A Canadian takes on a S2B2B on Oasis 1/2/22, Odyssey 1/9/22 & 1/15/22 (hopefully)

[JessyCruises]

They came and got Paul around 2PM to take him to the cabin.  It is an Oceanview cabin on deck 3.  He was escorted down through the crew/luggage elevator.  There were 4 people that escorted him down.  One was a fumigator who fumigated the bags as soon as he put them in the hall and I guess the others were to carry bags and clear the way etc.  They were in full hazmat looking suits and face shields.

 

I got a call shortly after he left that I was negative.

 

it is interesting that the floors are laminate…

Edited January 14, 2022 by JessyCruises

[erinsmom03]

Do you think they put laminate on purpose, specifically for the quarantine rooms?

 

Hope you still test negative tomorrow!

Edited January 14, 2022 by erinsmom03

[JessyCruises]

This whole time, I had been on hold with Royal Caribbean and Casino Royale trying to see if I could salvage the rest of the vacation.  I was hoping that if I continued to test negative that I could stay onboard and we could either keep both cabins or barring that, move the 4^th person to my cabin which was already a Spacious Oceanview that sleeps 4.  After hours on hold and/or getting disconnected and having to call back, it was confirmed that I could NOT stay onboard because I was too close of a contact with a positive case and also that because the cabins were booked on our annual tier casino comp offer, the others could not board either because the people with the comps would not be checking in.

 

Then came the extremely difficult task of informing my 19 year old son that the vacation he has been dreaming about for months with his bestie was not going to happen.  They are devastated.  There were tears, anger and every range of emotion.  Paul feels extremely guilty about the whole thing.  Now we wish we had never done the 2 cruises 1^st.  In hindsight it was stupid.  My sister is also devastated.  We are hoping to get everyone on some cruises out of NY in March depending on the Covid situation at the time.  Fingers crossed.

 

I did not want my sister to have to deal with cancelling the flights and stuff as none of this is her fault and I wanted to make sure I could get whatever refunds we could.  I was on the phone basically the whole day. 

 

We are flying Westjet.  During Covid they are allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get 100% of the funds deposited into a travel bank.  They were scheduled to fly out at 6AM and had already checked in we were already within the 24 hour mark so Westjet did not have to do anything for us.  Thankfully when I finally got a human after being on hold and losing connection for a few hours, the rep was amazing.  She cancelled the flights and issued credits into travel banks which I am pretty sure do not expire.  The boys had paid for the flights out of their own pockets so she was also great and transferred the credits to my name so I could give the boys back their cash.  I can sit on a credit and not use it for awhile, but I thought it was unfair for me to do that to the kids.  $515 is a lot of money to a 19 year old.

 

I called RCL and cancelled the two cruise reservations.  They at first were going to take a penalty off of my reservation but we are being told both will be fully refunded.  On Paul’s reservation which had 2 guests, only taxes & fees had been charged, but the other reservation had a 3^rd passenger added and we had paid $120USD to Royal Up.  I realize now I just should have moved the reservation to keep the double points promo, but at that point my head was swimming and I was not thinking straight.  The majority of the money from my reservation is my sisters anyway so I am glad this way she will just get her money back and be done with it.

 

My sister had booked her hotel through Booking.com.  She reached out to them herself and they were able to contact the hotel and the hotel agreed to offer a full refund for her.  All in all, we were very lucky and grateful to everyone.

[JessyCruises]

They provided us with the information about what would be available to us onboard during our covid vacation as well as what to expect once we arrive in Florida on Saturday.

 

 

 

-  We can order room service anytime and it is covered.  We can order from either the room service menu or the MDR menu, except for breakfast which is room service only.   We can also order any beverages we want, including alcohol, and they are covered.

-  We get Surf and Stream Wifi

-  There will be no housekeeping in new cabin but extra amenities are provided.  I will post some pics of the Q Cabin later.  Interesting to note is that they have laminate floors

-  There are free movies and there appears to be some really new ones.  I am sure that will get taken advantage of.

-  The most interesting thing I see is the smoking.  If you are in quarantine, you are allowed to smoke in your cabin.  I had not heard this before.  Is this a thing that the crew could do as well when quarantined onboard?

Edited January 14, 2022 by JessyCruises

[JessyCruises]

Now the complicated part.  Quarantine and getting home.  It was at this point when I started dealing with the calls from guest services, etc about hotels and travel and things that I decided to dump the original cabin and move down with Paul. The cabin they put him in did not have a working phone originally.  They eventually did bring him a portable phone but it was still too complicated. We were having a hard time coordinating so I just said screw it and called and told them I wanted to be moved. 

 

Here is the letter we received about the departure and quarantine:

 

 

As far as Saturday goes, Royal is covering the cost of any quarantine hotel, food while quaratined and getting us home.  Even though the CDC only requires a 5 day quarantine for Covid 19, we are Canadian and right now they require at least 15 days after a positive test before you can enter.  This is changing to 10 days as of January 15th.  We are HOPING we will be able to go home the 23rd or 24th.   We can either stay at a hotel they have arranged and will pay for (they said it was Four Points Sheraton Dania Beach) or a hotel of our choosing up to $350 per night that we would pay and they would reimbursed.  We are Hilton Diamond members so decided to stay at a Hilton Property.  I figured we might as well get the points and credit for the nights.  We chose the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th St.  They will also cover shuttle there, any medical expenses and $100 per person per day for meals.  Since the CDC requirement is only 5 days quarantine, Paul will actually be able to leave the hotel after 3 days (I think) so hopefully we can enjoy a little Florida sunshine.   If I continue to test negative I will be able to come and go as I please.

 

Edited January 14, 2022 by JessyCruises

[JessyCruises]

Guest services has already called us to determine our hotel decision.  We let them know we would be booking on our own and provided the address so they can get us there.  I have our hotel booked from 1/15-1/23 and will play it by ear from here as to how long we will actually need it.

 

Guest services has been amazing throughout the day, especially when tensions and emotions were high.  Room service called again this evening when they noticed we had not ordered dinner.  Honestly we were so busy we forgot.  They also made sure that we ordered something for breakfast.  I tried to order Eggs Benedict so that was when I was informed I could not order off the MDR breakfast menu 🙂

 

We made the mistake of ordering off the MDR for dinner.  Probably not a great decision, it is not the type of food that sits or travels well.  We both got the escargot and Paul got the tenderloin and I got the salmon.  We also got the baked alaska.  The hot food was cold and the cold food was warm.  We do not blame them though - it is a weird situation.  Next time we will stick to the tried and true room service menu.

 

 

 

 

[JessyCruises]

I am trying to think about what I might have missed - this day was a whirlwind.  I am sure I will have lots more to report tomorrow as we hear from guest services and shoreside.

 

On a positive note, we have managed to already watch 2 movies - "The Green Knight" and "The Many Saints of Newark".  Both were very good so there is that.

 

Neither of us will be qualifying for any casino comps this cruise though LOL

[JessyCruises]

14 minutes ago, erinsmom03 said:

Do you think they put laminate on purpose, specifically for the quarantine rooms?

 

Hope you still test negative tomorrow!

 

I assume so.  It makes sense (easier to fumigate etc).  It would be interesting to see what the other ships are like!  Hopefully I never get to see one live again 🤣

[erinsmom03]

4 minutes ago, JessyCruises said:

 

I assume so.  It makes sense (easier to fumigate etc).  It would be interesting to see what the other ships are like!  Hopefully I never get to see one live again 🤣

 

I know many of us have appreciated your live trip report, and wish you and Paul all the best through quarantine and returning home. So sorry for your family's disappointment. Our family cancelled our Jan 3rd cruise 5 days before... and I thought that was heartbreaking. I can only imagine how much more so it would be if it was as close as yours!

[sandycruzr]

6 minutes ago, JessyCruises said:

 

I assume so.  It makes sense (easier to fumigate etc).  It would be interesting to see what the other ships are like!  Hopefully I never get to see one live again 🤣

Thanks for sharing all this great information. We are preparing to embark on a back to back to back cruise and I had so many questions about quarantine and testing positive. You’re very graciously answered them all with your very thorough posting of your situation! I wish your husband a very speedy recovery and I hope you stay Covid free. Enjoy your time in Florida as much as possible and have safe travels back to CanadaWe are preparing to embark on a back to back to back cruise and I had so many questions about quarantine and testing positive. You’re very graciously answered them all with your very thorough posting of your situation! I wish your husband a very speedy recovery and I hope you stay Covid free. Enjoy your time in Florida as much as possible and have safe travels back to Canada

[gc]

2 minutes ago, JessyCruises said:

 

I assume so.  It makes sense (easier to fumigate etc).  It would be interesting to see what the other ships are like!  Hopefully I never get to see one live again 🤣

Really sorry for this to happen to your family......You have certainly given me a lot to think about for our B2B next week....Flying and being Canadian really complicates everything.

If we only had to get in our car and drive home would make everything so much simpler.

[JessyCruises]

I think our cabin is very near to Music Hall.  I hear lots of music and loud cheering...

[#55worktoplay]

So sorry to hear about this. I hope your husband does not get too sick and you continue to stay negative. 
 

When you posted the guy coughing and hacking behind you I got a bad feeling. This just sucks!  
 

I feel for your son and his buddy as they were probably so excited. 
 

I had booked, cancelled booked then finally cancelled. I was afraid of the quarantine and not getting back to Canada to work. I am unable to bring laptop over the border so working while in quarantine was not an option. 
 

wishing you both all the best!

 

Thanks for sharing.

[cruzn1974]

34 minutes ago, JessyCruises said:

We are flying Westjet.  During Covid they are allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get 100% of the funds deposited into a travel bank.  They were scheduled to fly out at 6AM and had already checked in we were already within the 24 hour mark so Westjet did not have to do anything for us.  Thankfully when I finally got a human after being on hold and losing connection for a few hours, the rep was amazing.  She cancelled the flights and issued credits into travel banks which I am pretty sure do not expire. 

The travel bank credits will expire 24 months from today so that should give you enough time to use them.

Thanks for sharing your experience.  I know how difficult this must be.  Your optimism through all this is applauded...a true Canadian. 👍

[JessyCruises]

13 minutes ago, cruzn1974 said:

  Your optimism through all this is applauded...a true Canadian. 👍

Also like a true Canadian, lots of swearing amongst ourselves and unnecessary apologizing 😂😂😂

[ticketsunlimited]

45 minutes ago, JessyCruises said:

Now the complicated part.  Quarantine and getting home.  It was at this point when I started dealing with the calls from guest services, etc about hotels and travel and things that I decided to dump the original cabin and move down with Paul. The cabin they put him in did not have a working phone originally.  They eventually did bring him a portable phone but it was still too complicated. We were having a hard time coordinating so I just said screw it and called and told them I wanted to be moved. 

 

Here is the letter we received about the departure and quarantine:

 

 

As far as Saturday goes, Royal is covering the cost of any quarantine hotel, food while quaratined and getting us home.  Even though the CDC only requires a 5 day quarantine for Covid 19, we are Canadian and right now they require at least 15 days after a positive test before you can enter.  This is changing to 10 days as of January 15th.  We are HOPING we will be able to go home the 23rd or 24th.   We can either stay at a hotel they have arranged and will pay for (they said it was Four Points Sheraton Dania Beach) or a hotel of our choosing up to $350 per night that we would pay and they would reimbursed.  We are Hilton Diamond members so decided to stay at a Hilton Property.  I figured we might as well get the points and credit for the nights.  We chose the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th St.  They will also cover shuttle there, any medical expenses and $100 per person per day for meals.  Since the CDC requirement is only 5 days quarantine, Paul will actually be able to leave the hotel after 3 days (I think) so hopefully we can enjoy a little Florida sunshine.   If I continue to test negative I will be able to come and go as I please.

 

Jessy the hotel you are staying in will be very convenient for you.  5 minute ride from the ship, lots of restaurants, wine store, grocery store, pretty nice pool area.  Great breakfast that is included and of course the drinks at night that Embassy suite includes.  You made a nice choice there.  My wife and I have spent our last four cruises going out of that port there and will be checking in the 28th.  Praying for a speedy recovery.  

On another note and it kinda stinks to think about.  Continue to use your extra tests you brought to test yourself.  Being so close to your husband is going to make it extremely difficult for you not to get it.  Believe me because my mom had the same dilemma with my dad.

Keep in mind that your 15/10 days will restart if you happen to test positive. If you do get it, you want to start the clock the minute it happens.  Something you dont want to think about but have to at the same time.  Please dont shoot the messenger, I know you are getting hit at all angles.  Stay safe and stay healthy and know we are all thinking of you and Paul.  Good Luck.  Dan

[JessyCruises]

7 minutes ago, ticketsunlimited said:

Jessy the hotel you are staying in will be very convenient for you.  5 minute ride from the ship, lots of restaurants, wine store, grocery store, pretty nice pool area.  Great breakfast that is included and of course the drinks at night that Embassy suite includes.  You made a nice choice there.  My wife and I have spent our last four cruises going out of that port there and will be checking in the 28th.  Praying for a speedy recovery.  

On another note and it kinda stinks to think about.  Continue to use your extra tests you brought to test yourself.  Being so close to your husband is going to make it extremely difficult for you not to get it.  Believe me because my mom had the same dilemma with my dad.

Keep in mind that your 15/10 days will restart if you happen to test positive. If you do get it, you want to start the clock the minute it happens.  Something you dont want to think about but have to at the same time.  Please dont shoot the messenger, I know you are getting hit at all angles.  Stay safe and stay healthy and know we are all thinking of you and Paul.  Good Luck.  Dan

Thanks, we have never stayed at an Embassy before but I knew I had heard about this one on Cruise Critics before.  We have been thinking of all the options and doing what we can.  I had originally booked us with a room with a king but after thinking about it switched to two doubles.  Better to do what we can to mitigate the risk

[ticketsunlimited]

1 minute ago, JessyCruises said:

Thanks, we have never stayed at an Embassy before but I knew I had heard about this one on Cruise Critics before.  We have been thinking of all the options and doing what we can.  I had originally booked us with a room with a king but after thinking about it switched to two doubles.  Better to do what we can to mitigate the risk

Ya, I dont want to catch you guys making out tonight.  You have a midnight curfue.😉

[Virtopia]

Jessy, your detail of the events has been tremendous, so thank you very much for sharing. I feel so bad for your family, especially the boys who would've been flying out in the morning sigh.

 

As a Canadian that will be traveling on the 30th to Cape Liberty for the Anthem sailing, this gives me a lot to think about. I didn't realize they were cutting the time down to 10 days to get back into the country. Also, seeing how much Royal is covering is tremendous and puts me a bit at ease.

 

Please take good care and hope Paul feels better soon!

[cruising twosome]

So sorry to hear your husband tested positive and had to cancel your last cruise. We were to be on a B2B on the Oasis next month and cancelled earlier this week. Alaska here we come in May🤞🏻

[Bronx12]

I am so sorry to hear about Paul testing positive, that just plain sucks! I hope you continue to test negative. I will say how impressed I am that RCCL is doing so much to assist you, thanks for posting your entire experience.

[JessyCruises]

4 hours ago, cruising twosome said:

So sorry to hear your husband tested positive and had to cancel your last cruise. We were to be on a B2B on the Oasis next month and cancelled earlier this week. Alaska here we come in May🤞🏻

We are supposed to be going in May for an Alaskan B2B,  Ovation on 5/5 out of Vancouver and then Seattle 5/13.  Which one are you on?

[JessyCruises]

I forgot to mention before the Covid fiasco that we got out first plate of chocolate covered strawberries since the cruise restart.  They came Wednesday night.  Paul said they were in the room when he got there around 10-11PM.  He said there was no card so was not sure who they were from.  He did not grab a pic and had already put them in the fridge by the time I got to the room a few minutes later.  He was trying to salvage them for the morning.  Then all hell broke lose and we forgot about them. 😂

[sandebeach]

1 hour ago, JessyCruises said:

I forgot to mention before the Covid fiasco that we got out first plate of chocolate covered strawberries since the cruise restart.  They came Wednesday night.  Paul said they were in the room when he got there around 10-11PM.  He said there was no card so was not sure who they were from.  He did not grab a pic and had already put them in the fridge by the time I got to the room a few minutes later.  He was trying to salvage them for the morning.  Then all hell broke lose and we forgot about them. 😂

I wonder if they were from Crown and Anchor?

[JessyCruises]

Breakfast of champions

 

 

 

And two clamshells of strawberries came so I will get to try them after all 😂

 

 

A nurse just knocked on the door and checked Paul’s temperature and that finger blood oxygen thing.