goldmom

Wow, thanks for that info! That's great to know. Hopefully the OP can use this.

Do they do PCR tests? The OP said they have to do a PCR test on the children , not antigen. If they also do PCR tests that would certainly be a very good option.

Try doing a google search for PCR ( either rapid or regular) near "your zip code". You may need to wade through the options and make some phone calls. I'm guessing you're just going to have to accept that you'll be paying for it. I've also seen "concierge services" where they come to your home to test you though I can only imagine what that costs. I'm guessing that none of the proctored home tests are PCR, which is unfortunate. I'm in NJ and some of the local pharmacies do testing but it can cost from $70-$200. Good luck!

I would double check with NCL or your travel agent, but as of now they do have testing at the pier. They will charge you though and I'm thinking I read it was $99 or more. But as an emergency back up option, it's nice to know it's there.

After having to spend $80 (or $60, I don't remember) a person for the TA back in October 2021, $40 seems like a bargain to me! I see it as Bermuda trying to recoup some of their lost tourism income during Covid. It's their country and they can do what they wish. If we want to cruise or travel to Bermuda then we have to pay the fee. I believe that even Bermuda residents traveling home need to pay the fee.

You probably could, but you'd have to go through the check-in/x-ray line again. Also, you'd need to tote your carry on bags with you as there is no place to check them. Enjoy

Thank you all for the replies. This has been very helpful!

Thank you! Just what I wanted to hear!

Thanks for the reply. So, I assume then that since the CVS test is a verified antigen test similar to the proctored tests that it's accepted for boarding.

DH and I had covid last month, so we'd prefer to do an antigen test for boarding. We were told we could test positive on a PCR test for months. Has anyone used the antigen test results from CVS to board? Just not sure if it's acceptable as it's tested at CVS and not sent out to a lab. Appreciate any info. Thanks!

Good luck. Hope it works for you. As I said as long as your suite is listed on their "Haven" list you should be good. Enjoy!

I have found in the MCT that when we have a non-haven suite on the Jewel class ships, I just tell the staff that we're in the Haven. They check their clipboard and our suite number is there and away we go. The staff at the terminal does not understand that there are Haven and non-haven suites. Not sure if the non-haven suites on the Joy would work the same as some of those suite categories are in a class of their own.

I seem to think there was a push button. On our last trip it was stuck in the on position so we never had to turn it on. On other trips it was usually off. The Haven Courtyard attendant can help with it. Enjoy!

We were just on the Gem in February. There was definitely a "swim against" current in the Haven pool, but it needs to be turned on. It's on the far side from the ladder. I actually used it as a back massage a couple of times!

I agree with the above poster. On the Jewel class ships I would book the 2 bedroom suite. Then, if you want to you can always put in a low ball bid for the Haven. The extra amenities in booking the Haven aren't really worth the price difference on the Jewel class ships.

The Joy seems to have suite rules specific to that ship, which have apparently evolved over time. On the Jewel class ships (as of now) all suites whether in the Haven or not have the special breakfast and lunch perk.

We stayed in 15000 a few times and there was definitely a heater. In fact the steward had to open the little door by the stairs to turn the heater down as it was too hot. Maybe the heater just wasn't working or was turned off when you were in the cabin? It seemed as if the heater kicked in when we hit the button for the bubbles. But, who knows all the hot tubs seem a little quirky!

Looking forward to your report. Enjoy!