ChrisCJR

While you should bring your vaccination card with you, I should note that they did not ask for it when we went.  They had us put on our wrist bands and we walked into the water park.

You don't need to enter the actual hotel, but go to the water park entrance to the right of the hotel.  We stood in a line at the front desk, when we could have walked right up to the water park's ticket booth.  Staff was super friendly.

I think it might come down to how things impact other guests. 

I don't personally understand how someone wearing jeans would negatively impact your cruise.  On the other hand, if a lot of guests are chair saving or smoking, that can negatively impact your cruise.  Nevermind, smoking is proven to impact the very health of those around you. 

Outside of "setting the mood" a dress code doesn't really do much to impact the satisfaction of a cruise.  Most people are in the dining room for the food and not much else.  There are exceptions, but that is why there are premium restaurants on the ships.

If anyone has been to the spa area, is the steam room co-ed?  I know the lounge and hot tub is.

With the water being unheated outside and am rain in the forecast, my spouse and I are considering the spa pass.  However, we'd prefer to enjoy it together.

Our four night cruise repeated the shows Believe and Beauty and the Best, mentioned above.  They used to have Golden Mickeys, but it's not currently happening right now, I hope it comes back.

They do part of the sail away party show right when you step on board and keep everyone socially distant.  It's trimmed down to just a couple minutes, but still a lot of fun to kick off the cruise.

Fireworks should be on night two, if not on two nights (they were the two middle days during our four day cruise, same show both times).  It's a new post-covid show, Ever After.  Not even five minutes long and has no show elements before it.  You can see them from the upper decks, as well as, the jogging track on Deck Four.

I noticed more entertainment at dinner, with a piano player and violinist at the Royal Palace, which had a few princesses go by (Ariel, Jasmine, and Rapunzel for us).  Crush still does the Animator's Palate, they also had a Pirate night with a special show.  In the Enchanted Garden, a few characters, which I'll keep nameless, made an appearance.

Funnel Vision and the cinema are operating pretty normally, but masks are required in the cinema.  Think Shang-Chi, Jungle Cruise, and Raya for the cinema.

Just got off board, believe it or not, it seemed like there were way fewer kids on board than normal due to the covid testing requirements (and school, probably).  Still a lot, but not nearly as much as normal.  Serenity Bay seemed about normal capacity while there were a lot more vacant chairs at the family beaches.  So, lots of adults go without children and more so right now.

Currently it's Halloween on the High Seas.  It's definitely toned down from prior years, but they do a few small shows outside and you can see the characters in their Halloween costumes.  Fireworks are currently "Ever After", a somewhat toned down firework show.  The decorations are nice and the "Halloween tree" is still up in the atrium for great photos.

Just got off the ship.  The changing rooms and sauna are closed.  You can use them as a restroom, but the lockers and sauna are roped off, only toilets and sinks are available for use. 

We used the Rainforest Room, which is across from the rooms, so that's how I know.  Had to swing by the restroom at one point.  If I remember right, they also limit it to two people in the restroom at a time.  That's more of an honor system rule though, there's no bouncer in front.

I believe that I read that they're doing reservations to use the gym, which you make on board.  Could be different in November though.

Mine's been pending since the beginning of the month, cruise is on Monday, so not sure what's up there.  Worst case, I just check in like normal.

29 minutes ago, Shmoo here said:

Several people have reported that they waited 25-30 minutes for the test results at the port today.

This might seem like a silly question, but did you hear if they're charging for the tests? 

I know they are for the 12 and under group before the cruise unless they use a third party.  It makes sense that it would not be an extra charge at the port for the rapid test, but no one clarified it so far.

Side question for anyone who knows, is a rapid test less uncomfortable than a regular PCR?  My DW is worried about it.  I told her that it's really not that bad, but I'll admit to never having one yet.

I'm curious, are they covering the cost of testing all the guests at the terminal?  They are not for those 12 and under prior to the cruise, but they don't clarify it for everyone testing at the terminal.

11 hours ago, chipmaster said:

I guess flying, getting about indoors, sports events and all groups are all activities that weren't meant for mask, but OMG they are fine with masks.

Maybe if no one sweats.  A wet mask is a useless mask.  It would defeat the point of wearing it since vapor would go right through it, which is how the virus spreads.  

Forget about all the eating and drinking that makes a cruise a cruise.  Kind of hard to do that with a mask on.

It's just not safe and people would end up getting the virus about as easy as no mask at all.  On a cruise ship with limited resources too.  

5 hours ago, K32682 said:

In the absence of a vaccine or the virus dying out I would expect masks would be mandatory in any public area and only allowed to be removed when swimming or eating and drinking. 

Swimming, eating, drinking is what a cruise is.  There's very little on a ship that wouldn't involve those things.  Maybe dancing at the clubs, but isn't drinking a thing there too?  Or, catching a show or the casino, but people definitely drink there.  Not hard to change that, but the point is there is a good portion of public areas where people will be maskless.  Then, will people still be interested in those activities without alcohol?  Will the cruise line want those activities without alcohol sales?  No need for masks in staterooms, so for some people, that's like 80-90% of their cruise without a mask.

It's very hard to pass by those areas without being within six feet of someone eating a burger or running out of a pool.  Even if you're wearing a mask, get too close to the wrong person without one on and that's all it'd take.  Especially on a windy day, IMO.

I don't really see how it could be safe.

On lower decks, somewhat.  No way would people wear them around the pool or eating.  Also, it's next to impossible to walk through those areas without being near people doing those activities.  Thus, it's a bit pointless and better to wait until it's no longer necessary at all.

Even on the lower decks, there are lots of eating and drinking going on. 

Simply put, cruising isn't designed for masks.  It would require big changes that would defeat the entire concept and point, IMO. 

It's easier to think of where people would be wearing masks.  To/From staterooms and watching performances.  Almost all other activities would have excuses for people to remove their masks from eating to drinking to exercising to swimming.  

I've been on all four ships, my favorite is the Dream, but all of them are exceptional. 

The Dream and Fantasy are both great ships, almost identical really, but the Dream tends to have shorter itineraries.  While shorter might sound bad, the longer cruises are still limited to the same functions that the shorter cruises have.  For example, there's only three full budget stage shows on longer cruises with filler in between (a couple smaller scale shows and usually a special act that can appear on any cruise line - think a comedian or magician, not to say it's bad - just not that exclusive Disney production).  There's also only three core restaurants, so even on a three night cruise, you'll see all three unless you opt to go premium at Palo or Remy.

If the Wonder is closer for you, I would say that's the best option, as others have said.  Taking out flights makes the trip a lot more relaxing, in my opinion.  We enjoyed Disney Wonder a lot.  There's less technology involved, but that could be a good thing.  It's a very relaxing ship and has plenty to do.