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Just took our antigen test for the Bahama Travel Visa. Heard from a friend at RCCL that the antigen test is acceptable, which is good news.

*****........

We just got an email stating

"As a requirement to board, all guests age 2 and older will need to present a negative result from a PCR test for COVID-19 taken no more than 3 days before your sail date."

There Getting ready website states:

All guests age 2 and older — regardless of their vaccination status or the length of their cruise — will need to take a COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) with an accredited test provider, such as a drugstore chain or diagnostic lab, no more than 3 days before arriving at the terminal and show their negative test result upon arriving. 

So which is correct?

1 hour ago, hernando52 said:

Grand Harbour does have air conditioning.  My only complaint I have about the place was the uppity front desk who wouldn't budge on early check-in.  We had flown for many hours over night and I was exhausted...we got to Southampton around noon.  We were cruising to Iceland, etc. so I was wearing my hiking boots and jeans (pretty much looked like a street person after no sleep)......so when I couldn't stand it any longer, I found a corner chair in the lobby and stretched out......it took the general manager about a minute before he came over to look into what this street person was doing......when I explained I was a guest, he personally got us a room pronto so I could nap out of sight!....sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

 

Wow, what an experience. I will ensure and get in writing of an early check in. According to most flights we would be getting in in the AM. So I will ensure that's in place We have an appointment with our TA Saturday to discuss our plans.

3 hours ago, crazyank said:

Suitetraveler has a good point.  A lot of people coming to Europe or the UK for the first time aren't aware that air conditioning is nowhere near as prevalent as in the USA.  The only advice we can offer is if you're flying thru Heathrow be sure to allow plenty of time and bring a BIG supply of patience.  Heathrow is a nightmare.

Hey Crazyank

Where are you In Deutschland? I was in Pirmasens, Hanau and Rhein-Main. I miss all the summer fests there.

2 hours ago, crazyank said:

Suitetraveler has a good point.  A lot of people coming to Europe or the UK for the first time aren't aware that air conditioning is nowhere near as prevalent as in the USA.  The only advice we can offer is if you're flying thru Heathrow be sure to allow plenty of time and bring a BIG supply of patience.  Heathrow is a nightmare.

Danke, I completely forgot  about A/C not being widely available in Europe.

1 hour ago, ldubs said:

We have had RCG arrange the ship transfer out of Heathrow several times.  Always went smoothly.  Sadly, we have never booked the flight through them, so can't help there.  

 

 

Thanks for the information. I have received a lot of great information. Will be meeting with our TA this weekend. 😃

30 minutes ago, hernando52 said:

My 2 cents worth.....if you have more than 2 days before the cruise, London is a wonderful city to stay in.  If you come in the day before the cruise, I would go directly to Southampton.  Grand Harbor or Holiday Inn....Have only stayed at the GH, so you would have to do the comparisons....HI looks good and it is in the same location as the GH.  We never fly home the same day as disembarkation in Southampton....we get dropped off at the Hilton Gatwick which is attached to the airport (I'm sure Heathrow has attached hotels) and get a cab to a couple of pubs to spend our last afternoon abroad very relaxed before a long flight home!  No matter what you decide upon, I am very sure you'll enjoy both London and Southampton.

Thanks for the info. I will discuss this with DW and see how she feels. Thanks again.

Question: Is it better to stay in London or stay closer to the port? Grand Harbor Hotel or Holiday Inn?

We got a great TA and have given her the mission for the 2021 to 22 cruise time frame.

20 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

OP, To partly answer your question, we have done a flight/transfer/cruise/transfer/flight, but it was with Cunard.  It turned out very well for us, as our initial flight was cancelled and re-scheduled.  It was also a very inexpensive package, probably never to be repeated.

We have also done cruise line one-way flight and transfer when we do transatlantic cruises.  The flights were much cheaper than if we had booked them through the airline, we still had our choice of airline, and the transfer gave us peace of mind.  Those were on Celebrity.

The posts above which recommended other places to look and to research are all helpful ones.

Thanks your insight is appreciated.

12 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

It's a cruise question, no reason not to ask it here. You did mention a specific cruise line, but I'm guessing that the various lines handle transfer, etc. in quite a similar manner. And the hotels are the same no matter how you get there.

 

If you look down the forum page, you will see Europe among destinations. Click on that and you will see a subtitle British Isles/ Western Europe. I believe you will really be able to find better answers there than in the Royal Caribbean forum. There is one particular poster from England, John Bull, who is extremely helpful with information about getting to and from ports, the airport,  and also about hotels. I know I found him very helpful both when we did a cruise from Dover a few years back and had one scheduled for this past summer from Southampton.

Perfect; will do. Thanks

18 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

And people gave you a lot of good directional advice to help you find unlimited information.

CB:

Yes, you are so right. I have received some great information and have put them into my cruise tip workbook.

However there were a few who voiced that my inquiry was on the wrong forum.  I know, there are a few in every barrel. I just put them and clicked, IGNORED.

For those who passed on great information; I thank you sincerely.

CW2 Ret.

AIRBORNE

2 minutes ago, SelectSys said:

 

In addition to getting in earlier, you will need to decide how you want to get to the cruise port and where to stay in advance of your cruise.  Most people coming early stay somewhere in London - especially on a first trip.

 

Southampton has many options for transport.  This ranges from private car transport, to the train as well as the bus.  The bus is  the cheapest and the private car will obviously the most expensive.  Another factor to consider in selecting your transportation is is how much luggage you have.  Public transportation invariably requires handling baggage.

 

Leaving the cruise also requires planning for transportation to your next destination.  It's best to plan ahead although last minute transportation options can always be found at a price.

 

Tons of information on these topics in the boards at large.

Thanks 

I have been scrubbing the forums for information. We were thinking 2022 July/August time frame.

46 minutes ago, Philob said:

One piece of advise that you'll frequently see here:

 

"If possible try to get to your cruise port at least one or two days prior to your cruise departure."

 

This allows for any SNAFUs for the flight over and in some cases for your luggage to catch up 😎

 

 

Thanks will do

WOW

I just asked for a little bit of information so I could give my DW so sort of comfort. Then the cruise police come out of the woodwork. 

For those who like that sort of thing move along and let the moderators handle it.

RCG is the moniker for Royal Caribbean Group. 😄

Hey Cruisers:

My DW wants to do a cruise out of Southampton UK when this mess is over. We will be getting the flight and transfer arrangement through RCG.

Question: Has any US citizen had RCG arrange the flight and transfer to the ship? We are looking for some insight as to the fine details. It will be her first overseas flight too. Being retired military, I am use to time zone changes.

Thanks, we will try it.

Thanks for the quick responses. Guess we will be going to the Windjammer for the strong stuff.

Thank you for your response.

any keurig machines in the JS?

?? Are their any Keuriq machine in the Junior Suites on Anthem?

The last 3 cruises we were on we brought our drinks in from the D lounge. They were okay with that.

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Hello Wedding Cruisers;

I am planning a Vow Renewal Ceremony during our August, 2019 cruise on the Anthem. I would appreciate any helpful tips. We are looking for a simple ceremony follow by a light reception. I have read the previous post s. And my military mindset is not at ease with some of the commo issues with RCCL.

We just came off of the anthem of the Seas that made a stop at Port Canaveral. All the activities are open except for the shops and casino. We made the day trip over to the NASA Center and it was very very enlightening. If you've never been to the NASA Center I will take this opportunity to go. You still have enough time to get back to the ship and enjoy some of the amenities.

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