The reason as explained to me is the cruiselines were given a maximum number of days - there is more demand that available space - so RCCL had little choice. We were in Isafjordur for two nights last weekend. As many as 4 ships each day in port each day. The passengers overwhelmed the town.
Unbelievable number of tourists in Iceland. Every hotel we visited fully booked. Etc.
Why is it strange? With covid many tour operators went out of business. New ones are forming and X needs to vet the new operators. With all the issues today they work on closest cruises first.
Canada receives a passenger manifest with passport details and Celebrity certification that all passengers met the testing or Celebrity COR rules. A bit different as this cruise does not begin or end in Canada. The Celebrity COR rules are indeed slightly different from Canada.
Canada then is able to match ArriveCAN data with the manifest if they choose to do so.
FWIW- no covid rules in Iceland. Some suggestions if I'll to stay home. Almost no masking.
I see you post infrequently. The answers to most questions are actually found with a couple clicks on the Celebrity website. Probably easier if you have a WiFi package to use your cell phone. Just disable calling and remember almost every port has free WIFI that is high speed
If you have a cruise on X and a gap day followed by a cruise on Royal the answer is simple - no.
What I would ask is why is using a proctored test stressful any more than a test in person? No more likelihood of a positive test either way.
Is the stress the cost? Would suggest if a $10 test and $17 proctoring fee are causing stress; that is definitely a problem.
Nobody knows what the rules will be tomorrow. We carry tests. Are travelling internationally since April and will follow whatever rule is in place when we cross a border.
I would think you would find a more complete answer at the ports section or your ship's roll call but - no. The coverage does not meet the minimum amount and would not cover your stay outside the cruise.
The website has been updated. FWIW I am up to 15 emails with various and sometimes contradictory information about boarding requirements for my upcoming cruise.
NONE contain all the requirements needed to board. It is sad.
You can use any government test from any major country. Lots of free tests in US and Canada from the governments. Cheap at Costco too. The easiest proctored testing company I know is Rapidtestandtrace.com. Cheapest OnPoint. Summitt currently about 7 nights into a 12 night cruise. Over 1% covid positive per passengers noting masking requirements.
Why is it hard? We cruise on a Friday. Decided to use GMT with an 8am appointment on Wednesday. Testvwill be date stamped Wednesday at 8ish GMT on Wednesday. You have no idea where the proctor is located and they don't know where you are calling in. Doesn't matter.
My DW simply suggested breakfast time two days before we board as easiest.
There is a new reprice policy no reprising any longer. Basically it is cancel and rebook until final payment. A non refundable deposit has a $100 service fee.
The change must be made by party that booked - TA or Celebrity.
I always use my TA and book into a group. Refundable until.final.payment and perks included. Lots better. Always look at X website but would never book there. Again we have a great TA.
The difference between the ships has not been the ship.itself, but rather the vibe from the cruise director, officers and crew. And it changed each time as the personnel changed. Sometimes quiet and other times fully of energy.
Been here in Iceland for 2 weeks. Have yet to use ANY cash. None. Everywhere accepts cards. Several stores did not take cash. Also busses and taxis are cards only.