joyandjerry

Following.

55 minutes ago, DensolandMouthy said:

Good !! I was booked on an NCL calling at Bermuda for 6.5 hours in Dec. Its still showing on the itinerary, so I changed my cruise to a Canary Islands 11 nighter instead and can look forward to my cruise rather than fretting about tests etc and cruise being abandoned and making contingency plans. 

 

Wish I could do the same, but our 30 September cruise to Bermuda is the only destination. Unbelievable stress over testing, TA, (had to do it in May), and then my next on the B2B includes Canada. So I have to do more testing on the ship - really a buzzkill.

1 hour ago, Crusin Karen said:

Just NOW got authorization! 😁  What now? Download and copy?

Yes - great news!

Approximate fees? Do the machines take cards, bills, coins? Many years ago I vaguely remember using a credit card. Jerry is over 65. 

39 minutes ago, jacobichka said:

Hello. We are going on 5 days cruise to Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. We will stay for two days there. I checked all requirements on Royal Caribbean web site and could not find any information for "Bermuda travel authorization". So, Do we have to get that $40 authorization or not?

You absolutely must get it. RCCL site has about testing. I can't remember if they emailed me about the Travel Authorization. Check Bermuda government site. You cannot board ship without it. 

@marlenecook, approximately how long would it take from the Black Falcon port to the Harvard/Cambridge area? I want to make sure I allow enough time to get back to the ship!

Posted here in error and cannot delete post. Sorry!

@marlenecookJust what I needed! Thanks so much. 

Earlier posts this season have mentioned some problems with Boston public trans. Jerry and I are going on a B2B, and will be there in mid October. (That is, if we don't test positive on the ship!) I was just going to get a cab to the MFA, but the museums are closed on Tuesdays (bummer!). Plan B is either the Aquarium and Quincy Market or Harvard (Cambridge). We have done the Freedom Trail and the HOHO on prior visits. Anyone have any experience with these destinations recently? I saw that the Aquarium is near South Station on the Silver line. Walking no problem for us.

1 hour ago, njkruzer said:

That's confusing.  I Google Canada covid restrictions and it says no testing. Confused.  If test needed, how far in advance?  

 

Ok Googled as suggested.   They require antigen test 2 days before sailing but Royal says 3 days is ok!  Crazy.  Also, as I said, it's 8 days between sailing and arrival in Halifax.  That could make the test taken 2-3 prior to sailing worthless.  These instructions are definitely contrary to other Canadian restrictions on another page which says no test if arriving by marine.  

I feel your pain, stress and confusion. Even if a cruise line says 3 days prior to embarking, if the country you are visiting has stricter requirements, like 2 days, the more stringent rules apply. The reverse also applies, if the cruise line's rules are more strict. From what I've read, one must be tested prior to the cruise, even if the arrival to Canada is several days later, crazy as it is. I don't believe you have to be tested again. With Bermuda, if the ship takes more than 4 days to stop there, one must be tested again. Since Bermuda is my first cruise, Jerry and I will have to test again on the ship to take the cruise to Canada/NE, as it is a separate cruise from the first.

The link to RCCL testing requirements are here. I noted that if you click on "US Home ports" for Canada and Bermuda it is 2 days prior. For "Southhampton" and Transatlantic 3 days prior. It does not mention Canada specifically under your departure port, if I read that correctly.

Here is a link to Canada's web site where they discuss cruise ship pax here. Scrolling down the page about testing, 72 hours prior to embarking is mentioned. But apparently RCCL is requiring 2 days prior if you embark in the US, adding to the confusion.

Not that it is productive, but I am losing sleep and beyond stressed about how these countries are treating tourists and their own citizens that rely on tourist trade.

11 hours ago, njkruzer said:

This thread has been bothering me.  We are on Anthem TA, leaving Southampton 10/17 and stopping in Halifax on 10/25.  We test no more than 3 days before sailing. I knew we needed ArriveCAN but after reading this thread thought we might need another test. I've gone back to Canada's covid restrictions page.  It specifically says no test needed to enter Canada  y car, plane or marine.  I don't think you need to worry.   

Please Google "Canada cruise ship COVID testing" or similar. Cruise pax have to be tested. Other modes of travel do not. You need a test prior to the cruise. Those on B2B cruises need a test onboard if Canada is second cruise.

19 hours ago, brillohead said:

(And I really don't mind the questions one bit -- we all have to learn somehow, and I like helping people have as stress-free a cruise as possible!)

I always have said the best thing about cruising is the people! They are such a friendly, helpful bunch. You are a shining example of how one person can make a positive difference in the quality of life for many.

I allow myself to get way too stressed over things, am trying not to be "glass half empty" over the testing for both Bermuda, then Canada. Celebrity and NCL have dropped Bermuda for Oct/Nov. Many are peeved at Canada for the ArriveCAN, which is causing long queues at auto crossings and hurting tourism. Sad they are singling out cruise pax for continued testing.

Ah, the good 'ole days, when one just packed and got on the ship!

Charles, you are an example of how one person can make a difference and help so many!

12 hours ago, KATHYMAC68 said:

A few people have said that they didn’t get a second test for the next Canadian leg. I’m hoping that is the case. But RC said they will test. So either way we don’t have to worry about it.
Thank you!  

I pray Canada will drop the testing requirement, but not likely. I don't want to be paranoid the whole first leg that Jerry or I will test positive, despite precautions.

21 hours ago, brillohead said:

Happy to help!  

I am like that old TV detective, Colombo, with "just one more question"! When you leave your first room then you have to take all of the items in your safe (wallet, passport) on your person b/c you won't have the safe to use yet in the "new" room?

13 hours ago, LadyBerard said:

Don't feel badly.  I am technically challenged too.  I plan on applying for the authorisation form on my laptop, as opposed to my phone.  So, to get ready, I took a picture of our passports and of our covid vaccine cards and moved pictures to my desktop.  Hopefully, it's an easy process to upload them to the application.  I'm totally stressed about this.

On 9/6/2022 at 6:08 PM, Crusin Karen said:

I am technically challenged.  Have no clue how to upload proof of vaccination.  Can I get away with showing this when I board ship?

For the Bermuda TA, you have to upload a photo of your vax card when you submit the application. Like most computer tasks, it sounds more difficult than it is. Take a photo of your card and put it on your computer, or use your phone/laptop/tablet camera to take a pic. On a desktop/laptop you can more the picture to your home screen. When the application asks for the photo of the card, click on upload. The computer's menu will give you a list what is on your home screen/desktop. Just choose the photo you want to upload. Instructions can be slightly different depending on your device.

Just about anyone could help you with that; it is a very common thing to do on devices. Someone at your local library could show you if you don't know anyone to ask.

2 hours ago, colliercruiser said:

@cruisestitch Yes, we are on these two Summit sailings and I believe the answers scrapcreator provided above are right on... from what I know so far.  I did confirm with the onshore concierge that Celebrity will provide a COVID test on the first cruise (last day before first cruise disembarkation) at their expense and for the Bermuda testing requirement.

 

We're still researching how we will get our proctored COVID tests for the first sailing.  We fly to Boston on Saturday PM (Oct 1) and expect to get tested on Saturday morning (so in case we have a positive test we are still at home and not already in Boston).  I'm checking with our usual local sources (CVS, Walgreens) and am also looking at a virtual proctoring service (OnPoint) to use some of our home self tests.

Also check private labs that do blood work. We are in a small city and there are some that do antigen tests same day, for $45 pp.  Urgent care centers may do so, also, but are costly. We have some home tests, but ordered eMed tests to do supervised online, as we have done it twice with them and it worked well. Insurance reimbursed most of the cost. If there is a problem with the home testing, like invalid result, we will use the local lab as Plan B.

26 minutes ago, LadyBerard said:

Did you do separate travel authorisations for each of you and just used the same email address?

Have done it twice. Must do separate applications for you and hubby, but each can use same email addy.

40 minutes ago, brillohead said:

Online, you can check in on the Cruise Planner (website) or on the App starting 45 days before you sail.

This is where you can enter your passport and credit card details, emergency contact information, etc.

If you check in online for each leg of your trip, they have everything in the system already and just hand you the new card for the next leg.  If you haven't entered all the information yet, they have to do that manually.  Some ships seem to be able to transfer the info over magically, other ships seem to have to retype/rescan everything.  I find it ever so much simpler to just do it myself in advance.

Oh, sorry about the silly question! Of course I checked in for both in advance. Thanks again!

41 minutes ago, brillohead said:

There is no such thing as an "informational meeting" unless you have a rare event happening (like a Coast Guard inspection).  

If it's a normal turn around day, you will receive a letter mid-week telling you when and where to meet on TAD.  That letter itself is your "informational meeting".  You will need to bring your passport/documents and your SeaPass card to the meeting that morning.  If you have already checked in for your next cruise, they will give you your new SeaPass card and maybe take your picture, then you just sit around until they get the rest of the passengers off the ship.  If you haven't already checked in for your next cruise, you will have to go through the rigmarole of having them scan your credit card, take down emergency contact info, scan your passport, etc.

When the rest of the passengers are off the ship, the whole group will be escorted off the ship (you ding off with your old SeaPass card), through Customs/Border Patrol, and then back onto the ship (you ding on with your new SeaPass card).  

That's all there is to it.  There's no need for an informational meeting, because there is no other information on a standard B2B cruise other than "show up at X location at Y time with your documents in hand".  

Thanks for the explanation. Something new always seems complicated. You said, " if you have already checked in for your next cruise". How and where is that done?

3 hours ago, mcmarya said:

Since masks were mentioned, I'll chime in.  We returned last week and bus drivers and ferry operators would not let passengers on board without a mask.  Otherwise masks were not required in stores or anywhere else.  I couldn't find mine returning to the ship a final time but was allowed through the entry building at the port anyway.

 

When my TA had not arrived one week before my cruise, I e-mailed the folks in Bermuda.  The next morning I had received approval.  It is a bother and extra expense but not so stressful since they excluded the test result requirement needed for application.  I would be upset if I was to arrive last Friday when the weather probably kept ships away and the $40 application was for naught.

When we went in May, uploading the results was necessary to get the TA. They kept telling us we could not board without it. It changed the day before our cruise, and it was still a mess on the ship trying to get them. But I sure felt badly for those impacted by the hurricane.

Our tour driver required masking, but did not wear his. On the ferries, pax just put them on for show when they entered, then removed them. In the caves, guide said they were required, and he winked and removed his.

@cruisegirl 1, I didn't have time last evening to thank you for the detailed response. You are a shining example of how one person can make a posiitve difference in the lives of many! I am printing it and taking it with us. Having never done this, I am rather stressing myself about it. My main concern is the COVID testing, but all we can do is take precautions for the first leg of the cruise. At least everyone will need a COVID test for Bermuda, although there are false negatives.  We will just have to mask up everywhere, even the gym.

The ships are at capacity now and pax are serving themselves in the WJ. When we went in March, it was 65% capacity and staff served. On Carnival in May, we were at 80% (?) and I got some symptoms on the way home. I don't sleep well at the best of times, and the Bermuda TA thing was really screwed up at the time and I was really run down. DId not test positive till four days later, and Jerry in six, so he caught it from me at home. Concerned b/c I am seeing on other sites (Shipmate app) pax saying they took precautions and got it anyway. I really don't want to be paranoid the whole first leg. Amazing the grocery workers, etc. here and just about all do not wear masks and are in contact with hundreds of peeps daily. Of course, if they are not being tested, they may be positive.

It just seems like such rotten luck we are going the two places that require testing! The protocols change so much that one cannot not know that when they book. E.g., I booked the Canada/NE one well over a year ago. When RCCL dropped testing for B2B cruisers (a while back), I didn't realize Canada was singling out cruise ship passengers, as I read that they had dropped testing to enter. Also didn't realize ArriveCAN applied to us originally. At least is easy to create an account and save your info for later.

8 hours ago, rccllovergirl said:

If I don’t get Travel Authorisation what would happened? I will be denied boarding or I will not be able to get off the ship in Bermuda (I am planning to stay on board anyway). 

Even if you stay on board, you are still in their waters. Also one may need medical care onshore. The TA is a real pain, and has upset many. It even applies to their own citizens leaving and returning back to Bermuda.

14 minutes ago, cruisegirl1 said:

We've had to move cabins in nearly half our sets of B2B.  In all of our experiences, we only packed the drawers in our suitcases.  Left the hanging clothes in the closet.  We usually meet the cabin attendant of the new cabin sometime during the week.  He/she usually gets word that a B2B is coming in and will try to get that room serviced as soon as possible.  It depends on when the current occupants leave.  We vacate our cabin to have breakfast, kill time and then meet the turnaround group.  

 

If the new room is serviced prior to when we are scheduled to meet for the turnaround, we simply roll our suitcases to the new cabin. (This would be the "kill time" period.)    The cabin attendant or some other staff will move the hanging clothes later. (Usually during turn around or sometimes a bit later.)   OR- just leave the suitcases/hanging clothes in the old room and they will bring it all to the new room (usually during turn around or maybe a bit later).   Once you get back on the ship, you can go to the new cabin and unpack. 

 

I am not on the Bermuda/Canada cruise but when we needed testing for B2B (no longer needed for many cruises - some exceptions) it was done the last full day of the first cruise.  Written instructions/information was provided regarding where/when to get tested.  It was always early in the AM, like around 8am.  There was some registration/email info to enter online.   Seem to recall test results emailed a few hours later.  

 

Hope this helps.  It is easier than it sounds.  Guest services can assist if you have any questions once on board. 

Enjoy

M

 

Great, detailed information! Really helps. But I will not have the internet on the ship.

15 minutes ago, cruisegirl1 said:

I misunderstood.    Once we had an informational  meeting the DAY PRIOR to the B2B.   Thought that was the discussion because the OP asked if the meeting was the day before turnaround. (That is when an informational meeting might be held) 

 

Of course, there is a place/time to get the new sea pass cards, be escorted off the ship, go through the customs face recognition and then be escorted to a waiting area, or back on board.

 

However, all the information needed is provided in writing to all those taking a B2B. 

 

M

Thanks for the info! When were you tested, and how soon did you get the results? How did you vacate your room before the other one was ready? Jerry and I could just carry our stuff on hangers down a few doors, as it seems like a waste to repack like you're disembarking.