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On 3/5/2022 at 3:30 PM, pxy cda said:

We sailed during the riots a few years back. Local told me docks are very safe as it is federal. So criminals stay away as it is penetentiary vs regular jail. Not sure if it's true but we had no issues. 

As a point of clarification most ports in the US are owned/controlled by local port authorities.  They provide most of the "on the ground security".  Mind you the Federal gov't has a say on entry and exit criteria, the port authority provides the personnel.  Would it be a federal crime to enter a port over a fence, most likely yes, but even if the federal crimes laws weren't there the local/state crime laws would still apply.  So I think most criminals would just bypass the cruise port parking lots for easier pickings, like at your local shopping center.

As opposed to serving time between a    penitentiary, which I assume you mean a federal one vs a state/local jail from my reading the state/local jails can be "harder" time.

Having said that I always park in the port lots more for convivence.  However, outside of Miami I don't hesitate to recommend people park at privately owned lots to save money.

For Miami over the years on this board I have heard stories about people returning from a cruise only to find their vehicle broken into, so I always recommend people to use the Port of Miami internal parking options

One thing to keep in mind, is the state you live in may affect your coverage.  Read the fine print to make sure you are buying the coverage that covers residents of your state.

You need to contact Crown and Anchor as soon as possible.  To make sure the points are correct.  If at all possible have both your Crown and Anchor numbers before making the call.

I really didn't pay attention to our status with Royal Caribbean because over the years we would jump between cruise lines.  I eventually got to Diamond, but during booking a cruise she was still listed as Emerald.  That wasn't correct.  I looked at her Crown and Anchor account and saw that they hadn't credited her account with some cruises that she took with me (I normally book our vacations) so something slipped through the cracks.

I gave Crown and Anchor and told them about the issue.   They looked at my account and I confirmed all of the cruises that got me to Diamond was cruises she was on.  They updated her account.  I was just worried that if I dropped dead, she would have issues with exercising her Diamond and now Diamond+ privilege's in the future.

The reason why I say contact them ASAP, is that it sometimes take time for the updates to work through the various computer systems.

Some of the replies are assuming that the upgrade is foa r an ocean balcony and not a Boardwalk/Central Park balcony.

On Oasis class ships we have only done Central Park balconies.  I enjoy sitting out there in the evening enjoying the music.

On other cruises we have gone back and forth between inside cabins and ocean balconies.  Usually the deciding factor is the cost difference and how port intensive the cruise is and if we have been to the various ports before.

My wife does not like heights so she get very use of balconies.  The good point about inside cabins is I get my best sleep in them as I am normally as soon as I see sunlight coming in the window obviously not an issue with an inside cabin 

8 hours ago, ianj said:

From what I've read here and on RCCL blog, the answer is no. 

 

If you buy 4 device access in one persons name you can access the internet on any of the devices but only ONE at a time. 

If you buy 1 device in each of 4 peoples names, all 4 people can be online at the same time. 

 

Of course the second option is about 50% more expensive.

You are totally incorrect.  For years I have bought a two device package for me and my wife.  Different first names. 

We each have multiple devices, cell phones, computers, tablets that we would use during a cruise.   We each made sure that we each only had one device accessing the network at any one time.  For example.  I would switch between my laptop and tablet through out the day thus my one connection.  My wife would do something similar for  her devices.

A couple of years back I bought a three device package so one of my in-laws kid could do some school work with the understanding that they would only have one device attached at any one time.  Different cabins, totally different names.  No issues.  Cheaper for them, they just paid the price difference between the 2 vs 3 device packages by picking up a few drinks tabs during the cruise.

1 hour ago, Oceansaway17 said:

yes I agree with this last statement.   and yes of course it is about money but the idea of a charter is so the group can travel together.  They should try to offer the smaller and slightly older ships.  Never the brand new big ones.   oh well     

But what happens to the groups that can sell out the larger ships and their client group want the larger ship amenities.   Plus these whole ship charters will guarantee a per cabin premium over what the cruise ship would charge for that particular date/ship.

11 hours ago, Colorado Cruzer said:

The 6 month rule is for international air travel, not cruises. You should be fine.  

Actually not quite true.  It is dependent on the country you are visiting no matter the mode of transportation.

Several years ago Barbados invoked this rule both to cruisers (who are there only during the day) and people arriving by air.  Barbados rescinded this rule shortly there after.  Carnival and other cruise lines had to check for expiration dates for cruises that visited Barbados.

No country in the Caribbean that regularly accepts cruise ships require a passport that is expiring within six months for cruises.

Nothing to do with US rules

2 hours ago, twinmommy08 said:

4 device VROOM SURF + STREAM 
 

I paid $155 (7.75 per device per day) for our 5 night Mariner in March. $216 (7.75 per device per day) for our Ovation sailing in May.
 

Both $31 per day. The per adult is per package. You only need one package and everyone can have their own code if you buy a 4 pack.  
 

I believe I bought both packages during the Black Friday sale. We use the internet for iPhone texting and WiFi calling at sea to keep connected with our teenagers while they experience freedom 🤣 

Actually  if one person buys a four device package they get one code for everyone.  The only stipulation it is limited to 4 devices being connect at anyone time.  This normally cheaper than buying 4  1 device packages where each person would get their own code.

14 minutes ago, travelplus said:

Here is a thought.

How many vehicles can be fueled for one cruiseship?

The answer is none.

Cruise/cargo ships use bunker fuel which is considered "waste" by the refineries.  This is not useable by vehicles.

The exception is that cruise lines have to use a cleaner burning version of diesel fuel within certain distances of various countries including the US.  I don't think this fuel is usable by cars, tractor trailers.

Was it you or the primary passenger who contacted the PVP to  request the change?

9 minutes ago, rdtpm64 said:

Debating getting VOOM surf for 1 device, but I have a couple of questions.

 

1) I really only need to it check in for my flight the day before getting off the ship, although being able to get updates from home would be nice.  Can I buy it for 24 hrs only, or do I have to buy it for the extent of the cruise?

2)  If I buy it for 2 devices, can my friend in the cabin next door use her phone for the 2nd device, or does it have to be in the same cabin?

In answer to your second question.  You can buy a 2 device package.  They don't care it the two devices are being used by people booked in the same cabin.  For example, several years we went on cruise with in-laws.  One of the nieces need access to the internet for school work.  I told the parents I will purchase a three device package, splitting it three ways.  Cheaper for them.  They paid me back in wine on board ship.

Keep in mind that the packages are for concurrent active connections.

Outside of the above scenario.  I usually buy the two device package even though I bring along a laptop, tablet, cell phone and my wife brings along a her tablet and cellphone.  We just make sure that each of us has only one of our personal device attached at any one time.

Let's see.  Countries have been denying ships from docking for months and months.  How did you think you this would suddenly change.

My wife and I have stopped cruising and won't start again until things settle around.

While we like sea days, I kind of like a bit of order (I am the travel planner in the family).  My wife likes activities and from I have seen some of things that she likes and even ones I like have been reduced or eliminated

Let me see.  Infected crew member from other that are not infected on ships that are more less dedicated for this purpose.  How is that bad thing?  The alternative is to keep on the ships that are now in general service and possibly infecting many more people (both crew and customers).

The alternate is to have them disembark the ship and place in hotels as they can't simply fly home.  The affect is the same.

Wondering if onboard staff is subject to HIPPA rules vs on-shore staff.

Yes, the Marriage License is sufficient along with the passport.

Even before covid these cards were hit or miss no matter the length of the cruise on the exact same ship, same intenary and even the same length of the cruise

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

Liberty sails from Galveston so it was on Galveston time. It seems mexico and roatan are on eastern time. People kept asking if they lost a hour. Phones and devices automatically reset for local time, and we were on Galveston time. 

But you can temporary disable this function on your phones and devices.

My recommendation is to figure out if the ship time corresponds to local time or initial embarkation time where you check in.

Some cruise lines are consistent on most of their ships where they will adjust their clocks as they cross time zones.  RCCL leaves it to the discretion of the current Captain.  

9 hours ago, ticketsunlimited said:

The classic JIMBO was the wasting fuel comment.  I never laughed so hard.  Was the captain supposed to drop anchor in the middle of the ocean and sit there and sulk the rest of the day?

Maybe you forgot they are essentially on a ship that "cruises"  that means that they tend to move.

Actually with  modern cruise ships the captain can essentially "drop the anchor". In the mdiddle of the ocean, theey shut down the diesel generators that drive the propulsion system.  They enter into  to the transponder  system that they are dead in the water but no emergency,  So other ships know to give a wide berth.

Back in the day ships would sail around in circles, but nowadays that is no longer required.  Thus no need to burn fuel sailing around in circles.

9 hours ago, ticketsunlimited said:

The classic JIMBO was the wasting fuel comment.  I never laughed so hard.  Was the captain supposed to drop anchor in the middle of the ocean and sit there and sulk the rest of the day?

Maybe you forgot they are essentially on a ship that "cruises"  that means that they tend to move.

Actually with  modern cruise ships the captain can essentially "drop the anchor". In the mdiddle of the ocean, theey shut down the diesel generators that drive the propulsion system.  They enter into  to the transponder  system that they are dead in the water but no emergency,  So other ships know to give a wide berth.

Back in the day ships would sail around in circles, but nowadays that is no longer required.  Thus no need to burn fuel sailing around in circles.

Back to the original topic.

Also ast week Aruba and Curacaos denied one of RCCL ships when some crew and passengers tested positive for covid.  RCCL issued OBC equal for two days of the fare paid.  The were also given 50% credit on a future cruise based on what they paid for the current cruise.

Mind you this kind of special, generally if you miss a port of call due to weather the only refund  you would is is the port fee

12 minutes ago, GEORGIEGIRL said:

I hate to sound like I'm a conspiracy theorist. I might offer that they make money docking in "CoCo Cay" when people get off and disembark and spend their money with RCCL. In Nassau people disembark the ship and the money stays on the island, not RCCL's pocket.

 

Please don't hate... I'm Diamond Plus and LOVE RCCL. I'm just offering another possible reason.

The OP mentioned that the substitute port will be Nassau and NOT Coca Cay.  So your conspiracy theory is invalid 

1 hour ago, cruiseguy1016 said:

Glad to hear you were able to find people to help you. I have always carried a set of jumper cables in my vehicles. I have used them a lot more to help someone else than I have used them to help myself.

I am like you, use my jumper cables more to help other people.  It is a nice feeling to help someone else in there time of need.

International rights have always been hit or miss.  Bla  ming this on the NFL may a bit much and I am not an NFL fan.

ESPN may have just purchased the rights for the bowl games to be broadcast in the US and not overseas.  Once a ship goes beyond a certain point then the broadcast would be consider overseas and not legally eligible for being shown onboard the ship

However the NFL channel may have been, thus the switchover.

36 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

I think I rather lose 2 or 3 hours all in one day on the crossing.

There is actually a 5 hour time difference between the east coast of the US and England.

So if you are going eastbound,  If you wake up at 8am eastern time  partway during the cruise and they adjusted the clocks over night it is now 1pm ship time (UK time)

Also keep in mind BCL had a deal with one or two hotels on the island where people can take the ship to Grand Bahama, stay at one of the hotels for a few days and then take the ship back on a later sailing I won't be surprised if one of the hotels are rebranded as a Margaritaville Hotel.

2 hours ago, n6uqqq said:

I don't know. They didn't ask him but billed him. Normally when they answer the phones you can pay over the phone but that option is gone for now and the email response hasn't come after more than a week. We are cruising again in March, maybe he can resolve it at check in if collections doesn't come after him. 

Why wait until March to take care of this.  Your friend has until 1 Jan to take care of this.  That is 2 and 1/2 weeks away and based on some of the other post your friend may have been identified a week ago.

Once every so often I have had non cruise billing issues, and I just contact the company in question to figure out how to make things correct.  Conversely there have been one or two times when my payment has crossed in the mail when the company had sent me a reminder notice.  I pay the "reminder" notice.  After a couple of months I get a refund check from the company due to the double payment that I made.