canadian girl 77

10 hours ago, jwc1027 said:

I think each cruiser must weigh the pro's and con's to current and ever changing conditions to a cruise vacation. To some the joy is just being on a ship and others too many restrictions to make enjoyable. 

I just got off Symphony and to me felt like a ship close to capacity and with many venues having reduced seating it was a challenge to schedule or enjoy shows. Many areas  were encouraged to wear a mask but when bars were open there was no guidance. Elevators were packed , not always. but few paid attention to capacity guidelines. I have no issue wearing a mask but cant tell you how many times I left cabin and got half way down hall before realizing my mistake and turned back around. So just saying "it ain't the cruising" I recall and will wait for CALMER seas before trying again.

We were on Oasis for the December 5 sailing. I totally share your sentiments. 

5 hours ago, Mapleleafforever said:

Thanks, Nada. I think maybe because of geography? I'm in Canada

You can read it here: https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/movies/covid-cruise-breakthrough-case-sent-100127784.html

We just got back from a cruise on Sunday (Oasis).

I DID NOT feel safer on board than I do at the grocery store. There wasn't physical distancing and many people had no idea how to wear a mask. I was disturbed at how closely MDR tables were to each other. We only watched shows for the vaccinated but there was no spacing between parties and people weren't wearing masks. I gather that rule has now changed and you have to wear a mask indoors unless you are actively eating or drinking.

Mind you, I live in Canada and we are required to wear masks everywhere. Being in Miami where masks are optional was surreal.

It was emerging news as we boarded that being double vaxxed (or even boostered) means nothing for the Omnicron variant. It certainly didn't seem like many others were aware of this detail.

The actual boarding process was a chaotic mess. I think that was because people were not respecting the constant reminders we received to only show up at our respective boarding time. The inability of so many of my fellow passengers to follow that simple guideline started me off uncomfortable. It's not like they didn't text us reminders that day not to show up early.

It is now obvious that we were/are not ready to travel - at least not in the United States. If our cruise had been set to leave this past Sunday or this coming Sunday we would have cancelled based on all the new information about Omnicron.

This is, obviously, just how my family personally feels. Others seem to be perfectly comfortable. I think you have to make a decision based on your personal comfort level.

We’re on the oasis right now. It’s day 3 of our cruise and I booked our PCR tests this morning for our last day (Saturday). Supposedly there was a notice that was supposed to come to our room. Guest services had a very short line do I went there. They had me scan a QR code and fill out online forms. The latest possible slot was at 8:30 am. 

7 hours ago, MountainHubby said:

Best I can tell there is no laser tag on this ship. It’s not in the app anywhere and I haven’t run across it on board. If That changes I’ll let you know. 

Thanks! The few post-pandemic daily calendars don't seem to show it. Maybe it's because the unvaxxed under-12s would want to play?

1 hour ago, Merion_Mom said:

The Royal Caribbean ships which have laser tag are:

• Mariner of the Seas.
• Navigator of the Seas.
• Independence of the Seas.
• Symphony of the Seas.

Is this a since the pandemic thing?

Their website has it: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/oasis-of-the-seas/things-to-do/laser-tag-clash-for-the-crystal-city

This old article on Cruise Critic (https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3226

says that

4. Play Tag, Laser-Style

Kids of all ages will love the heart-pumping fun of glow-in-the-dark laser tag -- Battle for Planet Z on Symphony of the Seas and Clash for Crystal City on Oasis of the Seas (and coming to Allure of the Seas in 2020) -- which take place in Studio B, when not in use for ice-skating.

17 minutes ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

It’s Art Basel, one of the largest events in Miami and people come in from all over for it.

Thanks!

I had never heard of that event before.

Still no laser tag?

26 minutes ago, kenb said:

You may want to rethink staying at the Holiday Inn downtown.

Can you point me in the direction of these reviews? I can't find much other than someone mad about a scammer caller.

Oh no! I will look into that. I just don't understand why the rooms are normally priced the following Saturday.

What is going on in Miami on December 4? I googled and I still can't see any reason why hotel rooms that are $300-$500 on December 11 are $1,000+ on December 4.

I was able to book a hotel using our ihg points in downtown Miami but I really am curious about why that day is so $$$$$$$$.

The Chill Island and Chill Island cabanas are currently on sale for the same price as it costs for the three of us to go to Beach Club.

We have never been to Coco Cay so we aren't sure what the best choice is for us. It is DD (17) and my husband and I (44).

Which do you prefer?

Wow! That's actually amazing!

Is there an extra charge for this test?

I think I know the answer but who know, maybe...

Do we get Covid testing before the end of our cruise? I am struggling to find information about this online. We fly back to Canada after disembarking so we will need negative tests. I'm just unclear if I have to buy tests to self administer a day or two before our cruise ends. If they do test, what kind of test is it - PCR or molecular? Can anyone help? Even just to point me in the right direction for the information on the official RC website.

Thanks!

Is the teen space typically open all the time? We're debating the Anthem or the Harmony for December. Our just turned 17-year-old daughter wants to make sure that there is a teen space that is accessible most of the time. When we last cruised with Celebrity the teen space was only open an hour or to a day (first week of August). She doesn't want a repeat of that!

This is the email I received. It says nothing about me cancelling nor does it make any mention that if I previously cancelled I won't get the credit.

Dear Guest,

We’re sure you’ve been monitoring the news regarding COVID-19. This situation remains quite fluid, and we all continue to assess the impact and monitor the number of cases around the world. And while there are still a lot of unknowns related to COVID-19, we do know it presents the most serious health risks to older individuals, the immunocompromised, and those with serious underlying medical conditions.

At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our top priority. As a result, we are suspending operations for sailings that depart from US ports (including Puerto Rico) effective at midnight tonight, March 14^th. Regrettably, we will need to cancel your upcoming Oasis of the Seas March 15, 2020 cruise. Our goal is to resume operation on April 11^th, 2020.

1. Knowing this situation is ever-changing, we want to provide you with some options. As we know, this too shall pass, and we are optimistic that very soon you’ll be excited about planning your next cruise vacation. As always, the most important thing to us will always be the safety of both our guests and crew. In the meantime, we’ll continue to monitor the global situation. And, when it’s determined that the time is right, we’ll be ready to welcome you back.

As a result of this change, we’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with us by December 31, 2021.

• This amount will be based on of your total cruise fare paid. And, we’re giving you a little extra, knowing that this is such a unique circumstance.

• We will automatically issue you your Future Cruise Credit by Monday, April 13th, 2020 via email. So, there’s nothing for you to do!

• Please know, if you pre-purchased any amenities and packages – like internet, beverage, dining, or RoyalUp Upgrade, those will be automatically refunded.

Or, if you prefer the lower value in a full refund, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have plenty of time to make up your mind. You do not need to request your refund until December 31, 2021.

• Please contact us to start the refund process, if you’re willing to give up the higher value of your 125% Future Cruise Credit.

• We’ll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits.

• To avoid waiting on the phone to cancel, please click here and we will get the process started for you.

• You can expect to receive your refund 30 days after you submit your request.

And, if you purchased air or hotel…

• via Royal Caribbean, these will also be automatically refunded to you. 

• on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them. 

If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately or contact us at:

• 1-800-754-500 in Australia

• 0344 493 4005 in the U.K.

• 1-800-256-6649 in the U.S. or Canada

• All other countries, please visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contactus for your local Royal Caribbean International office phone number.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation during this situation. We wish you good health and truly appreciate your continued loyalty.

On 3/27/2020 at 8:43 PM, firefly333 said:

It says above YOU cancelled the cruise. If you cancel yes its 100%. The 125% is if royal cancels and you do nothing. They email it. Reread what it says. Sorry if you lost out.

I get that. However, why did they charge me for the Royal UP - two days after I cancelled? That is the issue. The website wouldn't let me cancel or alter any Royal Up bids I made.

Also it sounds as though I will get a 100% FCC instead of 125% FCC despite the email they sent me on March 13 saying otherwise. And I still haven't received any refund from my Royal Up or Cruise Planner purchases.

I would be fine with the 100% if they had not decided to charge me for Royal Up.

I won the upgrade. I was charged for it. Apparently they are going to just issue credit to everyone that doesn't show up on Sunday. Then they will refund my Royal Up charge to my credit card. Seems weird but what do I know.

I cancelled our March15 cruise yesterday at 1p.m. I just received notice that I won a Junior Suite upgrade. I'm now on hold to figure out what happened.

I assumed that Uber and Lyft weren't able to do pick ups from the airport. Is that not the case in Miami?

Anyone have a car service they can recommend? We're looking to go from the airport to Miami beach for our pre-cruise trip.

Too funny, but congratulations!

We're on the same sailing and I actually bid more for that category but haven't had any bids accepted. Mind you, I am in a lower category - all the suites were gone when we booked.

I hadn't realized that Oasis actually has laser tag! I just thought the bit on the website was a mess up - like when they had Wonderland on the signage around the ship.

If you've done it, tell me about it! We're avid laser taggers and are wondering how it compares to our regular haunts. It sounds like it isn't always a laser tag arena.

Should I be able to see it on my cruise planner?