jgmorgan

2 hours ago, sydbarrett said:

Travelling on my own overseas for the first time and I'm not a good navigator.

It's hard to know what might happen by next year, but if Ravenna is still the homeport for your cruise, you might consider flying in and out of Bologna.  Moving from the Bologna airport to the main train station looks to be very easy (dedicated rail line that takes 7-1/2 minutes) and there are direct trains to Ravenna several times a day (about a one hour and ten minute trip).  We haven't been to Ravenna yet but I'm sure getting a taxi from train station to port would be easy.

Bologna is a beautiful city, with incredible food, and would be a good place to spend a couple of days pre or post cruise.  It is less than an hour from Florence by fast train.  Even though you may not be a good navigator, travelling by train in Italy is very straightforward and, in our experience, the folks who work at the train stations are very helpful, even for us non-Italian speakers.

8 hours ago, TeaBag said:

You probably know that you get a B2B discount for each leg.  If they are 7 day cruises, you will get $50 for each cruise off your fare.

Didn't realize there was a discount available.  We just booked online and chose the same room for both cruises.  Would we still be eligible for a discount (final payment date hasn't occurred yet)?

The Healthline article refers to a study of studies that found that the currently used antigen tests that were positive were correct 99.6% of the time.  I think that means that the tests returned a false positive 0.04%, or only 4 times out of 1,000 tests.  Those seem like really good odds.  

15 hours ago, RichmondJustin said:

I think main reason for the 3 day for unvaccinated is it has to be a PCR test which can take 1-2 days to get back vs. 15 mins for a rapid antigen test. A 2 day requirement for the PCR would make it virtually impossible for anyone to get results back prior to travel.  

Makes sense.  The PCR is also much better at detecting the virus and yields less false negatives.  Since vaccinated folks are much less likely to get Covid, the less accurate antigen test has been determined to be satisfactory for screening purposes.

4 hours ago, Turtles06 said:

 

@RichYak — does the health screening ask if you’ve tested positive for Covid within the last so many days?  (Is that the questionnaire you fill out the day before?)

 

We plan to get a rapid antigen test in the 2-day pre-cruise window, but had been considering booking a (pricey) same-day PCR test as a backup in the event of what could be a false positive on the antigen test. The PCR test could be negative. But it sounds like you are saying we’d be asked to disclose the positive antigen test in any event; is that the case?  We certainly would not lie about it if asked. 
 

Let’s say the antigen test was positive but the PCR test — considered to be more accurate test— was negative. Does  anyone know what Celebrity would do with that conflicting info in terms of allowing the guest to board? 

I think that I recall the questionnaire asked if you have had, or were exposed to someone who had, a positive test result in the last 14 days, but perhaps @RichYak or someone else that is in the process of responding to the questionnaire can confirm that.

In terms of scheduling a "back-up" of course you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with.  However, it appears that the probability of a false positive with the antigen test is very, very low and when it occurs, it is likely due to contamination that occurs during processing which shouldn't be a problem with the monitored home test. A false negative result would be more likely. See, for example:  

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests

In any event, I hope you test negative and can enjoy your cruise.  This is a great time to be on a ship!

14 hours ago, jelayne said:

I wouldn’t buy jewelry at Tiffany’s on land either.  

Don't underestimate the power of the little blue box...just sayin.😎

5 minutes ago, happy cruzer said:

As usual, the lower categories don't seem to be reduced??  

That might have something to do with fixed costs versus variable costs.  The actual operating cost per passenger is pretty much the same irrespective of the cabin type (think food, beverage, hospitality staff, administrative services, entertainment, etc.)  The exception to this would probably be for suite passengers where the staff to passenger ratio is presumably higher.  So, when Celebrity cuts prices, they are calculating the revenue difference between lower per room profit vs. empty cabins.  There is a lot more operating profit for an Aqua stateroom than an inside cabin, so there is more to discount and still have a net positive cashflow for the room.  

We have B2B on Edge in January 2022.  Repriced to save about $900 for each cruise.  Had to hold for an hour but it was worth it.🙂

21 minutes ago, the penguins said:

) the big one - the offer is wash and fold however if you write on the slip " please return items on hangers" it will come back just as if it's been ironed. Don't forget the "please" as they don't have to do it and they are doing you a favour.

Good to know!  Thanks.

Per person.  I sometimes do two loads, one in my name one in my wife's.  She doesn't trust them to do hers.  They use really hot water and the folding is approximate.😀

33 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

We have over 1,000 of unrefundable and with everything included it is tough to spend all that.  

Hmm...wonder if you could apply it as a deposit for a Future Cruise for one of your avid followers?😂

3 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

We really are probably more of Socialists than Elitists'.     We were very fortunate to invest in real estate in SF and Silicon Valley and were rewarded due to the rapid price changes in the bay area.  

And I, for one, am happy for you.  I really do enjoy your photos and commentary.

While we might step up to a suite at some point, our preference, at least for now, is to opt for more frequent cruises and choose Aqua cabins.  For our circumstances, that seems to be the "sweet" spot.  We love Blu and actually like the veranda overhang.

Stay diligent and here's hoping you both pass the tests for the next leg!

12 hours ago, sunsetme said:

Jim

any chance you can post some stuff for us paeans in lower classes such as the buffet, anytime seating (Is it crowded), the pool area on sea days, the casino, etc.

I think a "paean' for Jim would be appropriate given the time and effort he is putting into sharing his experience with us.  Even us peons like to vicariously enjoy the suite life.🙂

Thanks Jim (and Ian).

On 9/6/2021 at 6:29 PM, sarahswisher4 said:

Hi - thank you for answering questions…what was dress like for men in the evenings in the dining room? What did you do on sea days (I’m so use to lounging by the pool in the warm weather cruises!)… what was the highlight of your trip? Thanks so much! 

Peteymil's description of evening dress is spot on.

We lounged by the pool in the Solarium for a while one day which was nice; the Beyond the Podium talks were quite good; we did two wine-tastings that were each enjoyable (one part of the Drinks and More package the other an add-on); there were a couple of matinee performances by the guest entertainers: and, visiting Café Al Bacio was always a good way to spend some time.  We felt the musicians on board that rotated through the various venues were all actually good, which has not always been our experience.  All in all, we had a great time and the smaller number of passengers made for a different (and pleasurable) cruise.  Although, even on full cruises we haven't really been significantly impacted by things being "too crowded".  It almost seems like after a couple of days the whole ship finds a rhythm that works for everyone on board.

Duplicate

52 minutes ago, dgoz said:

 

How does one get TSA Pre status?

https://ttp.dhs.gov/
 

This site has the info.  If you do much international travel, the Global Entry program is the better option.  It also results in the TSA Pre status and permits quicker re-entry to the U.S.

14 hours ago, zestyzorra said:

Hello!  I hope it's not too late to ask, but for disembarkation, could you pick which group you were in or did they assign you a group?  It's been so long, I can't remember... I feel like there were tags out near the guest services desk that you could use in lieu of ones given to you in your stateroom, but maybe that was another line.

 

Anyway, I appreciate any info you can give!  I am trying to arrange a pick-up time post-cruise.  Thanks!

On 8/27 we did the walk-off (first time we've done that) and were able to leave the ship about 7:15.  It was quite easy with only ramps and elevator to navigate with our suitcases and roll-ons.  Passport is required to be in hand with no delay exiting the building.  The taxi line was already functioning and we arrived at the airport a bit before 8:00 for a 10:00 flight.  We are TSA Pre and the line at security was non-existent.  You could tell, however, that the security line for non-precheck was beginning to build pretty quickly.  They have just instituted a security line reservation type system that you might look into.  This link has the info about it: https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver.

While our experience was very smooth, we were warned several time about possible delays and apparently the traffic situation can get bad pretty quick during morning rush.  My suggestion would be to get away from the port as early as you can and if you can manage the walk-off that would be best.

Good luck and I hope your cruise is as good as ours was.  Best ever!

29 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

This is no longer a stress free vacation.

 You might consider a self-test on the evening before your flight and the proctored test (or a test at the SEATAC) upon arrival in Seattle.  While there is always a chance of a false negative and then a positive result 12 hours later, the likelihood is very remote, made even more remote if you have been careful about exposure for the days leading up to departure.

Whichever route you end up going, I hope it works out for you.  The Millennium experience a couple of weeks ago was fabulous.  The small boat excursion to the face of the glacier is definitely worth it if you can arrange it.  And, the Martini Bar is a great stress relief strategy.🙂

4 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

I'm not sure the testing at the port is a good option for people who need to fly to the port.  If you test positive, you're stuck at the port for at least 10 days.  If they can get enough test observers, the home test sounds like the best option to me.  You can test before you fly.  

Yes, that would be a problem for sure.  However, if the port testing was an available option, that would sure make it easier for folks.  As Missymo points out, a self test before departure would be a good strategy to mitigate the risk of a surprise positive test at the port.  Maybe multiple emails to Ms. Lutoff-Perlo would help. 

1 hour ago, jalves said:

Sorry, I don't see that in the OP's post.  Perhaps its been edited?

 

Sixth sentence?

Just now, aly7859 said:

They are available 24/7.

Great, thanks!

The BiNaxNow test looks like a good solution for many.  Apologies if this has been addressed earlier, but I didn't find it.

What time of day are test observers available i.e., is there a fixed start time and closing time each day?

Sounds about right.🙂

1 hour ago, canderson said:

I know know there's a QR associated with each test kit,  but is there on on the actual medium card itself?

Not sure, but the CDC seemed comfortable with the process since it can be used for reentering the country.  But you may be correct, the testing requirement may never work out.

Good point, but that may be why you have to scan the test's QR code before the test and after the result is becomes clear.  Take a look at the link in my post #35.  It is pretty interesting.