GetToLivin

I wasn't referring to testing before the cruise if I was feeling fine (I wouldn't test for flu/strep if I was feeling fine, same for covid). I was curious about those who didn't feel well prior to a cruise, tested and were positive, and what their experience was in regards to RCCL FCC or rebooking. I've been on 2 cruises now where we ended up with bad colds half way or more through, no way I would board not feeling well. As much as I love to be on a ship it isn't fun when you're not feeling 100%. Anyway, this is my over-planning personality taking over and I guess I just want to understand how it works "just in case."

If you had to do this due to a + covid test, what were the steps taken with RCCL? Were you able to book a future date over the phone with your FCC or did you have a waiting period? We have a December cruise coming up and, 'tis the season, it's going around. Both DH and I are working off a hefty post-cruise cold from Harmony last week (covid -). Guess I'm just trying to set expectations just in case and yes, we have travel insurance.

Saw one on Harmony last week, elevators and different public places, fun guy

I emailed info@curacaorenaissance.com and received the following reply: "Thank you for your interest in our Infinity Beach Club! Our Beach Club is just a 10 minute stroll from the nearest pier, and a 20 minute walk from the docks in the harbor. We are open from 10am to 6pm. Our day passes are US$ 40.00 per person, however these are sold based on availability on the actual day of visiting. The pass includes use of towels, showers and other beach facilities as well as a US$20.00 Food & Beverage credit. Food and beverages items can be purchased at our Infinity Beach Bar & Restaurant or you can also order directly with one of our beach servers. Kids ages 5 till 12 are half price. Kids under 5 enter for free. Upon arrival at the Renaissance Hotel, you can complete your payment at the front desk in the lobby, in either cash or with all major credit cards. US currency is widely accepted over the island. You will receive 1 wristband per person and a payment confirmation in twofold. After your payment, take the elevator up to the second floor, exit to your right, and follow the signs to the pool bar. Our hostess will further guide you at the beach. We’re looking forward to welcome you to our beach!" Unfortunately it rained most of the day we were in Curacao so we didn't go, hope you have better luck!

We're on this sailing, arrived at 1pm, no lines, went right aboard. Were in the diamond lounge for a couple hours, Coast Guard and a couple officers came in and the officers were explaining what the space was used for, "people who cruise a lot", we decided to wave at them and got a chuckle 😉

I'm currently on Harmony and that definitely was NOT the case on this ship. We were behind a couple of large family groups and not only did they check to see if each person completed the safety videos, they scanned every phone. One woman said she hadn't viewed the videos and sure enough they had her step to the side and finish it before they'd scan her phone.

I was glad to see this today, one less thing to worry about this week!

Looks like I'll be throwing back some Xanax on our Friday morning flight from DFW to FLL, here's hoping it's calmed down by then 🤢

I tend to agree with some of the other cruisers, Jamaica is one port that I have truly felt uncomfortable at every time we've gone. We normally go to a AI beach break at one of the hotels and each time we've shuttled, we've come across their military, machine guns out, at certain check points along the way. So you know, my mind deduces if they weren't needed they wouldn't be there, and for me it's anxiety inducing. The other side is that, okay, they're there to keep things in order, so that's good. I guess it's all how you look at it (disclaimer: I come from a military family, don't mind guns, and have one myself). That said, I've been to Labadee once, never felt unsafe. We're going back in a couple weeks and I am not hesitant about getting off the ship: it's a pretty nice little place to chill for a couple hours and has some really beautiful, lush, hills that surround it -- so great photo ops. The locals weren't any more aggressive than other ports we've been to, but just avoid that area of wares if you don't want to deal with it. Enjoy your trip 😀

We just booked our first 2 this year since covid as well, super excited. Enjoy your cruise!

On the contrary, we actually like Oasis class because it doesn't feel "full" or crowded. We also tend to sail throughout the school year though so that might play into it. My favorite is the Promenade, I like the width and not feeling like I have to single-file it when walking through spaces like that. We normally dine with the dinner-packages so lines really aren't an issue, can't speak to the MDR though. We try to sail on Oasis class when booking because it just fits our expectations and "room to breath" a bit more.

Congrats and enjoy your beautiful room!

On both upcoming cruises I actually wrote down (and check week to week) the inventory and prices in the suites category just for this reason: I don't want to overbid, but I also want to place a "fair" bid. This is my first time being able to use the service, before that I used to book a suite GTY if available and that usually worked out better lol (from jr. suite to grand suite). In your case I would think that since there's a lot of inventory you might have a good chance, GL!

We rarely go to the MDR as well, only reason being we either want to be in a specialty restaurant where it feels more intimate OR yeah, we'll go to the WJ because it's on our time, at our pace. We usually prefer the WJ on port days because we're too wiped out to get dressed up and just want to veg out. All that to say I never walk into the WJ thinking I'm going to be "wowed" - for me it ends up being about convenience when I'm in a more passive mood.

Interesting, I do have the Platinum card and just added it. I usually check the offers once a month, thanks for the head's up!

Exactly - a suite category is preferred for us when traveling with our teen. It's both the space and the "separation" of spaces that made it ideal. Just kind of surprised this configuration is in so many rooms...

I totally expected pricing to be inflated, but that's not what I'm bummed out about. WHY do so many suites have beds that face the living space?! The perk of the "side by side" configuration is that you're not facing other people while sleeping and can draw a curtain for privacy.

I made the joke that I needed a xanax after viewing the marketing material for Icon but truth is, I think for those of us with kids/teens, first thought was, "This is a great ship to take a family on," and I'll do just that. There are many other ships in the fleet I can opt for when it's just DH and I. For this particular ship, I think DS will have the time of his life 😊

The piece of email marketing I received today left me feeling like I needed a xanax after viewing it, busy, busy, busy! With that said, perfect ship to bring my teen on so I'll end up booking it lol ☠️

We've been on Allure a couple times and we really enjoy that ship, but it's true she doesn't have the same amenities as the other Oasis Class ships. Personally, I'm hoping they do amplify her soon as she's moving into my neck of the woods (Texas) and I think having some waterslides etc would be great for all the families that cruise out of Galveston. With that, we are sailing on Harmony next month and I'm very excited to try out places like Wonderland etc, and some of the other different amenities. Either way, I can tell you that we prefer Oasis class over others as we enjoy how big and spacious everything feels!

Hey at least the bathroom and closet is bigger 🤑

I always book directly with a RCCL agent, anyone know if they can or will do this? Or does it have to be an independent agency?

Happy Anniversary to you both! Ya'll are beautiful souls, your review is great but your story about Elaine is the kindest thing I've ever read on these boards ❤️

Truth is I just feel tacky if I don't tip, it's an etiquette thing for me. So I tip $1 or $2 per drink, out of habit. Can't say if I've received any better service from it, but I leave feeling like a decent human lol

Chiming in, but it was my understanding that you have to actually book the cruise through the AMEX travel site in order to receive the OBC. Also, when I've done "mock bookings" before the fare on the AMEX site didn't reflect the deals on the RCCL site, so it always ended up costing more to book through AMEX anyway.