khuselid

We did a Viking cruise in November and then an O cruise in March. I think both of those times the virus was at a low point. We were tested every day on Viking and just got used to it nbd. In March there were a few maybe cases on board? No one wanted to fess up that they were there, but there were only a few if any. Our upcoming August cruise is not full as far as we can tell. We take the same precautions we do at home.

I am not sure why such harsh rudeness is necessary, but to each his own. I wonder what skin you have in this game FF. I would test just because it seems like the kind and human thing to do. Being harsh with people doesn't usually encourage them to do the kind thing. I was just passing on what I learned. You, and others, can decide what to believe.

I didn't comment on what would happen, just let ya'll know what O says. The clause is not applicable if they don't require testing. Whether they will reimburse you, or not, is probably a moving target. If I get the flu, while traveling, I don't imagine O would reimburse me for lost days.

Ok...don't shoot the messenger here. My O connected TA talked to the person who writes the FCC's for those who get sick while on an O ship. He said that if they are no longer requiring testing the clause that state one's won't be reimbursed, if not tested, no longer applies. It was a cut and paste document and that was a leftover from a prior policy. The bottom line being that if you bring a negative test with you Oceania won't care and it doesn't make any difference. Think about it. If they aren't requiring negative tests from everyone then one could get covid from a fellow passenger who brought it with them....and O is willing to accept that risk. So, test for your own peace of mind, if you like, but it won't matter one way or another to O. You wouldn't be able to prove where you got it anyway. I got it in June and it was sick 3 days before I tested positive. Weird virus.

Hey all, There might not be a clear answer to this, but I'd love to hear what y'all are thinking. We board in Iceland on 8/16. The 'rules' state that we don't need a negative covid test to board. The fine print says if we don't have one, within 72 hours of sail, we won't be protected if we should come down with covid?? Am I reading that right? Those of you in similar positions who just got the new 'health and safety' email from O, what did you understand? "Guests that fail to test prior to departure or cannot provide proof of a negative laboratory supplied test result and subsequently test positive for COVID- 19 upon embarkation will not be reimbursed for quarantine or return embarkation arrangements." Confused in Portland. Kim

Our TA did talk to O and for our August 16th cruise no test is needed. We are cruising out of Iceland though, the rules could be different for Spain.

I live in Portland?

We only bought one way via Oceania, since our cruise starts in Iceland. Maybe that allows a better price through O? Yes, London to Seattle is non-stop which is awesome!! We would not have done it through O if their were crazy connections.

We will be flying direct form London to Seattle in September on Delta, maybe not a preferred airline, but fine for us. We connect to PDX from Seattle and that is a Biz class short hop as well. We are happy.

It helps to have a great TA!!

Well Flatbush, it seems you don't believe our experience. We did get a credit back fro the coach tix. I am pretty good a shopping, but appreciate your concern.

I agree. We actually have gotten a deal on bizclass with O, especially in the last two years when airfares have been nuts. Just do your homework, compare and contrast, and yes count in the money you already paid for econ air IF they haven't refunded it!!

Have not. Our TA recommends Allianz.

Yeah, one just can't know. We did an Atlantic crossing in March and had CRAZy weather and seas. Our friends went a couple of weeks after us and had seas like glass. One just can't know!! So, prepare for all outcomes. I find bonine works really well and is less strong than the patches for me. I've never found pressure bracelets that were large enough for my giant boney wrists! We will be in the North Sea, on Sirena, in August!

Hi all, New to Azamara although cruised last Fall and in March so have some testing for travel experience. I notice Azamara requires antigen testing to be 1 day before embarkation. How do you accomplish this when traveling? Other lines give you 48 hours which is easier to figure out if you are traveling far, I prefer to test before I leave home just in case. I don't want to do a PCR which has a longer lead time because I am just recovering from covid now and would worry about a false positive. Second. Those who have been on Azamara recently. We will be leaving Pursuit and getting on an Oceania cruise that afternoon. Are antigen tests still available for those who need them before disembarking? I will ask Azamara as well, but just wonder what your experiences have been. Thanks so much! Kim

Yes, business class. Sorry new to the lingo. I think these are such different travel times.....

We are using O's BC air from London to Portland, one way on our return from our cruise on Sept. 17. Airfares were crazy when I was trying to book this so I asked O what they could do for us. Turns out, and I did the math, they could do better right now than I could. We got great flights and BC on all, rather than limited over land. It actually is the second time I have used O for BC air ,recently, and been pleased. So it isn't a solid rule. Yes, you do have to pay the 175 fee. Yes, you can choose which flight you want if you pay that fee. We negotiated back and forth until we got what we wanted. Soon we will have gold status and won't have to pay the air deviation fee, yeah! There is a small bonus in it including transfer to the airport in London from Southhampton.

He was so personable and human. Great at trivia and a minimalist for announcements. I hope we see him again!

We were on Marina in March and out CD was Peter but I don't know his last name so will call him "Peter with awesome shoes for every occasion". He was one of the best CD's we have ever had!

Yeah, I used the 10 per day on land for text and email which worked really well for sending pix etc. Then I just used the wifi onboard. The 8 sea days were challenging as no one had great internet....but we survived. thanks for your responses!!

Golly, y'all are so clever and dedicated. I was able to get less expensive BC for our trip via Oceania. I did the same thing in March and I know some of you don't believe me, but even though these aren't super deluxe bc flights they were pretty good. We flew Lufthansa to Chicago in March and it was a lovely flight. This time, for return, we got EWR-KEF and LHR-PDX via Seattle for total of 8.5K for both of us....way better than I could do on my own!! These are strange times indeed! Thanks for your ideas....maybe next year my brain will be able to digest the formula!

Hi again, So we are hatching a plan to be on the Solstice from Jun 10-17. My husband just realized the NBA finals will still be happening and our team will make it this year!! Does anyone know if we will be able to watch the games onboard? Thanks a lot! Kim

Thanks I have done that. Looking for something more recent. Like how are we doing now?

Hi all, We have not sailed with Celebrity before and are long time Oceania-ers. There are some excellent deals out of Seattle and we can easily drive up from Portland and get on the Solstice for a Jun10th- 7 day cruise. We have cruised twice in the past 2 years so we know the drill around testing, masking etc on Oceania. We did a Viking ocean cruise where we were tested everyday! How is Celebrity doing in regards to outbreaks etc. Anybody up to date? How full might this sailing be as I notice there are openings to book at all cabin levels? What might we expect on Celebrity as long time cruisers but first time Celebrity people?? We know no one has a crystal ball as regards the virus but I am sure some of you ideas as to how it is going on Celebrity. Thanks for you time! Kim

Hi all, We need one way business class from London to Portland on Sept 17 post cruise. What is going on?? United had some decent fares but I couldn't buy them on the site!! Anybody know what the skinny is or have any secrets or trilcks? Cruise leaves in August from Iceland so that leg is easy and reasonable...though higher than usual, but getting home seems crazy!