Bronx12

We have never been lucky enough pre-covid, we were able to  RoyalUp pre-covid, a few times, but we have only done a B2B in September, and opted not to RoyalUp because we preferred our original room. Pre-covid there was usually a sign at Guest Services indicating no upgrades available, full ship, but, ships are not full these days and you might luck out 😉

1 hour ago, cdn_tbird said:

 

1 hour ago, cdn_tbird said:

Wonder how they'll handle the testing requirement before re-entry since we're sailing out of Vancouver. Does that mean if we test positive we need to camp out in the terminal building right in front of the customs line for 11 days. 😄

 

In all seriousness, enough with the baby steps. I'm not saying to hell with all precautions but we do have to get back to some semblance of normalcy sooner rather than later. Provinces are starting to accelerate the winding down of their restrictions, the feds need to get in lockstep with them.

 

For me it will be interesting to see how many more changes happen before our Aug. Alaska cruise. But regardless, we'll deal with it when the time comes. Good thing is that both our cruises are grandfathered and X will be providing (paying for) the test as our "Plan A".

We booked our May Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean, this was when they were still providing the PCR test for anyone who needed one, and we were understanding that our cruise would be grandfathered in, but, apparently not. I emailed Michael Bayley and they replied that we are on our own, no grandfathering in. Funny how two companies, same owners, have 2 different sets of policies.

8 hours ago, lfresa said:

Hi, with the shipping to Nova Scotia I am not sure of what the shipping charges would be or if it would be worth it to you. I live in Shelton, CT . 

Is  it too much trouble to get a quote or do you think it will be too expensive? 

Following along 🙂

Thanks for doing this, I followed your Serenade of The Seas Alaska review, really enjoyed that, and we did a B2B on Serenade in September. Following you on this Odyssey review, and we are going in March. Looking forward to any and all recommendations.

52 minutes ago, lfresa said:

Hi,

 

When I went on my cruise in November my husband had them decorate my room for my birthday. I brought the items home.  If anyone wants to use them for an upcoming cruise to decorate for a birthday let me know.  I can mail them out to you. I have no use for them but didn't want to leave them there.  Easy to decorate they are magnetic and some of the items hang from the ceiling. Just pay the shipping charge which I would think would be cheap if I sent it out early.  

I am in Nova Scotia, I would be interested. I was thinking about buying something for my husband's birthday for our May cruise, so this might work 🙂

Unbelievable that this is still going on....BUT believable at the same time

1 minute ago, Coralc said:

No one has any way to get ahold of you on Cruise Critic. 

They can reply here, and I can give them my email, is what I was thinking 

13 hours ago, Grumpy9117 said:

Anyone want a Freedom of the Seas crystal block. It's yours if you pay shipping.

I will take it please, and I will pay shipping 🙂

My husband is trying to collect them for the ships we have been on. 

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your time 🙂

He would also be in interested in others if anyone has any to spare 🙂

Thanks for your replies 🙂

Thanks for the speedy reply 🙂

We are currently booked in an Ocean View Balcony on Odyssey of The Seas, we have an opportunity to bid on the following categories: 

Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Junior Suite

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

I want to confirm that we DO NOT get any of the perks associated with each category, such as Coastal Kitchen, etc.

I found the following under the Royal Up Terms & Conditions:

"Any promotions associated with the original booking will remain in effect. The Upgrade will not be eligible to receive any promotions or benefits that are applicable to the stateroom had it been originally booked at that stateroom category."

Thanks for the usual help 🙂

Awesome review and pictures! Thanks for doing this, and glad you made it to the ship on time 🙂

6 minutes ago, twangster said:

 

I know Teppanyaki is $45.99.  I think Chops was $54.98 and I think Giovanni's was $29.  These prices include the service charge.

 

Once you have them reserved it's difficult to see the rate and I used BOGOs so my cruise statement isn't helping me figure it out.  

Thanks for replying, we just turned Diamond Plus and wanted a fare comparison between onboard and the Cruise Planner pricing regarding BOGO 🙂

Hi John, 

Did you have a chance to get the Specialty Restaurant prices onboard? Enjoying your review, thanks for doing it and posting pictures. We are booked March 20, but our direct flights just got cancelled, so now have to search flights...again, oh well, still going on a cruise 🙂

12 hours ago, melbur said:

Did the pier testing last Sunday at Ft Lauderdale, although the tab was picked up by royal, it was fast and efficient. Had the results in about 45 minutes by email. I wouldn't hesitate to do this again even if it is on my dime!

If you don't mind me asking, why did Royal cover the cost of your tests? Thanks 🙂

Good Morning John,

I am wondering if you could post what the Specialty Dining prices are onboard vs the Cruise Planner, we just turned Diamond Plus and get the BOGO deal now and I want to compare prices.

Thank you in advance 🙂

That is unbelievable, but, I guess they can't be too careful

52 minutes ago, Amberle3 said:

We're in the same boat (so to speak) - cruising in a few weeks, live in Canada.  We have the antigen tests booked for the morning we leave (2 days before the cruise) which RCI tells me will count for the cruise as well.

 

Coming back we're doing self-testing with rapid LAMP test kits. I found the link through the info that Air Canada has on their site, according to AC, the testing people and the government's site the rapid LAMP tests will be fine for coming back.  2 of our party will be doing theirs onboard prior to coming home, 2 of us are continuing on to spend a few days at WDW and will do ours there.

Price is $149 CAD with some bonus Aeroplan miles.

https://switchhealth.ca/en/partners/aeroplan/

If you don't mind me asking, how are 2 people in your party getting the PCR test done onboard? Thanks

Very confusing isn't it 😞

23 minutes ago, Djsmrs said:

We are literally going through this also - except I booked our April cruise when RCCL was still doing on-board testing.   Now that they aren't offering this anymore it's certainly more challenging.   

 

We are cruising on Symphony out of Miami and have found a clinic where we can get a PCR on a 1 hour turnaround time the morning that we disembark.   I've already booked it and luckily it's on the way to FLL so just requires a quick stop-in.   

 

My suggestion is to google google google until you can find somewhere that can do a quick PCR the morning you get off.   Pricing, in my experience, is anywhere from $150 - $400.   If all you can find is $400 - it's probably cheaper to stay overnight and get the free NAAT test done at Walgreens/CVS which you can book about 4 days out.

 

Good luck!    I'm hopeful the gov't will change this ridiculous testing policy - especially in light of the number of people who had Omicron, couldn't get a PCR test, and may continue to test positive on a PCR for months.    Grrrrrrr.

Can you elaborate on the free tests being done at Walgreens/CVS please, I was understanding that was for US citizens only. 

Thanks

I hope you are felling ok and only have mild symptoms, thinking of you 🙂

How is Paul feeling now? 

Have a safe trip home guys, glad you are finally able to go home 🙂

Thanks for keeping us posted on your journey, and having a great attitude about it all!

Great pics and review 🙂

Hi Twangster,

Is it possible for you to get a picture or even post, the price of the specialty dining restaurants onboard. Odyssey will be our first cruise as Diamond Plus and I am wanting to compare the onboard versus the cruise planner prices.

Thanks 🙂 

Thanks for keeping us updated 😉