thepla

13 minutes ago, KINGBOBOFTHENORTH said:

MSC often varies its pricing on the drink packages. Sometimes the lowest fare offered includes a drink package and sometimes the lowest price does not but then it's available for an upcharge, as you're describing. This is a better deal than adding the drink package later. So yes, the offer can vary depending on the cabin type being purchased.

For a comparison of what's in their drink packages, see: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/dining-drinks/drink-comparison-chart

We're going to Dubai shortly.

Frozen Coctails are excluded from above Chart. Black dots are Caribean area. Three on right would be Dubai

From Easy Plus on cruise details.

ALL BEVERAGES PRICED UP TO 8! CHEERS TO BOTTOMLESS BEVERAGES ALL DAY LONG! THE EASY PLUS PACKAGE INCLUDES YOUR FAVOURITE FROZEN AND CLASSIC COCKTAILS, 

So are frozen cocktails included?

They are missing from minor's package.

6 hours ago, Outofofficeon said:

I read this on Emirates web site, so no idea if it is a European thing.  Downloading my NHS app and printing off gives me a QR scan code.

I agree. I have with qr code for me and added my son to account and his has code.

On 3/1/2022 at 6:50 AM, Outofofficeon said:

 

 

 

Spoke with mSC. Landing at Dubai you can take the free pCR (I arrive on 16th) then board ship on 19th.  PCR is also required for Abu Dhabi but they said if you buy an excursion the cost of the ship pCR is included.  Otherwise you have to pay for a pCR on ship to wander off on your own.   This was accurate as of yesterday.  

Am I correct that I will not need pCR before leaving London?

I read same thing. Something doesn't make sense. Dubai has no COVID test it we meet criteria of fully vaccinated upon arrival. 

It would seem if we have negative PCR test while at home, Chicago for me, within 72 hours we should  be ok to board, or don't require first test and take test at airport upon arrival.

4 hours ago, mkkao924 said:

So this is our plan, can someone help to verify if this is correct?

 

We are local to SoCal, so it's a blessing that we don't have to worry about the flight.

We are also all vaccinated and up to date, so we can take the test 3 days before.

 

Our cruise is Monday 3/21 from Long Beach (Radiance)

I already pre-registered the $10 on terminal test (but not schedule yet)

I plan to schedule the PCR test from Walgreens (no charge) for Friday 3/18

Hopefully I can get result back before cruise.

If I get the negative result before embarkation, then I will bypass the on-terminal test

If I don't get the negative result in time, then I will go through the on-terminal test

 

Does this sound right? 

Unless things have changed you don't need PCR one, 15 minute one worked for us.

1 hour ago, DizNaddy said:

How was your experience getting the pre-cruise Covid test at the Long Beach terminal. We are going to the same testing process on 3/7 and was wondering if you could share your experience. Thanks

I had negative one in hand I took in Chicago. I did not take one at peir.

4 hours ago, NightWoman said:

From what I can gather, even though Dubai have lifted their restrictions about PCR testing, MSC still want passengers to have a PCR test either 48hrs for fly cruise and  72hrs for cruise only before travel then another PCR test on arrival in Dubai 

So triple Vaccinated then 2 PCR tests within a few days of each other 😏

I am trying to get clarification from my TA about this as it seems to be a bit excessive. 

From US it is difficult for 3 day timing.

1 hour ago, 8420PR said:

I think you need to take the test at the airport or in Dubai, but you can try.   The worst that can happen is you have to take another test at Dubai port (at a cost of USD42 - expensive by Dubai standards but I think reasonable if coming from US).

 

MSC says:

"A mandatory COVID-19 test is organized at the airport (free of charge with a cruise ticket) upon arrival. This mandatory test does not replace the one needed to enter the U.A.E and it is required to embark on the ship /cruise."

Source: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures/dubai-abu-dhabi-qatar

 

 

 

I think Dubai is prior and Abu Dhabi needs extra one. Not sure I read this properly. Still couple weeks,away so who knows what will change.

If I get PCR test here in US less than 72 hours before my 10am boarding will that work to board or will I need to take a test on ship after arriving?

If I can take it here I would do home test to hopefully eliminate a postitive PCR. In case PCR is not ready prioir to flying it will be in my email while in air on way to Dubai.

2 hours ago, NightWoman said:

The information on Emirates website was updated yesterday

Requirements for all passengers arriving in Dubai

Effective 26 February 2022, passengers travelling to Dubai from all countries (GCC included) must fulfil one of the below requirements

1. Present a valid vaccination certificate(s) reflecting that the passenger is fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the WHO or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and includes a QR code System; or
2. Present a valid Negative Covid‑19 Test certificate that should be based on a molecular diagnostic test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid for SARS‑COV‑2 viral RNA, that is issued within 48 hours from the time of sample collection and issued by an approved health service provider, with a QR code System; or
3. Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from Coronavirus SARS Cov‑19 within a period of one 1 month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival, with a QR code System

If requested, passengers must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai and self‑quarantine until they receive a negative result. In the event the passenger tests positive, then they should follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.

Note that printed or digital PCR test certificates or vaccination certificates, are accepted in English or Arabic and must include a QR Code. SMS certificates are not accepted. COVID 19 PCR Test or Vaccination certificates in other languages are acceptable if they can be validated at the departure point.

For Transit Passenger(s), the rules and conditions for entry at the final destination will apply.

When I go to site still says what I posted. Maybe some cache issue.

Do you know what msc rule will be? If I have negative test 72 hours prior to boarding time will they test at port? I know we don't travel for over two weeks and if you call msc their recording indicates they will follow rules of country. So maybe they might change between now and mid March.

I do not see where PCR test is not needed.

16 minutes ago, NightWoman said:

MSC requirement for a cruise only booking is a negative PCR test 72 hours before embarkation and 48hrs for a fly cruise, so hopefully the one on arrival at Dubai airport is still in effect which would most likely cover most people, if you are in Dubai longer then you would need to arrange one at your hotel.

I see that on their website. I was hoping they were following Dubai rules and OK with Antigen test for ship. I am trying to call to see if they are changing. Their message while waiting does say they change per local regulations.

8 minutes ago, NightWoman said:

As from today Dubai has announced new entry requirements.

 

Passengers travelling to Dubai no longer need to have a pre-departure PCR test if fully vaccinated and have valid vaccine certificate with a QR code.

MSC still require a negative test 72hrs prior to embarkation so hopefully these will still be available at Dubai airport, hopefully someone embarking soon will be able to confirm this.

According to Emirates website the information states:

 If requested, passengers must undergo a PCR test on arrival in Dubai and self‑quarantine until they receive a negative result. In the event the passenger tests positive, then they should follow the guidelines issued by the relevant Health Authority in the Emirate of Dubai.

 

So it could be random testing but I'm not 100% sure if this is the case, but good news that no expensive test before travelling 🙂

This takes a big worry off my chest. Does msc allow antigen test within 72 hours for virtuoso?

44 minutes ago, mnpurple said:

Mine wasn't showing up yesterday. I decided to wait and when I looked today, I was able to see it again.  Hopefully it is the same for you.

Mine also came back!

7 hours ago, thepla said:

I am flying from US. Don't I need a negative PCR test prior to boarding plane? Going via Helsinki, seems they have same requirements.

 

I'm concerned about timing or results, PCR tests seem to have date range for results 

Hate to quote myself. If we take PCR test within and get results while in air would that be OK? Do they check at originating airpor or once you land?

If we take PCR, say 72 hours before arrival or MSC cruise time and results are not ready prior to taking off.... We should have results during transport time.

I would take home test and hope I do not get a false negative and use actula PCR upon arrival.

Maybe someone here know how to guarantee results for PCR in less that 2 days but greater than a few hours?

I found buffett had only a VERY limited selection, yes it was same as MDR, say Prime Rib and fish but litterally nothing else but maybe mashed potatoes. We wanted to bypass MDR one night and do buffet but was so disappinted in buffet we went to MDR.

We had same experience for lunch on port day, after we came back from Deep Seas fishing once again very limited selection, only 4 o5 5 stations open.

Breakfast at buffet was so horrible we just left and skipped breakfast, no smoked salmon, turnkey, etc shaved so thin you could see through slices. I think they really cheap out on buffet and expect you to go to Chicken or mexican place. Even MDR was very limited menu. Sea Day brunch looks good on paper but it too was almost like a joke.

Now BBQ, Chicken and burger were OK. They never had Guacamole at Mexican place entire cruise.

1 hour ago, perakcruiser said:

I emailed them before the cruise because the stupid wording on their webpage. They confirmed that any PCR test is ok if it is in the time frame, the one you did at home or one from Dubai. We did the free PCR tests at the EXPO.

 

Four things for the thread opener:

 

1. Download and set up the Careem app already before the trip.

 

2. There is a free EXPO bus just outside the terminal entrance.

 

3. If you need a PCR test for the flight back, you can do this when you visit the EXPO on Saturday. Even if you buy another EXPO day pass it is much cheaper than do it on the ship.

 

4. The museum of the future opened this week, we were very said that we have been in Dubai a few weeks too early.

I am flying from US. Don't I need a negative PCR test prior to boarding plane? Going via Helsinki, seems they have same requirements.

I'm concerned about timing or results, PCR tests seem to have date range for results 

8 hours ago, Buffettfan 225 said:

I registered when not sure if able to get a test. May no longer need at port. Do they still have charge regardless or if actually take test then bill. Thanks

I did not have to register. I went on 18, so just last week. If said no registration for radiance when I clicked on link.

I was not charged but they had no idea of backup plan. At pre registration I told them I had test done and they guided to line where everyone had done in advance.

I was totally prepared, when clicking on link to register to risk ten bucks.

1 hour ago, perakcruiser said:

I emailed them before the cruise because the stupid wording on their webpage. They confirmed that any PCR test is ok if it is in the time frame, the one you did at home or one from Dubai. We did the free PCR tests at the EXPO.

 

Four things for the thread opener:

 

1. Download and set up the Careem app already before the trip.

 

2. There is a free EXPO bus just outside the terminal entrance.

 

3. If you need a PCR test for the flight back, you can do this when you visit the EXPO on Saturday. Even if you buy another EXPO day pass it is much cheaper than do it on the ship.

 

4. The museum of the future opened this week, we were very said that we have been in Dubai a few weeks too early.

Thanks

Was just on radiance. I contacted about same issue and was tol after pre departure area. We had ours done before going to Los Angeles.

once you get past pre departure they send to right people already tested and left people paying ten bucks.

.

no registration needed for radiance.

I have done search here and this has come up before but things change....

Here is my quick writeup, am I accurate and there a few questions below.

_______________________________________________________________________________

If I read this correctly on MSC website.

Prior to getting to Dubai we need a negative PCR test while in US. For arrival at airport and getting on ship. WE leave on 3/17 for 3/19 cruise. Getting tested on 3/16 seems to cover bases but guaranteeing results on that exact date seems to be problematic. Walgreens here gives a date range for this test, where an antigen test result is quick, but not allowed.

Once arriving in Dubai we can take a free PCR test, go to ship and allowed to board waiting for results. This one seems easy enough.

To visit Qatar, we need to sign up on their website with proper documentation and do any tour with MSC. Nor sure how much a pain this will be, someone here probably has experience.

To get on plane home we need a negative PCR test that appears we can purchase on board.

We are flying Chicago to Helsinki to Dubai there and Dubai though Jordan and Qatar back home. Crazy routing home was to use miles in Business class.

I know we have to have insurance coverage, this one is done and easy.

Does my writeup seem to make sense or am I making this more of a headache than needed.

BTW we have Expo tickets, if that makes easier or more complicated.

Mine also disappeared from msccruises website. Advice above to go to MSC for me app it is there. I had my boarding passes and stuff in an Email from MSC from last week.

5 hours ago, ready2cruzagain said:

Fantastica gets free room service from 6am to 11pm, a small fee is charged for room service between 11pm and 6am.  This is according to my Fantastica boarding documents.  It also states In stateroom breakfast (whatever that means). 

 

We will be on this weekend for 2 weeks in Fantastica, will let you know for sure.

Are you sure it is free, per se? I think develivery is free for Fantastica, pay for any food except continental breakfast is free plus free delivery. 

We were on same cruise. I agree with OP on most topics except I found buffet to be VERY limited. We only went twice, once second night skipping MDR (we ended up at MDR). No stations were open except maybe 5, same fish and prime rib they offered in MDR. Lunch was after Deep Sea Fishing, and it too only had 4 or 5 stations. Guy’s burger was OK, my son loved Shaq’s fries. Chicken was at best OK. Now Guy’s BBQ was best options all week, they are only open on sea day and leaving for short hours. My son liked Deli Turkey, but Cuban sandwich was not good at all. Their pizza was worse than 10 for a $10 pizza at stores. There was almost no cheese, and I mean none, it was like eating plain Matzoh. Indian option at dinner was not good and they never had Papadum all three evenings I asked, they never had guacamole at taco / burrito place. Beans were watered down for burrito bowl I had made.

Had sea day brunch. Only Smoked Salmon on ship, none for breakfast. I cannot figure out how they can cut so thin, I think they used one normal piece of smoke Salmon and cur it thin enough for eight slices, so thin I could see plate underneath. Breakfast turkey was also so thin, same disturbing way as smoked salmon. Deli Turkey and room service turkey was good. They also try and trick you with room service. If you use their hub only paid options show up, scan Barcode in room and many free options show up. Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express is better than Carnival breakfast buffet. Even MDR breakfast did not have smoked salmon on menu. I am guessing Carnival’s goal is to feed a  person for $1.50 per day combined for all meals.

My son and I both did bubbles; I doubt we had enough for cost but does not matter. I always take soda package for ease. I think it is stupid you can only get one can at a time. Too much work for a few sodas a day.

Mini golf was fun, they do use a nonstandard golf ball but it was fine. Larger screen movie screen is a plus, my son and I enjoy that in evenings. It was very cold, but we wore light jackets.

Radiance had 3100 according to cabin crew person. 

Thanks everyone. He did login test they have as soon as we got into room. Zoom was fine. Once he started he asked me to leave. I'm just sitting outside. They don't want him to have other people in room for assessment. Doubt they've ever had some one do assessment from a cruise ship.

Now back to trip. Seems pretty full but no biggie. All walk up eateries are wide open. It seems everyone likes buffet. So much food here we may never make it to buffet😀 bars seem a tad busy, I probably waited three or so minutes for my soda.