zook50

On 12/20/2022 at 6:36 AM, TheCount said:

As the OP questions, I too from Canada use or visit Neptune, as the shop m is close to the Port in FLL. Also, if possible, order from any reputable shop in the US and ship to your hotel , allow the time to ship (7-10 days) depending on shipping, and pick up when arriving at your hotel. Pick up a cheap cutter and lighter, good to go. I have always had great service from Neptune, Corona Cigars, JR and Atlantic. All depends on stock and what you are looking for.  Good luck stick hunting and enjoy the smoke. 

Yes, Neptune is in a handy location and has great selection, some good deals,  and helpful people in the store. 

On 12/19/2022 at 11:21 AM, LGW59 said:

If you ever sail on the Edge, grab a drink at the Eden bar on deck 5, and just outside there is a beautiful wrap around huge deck smoking area.  Super comfy chairs, small sofas and they provide drink service!

Yes!  We were on the Edge the first year and really enjoyed that space.

2 hours ago, cmaleblanc said:

I've read a few posts on the forms around cigars and seems to me we have a much larger audience than I expected. I will admit I'm a relatively new cigar smoker, I have one every few months, normally when I'm at the cabin. On my last trip on Celebrity, I thought it was a smoke-free cruise, so didn't think much of it, but on the last day, I found the humidor in the ship store, and was a little disappointed I didn't get to sit on the stern with a cigar and a drink.

 

That being said, after reading posts here, I'm excited to get back on the boat in Feb out of FLL. I'm looking for recommendations in FLL for a good place to get a cigar at a reasonable price. (I'm also not opposed to getting a box and bringing them back at a good price) I'm in Canada and on the east coast. The best thing we offer here is a Romeo y Julieta, or those flavors cigarillos. In the past, I've ordered from an importer in Ontario, but the cost to import and shipping to my province is astronomical. Thankfully I have a friend from Belize who is nice enough to bring me some back when she can travel. We have the cigar tour booked for Cozumel at the last port, but I was hoping to pick up one or two for at least the sea days.  

 

I'm looking at options to pick up maybe some in FLL before I leave, or maybe if people have suggestions at one of our stops. Nassau, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel.  

 

Thanks. 

I also am an occasional cigar smoker (summer time bbq, at the lake, travel) at Neptune Cigars in Ft. Lauderdale/Miami.  They are an excellent source, both for buying on site (we discovered them before a cruise years ago) and ordering for shipment to Canada.  Nothing better than having a good cigar and Scotch at the Sunset Bar.  We are currently in South Padre Island, Texas, for a couple months, and we just ordered from Neptune again.

I agree.  It's amazing how many people are just not choosing to read about/listen to the huge amount of frightening information coming in about long Covid and growing risks to the brain, lungs, heart, gastro system, other internal organs, etc. with each infection.  Studies are showing that it affects everyone:  all ages, genders, vaccination status, etc.  I see articles daily about this.  Sadly, people will finally pay attention when it affects them or someone close to them.

1 hour ago, bennybear said:

Just wanted to say thanks, so nice to read a civil discussion!  

Honestly, I'm always more comfortable with many "Canadian", more balanced discussions about Covid.  It's alarming to read some viewpoints on other threads from other parts of the world.  When I read people say they've had Covid and think it would be best to get Covid again right before their cruise (to supposedly provide protection, I assume?), I'm shocked.  We are following the ever expanding daily news about long Covid, especially after several infections, and that is a huge reason we aren't comfortable with exposing ourselves during travel, big indoor events, etc.

We have friends and family who feel we're "paranoid", which adds to the anxiety.  They have been  travelling all over the world, some taking some precautions and others not, so they've had Covid (some twice or more).  Some are still having health issues.  We considered flying to EU and staying in a condo, but we have put that on hold as well as we hear many more reports of transmission on planes and in airports, even while protected.   I did order elastomeric respirator masks (fantastic comfortable Canadian product!) and planned to order some protective glasses, portable air purifier, air monitor, etc. and that helps my airport/plane anxiety somewhat.  I don't care what others think of me wearing or using these items.  I will likely stick to this routine forever for travel on any kind of public transportation.

For now, we will stick to land travel to a warmer place, as we did last winter.  We felt safe driving our car down to South Padre Island in Texas (nice mild winter weather) and staying in a lovely condo, walking daily on the beach, hiking, eating on patios.  We're hoping to leave the end of November.  It is "low anxiety" travel, as we are in our own car, pick up food quickly (while masked), stay in our own hotel rooms as we go, and then live our lives down there exactly as we do here. 

I can fully understand your anxiety, as we feel the same.  We are in our early 60s and have miraculously not had Covid, although everyone we know has, some several times. Several people have debilitating long Covid problems.   We get our bivalent booster this week, so will have 5 shots.  We are still not eating indoors and we mask in all public places (N95s).  It has been an anxious time, as we are not ok with getting Covid even once, let alone several times, as an earlier poster said.  I have heard too many medical/science experts share serious long Covid problems in asymptomatic, mild, and severe cases, and in people of all ages and pre-Covid infection health levels.  The more times infected, the worse the long term effects.  We would never want to lock down again and want to live our lives, but we are patiently protecting ourselves and limiting some activities right now.  We have postponed many booked cruises and will likely do so again for our Spring 2023 cruises.  In March 2020, we read a very telling article about the history of pandemics.  It said that the average pandemic goes on for 3 to 5 years.  With today's advances in vaccines and treatments, etc., we feel confident things will be better in the future, but, for now, with all the new waves (with new variants that easily escape immunity), hundreds of cases on ships, and reported packed planes and airports with unmasked, coughing travelers infecting others, we won't be going that route.

46 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

I agree to a point. But I think if you know you have Covid, or you were a cabin mate of someone who has Covid with an excellent chance of coming down with it yourself (and it is most contagious a couple days before symptoms and a couple days then), it is morally appropriate to at least wear a mask around others.  Yes, people need to take responsibility for their own health.  But many people remain seriously impacted by Covid despite vaccines and boosters and if I can help them also be able to live a more normal life then that is what I will do and I wish others would as well. 

 

  It's all fine and good to say move on, it's not 2020.  And that's true.  But removing all restrictions leaves those people, and it's not a tiny percentage, unable to continue to enjoy the same things we are able to enjoy.  Is your opinion then, the heck with that 10 or 20% of people - I don't like restrictions and I'll be fine so too bad, so sad?   If you can't cruise anymore that's your problem, not mine.  It sure sounds like it.  Maybe you'd feel differently if you were one of those people or a loved one was.

Thank you for saying this so well.  The push for people to "move on with their lives" and  "take responsibility for their own health" seems to be the focus here with some posters.  I do take responsibility for my own health through masking indoors, distancing, proper ventilation, etc.and I definitely want to move on with my life through travel, etc.

 The final part of taking responsibility for my own health and moving on with my life is not surrounding myself with sick people who are not taking responsibility for their own illness by staying away from people, masking when symptomatic, etc.

This thread's posters seem to be of two camps:  those who believe in taking responsibility for their own health and the health of their community (it's called Citizenship - I used to teach it in school) and those who believe in their own rights to move on in whatever way they want, at the expense of others.  How sad.

I'm fascinated by the different viewpoints around Covid mitigation measures.  In Canada, in the early stages of Covid, we all washed surfaces obsessively, including purchased items, home/business surfaces, and ourselves, as we were told that was the key to prevent transmission.  Then we learned that Covid is an airborne virus, which meant protecting oneself from Covid aerosols was key (masking, distancing, etc.).  Finally, we learned that outdoor congregation is best.  Indoors, efficient ventilation/air exchange/fresh air is the biggest protection of all (hence the great need for it in all indoor spaces where people congregate).  We visited the States last winter, and it was amazing how many people were not masked or distanced at all during a definite Covid wave, but were only doing lots of extra handwashing, which they swore would protect them more than masks or distancing.  I still mask indoors, distance appropriately, and use hand sanitizer when I can't wash my hands (I've always been a dedicated handwasher as a teacher, as it's important for preventing other things, as well).   But I know that fresh/filtered/often recirculated air is key to preventing transmission.  And yes, eye protection in areas with possibly questionable air exchange (airports, planes, small unventilated indoor spaces, etc.) is as necessary as a mask.  These are all the basics that we have been taught by our medical experts here. 

It's always interesting to follow these threads on the forums.  We have three cruises planned for March/April 2023 after rescheduling them a number of times over the pandemic years, and are trying to decide whether to reschedule again.  We are still careful, mask in all indoor spaces, distance from others, and have all our boosters.  Another Fall Covid wave and a new variant is upon us.  As our Canadian airlines and now cruises are relaxing, we are wondering whether our costly cruise vacations will be "reduced" experiences for us.  Eating is the biggest problem.  Why pay for a lovely cruise experience and then eat on the buffet outside deck or on our balcony for all meals? Now that pax and crew will not be masking, that's one more thing to consider in our decision.  From this thread, it's evident that many are happy and even thrilled that masks will be gone.  Many people seem fine with getting Covid numerous times and ignoring the possible long term damage.  I don't understand this, but I always try to be respectful and compromise safely with people.  We have friends and family who don't mask, but we only see them outdoors.  On a cruise, we will be forced to be around unmasked, possibly sick people in many indoor spaces.  By the way, we have never taken elevators, unless absolutely necessary, even when it's many stairs to take.  We enjoy the exercise, and I've never enjoyed packed full elevators.  Also, we've come across several coughing, sneezing, unmasked people and I've never expressed disgust at their irresponsibility, but as another poster said, I certainly feel it inside.  So yes, I also agree with the poster who said perhaps this is not the best time for us to go with a cruise holiday.

Doing as much as possible ahead of time and having everything completed on my phone (Advanced Declaration, ArriveCan info., Nexus, etc.) is SO much better than sifting through a bunch of paper.  All have a small learning curve/bit of prep., but save time and hassle.  In these days of travel chaos, they're all worth it. 

Packing cubes of any kind are a great organizational tool, but they just add more weight, which is always my biggest problem, so I don't bother with them.  I take a few minutes upon arrival to unpack, hanging and stowing everything.  I am a very efficient, experienced planner/packer, rolling everything, putting like items together, and stuffing small items in every available nook and cranny.  I am used to  regular all inclusive, shorter flight travel with strict weight limits.  So I have done the research and own the lightest (but durable) soft sider carry on bag manufactured so far.  In most carry on bags, if you add a couple items, you're at your weight limit or over - so irritating!  I also own several large, "squishable" sack type purses that act as a personal item, hold a lot, and can be squashed under my arm at the airport and by my feet on the plane.  I've never had a problem with my personal item, but I have had my carry on bag size questioned.  They attempted to get me to check it, as a young man with a massive oversized backpack (his only bag) was allowed through at the same time.  I kept my bag, found lots of room overhead to store it, and, surprise, it fit perfectly!!  The poor backpacker ended up having to give up his bag after all, as it definitely didn't fit!

I don't understand the complaints re:  ArriveCan.  I  did the same as others here:  did a "dummy" entry, entered everything I could early, and then entered the last minute information quickly and easily right before our land/driving trip.  It took no time at all.  I liked having everything in one place and easily accessible.  And sorry if this sounds cold, but if you're traveling anywhere, either by land or by plane, you need to be a responsible planner, researching your destination and the requirements for that destination.  The only time I can see a "free pass" being needed is in a case of emergency (someone fleeing an unsafe situation, etc.).  People traveling for pleasure or business, etc. need to be organized and prepared.  And how could anyone not know about this?  Unless you live in a cave, by now all should know about Canada and its expectations.  Many countries have special requirements, and it's our responsibility as travelers to respect those requirements, or we don't get to travel there.  We are hopefully cruising to Australia, NZ, Fiji, etc. next year and are already doing the research about what "extras" those countries are requiring.  For example, Australia requires us to pay a fee for a special entry visa for that country.Not trying to stir things up, but I suspect many who say they "didn't know" or "forgot" or are "confused" by it are simply not fans of ArriveCan and wish it would go away. 

I also have done it both ways.  I am super organized after years of travel and have journeyed efficiently with just a carry on, but I didn't enjoy it, other than the obvious ease of moving from place to place.  I choose to take a large roller, a carry on, and personal item for most trips.  I respect others who just use a carry on, as long as their choice doesn't inconvenience me - I've seen people bringing more and more overstuffed carry ons and overstuffed clothing with pockets in the last few years and they fill up the overhead bins, seating areas,  and floor space quickly, forcing others to check their carry on bags.  I also agree with an earlier poster re:  more people who can't even lift their own carry on bags.  I can't count the times I've had to lift others' bags overhead because they're unable.  And yes, I've seen several people hit by bags dropped by people not strong enough to stow them.  I am not keen on handwashing on my holiday or wearing the same couple outfits the entire time - boring!  I enjoy dressing up on a cruise, having different outfits for different activities, and having lots of variety to choose from.  I have excellent rolling, connectable luggage pieces that are easy to move anywhere.  I work out regularly and consider moving my bags exercise, especially before or after a long plane ride:) Why am I even following this thread?  Like everyone, I'm seriously concerned about the lost luggage chaos going on, so I'm interested in what others are doing.  BTW, I have done a cruise with no luggage (I got it a week after I got home).  It wasn't fun, spending my holiday time in little limited, island stores looking for replacement clothing.

Best of luggage (and general) luck to all travelers, "carryoners" and the rest of us!

I use ziplocks for all packed toiletries.  They are really lightweight, compared to the packing cubes.  They are also great in a carry on, as someone said, for easy, fast inspection by airport authorities.

In Canada, we have been told that the rapid test kits are still good for four months after the expiration date.

We have packed in many different ways:  no packing cubes, packing cubes, folded clothes, rolled, etc.  In decades of traveling, I've learned that the method doesn't really matter to me.  What matters is weight.  I consider it a challenge (for my retired brain) to pack a healthy variety of fun clothes (I wouldn't call myself a fashion minimalist - LOL) for all occasions, be organized, and still be under the weight allowance.  I use the lightest (but still recommended for strength and durability) luggage possible (a large checked bag, carry on, and small purse) and make sure I can stack and tether everything together, then roll everything easily using luggage with spinner wheels.   Packing cubes are great for organizing, but add to the weight,  so I don't use them anymore.  I also unpack everything when I get to my destination.  As far as folding or rolling, I roll my clothes as I find it prevents wrinkling.  I group things together for easy unpacking.  I have used the tissue paper trick with dressy clothes to further ensure wrinkle free clothing.  I have also helped my elderly mom (now gone) pack minimally because of problems maneuvering a heavy suitcase.  My brother has traveled to the EU for a month with only a backpack - he prides himself on rolling the few things he needs into an easily carried bag and traveling as the ultimate minimalist.    I would go nuts wearing the same things over and over again.  To each his own, I guess.

I have outlined my experience with Walgreen's testing before on CC, in an attempt to help others considering the same thing.  In the end, we were very appreciative of being able to test at a drive up window at Walgreen's, yet we had some issues that I wanted to share with other people.  We are regular Celebrity cruisers, but our next ones are April, 2023 (delayed several times because of the pandemic).  We did a land/driving vacation from Canada to Texas in January/February instead, and returned to Canada this month.  We easily scheduled the Rapid PCR (NAAT) tests for five of us.  Four of us got our tests back promptly (me within a half hour and the others in an hour or two).  My husband didn't get his until the next afternoon (18/19 hours later), but only after we called the pharmacy, the labs, etc.  The pharmacy said half of the tests done that day "just didn't get processed before people went home".  We were fully aware that there was a 24 hour return window for results and that delays could occur.  The nurse at the drive-up window said this, but reassured that our results would most likely be available within the hour.  We had a back up plan and had a second set of tests booked at the last possible testing location before the Canadian border.  If we had had a flight to catch, we may not have made it. 

Second story - my brother just flew back to Canada from Arizona a couple days ago.  He also did the same Walgreen's test.  After his test, he was notified by email that the email notification system was "down", so he had to drive back (and his test was at a pharmacy a distance away) and get a paper copy of the test.  Luckily, he had access to a car and had enough time before his flight to go back to the pharmacy and get the paper copy for his trip.

I did share my experience on CC earlier, and a contributor felt I was negatively targeting Walgreen's for some reason.  I definitely wasn't (as I said, I was grateful, as a Canadian traveler, to be able to receive a free US test that I could use at the Canadian border).  In fact, I was just encouraging fellow travelers to be prepared, have a back up plan, and carefully consider the time and transportation access they have before flights, cruises, etc.

Sorry if you felt I "hijacked" your thread.  That wasn't my intention.  I also am a Celebrity cruiser with several future Celebrity cruises planned, so hope my past testing experiences (and others') will help.

I absolutely agree with everything being said.   We planned carefully, based on our planned border arrival date and time.  We also booked backup tests, just in case.  We were also fully aware of the 24 hour turnaround time, and, again, planned accordingly.  The title of the thread involved Walgreen's NAAT tests, so I simply shared my experience to help others who are planning. I am still reading about people who are surprised by border expectations, delays, etc., so I feel this is important to share, especially for people who are flying.

I have shared this earlier on the forum, but it bears repeating.  Regarding Walgreen's Rapid ID Now tests, be aware and plan accordingly.  My husband and I both got these tests at the exact same time at a drive-up window at Walgreen's in the US.  The supervisor said at the time while there was a 24 hour turnaround time, most results come back in an hour or two (or less).  I received my negative results within half an hour (three others in our party got theirs within an hour or two).   My husband received his 20 hours later, but only after many phone calls to the pharmacy, labs, etc.  We were driving back to the Canadian border and so had the option to wait, rebook tests, etc.  If we had been flying, we would have been out of luck.  When we finally spoke to the supervisor, she told us half the tests done that day "just didn't get processed" before everyone left for the evening and reminded us sternly that they have 24 hours to process.  The results appeared seconds later.  I can only hope that the others weren't trying to get on a flight.

My husband and I have Medavie Blue Cross coverage as well, through our provincial superannuated teachers' plan.  We looked into our travel insurance carefully before leaving for a two month driving trip to the US and discovered that Covid is viewed by them as any other health condition.   Consequently, there was absolutely NO coverage for Covid isolation costs, UNLESS one party is hospitalized.  I'm not sure what level or type of coverage you have.  I have also read that there are differences among provinces regarding coverage.

Yes, Faro is definitely a beach vacation destination, so not surprising about loud partiers on the plane!   It is consistently under 20 degrees daily right now, but my sister and husband are there for a few weeks, so they're looking forward to even warmer temps.  Right now, it's nice enough to go for long walks and sit outside with a coffee or a cocktail and a good book with the Mediterranean blue sky and sunshine overhead.  I'm so jealous.

1 hour ago, Fouremco said:

Was that a regularly scheduled flight or a holiday charter? I only ask because that doesn't sound any worse than the infamous chartered flight from Montreal to Cancun on December 30, filled with partying Canadians, that made international headlines.

My sister and I thought exactly the same thing as you - sounded just as chaotic!  It was a regularly scheduled flight with mostly British people, she guessed, based on the accents of the partying people?  Who knows for sure?  I'm just glad I wasn't on that flight.

10 minutes ago, Blackduck59 said:

 

Thank you for the long report on testing in the United States, perhaps you could post it on any one of the 14 "testing" threads in the Canadian section. I'm sure it will be well received.

My point was why are we Canadians laying on 2 or 3 testing threads a day rather than taking a few moments to read the other 10 that are already there.

Sorry - I just got back from my trip and was too busy to faithfully read all threads.  I'll choose carefully now that I have more time at home:):)

My main point was that the threads (and their posters) are valuable and appreciated.