ODYSSEY *LIVE* December 18 2021

[clover18]

I’m a little late getting this thread started, but here goes.

 

For people interested in boarding availability, if you pay for the key, it’s worth it just for the ability to get into the terminal as soon as you arrive. You just drop your bags with the porters and then go to the key entrance. They check you right in with virtually no line and send you upstairs to a special waiting row just for key people. For people not in Suites, this is the best way to go. We boarded immediately after all the suite people, and we’re on the ship by noon.

 

All three of us (husband 14-year-old daughter and myself) were wiped out from having traveled on the same day as sailing, and will not do so again. We have side-by-side rooms, which has presented a multitude of logistical issues in terms of ordering items through our individual drink packages. One assigned to each room. But that’s a minor inconvenience.

 

Room service is free this week for anyone who has signed up for the key, and that is nice, particularly for my daughter who prefers to be on her phone in her bed and not out socializing with the public.

 

The scooter bar IMHO is the most friendly venue on the ship. Daniel, the piano player, is funny, friendly and very talented.

 

Husband and daughter went on the north star, and it was “meh” at best. The Windjammer is open for dinner, but it’s crazy uncoordinated. They will not let you touch the food, which is fine, but they are very slow to respond to your wanting to be served. There is no distancing, practically speaking, between people standing in line for the food and setting up tables. They ask you to wash your hands before going to get your plates, but at least half of the people are not doing that. 
 

The food is generally uninspired. The 270 café which offers some coffee drinks and small bites, is fine and the service there is very good.

 

there is absolutely no control over the number of people in the hot tubs. Last night in the solarium, there were at least 14 people in each tub around 5 o’clock. Conversely, at 7 o’clock this morning my husband and I were able to have a hot tub to ourselves and nobody else was up there. So that was nice!

Shore excursion to Coco Cay was fun. We bought a cabana in Thrill water park, and would do so again because it’s so convenient to have a place to park yourself for the day. You will have to stand in line to go on any of the slides or the zip line. But the wave pool is really fun and not too crowded. We were parked next to freedom of the seas, and they were pretty full as well. But it appeared to have no effect on the ability to find a chair or an umbrella if you just wanted to go there and hang without buying a package of any kind.

 

My daughter had her hair braided by a very nice lady in the straw market. I recommend stopping by the many shops to buy souvenirs. 

 

We walked over to a couple other areas on Coco Cay and next week when we come back I’m planning on just hanging by the pool on chill island. Plenty of chairs, a swim up bar, and comfortable water temperature. It’s cool at first but you get used to it very quickly. Cabanas are already sold out for next week. 

 

Last night we had quite a heavy rain storm heading back to Fort Lauderdale for a medical evacuation. And the captain was trying to make really quick time, so it was a bit bouncy on board.

Our balcony cabins are in great location, right next to the solarium, on the port side, but the terrible situation of not having any privacy you will see in the picture below which I took this afternoon. If I am lying in my bed in room 13118 with the curtains
open, people can look right in. It’s ridiculous! I don’t know why they didn’t put an extra pane of frosted glass so people can’t look at you and see your business. This has necessitated the keeping closed of our curtains for most of the time. And forget sitting on the balcony and enjoying a relaxing privacy. There is none.

 

I’m off to play bingo and will update again tomorrow.

PS. 

see the people below? they are on the overhanging solarium deck. Outside our cabin 13118. Bummer.  

 

 

[clover18]

This is our second Sea day, and day four of the eight day cruise. It has been a lot of organized chaos, especially in the Windjammer, which I mentioned yesterday. The food on board continues to be underwhelming. All of the specialty restaurants And the shows are pretty much sold out for the rest of the week. We will either be eating in the main dining room, the wind jammer (reluctantly) or grabbing a slice of pizza or a burger somewhere quick.

 

There are lots of kids on board. More than you can count. They are running around a lot even late into the evening. Most of them are well behaved, and spending time with their families it looks like they’re all having a lot of fun.

 

The pool decks are packed. There is a lot of difficulty finding a deck chair available and people are definitely heading up top to reserve their chairs with towels and clips early in the morning. The solarium in particular was already filling up at about 815 this morning and if not the actual people sitting there, the chairs were definitely reserved in full with towels and books, etc.

 

We are now pretty much an open water having gone around Cuba and down past Jamaica. The weather is a bit windy and seas are a little choppy, but the captain is keeping it steady and it’s not too bumpy.

 

Tonight we managed to get a seat for the “Journey” tribute band. That should be fun. I’m determined to get a plate of pretzel sticks at the crown and compass. Bingo and trivia games are very crowded. The flow rider and the Northstar are very popular and people are lining up to do those things.

 

This morning my husband observed that it would be much better if the odyssey had a couple of waterslides rather than the Northstar. It really is gimmicky and not very inspiring.

 

The Esplanade has way too many watch stores and not enough practical things to purchase. The one “shop” has T-shirts and sweatshirts that are ridiculously overpriced. I don’t mind paying for a souvenir but there’s hardly any choice. We continue to be baffled by why people are interested in buying jewelry on a cruise ship.

 

at this point I am not too excited about spending another week on the ship. First world problems notwithstanding, a back to back sounded like a great time and a relaxing way to enjoy Christmas break. However there really isn’t “a lot“ to do on board once you’ve ticked off the two or three novel things that the odyssey has: Northstar, 270 show, and rip-cord I fly. All of which are pretty much booked up for the week. 
 

One minor complaint is that the water in the solarium pool is too cold. If you want to take a quick drunk because you warm from sitting in a deck chair you expect it to be refreshing, but not freezing. But I guess you could get used to it if you have the perseverance to stay in the water for minute or two longer. I don’t.

 

The hot tubs are insanely overcrowded and the only time to really enjoy one is early in the morning before everybody gets up. 
 

Everyone is basically wearing their mask when they’re supposed to, but I take mine off frequently and no one ever says anything. If the hallways or elevators are empty when traversing the inside decks I don’t wear it. And you certainly don’t have to wear one outside on the deck or in the solarium. There are some people who do, but they are greatly outnumbered by the people who are not wearing them in those places.
 

More to report after the port day at Curacao tomorrow. 
 

 

[clover18]

Just a few photos to share of environment on board. 
 Avoid guest services the first two days. Lines are crazy! But they are very attentive when you finally get to talk with them 🤓

 

[chiguypaul]

Could you please report what the capacity is for your sailing? Specifically the total number of passengers. Thanks!

[rfsdvm]

thanks for updates!

on next week...looks like will get a Jr Suite Royalup, but having

serious doubts and considering cancelling (have one more day)

masks aren't a big deal and love the thought of a smoke-free casino,

but usually do scuba excursions and I'm not sure how covid-safe those

will be, and the thought of more shows cancelling is a bit of a bummer.

Any more info from Captain or just status reports are greatly

appreciated.

[clover18]

Update Live: We just arrived in Carrizo and we are expecting to be cleared around 10:45 AM. It’s a beautiful day. Partly cloudy. Lots of people out watching our arrival. Someone asked what our capacity is with a request for an exact number. I’m not sure who’s going to give me that number but I can certainly ask at guest services today and report back.

 

In spite of the fact that some shows have been canceled and some crewmembers have evidently been sick, there is not at all a permeating sense of disaster or worry among anybody that we’ve seen. People are relaxed and enjoying themselves. People are upbeat, ready for Christmas, and I don’t get the sense that  anyone is clamoring to get off because they are afraid of getting sick. 
 

Looking forward to getting a taxi to mambo beach today and buying some last minute Christmas presents.

 

[clover18]

Sorry I spelled Curaçao wrong. Thanks a lot auto-spell! 🧑‍🎄😂

[d9704011]

2 minutes ago, clover18 said:

Sorry I spelled Curaçao wrong. Thanks a lot auto-spell! 🧑‍🎄😂

And now you even have the cedilla, a good spelling recovery!!

[chiguypaul]

Where the shows canceled because the crew members in the show were sick?

[clover18]

Hiya folks. An update from our stunning private balcony lol. (See photo below)

 

They are not letting us disembark in Curacao because we’re waiting for a “press conference” by the Prime Minister to talk about Covid. If I were a betting person I would say that they will ultimately deny us entry into the country. People are expectantly milling around Onboard right now. The tour buses are parked and waiting for people to disembark.If I were a betting person I would say that they will ultimately deny us entry into the country. People are expectantly milling around I’m bored right now. The tour buses are parked and waiting for people to disembark. But it would not surprise me if they decide to ban us  from coming ashore. It’s possible they will simply deny unvaccinated people to go ashore. We will know more in about an hour.

 

Pro tip. Do t book room 13118 if you want privacy on your balcony LOL. 

 

[clover18]

Welp. The tour buses are all pulling away empty, and the ladies who entertain guests as they get off the ship pulled away in their cars. The captain has not yet made an announcement but it’s clear that the tour buses have been told that there will be no tours today.

 

 

🥲🧑‍🎄🧑‍🎄

 

[keyboardjunkie]

As the situation unfolds will you please share what changes, if any, are being made to the protocols?  What Covid information has been communicated?

[clover18]

I will share as soon as info is available. 

[clover18]

4 hours ago, chiguypaul said:

Where the shows canceled because the crew members in the show were sick?

Yes. 

[colesc15]

Looks like you guys are moving now? Unless the website is wrong. 

[Encapsulated]

We are moving but not sure where

[clover18]

There have been no updates by the captain or the cruise Director since early this afternoon. It’s now nearing Sunset and no one has given us more information. We’re supposed to go to Aruba tomorrow, but bets are off in terms of whether it is actually going to happen. Thanks for continuing to read. It’s absolutely beautiful evening in the southern Caribbean. Live shot from room 13118. Peace. 

[Encapsulated]

So some people got this email for cancelled excursions 

[Roger88]

9 minutes ago, Encapsulated said:

So some people got this email for cancelled excursions 

Well, I am not surprised at all. These days, when booking an excursion, be ready that 3 out of 5 times it will be cancelled due to some known and unknown reasons. Its fine as long as you get at least a partial refund. In all other cases, I would try looking for a guide right there or simply try doing excursions myself. 

[bup1224]

7 hours ago, clover18 said:

Hiya folks. An update from our stunning private balcony lol. (See photo below)

 

They are not letting us disembark in Curacao because we’re waiting for a “press conference” by the Prime Minister to talk about Covid. If I were a betting person I would say that they will ultimately deny us entry into the country. People are expectantly milling around Onboard right now. The tour buses are parked and waiting for people to disembark.If I were a betting person I would say that they will ultimately deny us entry into the country. People are expectantly milling around I’m bored right now. The tour buses are parked and waiting for people to disembark. But it would not surprise me if they decide to ban us  from coming ashore. It’s possible they will simply deny unvaccinated people to go ashore. We will know more in about an hour.

 

Pro tip. Do t book room 13118 if you want privacy on your balcony LOL. 

 

I just want to make it clear that Curaçao was having a press conference unrelated to your cruise ship or any other for that matter.

It was scheduled to update all of us about new measures here. Our epidemiologist was a part of the press conference and that's why you had to wait for a decision. 

 

[clover18]

15 minutes ago, bup1224 said:

I just want to make it clear that Curaçao was having a press conference unrelated to your cruise ship or any other for that matter.

It was scheduled to update all of us about new measures here. Our epidemiologist was a part of the press conference and that's why you had to wait for a decision. 

 

The captain clearly stated that we would not have an Update until after the press conference. Regardless of whether it was directly or indirectly related to why we were denied entry, the message was conveyed to all passengers loud and clear that the announcement delay was because of the press conference. 
 

Meanwhile, all of the tourbusses and taxis left the parking lot while we were on an indefinite hold about the news. The writing was on the wall that we would be denied entry once this happened. You can spin It however you want but the passengers on odyssey were not told why we were denied until hours after arrival at the dock. The locals knew before we did. 

[clover18]

Hello friends, we were just announced that we were denied entry to Aruba tomorrow. The captain is heading back to Fort Lauderdale and we are expected to arrive there on Sunday as originally scheduled. They are refunding everyone two days worth of cruise fare as onboard credit. and in addition they are giving everyone 50% future cruise credit. 
 

The two days onboard credit really is useless to most people, who are certainly not going to use it in the casino or the shops selling watches, so that’s a sunk cost for most folks. The future cruise credit is nice but It’s a win for RCI because most people won’t use it. 
 

it’s pretty disappointing all in all. Really thinking about canceling our second week of a back to back but let’s see how tonight goes in terms of the enjoyment factor of being on board odyssey of the seas!

[flyguyjake]

Please do provide updates. We greatly appreciate it. Praying you all stay healthy.

[chiguypaul]

2 hours ago, clover18 said:

Hello friends, we were just announced that we were denied entry to Aruba tomorrow. The captain is heading back to Fort Lauderdale and we are expected to arrive there on Sunday as originally scheduled. They are refunding everyone two days worth of cruise fare as onboard credit. and in addition they are giving everyone 50% future cruise credit. 
 

The two days onboard credit really is useless to most people, who are certainly not going to use it in the casino or the shops selling watches, so that’s a sunk cost for most folks. The future cruise credit is nice but It’s a win for RCI because most people won’t use it. 
 

it’s pretty disappointing all in all. Really thinking about canceling our second week of a back to back but let’s see how tonight goes in terms of the enjoyment factor of being on board odyssey of the seas!

It’s very disappointing. It really sucks. My family is on the fence about going next week. A really important data point is understanding how many more crewmembers are found positive since this morning‘s announcement. I’m not sure if that’s going to go public however. If you hear anything about crew or passenger numbers could you report them here?

[clover18]

We will update when tangible info becomes available. I prefer to give real time info that is passed directly from ship board leaders like capt and/or cruise director. I won’t post speculation or rumors. The whole trip is a real disappointment to our family and probably to many others.