Are you wondering about the onboard experience on Grandeur of the Seas?

We had so much fun answering questions about what it's like to sail on Harmony of the Seas this week, that RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Keeley reached out to volunteer to answer questions about sailing on Grandeur of the Seas.

Keeley is on a Southern Caribbean cruise on Grandeur of the Seas, and answered questions about her experience sailing so far on this itinerary.

You can follow Keeley on her blog, which she describes as focusing on great food, even better booze and balanced travel. 

Can you describe the pre-arrival process for sailing from Barbados, and how difficult or easy was it to get everything?

Our flight from the UK arrived at the same time as 3 other flights so there was a bit of a wait at the first check point at Barbados airport with no air conditioning, so it was a little uncomfortable but not unbearable. The queue moved steadily for the vaccination/test staff to check our documents. We were then given a coloured wrist band depending on our test information. 

After this, our suitcases were already waiting for us and we went straight through immigration. Onto the bus to go to the port and we were there in 30 minutes. 

At the port we had already booked a time for our pre-boarding antigen tests, so we waited 10 minutes and then 30 minutes for the results. 

From getting off the plane to being in our cabin, was around 2.5 hours. 

How many passengers are onboard?

There are 630 passengers onboard. 

Have you noticed any changes to the entertainment line up?

There has been some technical difficulties with the silent disco so this hasn't happened. Roki rokie karaoke was cancelled 2 nights for the same reason.

Last night's tango show was cancelled due to potential Covid symptoms amongst the dance team, but it was replaced by the guest act, who were fabulous! 

How is Adventure Ocean operating on this cruise?

There are very few kids onboard this Grandeur of the Seas sailing, but it is open. An Adventure Ocean crew member described the current situation as follows:

Adventure Ocean is open, although there are only 11 kids in total onboard (5 are registered for Adventure Ocean).  For these kids, all sessions are there 9:30-12:00, 14:00-17:00, 19:00-22:00 + Late Night Party Zone for parents who want to leave their kids until midnight.

The Teens Club is not open because there is only one teen onboard. The staff indicated they offered the teen other forms of entertainment.

The nursery is not open all day because there is just one toddler onboard. In fact, the Adventure Ocean manager has informed parents that they can book nursery any time they seem fit, which they did a couple of times.

What is the embarkation process like in Barbados?

Smooth!

From arriving at port to boarding, was around 45 minutes. After the antigen test, we were advised that we would receive our result by email. I didn't get mine but they checked their system and were able to confirm my results with no issue.

There was ample space for people to wait with seating and water should people want it whilst waiting. 

Have there been any itinerary changes?

Before leaving the UK, we had Trinidad and Tobago changed to St Lucia and Dominica. St Lucia was further changed to Antigua.

On boarding we were advised that Colombia had been removed and changed for a sea day, so only the 1 stop to be removed completely.

Not itinerary changes but we have had a few trips cancelled, so it is worth asking excursion services which trips are the most popular to prevent this from happening. 

Any advice for someone sailing on Grandeur soon?

I'd recommend booking the antigen test required for boarding ahead of travelling as you will need to complete the same request whether you do it at the port or before, so it definitely saves time! 

In a similar vein, I'd recommend bringing a printed copy of vaccination documents so they are to hand easily to show. 

Check the itinerary carefully as some ports currently do not allow you to get off the ship without a trip booked through Royal Caribbean. 

Here at RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, we love to cruise, just like you. We book as many sailings as our work and spouses will tolerate, and are always on the hunt for the next tip that makes our sailing easier.

Getting back on a ship this past year has come with its own challenges, but thanks to a lot of trial and error, we find something that just works.

I asked our writers and moderators for which cruise tips they used in 2021 that really helped them out.  I wanted to know which cruise tips they found really helpful in their own experience.

1. Book shows as soon as you board

One unexpected change since cruises returned is Royal Caribbean has not brought back the ability to pre-book entertainment via the Cruise Planner site.

As a result, writer Marcy Miyar was adamant it's important to book all of your shows as soon as you board, "The vaccinated ice shows seem to fill up especially quick so I like to get that done right away."

You can easily do this by connecting to Royal Caribbean's wifi network once onboard the ship and pulling up the Royal Caribbean app.

Don't worry, you don't need an internet plan to use the app. Once you connect, you can click the option to just use the app, and it will allow you to book the shows.

Read more: A Royal Caribbean to-do list after you board a cruise ship

2. Use a good travel agent

Staying on top of all the policy changes, cancellations, and new options is no easy task. Working with a good travel agent is an easy way to make it all simpler.

Chantal McPhee is one of our writers from Canada.  While she was not able to sail yet, she found a travel agent invaluable, "I did not get to cruise in 2021 as I switched my Christmas cruise to May 2022."

"Having a good travel agent really pays off as she handled cancelling flights and hotels as well as dealing with Royal Caribbean. Saved me tons of time."

Writer Allie Hubers also found tremendous value in using a good travel agent, "The last year, I have really grown to appreciate having a travel agent. It's a great resource that doesn't cost you (as a cruiser) anything additional."

Read more: Top things you didn't know travel agents can do for your cruise vacation

3. Specialty restaurants for lunch

Marcy also shared a way to enjoy embarkation day more by slowing down with lunch.

"My favorite tip that I use on every cruise is to do a specialty restaurant for lunch on embarkation day."

"The crowds on embarkation day stress me out so to avoid the mayhem in the Windjammer, we always head straight to Playmakers when we board and have a nice, relaxing lunch to ease in to vacation mode."

4. Rumors and reality

Chantal also shared there is a lot of speculation these days, so don't assume everything you read is necessarily true.

"Keep up with what's going on with cruising and protocols from trusted sources and not just internet gossip. It put things in perspective."

5. Learn about your cruise before you sail

Writer Haley Mills thinks it's super important to research the ship before you sail so you know what to expect.

"Watch YouTube videos, TikTok, read blogs. It really helps to know the lay of the land before embarkation so I don't feel so overwhelmed."

Haley also writes up a plan so she doesn't forget anything once she gets onboard, "I usually make an embarkation to do list, so we can get those little but necessary items out of the way.

"For example, scheduling specialty restaurants or any shows we want to see."

Listen: Podcast episode 256 - How to learn everything about your ship before you sail

6. Re-price often

There are great deals on cruises out there, and one of the best ways to ensure you have the best price is to re-price.

Video editor and writer Jenna DeLaurentis loves the enhanced Best Price Guarantee, which allows re-pricing of cruises up to 48 hours before the cruise departs, "My travel agent repriced my cruise on Mariner of the Seas several times before I set sail."

"By the time I boarded the ship, I had over $400 of onboard credit that I used to purchase specialty dining, drinks, and souvenirs throughout the cruise."

Message board moderator Lovetocruise2002 added it's a good idea to not only track prices, but look for upgrade opportunities, "Keep checking the site if you are looking to upgrade especially with all the cancellations lately."

7. Get travel insurance

With the unknowns and last-minute changes, Allie thinks getting travel insurance is a must-do.

"Travel insurance is very important during the pandemic, although Royal really seems to have great policies in place that other cruise lines don't have."

8. Be generous to the crew members

If you've been on a cruise in 2021 or 2022, then you know how much harder the crew members have been working to make your vacation fun.

Between the added demand of filling in for fellow crew that have contracted Covid-19, and trying to make up for lost wages during the shutdown, it's clear the crew are doing everything they can to deliver on the promise of a great experience for guests while balancing their own sanity.

Jenna advocates taking care of the crew too, "Being generous about tipping the crew is a good one too maybe since there is limited capacity so they have less guests tipping onboard."

Read more: 8 cruise ship tips from a former employee

9. Be flexible

A mantra of travel during the pandemic has been to go with a certain amount of flexibility and understanding given the realities of travel right now.

Allie said to go into a cruise vacation with the right mindset, "Be prepared for flexibility. I never dreamed of traveling to Alaska but the opportunity presented itself and we just wanted to cruise. Policies and itineraries change - you can't expect to board a cruise and it will be the same experience that you had pre-pandemic."

To that point, having contingency plans is not a bad idea either, according to Allie, "I think it's important to know your rights and have a plan in place when there's a change in travel plans, such as cancellations, testing positive onboard or beforehand, changing itineraries, refund vs FCC, etc."

Read more: Why you need to be flexible if you want to go on a cruise right now

10. Do online check-in as early as possible

Want to get your vacation started as soon as possible? Then get a check-in time as soon as you can.

Jenna shared she always tries to check in for her cruise as early as possible to get an early boarding time.

Read more: 22 Do's and Don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2022

Royal Caribbean will keep its Omicron variant-induced face mask rules for its cruise ships through at least mid-February.

The cruise line informed passengers with cruises coming up that the new mask rules will remain in effect through February 14, 2022.

Since mid-December 2021, Royal Caribbean tightened its face mask rules due to the Omicron variant.

In an email, Royal Caribbean once again attributed the extension of the mask rules to Omicron, "With the recent uptick of COVID-19 in the world and added Omicron variant concerns, we feel it prudent to temporarily tighten our onboard health protocols to require masks indoors at all times, unless actively eating or drinking while seated."

Read more: What it's like to go on a cruise with Royal Caribbean's stricter mask rules

The policy requires cruise ship passengers to wear face masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status except while eating or drinking. 

In addition to the stricter mask rules, smoking in the casino will also remain prohibited through February 14, 2022.

"We're sorry for any disappointment that this may cause," Royal Caribbean told passengers with a cruise coming up, "but hope you understand that health and safety come first.

"Despite the new requirement, we know you will still have a great time onboard."

At the end of the email, Royal Caribbean said, " If you prefer to not sail as a result of this change or would like to reschedule your cruise, we are glad to assist. Looking forward to seeing you onboard!"

This is the second time Royal Caribbean has extended the stricter mask rules since it was first implemented.

Masks are NOT required to be worn:

• In open-air areas of the ship, unless you are in a crowded setting.
• In the pool or any activity where they may become wet.
• In your stateroom when you are with your traveling party.
• While visiting our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless you are in a crowded setting.
• By any guest under the age of 2.

Masks ARE required to be worn:

• While indoors in public areas of the ship, unless seated and actively eating or drinking.
• While visiting public ports of call, where local regulations may require them.

Read more: Face masks on Royal Caribbean: What you need to know

Mask rule matches other lines

Other cruise lines have added similar rules to combat the rise in Omicron variant Covid cases.

Carnival Cruise Line requires its passengers to use masks on all sailings until at least the end of January 2022. Carnival also banned smoking in its casinos until further notice.

Holland America matched Carnival's stricter mask rules and indoor smoking policy.

Norwegian Cruise Line also added a face mask rule for sailings through the end of January.

Another week of Royal Caribbean news is here to share, with a look at some recent changes worth noting.

Since there's so much happening these days, sometimes it's easier to provide a more concise update from across the fleet of changes, interesting options and more good to know information.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

Royal Caribbean will cruise from Cyprus again in 2022 and 2023

Cyprus welcomed cruise ships in summer 2021, and Royal Caribbean will homeport a ship there again for the next two summer seasons.

Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from Limassol, Cyprus, in 2022 and 2023, where she will offer itineraries that visit ports in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

There are 7-night Greek Isles cruises that sail roundtrip from Limassol in August and September 2022.

In May-August 2023, Rhapsody will return to the city to set sail on new 7-night Israel and Egypt cruises as well as Greece and Turkey itineraries. Afterwards, Rhapsody moves to Haifa as a homeport in early November 2023 to offer a mix of 2- to 7-night itineraries to Greece, the Greek Isles and Cyprus.

Hong Kong forces Royal Caribbean to cancel Spectrum of the Seas sailings

Royal Caribbean was forced to cancel all of its January 2022 cruises from Hong Kong on Spectrum of the Seas due to a short-term government ban on cruises.

The Spectrum of the Seas sailings scheduled for January 21, 23, 26, 28, and January 31, 2022 are now cancelled.

In a statement, the sailings were cancelled in an effort by Hong Kong officials to contain Covid-19, "The sailings were canceled following an update to local COVID-19 prevention policies by local authorities on January 14, which requires a 14-day suspension of all cruise operations; details can be found on the official government website."

"Royal Caribbean will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work closely with relevant local authorities on our return to service. We fully expect to welcome back our guests onboard Spectrum’s February 4 cruise."

More ships upgraded to new Cruise Planner

Royal Caribbean is slowly phasing in a new look to its Cruise Planner website, which allows guests to pre-book packages, dining, entertainment and more before the sailing.

Here is the dates when the new look will appear for each ship:

• Symphony of the Seas departing January 22,2022
• Odyssey of the Seas departing January 15, 2022
• Oasis of the Seas departing February 13, 2022
• Harmony of the Seas departing February 27, 2022
• Navigator of the Seas departing March 7, 2022
• Anthem of the Seas departing March 27, 2022
• Freedom of the Seas departing April 4, 2022
• Adventure of the Seas departing April 11, 2022
• Independence of the Seas departing April 15, 2022
• Liberty of the Seas departing April 17, 2022
• Allure of the Seas departing April 30, 2022
• Ovation of the Seas departing May 5, 2022
• Quantum of the Seas® departing May 16, 2022

If you're booked before these dates, you will continue to see the old Cruise Planner interface.

Royal Caribbean says it plans to steadily expand My Royal Cruise to additional ships and sailing windows at a later date. 

It's the first day of your cruise and you just got onboard for a full week fun exploring, enjoying, and relaxing.  So what should you do first?

Embarkation day is a busy day because there's a lot happening and it's your opportunity to set yourself up for a great sailing to come. 

What should you do once you get onboard to ensure everything goes smoothly?

Here's a to-do list for once you get onboard your cruise ship for a fun and productive first few hours.

Do the muster drill first

Royal Caribbean requires all passengers to complete its safety drill, and since you board the ship on the same deck (or close) your muster station is located, it's a good idea to take care of it quickly.

There's two steps to the safety drill: first, watch the safety video and listen to the emergency alarm in Royal Caribbean's app.

Read more: Royal Caribbean app walkthrough and tips

The next step is to visit your muster station so you know where it is. Here, your kids can get their muster bracelet that they wear for the entire cruise in the event they become separated from their party (or are in Adventure Ocean) during an emergency.

Eat lunch

If you arrive before 1pm, go to the Windjammer and grab lunch. If it's after 1pm, skip down to "Check if your stateroom is ready".

You will find less of a crowd in the back of the Windjammer.

Another good tip is while you're sitting down to eat, take your phone back out and go through the Royal Caribbean app to book entertainment for your cruise. Just connect to the WiFi and the ability to book shows should become available.

Read more: Where can I eat on the first day of my Royal Caribbean cruise?

Book specialty dining

If you have a dining package, now is a good time to make reservations at specialty restaurants.

You can go to any specialty restaurant and they can book you a time at any other specialty restaurant for you.

If you don't have a dining package, you can easily book reservations via the app or by stopping at the restaurant.

Keep an eye out on embarkation day for roaming waiters that are looking to book passengers for specialty dining. They can make individual reservations whether you have a dining package or not, and can be more convenient option to reserve a time rather than walking to a restaurant.

Check if your stateroom is ready

After 1pm, check to see if your cabin is ready.

You will find your SeaPass cards wedged in the stateroom number sign. If it's ready, collect your SeaPass cards, explore your stateroom, drop off your bags.

The Entertainment Schedule will be in your room as well. Work with your family to know which shows you want to see together. Also use this time to quickly scroll through the Daily Planner on the Royal app on Days 2 and 3 to identify activities you want to do together as a family. Both of these will impact which times you reserve for Adventure Ocean.

Register your kids for Adventure Ocean

After 2pm, Adventure Ocean will open up for an open house and registration.

Registering your kids now saves time later.

Proceed up to Adventure Ocean, which is usually located on Deck 12 on most ships. 

There will be three sessions per day (unless your ship is in port):

• 9am - 12pm
• 2pm - 5pm
• 7pm - 10pm

Depending on your sailing, the staff will either give you a certain amount of hours/sessions you can pre-book, or instruct you on what reservations they are offering.

If you child is less than 36 months old, she/he can be registered for the Nursery. The Nursery will also allow parents to reserve some time in advance, so be sure to review what to expect when booking nursery time.

Get a drink!

Take a break from running around, and enjoy a welcome aboard cocktail.

Getting a drink on the pool deck is a great spot, so head up to the pool bar and order one to kick off your vacation.

If you want to get a drink earlier than this but don't have your SeaPass card yet, you can just let the waiter/bartender know your cabin number. They can look you up, and verify if you have a drink package or not.

Try a top deck activity

The first day of the cruise is the best time to check out the most popular activities on a cruise ship, such as water slides, hot tubs, the pool, or bumper cars.

Ideally, keep a bathing suit with you in your carry-on luggage and change back in your cabin or in one of the public restrooms on the pool deck.

The reason why lines are shorter for these activities on the first day is most people are just getting the bearings, and they likely packed their bathing suit in the luggage that will be delivered to their cabin onboard.

Take advantage of these less-crowded times to enjoy high-demand activities.

Check your dining room table assignment

The afternoon is also a good time to verify your dinner assignment, especially if you have traditional dining.

Take a look at your SeaPass card and find your Main Dining Room and table number. You can walk into the dining room and check exactly where your table is to verify its location and that it has enough seats for everyone in your party.

If there is an issue, look for the head waiter (likely at the entrance of the main dining room) to speak to about a change.

Collect your luggage and unpack

Crew members will begin delivering luggage to staterooms in the early afternoon, so it might be worthwhile to see if your luggage has arrived yet.

Bags will be left outside your room door. If your bag is not there yet, don't sweat it. It will be delivered later on, although you could walk down the hall to see if it's in a staging area ready to be delivered. If so, you can feel free to grab it and bring it to your cabin instead.

Once you get luggage, now is a good time to unpack.

More information

Want to learn more about your Royal Caribbean cruise? Check out these articles:

• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 2022 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide
• Things I've done that I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 6 things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Foodies and anyone that just enjoys good eats are sure to love what Royal Caribbean has in store for its next new cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean revealed the dining options passengers can look forward to on Wonder of the Seas.

The fifth Oasis Class cruise ship will have more than 20 dining venues when she launches, including the debut of The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar.

Royal Caribbean describes this new concept as a place where "southern comfort food meets Royal Caribbean's hospitality".

"The Mason Jar invites guests to share a meal, drinks and memories in a warm, casual setting. Every detail serves up southern charm in the new specialty restaurant, and setting the scene is farmhouse-style and rustic decor, live country music, even a cozy porch decked out with a swing for lounging and a great photo op, and a dedicated bar at the center of it all."

Guests will be able to sample a variety of classic American food for brunch, dinner, and late-night.

Brunch favorites range from savory johnnycakes topped with barbeque pulled pork to the Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll. At suppertime, highlights include fried green tomatoes, authentic southern fried chicken, crab beignets served with lump crab dip, and shrimp and grits. And for a sweet ending, there’s everything from traditional pies to spiked floats and shakes. 

The bar menu has also been sourced from the southland, with more than a dozen American whiskeys and a lineup of southern libations, such as the classic mint julep dusted tableside with powdered sugar and the Mississippi Moonlight – made with blackberry moonshine, blackberries and lemonade, and served in a chilled mason jar. 

Here's a look at all the dining venues and bars you can look forward to visiting while on Wonder.

• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Hooked Seafood
• El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca
• The Lime & Coconut 
• Izumi
• Wonderland
• 150 Central Park
• Johnny Rockets
• Starbucks
• Sugar Beach
• Chops Grille

Wonder of the Seas debut

Wonder of the Seas will set sail in March 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offer cruises in March and April 2022 before moving to Europe.

She will then sail from Barcelona, Spain and Rome between April and October 2022.

Wonder of the Seas will return to Port Canaveral, Florida beginning in November, where she will be based year-round.

One of the many new amenities coming to Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship will be the cruise line's first southern American food restaurant.

Wonder of the Seas will feature a new restaurant, known as The Mason Jar.

According to Royal Caribbean, The Mason Jar is all about food from the southern part of the United States.

Mason Jar was one of the trademarks Royal Caribbean filed back in October 2021 that seemed to point to a new dining concept based on Southern food.

In a newsletter update to travel agents, Royal Caribbean confirmed the existence of this new restaurant concept, "In the South, food is meant to soothe the soul."

"Enter The Mason Jar, reinventing Low Country classics, Bayou staples, and bold BBQ."

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley also confirmed the news via his Facebook page.

The new restaurant will offer comfort food, such as creole-style Lobster ’n Crawfish Gumbo and Gran’s Fried Chicken.

There will also be a brunch menu that offers breakfast dishes, such as Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll or southern Chicken ’n Waffles.

If you're thirsty, you'll find spiked peach tea or a decadent shake made with peanut butter, banana and bourbon.

Naturally, country music will be played as well.

While not confirmed, it is expected The Mason Jar will be a specialty restaurant location that has an additional fee to dine there.

Why Mason Jar?

Given the restaurant serves south food, it makes sense to call it The Mason Jar.

Mason jars are widely used in the south, and used for canning, preserving, or storing food. In fact, southerners commonly refer to any glass storage vessel used for these purposes generically as a Mason jar.

Other names Royal Caribbean considered included Savannah's Table and Palmetto Room.

Where will it be located?

According to the deck plans, it will be on Deck 15 near the Windjammer.

Mason Jar menu

In zooming in on the concept art for the Mason Jar, it's clear to see a menu.  Whether or not the menu is accurate remains to be seen.

Here's what it lists:

Fresh buttermilk biscuits & jalapeno cornbread (served with cajun and whipped honey butter)

Smidges to Start (Appetizers)

• Pimento Cheese
• Lobster 'n Crawfish Gumbo
• Smoky Deviled Eggs
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Blueberry Johnnycakes
• Crab Beignets
• Caesar Salad
• Charred Watermelon Salad

Heaping Helpings (main courses)

• Shrimp 'n Grits
• Blackened cajun catfish
• Chicken pot pie
• Classic po'boy
• Crispy chicken sandwich
• Southern burger

The Meat Up

Pick from one protein, fixins and two signature BBQ sauces

• St. Louis-Style Rib
• Beef Brisket
• Gran's Fried Chicken (regular or Nashville hot)

Sides:

• Coleslaw
• Sweet potato fries
• Mashed Potatoes
• Mac 'n Cheese
• Collard Greens

Beginning today, the U.S. government is giving away free Covid-19 tests, so naturally people want to know if these tests are acceptable for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Beginning on Tuesday, the Biden administration soft launched the free at-home Covid tests that you can order directly from the U.S. Postal service. 

People can order four at-home tests per residential address, and they represent an easy and very affordable way to get a Covid test.

Royal Caribbean requires all passengers to take a pre-cruise Covid-19 test to bring with them to the cruise terminal.

• Vaccinated guests must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. NOTE: Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
• Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day.
• Unvaccinated kids’ pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal.

Royal Caribbean does accept an at-home test, which can be conducted pretty much anywhere that you have a good Wi-Fi connection - hotel room, airport, vacation home - as long as it meets this criteria:

• You are fully vaccinated
• The test must have Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. FDA.
• The self-test process must happen under live supervision on a video call with a telehealth representative.
• The telehealth provider must issue you a result document that includes all the necessary information.
• International guests sailing from the U.S. are able to complete their testing using telehealth test kits, providing the kit has been authorized for use by the U.S. FDA.
  • Telehealth test kits obtained internationally that do not meet this requirement will not be accepted. 

So can you use these tests for your pre-cruise test? Probably not.

The third bullet point is the key factor, because the free rapid tests the government is distributing are generally not the type that are proctored.

As of right now, the only at-home test Royal Caribbean accepts is Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test (not to be confused with the Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test).

Read more: I tried the at-home Covid-19 test that Royal Caribbean accepts

When ordering the free tests from COVIDTests.gov, there is no indication which test you will actually receive.

For now, your best bet is to order the tests anyway because they are free and sooner or later having access to rapid Covid-19 tests is going to be something you will likely benefit from having around.  If they are the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test, you're set, but if not, you can plan to buy those seperately.

You can purchase the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test from eMed.com or Optum. eMed sells a six pack for $150 for six Covid tests, or $25 apiece.

The good news is part of the initiative by the Biden administration to provide easier testing accessibility is you can save the receipt to get reimbursed by your health insurance company later.

There are plenty of challenges when traveling right now, so which of these are the top concern for cruisers?

Royal Caribbean, and other cruise lines, have had to adjust their health protocols and plans due to the Omicron variant. Some ships had to cancel cruises, itineraries changed, activity schedules altered and more.

I wanted to know which concern is the top one for most cruisers to get a sense of what potential issues are at the top of everyone's mind.

The point of running this poll was to really see which issues cruise fans thought about, and which concerns were less important.

I posted a Facebook poll with the question which of these options is your number one concern you have about going on a cruise ship right now?

• Missed ports of call
• Government restrictions coming home
• Getting sick
• Cruise being cancelled
• Having to wear a mask onboard
• Less activities/entertainment onboard
• Getting quarantined
• Getting (and passing) a Covid-19 test prior to the cruise
• Other

In less than 24 hours, 2,893 people participated in this unscientific poll and the results were a bit surprising in some cases.

Quarantine

The number one concern among the respondents was having to quarantine onboard the ship because they, or someone in their family, tested positive for Covid-19 onboard the ship.

Passengers that test positive for Covid-19 are brought to an area of the ship with rooms dedicated for quarantining guests while they recover.

Jane Allen summed up the quarantine issue for many, "We could even live with quarantine if we could keep our balcony room, but to be locked in a room where we could not have doors open would be too much."

Dru Mason wrote, "I understand the reasoning behind moving positive cases to a deck specific to quarantine, however, I would be disappointed to lose my cabin."

Blanche Bryant wishes the quarantine process could allow for them to be in their own cabin, "I wouldn't mind the quarantine so much - if I could stay in my original cabin."

Read more: What happens after testing positive for Covid on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Getting sick not high on the list

Actually catching Covid-19 as a concern ranked number 6 in the poll, which may be reflection of a cruise audience that is vaccinated (and possibly boosted), as well as perhaps the less-serious nature of the Omicron variant.

The surprising result in this poll for me was the fact having to get and pass a Covid-19 test before the cruise came in a close second in the results.

Pre-cruise test

Anxiety among people that have a cruise and need to find somewhere to get a test done, and then hope no one tests positive, ranked high because that would put their entire cruise in jeopardy.

Tracie Rohner found getting a test for her unvaccinated child is a major challenge, "Getting my two year old a PCR test 3 days prior to boarding. It is so hard to get a child tested if they aren’t over the age of three. Local pharmacy will not test two year olds. "

Charleen Rader shared it's been difficult to get tests done with regularity, "We ran into problems getting tested, places are changing their policies almost daily about who they will or won't test, make an appointment and hope they follow through."

Melissa Chin thinks the test coming back without feeling sick gives her concern, "Passing the test prior to boarding simply because of the potential of being asymptomatic. "

Mark Greenwald also thinks the potential for a last-minute cancellation because someone tests positive give him pause, "The pre-test is the most stressful."

"Knowing that all the excitement, anticipation, planning could be tossed out the winner 2 days prior, especially when there are flights, hotels, pet boarding involved, really ruins the excitement of the countdown. It's like a dark cloud."

Poll results

The poll was an interesting look in the different opinions on what worries cruisers the most. 

It seems the vast majority of respondents are planning to sail, but they certain think about potential pitfalls that could interrupt their vacation plans.

It's understandable why the answers were so widespread because how much of a risk there is will always subjective.