nlcruiser01

On 5/15/2022 at 2:53 PM, FM said:

Really appreciate hearing a first-hand account of what occurred with you and your husband during your recent cruise @nlcruiser01

 

It was quite fortuitous that you had the forethought to acquaint yourself with RCL's policy re: “Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19” ... one would think that the emphasis would be more towards working with passengers who have taken the opportunity to cruise with them instead of staying at home!

 

You mentioned that your husband 'received medications as required' - were the medications of the anti-viral kind approved for COVID 19 treatment such as Remdesivir?

Hi FM, you call it "fortuitous" but prior to this cruise, my husband always described my planning as "obsessive".  Not anymore!!   I've been home almost a month and still no sign of the remaining refunds RCL owes us.  I'm still waiting on a call back from 2 weeks ago re: this.  I'm glad I didn't agree to pay up front for the costs RCL ultimately paid as per the contract. 

He was given Acetaminophen for his fever, Nyquil and cough drops.  Thankfully he didn't become ill enough to require Remdesivir or any other anti-virals. 

On 5/12/2022 at 12:41 AM, tottenhamfc said:

If this continues I could see Canada going back to PCR. I to was on the same cruise and I would suggest that there is a very reckless element on board. The double vax is the main criteria and the antigen was the additional measure for CDC and Canadian authorities. We masked and we attempted to social distance as best we could. Most on board thought that they were protected because of the requirements laid out by the powers to be. There was no inconvenience attached to our own measures of protection. We did not get the virus on either the first or the back to back so we are either very lucky or the additional measures help.

Hi Tottenhamfc, I thought you were on board with us as I'd seen your name in the CC group for that sail date.  I agree with your comment with respect to the "reckless element".   People looked at my husband and I like we were from another planet as we walked around inside wearing our KN95 masks.  I noticed many staff who weren't wearing them correctly either.  I very politely asked our waiter in Giovanni's to pull his mask up over his nose and he was none too impressed.   Glad you avoided the virus on your B2B. 

1 hour ago, Buckeye10640 said:

Could I ask what hotel your husband ended up at and if he felt it was ok? I am looking for a couple options, just in case.  Glad to hear he is better and you avoided being positive.

Sure, it was the Vancouver Sheraton Airport Hotel.  He was very pleased with the service and the food; however, the geese who served as his wake up call every morning were rather annoying!!   At check out he met a Canadian gentleman from a HAL cruise who was also quarantined there.  

3 hours ago, Senga said:

nlcruiser01; thanks for sharing.  Sounds like, with a little push and persistence, you were treated well.  We were feeling quite confident about our upcoming Alaska cruise, planning on taking all the precautions you did.  Guess all you can do is follow all the guidelines and hope for the best!

Yes, overall things went pretty well and we certainly have no complaints with the Guest Services staff.  I’m just glad that I reviewed and saved their COVID-19 policy before all of this happened.  Good luck with your Alaskan cruise.

On 5/8/2022 at 2:57 PM, canadianbear said:

Thank you for posting.  This is my fear-we have a 50 day cruise coming up in the Fall on HAL.  I’m not sure if I ended up in quarantine how I would handle being in an ocean view as I’m claustrophobic.  I’m also not sure I’d like to be separated if myself or my husband got covid.  
 

I have read other reports from cruises who were so careful but still ended up quarantined.  I still wonder why they’re doing the 10 day instead of the 5 day quarantine for fully vaccinated people.

 

Did you take test kits with you?  I think we will and just try to be careful as well.  It’s our dream cruise to the South Pacific from our home city and ending in San Diego which will require a flight home.  

Do you think he caught it from the airport or flying?  
 

Thank you again for sharing what you and your husband experienced.  

 

On 5/8/2022 at 2:57 PM, canadianbear said:

Thank you for posting.  This is my fear-we have a 50 day cruise coming up in the Fall on HAL.  I’m not sure if I ended up in quarantine how I would handle being in an ocean view as I’m claustrophobic.  I’m also not sure I’d like to be separated if myself or my husband got covid.  
 

I have read other reports from cruises who were so careful but still ended up quarantined.  I still wonder why they’re doing the 10 day instead of the 5 day quarantine for fully vaccinated people.

 

Did you take test kits with you?  I think we will and just try to be careful as well.  It’s our dream cruise to the South Pacific from our home city and ending in San Diego which will require a flight home.  

Do you think he caught it from the airport or flying?  
 

Thank you again for sharing what you and your husband experienced.  

 

Hi, yes we took a 5 pack of tests with us as a precaution.   Although we’ll never know, my husband thinks he contracted the virus in an airport or on one of our flights between St. John’s and Los Angeles.   Good luck with your upcoming cruise...sounds lovely.

As a frequent “lurker” but occasional “contributor” on this forum, I appreciate the respectful and helpful advice it provides.   As such, I thought it helpful to share my husband and my recent quarantine experience on Radiance of the Seas.  I apologize in advance for the lengthy post.  

After several cancelled cruises, we booked a 6 night sailing on Radiance of the Seas from Los Angeles to Vancouver on April 23 2022.  We are both fully vaccinated and boosted, in our early 50’s and in excellent health.  We were very cautious in the weeks leading up to the cruise and tested negative for COVID-19 (at home and in-clinic) in the days leading up to our departure from Canada.

I’ll not go into details with respect to embarkation and onboard service other than to say that embarkation was seamless and quicker than our previous cruises but onboard service was “fair”.  This was the vessel’s first sailing since March 2020 and it showed.  This was my 7^th cruise; my husband’s 5^th.

Prior to the cruise, we had decided that we would wear N95 or KN95 masks inside the ship.  We did not use the elevators or attend bars, shows, etc., and wore our masks religiously.  We did not eat in the Windjammer, which was “self-serve”.   We felt reassured that our decision to cruise on the Radiance (instead of the Anthem, our initial booking) was a prudent one when the captain announced that there were less than 900 passengers on board, out of a maximum capacity of approximately 2500 plus crew.

My husband began to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 on Monday, April 25 which he attributed to wearing masks for extended periods and the onboard air quality.  By Tuesday, his symptoms were becoming worse.   I had a scratchy throat that day and being overly cautious, I completed a Rapid Antigen test the afternoon of Tuesday, April 26 and was immediately negative.  My husband then completed a Rapid test and was positive within 3 minutes.  He immediately contacted the Medical Centre.

What follows is a series of events that is difficult for me to recount.  Within 30 minutes, a nurse arrived and we both received PCR tests.  I tested negative; my husband, positive.  Within 3 hours he was transferred to an Oceanview Stateroom on Deck 4.  I was advised that I could remain in our Balcony Stateroom on Deck 9 but after expressing my concern regarding remaining in that room given my husband’s diagnosis, Guest Services allowed me to move to a balcony stateroom two doors down.  I quickly packed up our belongings (my husband had left with only his carry on and camera bag) and moved myself to the “clean” room.   By this time, my husband had been contacted by the Security Team and questioned regarding his whereabouts while onboard; within an hour l was contacted by the same individual and questioned in order to corroborate the details provided by my husband. 

On Tuesday night we were provided with a direct line to Guest Services and for the most part, we dealt with the same two managers for the duration of the cruise.  They were very professional, courteous and answered my multitude of questions to the best of their ability.  My husband received complimentary internet and room service for the duration of the cruise.  I was required to eat my meals in my stateroom (room service was also complimentary) but otherwise was permitted to move about the ship as long as I tested negative.   However, given my level of anxiety and worry about testing positive, I remained in my stateroom with the exception of two visits to Guest Services.

My husband received very good medical care from the Medical Team (at Royal Caribbean’s expense), was tested daily and received medications as required.  I was also tested daily.   There was some initial confusion with respect to the date his symptoms began (likely due to a language barrier) but by Wednesday morning, I was assured by a physician that this had been rectified.  We’ve now received all of our test results and medical records and all is in order.

Prior to booking this cruise, I reviewed and was confident that RCI’s “Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19”dated 4/1/2022 would protect us should either of us test positive while onboard.  The fact that we were disembarking in Canada also factored in our decision to choose this sailing.   However, when I advised the Guest Services Managers on April 27 that this policy required RCI to “coordinate and cover” my husband’s hotel stay in Vancouver (where he remained until Friday, May 6 given the federal government’s 10 day quarantine requirement), his meals and return flight home, I was met with considerable resistance. Guest Services advised that the Shore Office in Vancouver was indicating that we would be required to pay these costs up front and submit invoices to RCI for review and reimbursement.   This was quite upsetting, as not only was I worried about my husband’s health, worried that I might test positive or exhibit symptoms (and then be placed in quarantine and/or unable to fly home as planned) but was now arguing about a policy that was designed to protect us from incurring such costs.  Having cancelled several cruises in the last two years, I was fully aware of the aggravation and delay that doing so would entail.   After numerous conversations with Guest Services with respect to the above-noted policy and a request for contact information for the individual(s) at the Shore Office responsible for this decision, RCI relented and all of my husband’s quarantine-related costs were “coordinated and covered” by RCI.   My husband was contacted by an employee of the Public Health Agency of Canada on May 1 and asked whether RCI was doing so, as per Government of Canada requirements.

I tested negative on April 27 and 28 but continued to fear that I would test positive on Friday, April 29, just hours before my scheduled flight home from Vancouver.  Of note, we live in Newfoundland & Labrador so driving home was not an option.    After docking in Victoria on April 28 and receiving my negative test result, I contacted Guest Services and asked if I would be permitted to disembark there instead of in Vancouver.   After checking with Canada Customs, I was given 30 minutes to pack our belongings and disembark.  I settled our onboard account, handed my husband’s suitcase over to Guest Services and was escorted off the ship and through Customs by a RCI employee (without seeing a Border Services Agent/Customs Officer) and left the terminal just before noon on April 28.  I travelled to the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay via taxi and took the ferry and then a taxi to a hotel near Vancouver International Airport.   I flew home on Friday, April 29 as I had no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and a recent negative Rapid Antigen Test.

As I had continued to test negative while onboard, RCI would not agree to cover my hotel and meal costs to remain in Vancouver with my husband, and obviously it would not have been prudent for me to share a hotel room with him given his symptomatology.   Thankfully he was able to work remotely and flew home on Friday, May 6.

RCI will be refunding us the 3 days’ cruise fare while my husband was quarantined as well as our unused specialty dining reservations.   RCI rebooked his flight home, although this was not without lengthy hold times and some confusion on RCIs part.  On a humorous note, when my husband arrived at the quarantine hotel in Vancouver, the hotel staff advised him that RCI’s credit card had been declined and they asked for his.  Needless to say, he did not provide this!

I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Although we have no idea as to whether my husband contracted COVID-19 while onboard Radiance of the Seas, we have since cancelled an upcoming Celebrity cruise and it will be quite some time before we cruise again.   

Thanks, @Ourusualbeach.  My conversation with the Royal rep.was just this past Thursday, so I appreciate your clarification.   It will be interesting to see if I receive a reply to my email of November 11, and if so, what they tell me. 

I thought I’d share my recent experience on this topic given @Ourusualbeach’s recent comments.  
 

We are booked on the December 5 Anthem sailing from Bayonne.  After reviewing the Sailing Protocols email last week (and other info on this issue on CC), I called Royal to confirm that PCR testing would still be provided onboard (and free of charge) prior to disembarkation. 
I was initially told that NO such testing would be provided.  When I advised the CSR that this was included when we booked our cruise, she spoke with a supervisor.  I was then told that, yes, the PCR tests will be provided onboard (and not in the terminal, as I specifically asked that question) as outlined on RCL’s website. I was told that my reservation had been noted that PCRs are required and we should book the tests at Guest Services.  I followed up with an email to RCCL this past Thursday, asking them to confirm this. To date, I’ve received no reply.   
 

I’m relieved to hear that the PCR tests are still be provided free of charge to those that require it.  If it’s completed in the Terminal, we’ll wait there for our results, as our flight from Newark is late afternoon.  If we test positive, I’d prefer not to have to argue with RCL on whether the Cruise with Confidence policy applies.   But the mixed messages from RCL, albeit not surprising, just add another layer of uncertainty to cruising at this time. 

Thanks so much for your quick reply, drakes2!!

Hi All, hoping someone here can clarify this for me:  I cancelled our April 3 cruise on Reflection on March 6 and received 100% FCC.   I received an email Sunday past with the amount of FCC but this did not include fees and taxes.   Will the fees and taxes be refunded to my credit card?  Thanks

Thank you for your thorough review and keeping us up to date, Andrew.  Neighbours of ours are onboard- their first  cruise AND their honeymoon!  What an experience for them!!

Wishing you safe travels from a fellow Canadian😀

Although I've not sailed on Freedom, I cruised NCL, Carnival and Royal Princess before doing 6 nights on the Navi last month. Our family of 4 was very impressed with the ship, the staff and the food. DH and I are booked on the 9 night Southern Caribbean on the NOS next March and can't wait to see the ABC islands!

I used OBC to pay gratuities on our Navigator cruise last month and had no issues whatsoever.

We had dinner at Sabor during our Navigator cruise last month- the cover charge was $25 pp: well worth it IMHO given the quantity and quality of the product offered.

It's a short drive, approximately 10 minutes so leaving the Royal Palms at 2:30 will give you plenty of time to return to the ship.

Once you've claimed your luggage, call the hotel directly and press 0 for the shuttle service.

When we used the shuttle last month, we were told to go to the right once we exited the arrivals area but the hotel staff will tell you where to wait when you call them.

Lastly, I'd suggest you confirm your hotel name & address with the driver to ensure you're getting on the right shuttle.

I'm so glad I came across this poll! DH and I booked the ABC islands from San Juan on AOS while on our Navigator cruise last month. We've done several Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises but this will be our first Southern one. Now I just have to wait until next April to enjoy it[emoji41].

My family of 4 ate at Giovanni's during our Navigator cruise in late April. Appetizers and side dishes were served "family style" and desserts were brought to our table on a cart and we could choose as many as we liked. I quite enjoyed the lamb chops and my 18 yr old daughter (a real foodie) raved about the Osso Bucco. No comparison with Olive Garden, IMHO and well worth the money.

On our Navigator cruise in late April we placed 24 bottles of water in a backpack, with the shrink wrap removed. The bag was checked with the rest of our luggage and arrived at our stateroom without incident.

You might want to consider the Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruiseport Hotel at 1800 South Federal Highway. Suite rooms, free buffet breakfast, a pool and $6 pp port shuttle.

It's an approx 5 min walk to the Embassy Suites but there's a CVS next door and several restaurants within walking distance, including those in the Harbor Shops. You can walk to the 17th Street bridge, although it's a little further away than the hotels listed by previous posters.

We stayed at this hotel 2 nights before our cruise last month and although it's a little dated cosmetically, the room was very clean, the staff were very friendly and a free airport shuttle is offered. The hotel will become a Four Points Sheraton later this year. I paid $161 US per night taxes included.

My husband and I stayed at the Renaissance in April 2015 before our Princess cruise. At that time, the hotel offered a port shuttle at a cost of $6 pp, I believe.

In terms of taxis, when we disembarked, we approached a taxi as we'd arranged to spend a few hours at the Renaissance before our flight home.

The taxi driver was very angry that he was losing his spot in the lineup to take us such a short distance as he said we could walk to the hotel with our luggage. We paid him $10 incl tip but he still wasn't happy with us.

I rented an ocean view cabana at the Royal Palms on April 26 for our family of 4. Our cabana was the first one to the right of the pool area and had canvas "drapes" that could be pulled close for privacy and sun protection.

Our server (unfortunately I don't recall her name) was very attentive and hardworking. We shared a jerk chicken pizza (delicious!) and 2 appetizers and had 5 beverages for a total of $119 US plus tip, plus the $100 US for the cabana. However, in our view it was worth the money for the proximity to the beach, service and privacy.

Hi Everyone, first time poster here although I spent considerable time on this site in preparation for our April 24 cruise on NOS. I truly appreciate the info available on CC from the many experienced cruisers.

I'd set up a cash account as we'd purchased considerable OBC at the 1.10 rate RCL was offering to Canadians and withdrew cash from the casino twice during our cruise. There was a sign posted near the cashier's office advising that they do not dispense cash so we asked for a ticket in the required amount each time and played the slots a couple of times before "cashing out". We'd then return to the cashier a couple of hours later to get our USD (to avoid making it look obvious what we were doing) and had no problems getting our money with no 5% surcharge. We could not find a machine in the casino that would allow us to cash out without going to the cashier.

Hope this helps.