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CHAMPDDS

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    bar hop / party bus to the eastern side

    in Cozumel

    Posted · Edited by CHAMPDDS

    We, too, have done Paradise Beach and Nochi Cocum, and I am really looking forward to this alternative excursion in 2 weeks...

     

    We already have quite a few from our roll call signed up for it, even before it was mentioned on the roll call...I bet anyone doing any research on excursions in Cozumel, especially using Tripadvisor, will stumble upon it...

     

    David :D

    Great webpage regarding Noro and Hand Sanitizer Brands

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    Even if your hands are dirty or germy, as long as you don't touch your face or eat until you've washed your hands, you are unlikely to catch anything. You have to introduce the germs INTO you somehow....just because they might be on your hands, won't make you sick.

     

    Obviously a barrier on one's hand is not a magic bubble....

     

     

     

    You can become infected with norovirus by accidentally getting stool or vomit from infected people in your mouth. This usually happens by

    •eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus,

    •touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus then putting your fingers in your mouth, or

    •having contact with someone who is infected with norovirus (for example, caring for or sharing food or eating utensils with someone with norovirus illness).

    Great webpage regarding Noro and Hand Sanitizer Brands

    in Ask a Cruise Question

    Posted

    The medical claims of whoever made that website are dubious at best. I could find zero peer-reviewed studies showing that the gels "protect" any viruses, and he/she is promoting antibacterial, non-alcohol products which are bad for the skin and do not actually kill viruses.

     

    Wash your hands with soap and water, and use at least 60% alcohol sanitizer when you absolutely cannot make it to a sink with soap. Make sure you are drinking enough water and getting your vitamins (fruits and vegetables) along with your cruise indulgences, and just be mindful of others not practicing good hygiene and avoid them whenever possible.

     

    Otherwise, don't worry too much about it. Just being aware of your surroundings and what you are touching will keep you much more safe from noro than any product on the market.

     

    Agree with you regarding the hand washing...but this guy has some backing in some of the reports I have read other places as well, supporting 70%+ and Benzethonium Chloride as a good combo...

     

    He is clear that testing Noro killers is difficult in lab situations due to its characteristics, and that most research tests similar type viruses..for what it is worth...

     

     

    It was previously thought that norovirus was resistant to alcohol and that alcohol hand sanitizers didn't work against norovirus. Unlike most viruses, human norovirus won't grow in a petri dish. It does not want to attack cells in a petri dish, it only likes to attack people. This makes human norovirus very difficult to study. So, most researches study viruses that are closely related to human norovirus and HOPE that their results are applicable to human norovirus. One of the viruses they study is Feline calicivirus. This virus is VERY resistant to alcohol which started the "alcohol doesn't kill norovirus" thing. Now researchers are also using murine norovirus. This virus is genetically more closely related to human norovirus. Murine norovirus is killed by alcohol. So, now researchers are leaning more towards "alcohol hand sanitizers do fine killing norovirus."1. Recommendations could still change but I try to keep up with the research and post it here.

    Emerald Level Coupon Book

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted · Edited by CHAMPDDS

    Here ya go

     

    Emerald Members

    • 2 Beverage Discount Coupons - purchase any wine, beer or soda by the glass and get a second one free.
    • Glass of Wine, Beer or Soda Discount - receive a 10% discount.
    • Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Coffee Beverage - one complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee drink with purchase of dinner in any specialty restaurant.
    • Premium Brand Coffee - buy any coffee beverage and get a second one free.
    • Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake.
    • Photo discount - buy 1 photo and receive a 50% discount on a second photo.
    • Internet Discount - $10.00 USD internet credit or 15% off any internet package purchase (which ever amount is greater).
    • Wash & Fold Coupon - $5.00 off one $25.00 USD bag of laundry on Wash & Fold Day (4+ night sailings only).
    • Dry Cleaning & Pressing Discount - $5.00 USD off any dry cleaning or pressing services of $25.00 USD or more.
    • 3 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupons.
    • 3 Casino Match Play $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificates.
    • Bingo Credit - Purchase any bingo package and receive one free strip of 6 Jackpot Bingo Cards.
    • Gift Shop Discount - Spend $25.00 USD or more on RCI logo and receive a 10% discount.
    • Art Auctions - 10% off Custom Framing on any Art on Royal Purchase
    • Jewelry Discount - Spend $1000 USD on Fine Jewelry and receive a 10% discount.
    • Airbrushed Temporary Tattoos - purchase any size temporary airbrushed tattoo and receive a free sparkling glitter upgrade, a $3.00 USD Savings.
    • Pets at Sea Discount - 10% off your Pets at Sea package which includes a pet and outfit.
    • Tuxedo Rental Discount - 10% off any tuxedo rental package.
    • RCI Cookbook Discount - 25% off the purchase of RCI Savor Cookbook.
    • SPA Credit - 15% off any one spa or salon service.
    • Britto Collectible - 10% off one Britto Collectible.
    • C&A Members enjoy 15% off C&A Bedding Collection Purchase ( Visit www.RoyalCaribbeanBeddingCollection.com PROMO CODE: SOCIETY)

     

     

    Is this list still valid for the now electronic coupons on the SeaPass card now?

     

    (Google search result from a while ago)

     

     

    Thanks

    David:D

    Allure Captain's party--Concern re: Noro

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    Some research is stating that PURELL VF447, MICRELL Antibacterial Foam Handwash (70%) and a hard water rinse were effective at reducing Norwalk Virus on human hands.

     

    It is the PURELL Food Code Compliant version that is not effective at 60%

     

     

     

     

    http://www.handwashingforlife.com/files/2007-IAFP_Human_Norovirus_Fingerpad_Final_072007_0.pdf

     

    http://www.handwashingforlife.com/resources/integrated-solutions/supplies/hand-sanitizers/norovirus-effective-formula

    Cashing Out OBC

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    Our experience has been that non-refundable OBC has always been used first followed by refundable.

     

    I know how much refundable OBC is available to us and if it's not all used, I have had no problems going to Guest Services on the day prior to debarkation and asking for cash to settle our account. It could go on our credit card, but then we lose double points.

     

    That is what I trust will be the case for us as well should that occur...

     

    David:D

    Cashing Out OBC

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted · Edited by CHAMPDDS

    If it's "refundable" (you got it with points or a price drop) you can go to the customer service desk and get your money.

     

    If it's "non-refundable"....spend it somehow!

     

    They will use the "refundable" OBC first...just so you know! They do NOT want to be able to give you money back, if they don't have to.

     

    I had heard exactly the opposite regarding which was used 'first'....:confused:

     

    David:D

    Spa Teeth Whitening?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    I am a recently retired dentist ( also a cruiser) and am amazed at what they charge for the "whitening procedures" on the cruise that do not work! I charged about the same fee but you received custom mouth trays and whitening( bleaching gel) that worked. There are always promises on the ship that it whitens teeth and crowns, etc.---- not true! Bleaching gel is a carbimide peroxide gel that oxidizes stains in natural teeth. For it to work it must be on the teeth for a period of time, held in place by a custom tray so the gel does not wash out and dilute. Some stains and discolored teeth take a number of "bleachings" to whiten the teeth. I always had the patient leave the tray in about an hour. Overnight bleaching not needed and gets diluted by your saliva. Crowns, veneers, composite fillings (tooth colored)....all will not bleach. These materials are porcelain/glass-like and cannot be penetrated by any bleach/peroxide to do any whitening. That is why when you whiten your natural teeth, the crowns/veneers will not change color, so they look different once the natural teeth are lighter in shade. Some teeth have extrinsic stain (on the outside) of the tooth....think tobacco stain. This can be removed by certain toothpastes and make the teeth look whiter just by removing the stain coating the front of the teeth. So much for my lecture---just do not waste your money!!

     

    Totally agree...so as a second opinion....enjoy your vacation and don't bleach while on a cruise ship...very simple....

     

    David:D

    Will Daylight Savings Time change affect boarding?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    If you are board the day the actual time change is place it will certainly have an effect because the time is changed. The change always happens in the wee hours of the morning, so it would have happened early in the night before you board.

     

    If it takes place late after you have boarded you're okay.

     

    Jonathan

     

    Thanks- but to clarify, does it seem to delay getting on the ship since it may slow down the passengers that are disembarking since tHey have had an hour less sleep? Again, historically has anyone had experience with boarding on a DST date?

    Will Daylight Savings Time change affect boarding?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    Always the planner, I am curious if anyone has had any experience with having a sail date that falls on a Daylight Savings Time change date like we will on March 9th on the Allure. With the 'Spring Forward' of one hour on that Sunday, it actually takes an hour away from those disembarking, and I am wondering if this historically has slowed the process on those days of people getting off of the ship due to human nature with the loss of an hour..wondering if this needs to be a consideration in our usually time of arrive at the port around 10:30-11:00...

     

    Thoughts???

     

    David:D

    List of all bars on Allure?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    Beyond Ships probably has the best memory :)

     

    From my memory last week:

     

    Deck 17: Viking Crown Lounge

    Deck 16: Sky Bar (there are 2, not sure if they are both the Sky bar though)

    Deck 15: Pool Bar (same as above, 2 of them on each side).

    Also Wipeout Bar and Solarium Bar

    Deck 8: Dazzles (nightclub/dance lounge). Central Park: Rising Tide (if it's there or Promenade). Trellis Bar. Vintages (wine, but they also have cocktails).

    Deck 6: Schooner, Boardwalk Bar, Rita's (it's food, but I walked in for a Margarita only--note to others, the bartender is not good there, better Ritas at Casino bar or pretty much any other bar).

    Deck 5: Promenade: Bolero's, On Air, The Pub, and Champagne/Martini Lounge. You can also get drinks at Promenade Cafe.

    Deck 4: Casino Bar, Jazz on 4, Blaze

     

    You can also get drinks from servers or at the bar in the Amber Theatre and Studio B during shows/activities.

    Of course the Main Dining Rooms and all of the specialty restaurants.

    I may have forgot some or missed some (Oh No!), but those are the ones I remember.

     

     

    Excellent information! Thanks

     

    ..Perhaps I should start at the Viking, and stumble, I mean work my way down....:rolleyes:

     

    David:D

    Ft. Lauderdale Q&A/FAQ

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    There are no Marriotts in Fort Lauderdale. There are some airport/cruiseport hotels carrying the Marriott brand, like Courtyard, Springhill, and Fairfield. Which is your hotel?

    No stores will be able to sell you alcohol products including wine on Sunday until noon.

    I would leave at about 11AM to go to Port Miami. You will arrive before noon and boarding should have started by then unless there are unscheduled delays.

     

    No Marriotts in FLL? Better tell the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort Hotel...where we are staying in March...:rolleyes:

     

    David:D

    I am not an IT guy, but the website and access by C&A via telephone is annoying...

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted · Edited by CHAMPDDS

    I am sure there is a reason for it, but it sure is a pain to have an issue with the website (It currently is not allowing me to correct an MTD reservation) and then having to contact C&A to resolve it... It appears that even they cannot access my reservation even if I log out of the RCCL page for 16 minutes after I log out of my account(according to the rep)..so it is now twice that I have needed to call regarding the problem (They acknowledge that there is a software glitch causing it, and they were to notify their IT/Website department when I talked to them last week)...I tried again today, and now have to call back in 16 minutes to try and get things looked at again...(althought the C&A rep was very nice)...

     

    Just wish there was a more efficient system to allow a rep to access the reservation, versus such a delay...ugh..:confused:

     

    David

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