BrynMawrPA

5 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

Do tell us more???  Queue time at security etc.

 

(p.s. thanks for a balanced report.  Interesting comment about the crew collecting Lido lunches as I had never thought about that element.)

We had a direct flight from JFK in US to AMS and back. So we were comfortable checking in our luggage. Still, just in case, we packed a small carry on bag of clothes on the outbound to AMS. We did not encounter any problems with our luggage.

At AMS, they were checking passengers on their departure time and would not let them go (up stair) to check in if the departure time is more than 4 hours in the horizon. There were volunteers passing out free water and snacks while folks were waiting on the ground floor. They let me through (with my wife taking care of our luggage) so that I can go to the KLM customer service counter to switch to en earlier flight.

The line getting through the security at AMS was long but it was moving. Anyway, it took us a little less than 2 hours from going to the (up stair) KLM customer service (~10 min), standing in line and switching to an earlier flight (~15 min), standing in line to check in (~20 minutes), standing in line to go through the security (~65 min) and then waiting at the gate. Fortunately for us, our plane was 30 min late so that we did not have to run through the airport.

I would recommend that one should not carry any food, organic matter, or a slightly larger bottle of cosmetic , eye drops, or lotion, etc. in the carry on bag. The security would reroute the bag to a different line after screening. The bag needed to be opened and the items be checked. There were only 2 agents there to do the checking and this could take an additional 10 to 15 min. One should have checked in all these stuffs. 

With all the horror stories about lost luggage, folks are having more carry on bags and more stuffs in the bags. This only slows down the security check in process and more bags got flagged during the security screening. Since there is nothing one can do about it, so just relax and go with the flow.

PS: the security check in at the cruise port was quick if you are wondering about it.

We have been back safely from this 14 day cruise. We hope those who caught a cold, flu or whatever will get well soon. Since not everyone ran into the same situation during this cruise, I would like to offer the following tips and hope they would help your planning to cruise on the HAL Rotterdam.

(1) Covid Precaution and Social Distancing - Based on the last two week, one should be more concern about attending the CC Meet and Greet at the Explorations Lounge. On 8/1/2022, the place was packed with CCers attending the M&G, a long line of folks trying to book excursions, and many others hanging out there having drinks and coffee. Except the crew members, few folks wore masks. Another place to be careful is the Grand Dutch Cafe on Deck 3. It was packed all the time and very few guest wore mask. For the first 3 days, one should, if possible, stay away from the Guest Services and the temporary Internet Support on Deck 3 across from the Grand Dutch Cafe. There was always a mob. Of course, few wore mask.

(2) Covid Isolation Ward - We walked past the ward (Deck 4 Aft Starboard side) every day and had seen folks carrying their luggage and being escorted into the area. Their lunch service should be around 1pm since we witnessed crews getting food from the Lido Market around this time and the number of orders increases during the second week of the cruise. The food could be cold when it was delivered but, as more and more people were quarantined, the orders got bigger and it would take time to get them served and delivered. One day, I got stuck behind a crew getting 3 plates of tacos and burritos that were custom made on the spot. One should not be surprise that the food could be less than hot.

(3) Transportation to Rotterdam - We travel light and took the train from AMS to Rotterdam and then the Metro to the cruise port. The train costed us 34.60Euro and the Metro 8Euro. The trip took us about 40minutes. On 7/31/2022 Sunday, neither the train nor the Metro was crowded. It was a nice ride. But if you cannot handle the luggage, paying HAL $39 per person for the transfer may be a worthy decision. As always, there are more expensive Uber and private transfer options too.

(4) Embarkation - I strongly recommend using Verify. We got to the cruise port around 11am and was in our room around 11:30am. We were not VIP or suite guests. Our check in time could be shorten if not for guests (not using Verify) jamming up the Verify line and asking questions. Without Verify, the line going thought the inspection desk for Vaccination and Covid test results is long.

(5) Specialty Dinner reservation - The most difficult one to get is the Pinnacle Grill. The rest, even Rudi's Sel de Mer, was not a problem.

(6) Entertainment at World Stage - Most folks did not start wearing mask until the second week after the Captain told us that the number of Covid cases were higher than expected. Even then, there were still folks not wearing one. For the other venues like BB King's, Lincoln Center, Bill Board and Rolling Stone, folks were drinking there and one cannot expect them to wear a mask.

(7) Coughing Etiquette - Starting the second week, more folks were coughing one after another on the excursion coach and on the ship. Many do not wear mask.

For us, it was a very good cruise that was cancelled couple of times during the pandemic. That said, getting Covid would ruin the experience. Anyway, during our flight check in at AMS, a fellow cruiser told us that 30% people from her group tested positive and were isolated. Sadly, they were really miserable throughout the cruise.

Finally, all we can do is to be careful and to try our best to minimize the chance of getting infected. We wish you all will stay healthy and have a great cruise.

Best wishes     

58 minutes ago, Australia08 said:

VeriFLY info is send directly to Viking via VeriFLY. After I got the ready to travel message on VeriFLY, I called Viking to see if they got the approval and they immediately verified that they had received it. This was about 2 weeks before we flew in. So Viking won’t ask to see if as long as you received the ready to travel notice (that means it was delivered to them)

As pointed out earlier, VERIFY is a Viking thing. If you don't do it before flying to Iceland, you can still get your full vaccination status verified at the Viking Cruise check in.

Having a print out of the test report at the airport counter will facilitate airline check in process. Fellow travellers standing in line after you will thank you for doing that.

The Iceland Covid requirements can be found when you continue to pre-register for the bar code at the visit.covid.is website.

We all love to travel and want to resume it safely and soon. For the benefits of your fellow travellers, please take the PCR and not the Antigen test before you go to Iceland. The main reason is that the Antigen test is prone to produce false negative results. That means a negative Antigen result does not guarantee that one is not infected or is a carrier. No one wants someone with a false negative Antigen result on the ship. Please...Please...Please.

2 hours ago, Australia08 said:

Same with us. Only Delta looked at the PCR test results - no one in the US. 

The responsibility of checking whether or not a passenger has a negative PCR test result is imposed on the airlines. Since it had been checked at KEF, there is no need to check again when you arrive at a US airport. 

At KEF in Iceland, since Iceland and not the airline needs to scan your Iceland's per-registration bar code, you will not need to show the bar code to the airline agents at the US airport counter.

No one has asked for the VERIFY passport. You have to have your picture taken again at the Iceland Concert Hall when you get your room key card during the Viking check in.

Anyway, if you get everything in order, you will have a wonderful voyage. Start hoping for good Iceland weather.

Here are the the Iceland Government directives for visiting Iceland (valid from 7-27-2021) (from clicking the "Pre-register Here" box at the visit.covid.is website.

1. "All travellers are required to fill out the pre-registration before arrival."
2. For those who are fully vaccinated or previously infected - "need to present a negative PCR or antigen test upon arrival that is not more than 72 hours old at boarding."
3. "If a traveller is arriving on a connecting flight then the 72 hours are counted from boarding of the first flight. This can be demonstrated with the boarding pass from the first leg."

Any deviation from the above would be a third party (i.e. Airlines or Viking) requirement. You could challenge them but if they do not budge, you can be denied boarding for not having "the appropriate certificates".

Regarding the name, all I found is that the name on the travel document to Iceland should be the same as in other documents. Only Natural Habitat Adventures said "First name and last name (same as in travel documents)."

Hopefully, this will help your preparation for your Viking Iceland cruise. As we are planning trips to other countries, we find that the above directives will not be valid for visiting destination such as Japan.

6 minutes ago, BarbRN said:

I went there today. No guarantee might take 72 hours

Seriously, "VERIFY" is not your problem. The 72 hours PCR test is.

-  You can do the verification at embarkation as Camden Lady found out from Viking. It is a Viking thing.

-  Check if there is any urgent care clinic near you that will perform "PCR test for travel". They could give you the result within 24 hour. But the tests will not be covered by Medicare or insurance.  While Medicare or insurance will cover PCR tests done at CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen, these chain stores will not guarantee a quick turn around time.

-  PCR tests done at the JFK airport Terminal 1 would produce the result within an hour but it costs $220. But if you cannot get on the plane without it, you will pay for it. Please make sure that you have couple hours layover at JFK to take the loop train to T1, stand in line, do the test, wait for the results and then take the train back to the airline counter to check in. If your last US airport is not JFK, you may want to check if it has a similar testing lab on site.

- The United Airline agent will inspect your CDC card. As long as you have both shots listed in the card (front/back/one front one back), you would be good to go. The Iceland folks will look at it too but they are more focus on the preregistration bar code.

- The airline agent will check the 72 hours limit since the airline is responsible to fly you back if the destination will not let you in. Additionally, some destinations would penalize the airline with a 14 day no fly penalty.

- Please make sure the name on your test report matches the name on your traveling document (really).

It is like driving 70mph in a 55mph zone. Most cops will not pull you over. But if one does, all you have to do is to pay the speed ticket fine. But if a similar event happens before this 8 day cruise, you will miss the boat for a day or two and, trust me, you will be miserable. I have seen this happen.

Just trying to help. Wish you all a smooth and safe trip with great Icelandic weather.

The following are facts:

1. The VERIFY app is to verify that you and your sister are fully vaccinated. This information is for the Viking Cruises to facilitate your embarkation process. No Airline agent or Iceland KEF officer will look at the VERIFY passes. You should not worry about it if you are truly and fully vaccinated. Viking can take care of the verification at embarkation if you two can get there.

2. The PCR test should be taken within the 72 hours from the departure time of the last direct flight to Iceland. If your JFK flight to KEF is at 12pm Friday. You and your sister should take the test on or after 12pm Tuesday and no sooner. To guarantee that you meet the 72 hours requirement even if your plane is delayed is to TAKE A SECOND PCR test at, let say, 12pm Wednesday and have the lab email the results to you while you are on route to KEF. Please bring something to prove that you and your sister had taken a second test. The proof is for the airline agent and KEF officer. By the way, most places perform the PCR test with no copay.

3. If the names in the test reports are the same as those in your and your sister's passport. You will have no surprises at the JFK airport counter or at KEF immigration.

If the above are in good order, you and your sister should have no problems. Have a great trip.

1 hour ago, Clay Clayton said:

We had no issues-our CDC cards had only first and last names whereas passports include middle names and in my case, a “III” after my name😳

When we traveled to Iceland for the Viking cruise on 7/17/2021, the United Airlines agent did not pay much attention to anything.  All that the KEF folks did were scanning the bar code on the way out of the airport. So if you got the bar code, you were good to go. Clay's experience properly was similar. But that was before Iceland required a negative Covid test result.

I know for facts that the discrepancies between the names on the vaccination card, the Covid test report and the passport will not get you on a Japan Airline or a Cathay Pacific plane. Moreover, some destinations require that the test be conducted by a US FDA Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulated laboratory. note that I only try to provide facts to assure that your trip is uneventful and pleasant.

By the way, we have arrived Reykjavik. The ship has been cleared. Shuttle buses are running every 30 minutes till midnight. Time to go. Have a great voyage and weekend.

13 hours ago, BarbRN said:

Effective with arrivals on 27 July 2021, all passengers will need to be in possession of a negative pre-departure COVID test regardless of vaccination or recovery status. 

For those who will be traveling from US to other countries, be careful about the differences between PCR and Rapid PCR tests versus Rapid antigen and antibody tests. Please follow the airline's directions to perform either a PCR or a Rapid PCR test if that is needed. The airline agents at the terminal may not let you on the plane if you have done the wrong test. I saw a lot of folks rushing over to JFK Terminal 1 to pay US$220 to get a last minute test done.

Secondly, please make sure that the name in the test report is exactly the same as the name in your passport. Some US lab may skip the middle name or list only the middle initial. That could be a no no.

Finally, requiring the test done 72 hours before the departure time of your flight is firm for leaving US to your destination. For example, if your direct flight to Iceland is 12 pm Friday, the test has to be done on or after 12pm Tuesday. If your initial flight departs at 8am and your connecting flight is at 12pm Friday, getting the test done before 12pm Tuesday will exceed the 72 hours restriction. On returning to US, the requirement is 3 days that is less stringent than 72 hours.

Please check. We had great weather and a great voyage until today. We are skipping Heimaey due to bad weather and are going directly to Reykjavik.

Wishing you all a wonderful voyage. 

52 minutes ago, Donaghadee said:

Pretty expensive way to deliver a "package".  I'll bet it's a partial crew change.

We got back from my excursion this afternoon and were relaxing in our balcony when we saw Viking Star anchoring about a mile from us. It does not appear it has any passenger on it. A tender was sent to pick up 2 big bags, 1 big and 1 small box. It all happened underneath my balcony. There were no crews transfer or change.

We have been very lucky so far. Everything including the weather and the food have been great. We are so glad to be back on a cruise ship. More importantly, we feel safe.

Two more days to go. 

On 7/18/2021 at 7:43 PM, stbiehn said:

 

I heard on another board here that The Star is currently on it's way to Iceland.  

For your information, Viking Sky and Viking Star are here in Seydisfjordur, Iceland today (7/21/2021).

7 minutes ago, Twitchly said:

This, +10. Though it’s probably too soon to adjust their daily testing right now, with people still being understandably antsy. Perhaps when enough time has passed and we have enough evidence that asymptomatic, vaccinated people do not spread Covid, even when they test positive. Hopefully soon. 

For Your Information:

Covid-19: Fully Vaccinated Individual can get Delta Variant, remain Asymptomatic and Spread Infection

"Speaking to NBC, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that a fully vaccinated individual can also be an asymptomatic carrier of the COVID-19 delta variant, and has an increased ability to spread the infection to other individuals. However, Fauci added that these vaccinated individuals are safe from the severe complications of the virus infection and may fight COVID-19 more efficiently than those who are not vaccinated."

2 hours ago, Margy said:

Really curious what’s happening with current cruise & what will happen with ours (July 17)

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/viking-1 "One vaccinated guest sailing on Viking Sky's current cruise around Iceland has tested positive for COVID-19".

We are also on the 7/17 cruise and will be following this closely.

12 minutes ago, BrynMawrPA said:

The FCC is based on the cancellation fee. I think that if the fee is 50% at the time of the cancellation, the FCC will be 50% of the fare. If it is 100% (i.e. 48 hours before departure), then it will be 100% of the fare.  Thanks for letting me know how they handle the port fee and taxes. We had never done it and will find out when we cancel our cruise next week. Thanks for the information.

My TA passed on an email from X 10 minutes ago. X has cancelled our next week cruise and will automatically issue a FCC equal to 125% of our fare for use before 12/31/2021 to book future cruises. Our FCC should include port fee and taxes since X did not mention them separately. Alternatively, we can request 100% cash refund. We are very happy since our next week cruise is a very expensive once-in-a-life-time one. We thank X for the big bonus. Best wishes to you all.

10 minutes ago, hcat said:

We cancelled under an earlier plan..Cruise With Confidence,,

.Our paperwork says the credit card refund will be 50% of the cruise fare PLUS  port fes and taxes,  remainder is 50% of fare in fcc  Not yet received so time will tell.  The  pre paid excursions and dining  already  went back on our credit card

 

The FCC is based on the cancellation fee. I think that if the fee is 50% at the time of the cancellation, the FCC will be 50% of the fare. If it is 100% (i.e. 48 hours before departure), then it will be 100% of the fare.  Thanks for letting me know how they handle the port fee and taxes. We had never done it and will find out when we cancel our cruise next week. Thanks for the information.

12 hours ago, luv2cruisemore said:

We cancelled our March 20 cruise last Saturday for a FCC. We’re 70 and 71, both with conditions that would prevent us from cruising. Viking made their refund plan retroactive. I’m wondering if anyone know if Celebrity’s plan is the same? I’d much rather have a credit card refund.

My understanding is that your credit card refunds only consists of those from airfares via Celebrity, excursions, etc. not the cruise fare or port fees and taxes.

Please note that " all Cruise with Confidence FCC must be redeemed on sailings departing on-or-before December 31, 2021. You will pay the difference if the new cruise fare is more than the FCC. If lower, the new cruise fare will be covered in full but any remaining Future Cruise Credit will be issued "30 days after the sailing and must be used within 6 months." For those who have a large FCC, this 30 days limitation needs to be considered in planning future cruises.

Best wishes to all.