Emrys

I've head a few issues like this with another cruise line too. Never give up is the word I guess! Glad you got your money back in the end! Thanks for posting @Ready2cruise.

That's usually the case when it comes to Royal Caribbean cruise ships shifting from Asia back to the U.S.

Hi @Mrs.T, that's very odd, I haven't heard anything about this happening in St. John. Maybe it's just related to the local situation or that those excursions closed due to the pandemic, they just don't want to go into details about it. I'll keep an eye out for any developments.

Hi @Jeffry Lehr, that's great to hear! It's so good that the Island has finally reopened to cruise ships. Looks like everything is gradually going back to normal for sure. How was the Carnival Paradise for that voyage?

Maybe there were some specific cases or it was a sailing not due to the suspension of operations. I would suggest to contact the cruise line or travel agent to double check for your specific impacted sailing.

Hi @Benbilly, gratuities does apply to all guests, including the younger ones. I would not recommend removing gratuities. This much needed fund will go to the crew members that have serviced you through the cruise.

Hi @Luv2sail, thanks for posting and so glad you had a good experience with Celebrity. I don't know too much on this topic, but when I've cruised, the guide dogs always seem to get plenty of love and attention!

I would suggest to take a look at the career pages for the cruise line that interest you most. They will have an agency in different countries, which you apply through.

Thanks @Mark Chance for providing those details!

Hi @Jesika, welcome to the new boards. To be honest, everyone has a different experience and outlook. There are good reviews too, so I wouldn't worry too much. The crew are always great on Carnival ships, and as it will be your first cruises, just have fun. When is your cruise and what's the itinerary?

Hi @LOV, I know that no cruise ships have visited Grand Cayman until today. Disney Magic was the first to return since March 2020. Not sure about Ocho Rios, will have to double check, as I know some cruise ships including the Carnival Sunrise have returned to the port.

Now that Wonder of the Seas has departed on her maiden voyage, what's everyone's thought on the new Royal Caribbean cruise ship? Any plans to cruise?

Hi @Bruce G, it's not clear according to the Princess Cruises protocols, "Effective March 1, 2022, masks on board will be recommended, but not required in the vast majority of venues. There may be select venues or certain situations in which masks are required. This will be clearly designated with signage and onboard communications." It's usually on sailings that depart on or after March 1, so I would be prepared that is the case.

Hi @dreamer57, you've still got a while yet. I would wait until closer to the time. The situation is changing so much with protocols and thing like that.

If you didn't receive any letter from Carnival Cruise Line then go into the booking details and see if there is any change. it's all changing a lot these days. Cruise ships are still sailings to the port.

I would go with what the cruise line is showing within your booking details online. Cruise ships are calling to San Juan at the moment so you should be fine.

I haven't heard anything at the moment. Each nation is different and protocols are constantly changing. Even if the CDC is not recommending to travel to a certain destination, cruises can still go.

Can't believe it's taking so long! Usually vessels will need around three months to prepare but if there is no set return date, it could take even longer. Let's hope there is a more clear path soon.

Do you mean vaccination record? All the protocols can be viewed here: Have Fun. Be Safe. | COVID-19 Guest Protocols | Carnival Cruise Line

Great post @Mark Chance and welcome to the new boards! Personally, I wouldn't pay for Concierge class but I guess some people do enjoy that extra offering. There are some things which may be good such as the Concierge Club Lunch and some of the services. It could also depend on the ship and with the situation from COVID, the crew may be just as confused when it comes to shore excursions as the guests. interested to know if anyone else has tried the Concierge in the past?

Hi @Carld, if you go to Find Hotels for Before & After your Cruise | Celebrity Cruises, there is a button at the bottom that says "View Hotels" which you can click on. It does however request that you sign up or log in.

It all remains very fluid indeed. A shame really as San Juan is much better than Nassau! Not sure on the reason for the change.

Hi @DLPHINSFN72, the face mask policy will be effective on sailings that depart from March 1, so would not apply to your cruise.

Thanks for your post @Bourbon Believer, I've lived and cruised in China and the way people enjoy a cruise there is very different compared to the US. The pools and outer decks are often empty as it's all about the free food, shopping and casino. Fascinating at how different it all is. They do like being with lots of other people so maybe larger capacity is better!

Yes, all ports in Jamaica are now accepting cruise ships, including those from Carnival Cruise Line.