua show on Day 4. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #14 Share Posted December 7, 2021 Mario is the concierge host in diamond lounge. Very nice guy. He just seems overwhelmed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pstone1 Posted December 7, 2021 #15 Share Posted December 7, 2021 31 minutes ago, vandy said: Have you been to any shows yet? How were they and is space blocked off between groups of guests ? Is housekeeping still twice daily? We were onboard last week. The Theatre has vaxxed passengers on Deck 3 and non-vaxxed on Deck 4. On Deck 3, masks may be removed. It is suggested that guests leave a couple of seats between parties but it’s not required. Yes, cabin steward twice a day - morning and evening. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoepipes Posted December 7, 2021 #16 Share Posted December 7, 2021 4 hours ago, serious sealeggs said: I’m currently sailing HOTS Dec 5-12th 2021. Ask me any question, I’ll try to find the answer while I’m onboard. This is our first cruise since the restart of sailing. We are Diamond Plus staying in a Jr Suite. We were awarded Royal Up 2 days before departure, nice surprise. Embarkation was smooth and quick. We were onboard and straight to our stateroom in 20 minutes. Our boarding time was a 2pm. The ship is currently sailing at 75% capacity. Not too crowded anywhere EXCEPT the Diamond Lounge. It’s been a horrible disappointment. Too crowded to find a seat anywhere and long lines just to speak to the Diamond Concierge for assistance. By the time we were able to speak to him all of the Aqua shows were completely sold out so we’ve been waitlisted. Same with some specialty dining due to limited capacity seating. We have eaten at Cafe 150 and Wonderland so far. But overall we are loving our cruise and delighted that everything is mostly back to normal! I’ll try to post updates throughout the week! Cheers! What's Cafe 150? We've been on HOTS before, but I don't remember that - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handbellplayer Posted December 7, 2021 #17 Share Posted December 7, 2021 4 minutes ago, zoepipes said: What's Cafe 150? We've been on HOTS before, but I don't remember that - I assume he means 150 Central Park. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #18 Share Posted December 7, 2021 3 hours ago, Arzeena said: Thanks for posting. I am following too. Have a couple questions please: Who is the D concierge? Do you have the schedule of the weekly shows they leave in your cabin? Shows at listed in the entertainment section on the app for every day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #19 Share Posted December 7, 2021 3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said: Can I "assume" that the buffet is not self service? I am concerned about people touching the serving utentils or using their fingers. Also do unvaccinated guests have a special area in the buffet and dining rooms? Anything that requires utensils will be served by waiters onto your plate. Everything else is grab-and-go. Very safe and sanitary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #20 Share Posted December 7, 2021 2 hours ago, Cruise a holic said: Thank you. But the buffet isn't self service correct? I am concerned that an unvaxed person might be sitting at the table next to us at a buffet with masks off. Also, is the suite lounge only for vaxed guests? There are separate dining rooms for vaxed and invaxed guests. Solarium is vaxed only and adults only. Masks required in service lines but no masked required all other areas of solarium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #21 Share Posted December 7, 2021 3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said: Thank you. But the buffet isn't self service correct? I am concerned that an unvaxed person might be sitting at the table next to us at a buffet with masks off. Also, is the suite lounge only for vaxed guests? Tables are all separated in the dining areas so that parties of families are never seated with another family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mim Lloyd Posted December 7, 2021 #22 Share Posted December 7, 2021 Once aboard how do they know who is fully vaccinated and who isn't? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taglovestocruise Posted December 7, 2021 #23 Share Posted December 7, 2021 15 minutes ago, serious sealeggs said: Tables are all separated in the dining areas so that parties of families are never seated with another family Several ships have gone back to putting unrelated people together for MDR dinner seating. Not much room to separate people as things get up to 75% capacity. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taglovestocruise Posted December 7, 2021 #24 Share Posted December 7, 2021 3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said: Thank you. But the buffet isn't self service correct? I am concerned that an unvaxed person might be sitting at the table next to us at a buffet with masks off. Also, is the suite lounge only for vaxed guests? There have been several reports that the Vaxed in MDR are opting to go to the unvaxed deck as there is much more room. A bloger on Ovation a few weeks ago said vaxed MDR was full and tables were almost on top of each other, they moved to the unvaxed dining room for added space. No way to tell who might be next to you.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serious sealeggs Posted December 7, 2021 Author #25 Share Posted December 7, 2021 2 hours ago, vandy said: Have you been to any shows yet? How were they and is space blocked off between groups of guests ? Is housekeeping still twice daily? Shows allow one seat between parties. There are some shows that are “V” for vax guests only. housekeeping is twice daily and almost always available in corridors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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