karenemily

I’m glad that Royal made a decision. I was on the March 21 Majesty out of NOLA. We got a sweetheart of a deal. Even with the 125% FCC I doubt we will find anything close to what we paid during a time where I can cruise. I’m a public school teacher and can’t just take off any time. I’ve been struggling tonight with the disappointment of not traveling. I remembered something I told a student who was sad that the musical program he was the lead in was canceled along with school... It’s ok to be sad or disappointed when you have been looking forward to something for a long time. I’m not sure if anyone else is or has been struggling with their feelings about this shut down, but I wanted to remind us all to give a little grace. We are all in different places- some saved and paid for many many months- some got super sweet deals but in the end, after we cry or rant, there will be future cruises and maybe just maybe this pandemic with plateau and end sooner rather than later. I wish everyone well as we wait for our next chance to be at sea!

57 minutes ago, Secretlyfi said:

Got an email from Celebrity this morning about the situation and it reiterated the Cruise with Confidence policy of cancelling by 48 hours before sailing.  Also stated their enhanced screening procedures.   No mention of shutting down at all. 

We are set to sail out of NOLA on March 21 and got an email stating that they have  the Cruise with confidence plan as well as enhanced screening happening at the port. It also said "we can't wait to welcome you aboard". Not saying that they won't cancel or can't cancel but I did take this as we are still planning to send the Majesty out with people on her. 

Hubs and I are on the Majesty on March 21. We have an interior room mid ship on deck 4. We have contemplated putting in a bid for an ocean view since it's only $20 a person. Hubs mentioned that we could get a "worse" location and that is his reason for not doing it. I kind of feel like we should. BUT here is my question.... if we bid and are accepted, and then decide to use the 48 hour sail with confidence program- what happens? Would we know that we have been given the upgrade by the 48 hour window? Can you cancel a cruise with a pending bid? I'd love your thoughts on this situation.

I'm thinking that this will mean things like adding some deeper discounts to the "add on" type services. Maybe dropping the prices at CocoCay or Labadee on cabanas so that they stay full. I also wonder if it means suspension of things like the Diamond Happy Hour on all ships or limiting suite lounge amenities too. 

It's sad how they've overreacted with all of this without due consideration and totally ignored the airline travel industry and went straight for the cruise industry.

At the Saturday meeting with Pence and the cruise line executives they announced that an enhanced plan would be formulated within 72 hours, so that is what they are referring to.  This is supposed to include a cruise industry funded plan to transfer any affected people to shore medical care, enhanced screening of guests and crew, and being able to test people on all ships.

Our local news is reporting an announcement on new procedures for those cruising will be announced tomorrow. The report said this statement is coming from the cruise industry and the federal government. Has anyone else heard about a new procedure coming out?


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I know there used to be a special beach club on Labadee for suite guests. I haven't found anything on CocoCay that is only for suite guests.

10 hours ago, Roger88 said:

Its hard to believe that there is only one place on board for you to dine. Also I am confident that the app only shows you the menu of the credited restaurant on board. 

 On the Majesty there is no "speciality" dinning. The MDR, Windjammer, Johnny Rockets, Sorrentos, Cafe Latitudes, and Compass Deli are the food choices. I know that seems a little crazy with all the options on the larger ships. I'm not exactly sure what "credited" restaurants means but the app is showing MDR with the exact same menu on day 3 and 4. I was hoping that someone had been on the MJ and could clarify if that is really the case. 

Here are a couploe of pictures of today's Cruise Compass.  
 
I notice that the activities are organized a little differently.  It used to be a running list by time.  Now it is divided by type of activity.  I will let you know if I like this better after I have used it a couple of days. 
 

 

 
 
Here is a list of dining for today.

 
They announced the cabins were ready at 2:45.  I think we will head down there.  Talk to you later.

14 days until Majesty! It's an empty nest cruise.... yeah us!

11 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Probably an error- did you try it on different sailings?

yes I did and it shows the same thing. Not a big deal though. I was just surprised to see the same menu 2 days in a row.

Another question, I am a Diamond member, can we use our diamond drink credits in the MDR? or do we have to go to a bar? 

While we LOVE a balcony and Jr Suite, we are just as excited to book an interior cabin at a great rate so that we can be cruising. Now that said, Alaska is the exception to our interior to cruise philosophy. Alaska needs a balcony so that you can be out in the elements. We also have learned that the dinning packages are very desirable for our tastes. We tend to stay away from the MDR and Windjammer. 

The Hubs and I are cruising March 21 on the Majesty. We are planning on sailing. We are both in our mid 40's and in good health. This is our first empty nest cruise and we are both super excited about getting away. Of course if either of us present with fever or the cruise is canceled then we would travel, otherwise this momma needs her vitamin Sea! 

8 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

Well....do you drink juices?  do you drink coffees?  do you drink smoothies?  If you are only ever going to drink water.......

I'm not really a smoothie person but I do love juice, soda with my meals. I'm more concerned with making sure I have enough good water to drink. 

1 minute ago, taglovestocruise said:

What would you do for water the first half of the week.  24 count Evian package is $48 + 18% gratuity and you would be lugging around a 1 liter bottle.  Refreshment package is $150 a week and comes with a huge variety of drinks as well as the water.  There is plenty of free water around the ship if you want to keep your own bottle filled.  

I was thinking that I could bring some water on board. Or is that only sodas? I plan to take a refillable water bottle that I drink from daily. It's 28oz so a little smaller than the liter bottles.  

I'm a HUGE water drinker... like a gallon a day kind of water drinker. I was looking at the water package. I'm wondering if it is better to order that to be delivered mid week or should I get the refresh package. I'd love to have some thoughts or oppionion on which one you have purchased, if you have. Thanks!

It's been a few years since we had a young teen, but I did find this press release (https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-kit/2/youth-and-teen-program/) that places a 12 year old with the teens and not Adventure Ocean. My son seems to think that he moved to the teen lounge on the thanksgiving cruise we took right before his 12 birthday.  I remember being worried that my son wasn't old enough to have free range of his days. We liked that we could put limits on what he could do by setting him to Adventure Ocean. However he followed what we asked and loved his new "freedom".  Maybe others with 12 year old kiddos can comment. 

Rarely, you can see them in the RCI app. 

My daughter started her first job n NYC on Sept 10. Yes...THAT Sept 10. The next day all hell broke loose.
 
I wanted her to come home, to our rural area...she would not. I had the TV on constantly...every time the “breaking news” music started, I froze in fear. I heard every media rumor, then the Anthrax attacks began. I was literally sick with fear.
 
I drove her crazy checking on her. I stopped doing things with friends. My husband called me “the Watchman.” He quoted from our faith “But that the Lord keeps the city, the Watchman waits in vain.”  
 
I didn’t care.
 
It was mid-November before a good friend confronted me. She reminded me that she was a divorced Mom with three young boys to raise when she was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. She said that for two years she lived with THAT all enveloping fear...looking at every bump or spot..till she realized what she was wasting.
 
You can live with fear or live your life. All of life is uncertain. We have very little control.,. 
 
(Just chatted with her on the phone, by the way. The most fearless lady I know.) I turned off the TV. What real value did all that information do for me?  
 
A Cruise is a VACATION. It’s optional. If you are high risk, don’t go, if you will be miserable with fear, don’t  go.
 
But for me, I will do what I can...but refuse to exist as a Watchman. I won’t try to talk anyone out of justified concerns, but please don’t try to undermine MY peace of mind...or the way I choose to deal with the unknown, the uncertainty.  I’m not giving ONE more of my precious days or hours to that kind of anxiety. 
 
Been there. Done that.

We are sailing on March 21. How often do they change the entertainment? I read some reviews (more current and older) and wondered how accurate it would be to my cruise. Also how often do they change the MDR menus? And does anyone have pictures they can share? I’d love to see them.

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We are sailing on March 21. How often do they change the entertainment? I read some reviews (more current and older) and wondered how accurate it would be to my cruise. Also how often do they change the MDR menus? And does anyone have pictures they can share? I’d love to see them.

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I want to see the extreme southern islands. We haven’t be able to do that yet. I really like the feelings we get at Grand Cayman. It’s peaceful and welcoming. Not to mention beautiful!


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Music to my ears! Bring on the testing! I fully support whatever measures are necessary to keep these cruises safe. It's sad but we just can't trust people to be honest about their sneeze, cough or temp.