rjrice1

6 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Lol it's like the mob, if I told ya, I'd have to kill you.

 

Just kidding. They probably dont know at the level answering telephones

Lol.   Needed that laugh 😆 

I  called Carnival yesterday;  spoke to one lady and asked about the 8 day cruise, she tried to tell me its still going.. told her to check the cdc; she comes back and tell me "yeah it's 7 days for now" but your cruise is Feb 2021;  a lot can happen by then.

So I ask her why isn't any cruise available for that date; her responds was "it's met it max"

what is the max?  Don't know.

Then I asked her when will they know?  My final payment is due this month.

She tells me "you can cancel without a penalty (yeah I am still in my window) with no future OBC or just wait.  

Asked her about Carnival only excursions.  Not the answer I wanted to hear.

I feel Carnival really needs to be upfront with their guests   We all have $$ for these cruises; if they know its not going to happen; let us know before we reinvest more $$

We booked a 8 day cruise first week of Feb 2021 and really seeing this  not happening (was 

supposed to be an ABC islands and was changed to something I wasn't thrilled about going to)

Just hoping they know for sure prior to final payment this month

Did buy insurance just in case they do cruise and we change our minds.  

Got an 8 day cruise first week of February.  

Really not feeling it, don't see it happening.

Yet final payment is due this month.

We are supposed to do a Super Bowl cruise out of Miami. (honestly don't see this happening and do

not want to be the first cruises sailing either)

Be interesting what protocols will be in place.

If any of the islands are going to welcome cruise ships.   (Aruba right now has 5 cruise ships just sitting there)

Purchase the insurance just in case I decide not to go or if my job (nurse will let me go)

Just a waiting game now.

14 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

I believe you, but that is untenable in Florida.  

In Aruba there are 4 or 5 ships "sitting" 2 NCL and on Windfleet (?)  really sad

There are places I believe called Passport Labs (or something) cost $$$  for quick results.

Wondering if certain islands will accept us.

PCR 

8 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

While I have no first hand knowledge on testing. When we had to return to ct for a death in the family, and also for a planned trip to Turks (that later was cancelled), both locations REQUIRED PCR tests.  Not being argumentative, just stating experience.  

Aruba is mandating all visitors get the PCR testing 72 hrs prior to boarding plane and must download on ED 6 hrs  prior to boarding.   I

Heard on the news that cruise ships will be doing "covid test" prior to boarding.

Wondering will this be a PCR test (a true covid test) the rapid ones can give false readings.

Thinking if this happens and one tests positive they will be denied boarding.   

Will the whole cabin be ask to leave?

Will they get reimbursed for this?

Are the islands going to let us dock?

We usually buy insurance for any reason to cancel.  

I never booked shore excursions through any ships.

Always have more fun with the best experience with the "locals" vs the ship and the crowds

Not only are we basically being told "what we can do" at each island.

Just hoping this changes.  

Missing cruising a lot.  Do feel more and more will be canceled.

Was wondering if cruise lines are going to "encourage" everyone to get a 

covid test 72 hrs prior to cruising or having them do it to 

all screening prior to boarding.  (even children over 2 yrs old)

If so will they add this to the cost of cruising.  

I would not mind getting one, I do get a test weekly for my job.

13 hours ago, v3cruiser said:

Nope. Wont be cruising with restrictions in port either.

totally agree.  

Even the "locals" aren't following guidelines.  

Working as a nurse in a long term facility (dementia) I chose to work in their isolation/unit;  aka covid/observation

and extra long hours/shift  (money is good for cruising) I had to wear mask. googles, face shields .. and other PPE

Being a now covid free place we still have to use our mask/googles and face shields.

I do not think I will cruise where mask are mandatory;   Actually hoping they cancel our Feb 2021 cruise with some OBC

We are supposed to cruise in Feb 2021;   I really don't even see that happening..

but once they do start cruising...  I am sure there will be guidelines.

Mask in public areas.  That's every where but your cabin?   

Will they offer cabin stewards daily?  (I know at some resort no daily cleaning till check out)

Just want to cruise.

Super Bowl Sunday Feb; 6 2021

Just wondering if Aruba and San Juan is going to let us dock;

right now you need a negative test within 72 hrs to both of them

1 hour ago, JaxsMama said:

That really stinks.  I know that they can change ports etc but how can you charge for the ABC's and then do that.  I would be seriously considering cancelling if it didn't cost me too much and pick a different sailing.  If mine changes I'm so close that I'll suck it up. I'm finally about to try Havana and we have insurance that will pay $500 pp for port of call change. That will ease my pain. 

Looking into a cruise that will go to at least A & B islands.   Bonaire is so cool.   been there and did the most amazing excursion.  Drove these twizzy cars around the island with a tour guide.  OMG is was amazing and was looking forward to that again..  Going to sit back and enjoy my upcoming cruise in  Feb.  going to Aruba, Curaco , :LaRomana and Turks... but again we are there for at least 8 hrs..  

Enjoy you Havana..  Can I ask where you get your insurance from??  

33 minutes ago, JaxsMama said:

So I checked the Curacao schedule.  Every Southern Caribbean route in 2020 on Horizon has at least 2 of the ABC's as a stop. If they took Bonaire away they added 2 other stops. When doing that they switched Curacao to the 2nd stop (previously Bonaire).  But according to the Curacao schedule online the 9/5 and 11/14 sailings are no where to be found. 

Feb 6 2021 It is as follow

2 sea Days

Aruba 8-4 (was supposed to be 8a -11p) shorten time by 7 hrs..  

LaRomana 1p - 6p (supposed to be Bonaire 9a -10-p) Bonaire is beautiful like Aruba... such a friendly island.

San Juan 8a-4p (Cucarco  8- 5)  not a fan been there several times.  

Amber Cove (private island) 9-5

two sea days.

I truely do think this is a downgrade... Yes we go to an extra stop they say.. 

Upset yes.... and I am  still going undecided.   My heart was set for ABC islands and the extra long time their.  Can explore.  Even had my shore excursions all planned out 

15 hours ago, mustardgirl said:

ABC islands are part of the Netherlands. Although they are located north of Venezuela, Aruba is considered one of the safest Caribbean islands.  So not really thinking safety is a factor. 

I have been to Aruba several times and stayed on the most "happiest island" felt so safe; even traveled on city bus at night time.  All the ABC islands are safe... no place to hide or run.. lol

16 hours ago, JaxsMama said:

Did they offer you anything for the change?  That's a total downgrade from a southern Caribbean cruise.  I'm supposed to be doing ABC's in May and I'm worried now.  I'm too close to cancel if it happens to me.

No offers just due to unavailability;  very disappointed since I wanted to go to the ABC esp. Bonaire.  Was looking forward to meeting someone.  

I do plan on calling Carnival and ask for a better explanation and transfer us to a different ship.  I am not concern about dates either.  My goal was to go to ABC islands and not those other ones that do NOT interest me one bit

Did reason out to John Hearld and he stated "contact you TA or carnival."  When I did a search of what ships are in port and says "Horizon" 

I can understand canceling San Juan with all the disaster in the area... 

11 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

Where are you seeing these reports?

I booked the ABC cruise on Horizon for Feb 2021;  got an email Thursday am saying due to unavailability port; we were not going.   To me this is a down grade since Aruba was in port from 8a to 11p,  Bonaire almost the same and Curacao 9 to 5.   I booked this cruise for the ABC islands..  

Thank you for all the support..  

Driver took our picture and they were in the background...  showed it to the proper person and they knew who they were so they did keep an eye open.

Sad that you go celebrate you 25th anniversary and you have to encounter idiots like that..

Oh well..... another cruise already set for Feb.  2021

1 hour ago, cruizergal70 said:

1. If this wasn't a private tour, you should always expect to be in a bus with dozens of other people.

2. Did the bus driver really assign that seat to your husband or did you just get a good seat? Was it designated a handicapped seat? What was special about the seat?

3. If it was assigned,  did you ask the bus driver to enforce his assignment?

4. Did you speak to the driver when you saw that the seat was occupied?

 

Bus rules are pretty informal. Most people, when they know someone has a medical condition, will comply with your wishes.

Yes. The driver told us to sit there.  A two person seat ..  2nd row.   One of them was Claustrophobic.    She had the very first seat and we were told you best not ever sit there

Really do think it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't a group thing 

Yes it was a private excursion 

Driver added us to their group 

1 hour ago, sprint180 said:

This is a different issue then just sitting in random seats.  Why did he need a specific seat?  I usually sit in the same seat I came in but if someone is in my seat I find a different on.  Not a big deal.  People sometimes leave stuff in their seats or want to sit on a certain side to see both views.  

Posted it 

Ok. Thanks for the responses

My husband and I just finished an excursion of Bermuda 

Did not know we were put in a group of 28 

2 coaches

Hubby has medical issuers,   recent cancer survivor., open heart surgery and just recover from broken neck.  Also 71 yr young 

The other in a group knew that he needed that seat.  Driver assigned it to him

We got off potty break and kindly ask if we can have the seat back 

Told us we are switching it up. Move to the back.    

So we sat in the front seats 

Told us to move.  Its for their group 

We didnt.   3 of the men started to attack my  husband'  yelling in his ear.   Dont ever disrespect our group.  

One had his hand up to my face 

The driver did tell them to back off

However continue with comments

Very sad that bullies continues 

Same group continues this on the ship until an employee stopped it

This group was young folks either 

When one does a shore excursions on tour bus.   When you get off. And back to bus do you keep the same seats 

I know we dont have assigned seats.  Its a courtesy 

Will explain later 

18 minutes ago, Paulinda said:

That's a pretty good deal.  Are you saying the shuttle to the terminal is free?  When we stayed this past March they used a 3rd party shuttle to the pier that cost $8 or $9 PP. 

 

Also the free breakfast we had included some eggs (not to order but scrambled), sausage/bacon.  Buffet style....make your own toast/bagel/eggo's , fruit, cereal, potatoes

free for the  2 then $7 pp   and price is now $149

Still not a bad deal to leave your car too.  

www. stay123.com  (I usually get betting deals with this one)

www.buyreservations.com