johnjen

It's kind of unfortunate that these are (typically) the "cruise experts" we'll meet at the MDR. They will launch into a tirade called "cruising isn't what it used to be" and I roll my eyes thinking, "here we go again."

You betcha!

Sorry for your wife, OP. It must be miserable being forced to have her isolate, alone in a cabin, while you are free to roam. This has, at least IMO, ruined your vacation. Lessons learned from this. If I get the sniffles, or DW does, we'll just ride it out.

I downloaded the NAVICA app on my phone. I hope this is good enough for the two of us to take the test using just my phone - or are they real particularly into semantics where it MUST be on YOUR phone (the tester)?

Crazy. I hope this crap goes away before we cruise in July. But I guess it's baby steps away from this nonsense!

Cool - and thanks for you guys answering my questions. Our cruise is in July but I will now go ahead and order the two-pack tests for my wife and I and won't open them until testing day.

I downloaded the NAVICA app. Is that right? And, do they email me the docs I need to board, or do they notify the cruise line?

Questions about the Abbott online testing/proctored. 1. The binax 2-pack test. Is this good for two people? If I buy the Binax Now two pack testing kit, does this suffice for two people? I am confused because they want you to open the box in front of them. Or, is each test enclosed in their own individual boxes? The two pack is like $69. 2. Do you have to call them back, or stay online with them waiting for the results? 3. Do you show them the results on camera or do they just ask you what YOU see? 4. Has there ever been any issues having to wait for the proctor? 5. Do I need to install an app?

Yep. We decided to not spend a dime in Bermuda this coming July.

Sorry! I went back to re-read your post more carefully. Given your arrival time of docking, I would definitely choose that 11:30am flight. When I saw the late night flight time, especially in Rome, I wouldn't want to hang out that long UNLESS you want to tour around in the city before you head to the airport. I think you would be fine; even getting off the ship as late as 8am should get you to FCO easily. We have done this before.

I'd pick an evening flight because sometimes there's delays in getting folk off the ship and then there's transportation shortages as well.

Sometimes I think about getting one again. Our first TA was a big online company and they completely blew off price drops because the agent taking care of our account was on a cruise herself and no one would help us out. IF I can find a decent TA, I'd need them to: Stay on top of price drops; Get us a decent credit; Give us what we want And that's really all I'd want from a TA.

I'm certain they have their policy in place - but, it never hurts to wait and try speaking with someone else. I've gotten different answers in the past, especially when I am told NO on the first call.

Oh, I know! Pre cruise jitters...we all get them....the "what ifs" even before anything happens. One night before our cruise, we locked the car keys in the car right as we were unloading at the overnight hotel stay...thanks Nissan...those weren't smart keys....then again, neither were we!

Just want to know what you really like to eat at Chops Grille - the best bang for your buck, the best steak...and please share any suggestions!

Thanks, but does the ship conduct the actual rapid test before we pull back in?

Question: They are testing everyone, on every cruise that arrives back to the US? How much is this extra boondoggle costing the passengers?

OP, you're not the only one that goes through pre-cruise anxiety thanks to these dumb tests. I hope that they go away soon, along with the psychotic paranoia it has generated for some.

I know! Crazy, if you do the math, each cruise ship that docks in Bermuda, their government gains around $100k off the top just over these TA permits.

Congrats! Was this the Royal Up?

There's currently a protest in Bermuda, where rental owners are complaining that the TA form @ $40 each - needs to be banned. I'm certainly in favor of dumping this. I'm wondering if it'll be gone come July.

Updated from my recent comment: After reading all of the comments, I think we're going to do Chef's Table this July's cruise. Worthy of another try. I just hope they have gotten rid of or they substitute that disgusting thing called "Pork Crackling" or whatever it was called!

DW likes getting the coffee card. However, she's had some issues before with double punches being made when only one punch was warranted. She had to go back and get a new card re-issued (with of course, the appropriate number of stamps she used up). Some of the baristas get "punch happy" I've noticed - keep track. I liked Biker 19's idea with the a la carte option after boarding.

How long does it take to find out if our bids go through and approved? Do they send you and email if you don't get the bid?

They accept CVS, Walgreen's, Walmart rapid tests. I just talked about it today with RCL. And of course, their proctored tests.