Senga

Thanks Fouremco!  Thrilled we can get the more economical antigen test the day prior.  👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Unfortunately we don’t get credit card coverage since we’re over 65 so 5K a person would be better than nothing.

Just remember, you need an ONTARIO TA to be covered by TICO.

We are over 65 so, unfortunately, credit card medical coverage is no longer available to us.  We are going on a 14 night Alaska cruise May 25th.  We bought ManuLife total coverage and were advised that IF the Government advisory was cancelled we'd be covered with the current policy.  If the advice against cruise travel was still in effect, we would have to upgrade the coverage to include COVID related illness.  Two of our three concerns are now cleared, we just need Princess to not require a PCR test.  If that doesn't change at least we'll be able to get it at home before we fly to Vancouver for boarding.

That's a lot of money to lose!  We always use a Canadian travel agent so we'll be covered by TICO in case of bankruptcy.  You think it won't happen to a cruise line but upscale Crystal did.

We did a river cruise with Scenic.  ALL tips were included, even the private transfers home/airport/home.

The Mongolian BBQ was our favourite on Regal, along with the grilled shrimp.  We’re going on Grand Princess to Alaska.  We’ll miss the elaborate Regal buffet for sure.  😢

On Celebrity we knew if the barf bags were placed outside the elevators we were in for very rough seas.  😂

We booked a cabana on the Regal but it was so windy they cancelled reservations.  Not enough shade either.

We stopped taking our formal wear 3 cruises ago and find it much more relaxing.  That being said, out of respect to our fellow cruisers, we find alternate dining opportunities that are casual and don’t visit any public venues on formal nights.  People know well in advance what the rules are so, if you don’t like the rules, or think they don’t apply to you……..

What awesome masks!  We’re going to be wearing our masks for the foreseeable future, regardless, since we’ve never been healthier and attribute it to mask wearing.  I’d buy those masks in a heartbeat.  🥰

The Canadian Government is currently advising against all cruise travel.  Sure hope that ends or we’ll be paying extra$$  for COVID coverage.  🤞🏻

Thanks.

Do you purchase the tokens using your Medallion?

Canadian Government announced PCR tests are not required for fully vaccinated travellers effective February 28.  Rapid test will suffice.

Canadian Government just announced PCR tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers effective February 28th.  Rapid tests are currently still required.

We used this system on our Scenic River cruise and it worked fine.  I used the app on my iPhone but didn’t have an international plan.

21 hours ago, cruzsnooze said:

On the Grand last month sitting in the theatre they announced sip and cover but I didn't see much compliance.

Which is why we canceled our May Alaska cruise.

32 minutes ago, skynight said:

Current advice is masks required at all times indoors and some other times. Complete text is in the FAQs. Imagine these protocols are very fluid. A sip & cover rule could be ship to ship depending on if covid is detected on board.

And by then it’s too late!

Just read that Crystal Cruises has filed for bankruptcy so my reliance on a TICO agent makes even more sense! 

I use this TA for a few very simple reasons. I read on CC about the problems they have trying to contact the cruise line or their MASSIVE travel agency.  As mentioned above, I can contact her 24/7 and KNOW she’ll do what’s needed.  Also mentioned above, SS answered all my initial questions so felt he deserved some credit.  I know what I want and going back and forth just doesn’t work for me.  Also, to be protected against bankruptcy etc. (not likely with a major cruise line) in Ontario we have to book with an agency recognized by TICO.  I’d love something “free” but quality service that gives me peace of mind is more valuable.

We just booked our first SS for Alaska May 2023.  Their travel consultant was very helpful, the price in CDN was less than we expected and we transferred the booking to our TA.  We NEVER get perks from her but we do get good service and she knows her stuff.  We too were shocked at how expensive the upgrade to business class was on AC so we are just going with economy fare.

4 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Canadian Waters and ports were opened to cruise ships on 1st November 2021. I would be more concerned with how the US CDC is going to interfere with cruise ship operations.

I think “interfere” is the wrong way to look at this.

7 hours ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

You definitely bring up some interesting points.  I would agree that once the boat docks at a foreign port (or even anchored off that land...like Princess Cay) you can easily see the mandate no longer being effective.  It would then be a choice of the Cruise Line or the nation you are visiting.  I just hope when we are scheduled to sail in January of 2023 that this is all history.  If masks are required anywhere on the ships by then, I'm pretty sure we will spend the cash at an all-inclusive that doesn't require them.  After 3 shots and still catching COVID (yes, 3 shots and wearing a mask where required) we have no desire to continue such useless endeavors. 

Can you imagine how much worse it would be if you hadn’t had 3 shots and didn’t wear masks?  We definitely don’t consider any of these “useless”.

Although they still recommend cruise lines continue with COVID protocols, the requirement is now voluntary by individual cruise lines.  So glad we canceled our May cruise.