rucruisn2

We are both over 70 and have medical conditions.  Our physicians told us not to cruise, so we cancelled our upcoming sailing.  Now our travel agency,(a big box one) who we have used many times in the past is charging us $100.00 as a cancellation fee.  Do you think this if right?   I don't.  I understand they are in business to make money, but going forward, this is not fair to the consumer. IMHO.

Is it any wonder why people post something on here and then it's wrong 5 minutes later?  Royal keeps changing their advisory.  Last night it was, don't come to their pier, call and this morning it is gone.  Why can't ROYAL CARIBBEAN make up their minds?  For what it worth (not much) we're due to sail in 2 weeks and have had 0 emails from the cruise line about the virus, only to print our set sail pass or download their app.  I understand things are changing, but set a policy so we understand what we will lose if we don't go?

30 minutes ago, Laurba99 said:

Please share what the dr advices for his age.

Yes, please share!  Not only 5000+ passengers, add 3000+ crew

We are in Fl, in our 70's not so great health,  sailing in 2 weeks.  
99% sure we are not going.

We are "due" to sail on Oasis in 2 weeks.  We are in our 70's and originally booked this 6 months ago, and yes we have travel ins. but not cancel for any reason.  DH and I have decided we will be a no show, hopefully get our taxes and fees back, but better to lose $2500.00 than our lives.  We both have disabilities that put us in higher risk.

Just my experience.  I used my scooter in Dec. for the first time.  I found most people were very nice and made room on the elevator for me.  The scooter fit into our cabin with no problem.  Now we have a HC cabin booked on our next cruise in March.  

If you are on medicare and have a documented disability that requires you to use a scooter, medicare will pay for it.

Our change happened during our cruise and we were never informed about it. 

14 hours ago, capriccio said:

 

OP is leaving from Port Everglades.  There is no terminal J at Port Everglades - all their terminals are numbered.  I know Port Miami's terminals are letters. 

I know the OP is referring to Port Everglades, I was saying the issue of leaving from 1 terminal and returning to a different terminal happens and there is usually a shuttle bus for those affected by this.

On 1/31/2020 at 10:23 PM, BlueHerons said:

Pros; It's a massive port and can handle the people and the cruise ships.  It's also a world class city with tons of art, culture, shopping, dining, sunshine, beaches, and attractions.

 

Cons; It's Miami.  It can be a $hitshow for sure.

You got that right.  Were in West Palm and I only go south for a cruise.

You should focus more on the ship and ports more than whether or not it is out of Ft. Lauderdale or Miami.  Each port has positives and negatives.

In December we left from terminal J but returned to a different terminal.  We were not told about this ahead of time or even the day of disembarking.  Only found out from the port who took our luggage.  There was a shuttle bus provided to take my DH to the car and then return for me and our luggage as I am disabled and cannot climb on a bus. They will probably have a shuttle bus for you.

I had online booked all of our shows for when we wanted to go see them.  Then, out of left field, RCCL changed 1 show to a different day that we already had a show booked for! I spent an hour on the phone today to straighten everything out.  Not to mention we are cruising with family and don't know if they want to change to what we are now doing or not.  What right does Royal have to take a reservation and then change it?  Not happy.

I just did our on-line check in the old fashioned way.  It said room keys would be in our stateroom.

One issue you should be aware of, if a Hurricane is projected to hit Florida, there could be a mandatory evacuation in place and you might not be able to drive down here.  Last year this happened with bad storms that were sitting off our coast, but thankfully didn't hit us.  All south bound roads on the Fl.  Turnpike and I 95 were open and only going north bound. South bound lane were used for north bound as well.  This is why cruises during the peak hurricane months, August thru October, can be at a great price.  If your flexible, it should work out for you.

We were on an Oceania cruise in December, Western Carib, and had some rough seas as well.

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Park Cafe, deck 8

Thanks!!

Is the roast beef sandwich still in Central Park?  What deck?  Thanks

14 hours ago, Diver2014 said:

January is in peak season in Miami - expect tons of tourists.  We're going on Harmony this Sunday out of Pt Canaveral just so we don't have to sit in the traffic on I 95 or the turnpike from Ft Lauderdale all the way to Miami.  Hotels usually don't take bookings more than 11 months in advance (even though they don't tell you that.....) but I wouldn't wait too long.  We booked our pre cruise hotel in Pt Canaveral last February. 

I'm confused about your post.  What does Pt. Canaveral have to do with Ft. Lauderdale to Miami?  We recently drove from Palm Beach to Miami on a Sunday, in season and had no traffic. I wouldn't be concerned.  Ft. Lauderdale to Miami would only take 40 minutes at most.  

33 minutes ago, Croooser said:

This happened to us last year on the Sirena. No notification - even on the ship. Figured it out when we saw the dock. Required a shuttle bus since our car was in a garage at the departure terminal on the other side of the port.  If you can figure it out in advance by checking the port info, it would help to park at a lot/garage close to the arrival terminal and take the shuttle on departure day.

 

YMMV

We had no idea we returned to the different dock.  No notification on the ship. Only found out when the porter helping us with luggage mentioned it.  Couldn't Oceania let us know that morning??  Captain certainly knew which terminal he was at!  
Why keep it a secret?

Just be aware that the terminal you sail from may not be the terminal you return to.  This happened to us last month with no warning, not even as we disembarked.  Only is an issue you if you park your car at the terminal you leave from.

Last month we sailed out of Port Miami and saw a big dolphin swimming along with the ship at sail a way from out balcony.  Loved it.

Park at the port. Safe and easy.

12 hours ago, CruisingMomma88 said:

We sailed. Share your thoughts, experience and overall vacation?

Could you please share your experience?  We will be on Oasis in March.

Oh, and by the way, my scooter fit into and around our regular veranda stateroom on our Oceania Riviera cruise last month!

15 hours ago, CRUISEWITHH said:

Yes they do book out very early.  That is why we usually book an accessible stateroom up to 2 years in advance.  I always keep several on-board deposits (Princess Cruiseline) on hand just for this purpose. 

Princess always sends me an attestation to fill out describing our needs for an accessible stateroom asking size and type of mobility device required and by which guest. 

 

 

I recently found out why I couldn't get an accessible cabin on Oasis of the Seas.  I emailed RCCL about the issue and found out that the accessible cabins are for 3 people,  so when we search we  look for 2 people and it come up with nothing.  Royal gave me  an accessible cabin and made an exception on the 3 people requirement.  Thank you RCCL for your help!