drakes2

I was on a chat forum with them yesterday and the person was extremely helpful. I have several boxes of sealed tests at home so will take one of those. She said the box doesn't have to be sealed just the test and they walk you through it. Seems there are a lot of companies that do the virtual testing they also have a discount code that you can use to purchase the test. Thanks for your help.

@jg51thanks for your input. I hope all is good for my Equinox cruise on the 26th September. I love their beef short ribs and I didn't see them offered on my May 11 night Hawaii cruise plus the fact I can relax have a glass if wine without dealing with the stress of the buffet.

Where there's a will there's a way.

@Oceangoer2If I were flying out day prior to cruise I would have gone to Costco for testing but there is only 1 Air Canada direct flight out from Pearson that morning so too risky at the moment due to luggage getting lost or even flight cancellations. I've already booked my return with United using a credit from March 2020. I emailed Curative who has partnered with the Riverside hotel but they just return with a bunch of FAQ's then I went on a chat forum with rapidtestandtrace and actually got a live person who was extremely helpful; I am so impressed. So if there's no improvement with Pearson after labour day I will do the virtual testing. Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated.

@Gracie115I may very well do that. I emailed Curative yesterday the company Riverside uses and received an auto email that I would get a reply within 48 hours. Results typically take 1 to 2 hours but could be longer with staff shortages. They don't do testing on Sundays, not the best service IMO.

@Jim_Iainyes I saw that and it also says results delivered in 1 to 2 days. Too risky for me as they are closed on Sundays. Don't really want to book in advance in case my flight is delayed or cancelled. There have been many this summer.

Well at least I peaked your interest.

Not sure if Riverside has internet in their rooms but I can always use my data for the day probably cheaper than running around wasting valuable time. I'm an early riser so can schedule an appointment first thing in the morning. I'm just nervous about using the tests as if it doesn't work I have no back up plan. Someone suggested doing a test before the cruise.

Well I'm glad I gave you a laugh.

I guess I should have put it in brackets. 😆

I have a bunch of rapid response test kids five in each box

@PTC DAWGyes its 10 night southern on Equinox. I have some Rapid Response test kits at home they may be government approved. Maybe I can use them for a protoctored test. I really prefer going out on the 24th.

Ok did not realize that. I may just do the proctored test. There is only 1 air canada flight out on September 26th day before cruise its very early morning but if luggage gets lost I may not get in time for cruise so rather spend extra night in hotel. I have some test kits at home government approved so may bring them. This is just new to me and don't want to mess up

I was thinking emed as well. Walgreens seems unreliable and you have to book 2 days in advance. Since I have not booked flights not sure when to book tests for also flights can be delayed. They seem pretty expensive here at home Costco charges $16 Canadian no tax for a rapid test.

I've tried Google. There is a Walgreens near 17th street Bridge if they offer it I can stay close by don't want a drive-thru

Looking for a test within walking distance of hotel for my September 26th cruise. Flying from Toronto 2 days in advance so need test done Saturday. The testing facility near the hotel will deliver results within a day or 2 and closed Sunday so that won't work. Traveling solo and looking for a CVS or Walgreens that can have results sent in a couple hours. I've also posted this in the Florida ports of call board.

Planning to fly from Toronto 2 days prior to cruise and staying at the Riverside. They have testing close by but results may not come in before cruise on the Monday. Would appreciate suggestions for a test near hotel within walking distance. Failing that I will have to fly in a day in advance and test day before I leave. Its only a 3 hour flight for me but I just want to make sure I get my luggage in time.

Some benefits for me too. May have an aperol spritzer on my concierge class SV.

@higgibthey have all sorts of apps delivered to state room on Concierge class. I've had shrimp and hummus which we enjoyed. And if you don't care for something delivered you can ask for a substitution. I also like the sparkling wine as I order OJ in the morning and make my own mimosas. No drinks package on this upcoming cruise.

Thats not good enough. I would have complained and taken it further. That embarkation lunch is not free; we pay for it as part of the concierge class.

I'm not crazy about the app because of lack of notification. Easier just to call them in their cabin and or leave message.

I actually go to the lunch as I love the beef short ribs on the menu plus the fact I avoid the crowded buffet. Since my cruise is out of Fort Lauderdale many will be onboard by lunch.

Hopefully will be on Embarkation day. I'm on the September 26th Equinox. Not a fan of buffets.

Well let's hope its on day 1 of cruise. This was the main reason for the upgrade. Don't really care about the afternoon appetizers as I'm not always around to enjoy them.

I just upgraded from a regular balcony cabin to a C1 aft balcony. The last time I was in concierge class was in 2019 and lunch in the MDR on embarkation day was included. My CVP now says they can sometimes hold the lunch on the first sea day but doesn't make sense as DR is open to everyone. Would anyone know first hand? I was really looking forward to the special lunch. Cruise is September 26th 10 night Southern itinerary.