celvalliere

We made it!

We worked with our hotel to get a taxi that knew in advance where he was going.A huge plus. We were dropped off in what seemed to be an underground parking garage with a big glass entryway. Although there was no representative from Oceania to point us in the right direction, there were security guards who asked to see our passports and boarding passes then told to proceed to the station where the porters would check our bags. To make a long long journey short, we walked down numerous hallways, up an escalator, up a ramp, across a platform all while  passing through 2 security screenings and a requirement to show our passport 4 times. I did not see any motorized transporter available for anyone with mobility challenges. We were the only ship in port and I would dread to see what it would be like trying to process 10,000 passengers. 

Thanks to everyone who provided input prior to our departure. It helped having some insight as to what we could expect (although 4 passport checks does seem excessive). If I visit Istanbul again it will be by air and not by sea.

We embark on Monday. We have formed a great relationship with the staff at our hotel and plan to utilize their assistance in procuring a taxi so hopefully we will not be at risk from shady drivers. While I am cautiously optimistic that there will be Oceania representatives available to provide direction, I remain concerned with the amount of walking that will be required and the absence people transporters for the more senior members of our traveling party.

This information is very helpful. Knowing in advance what to expect (steps) and having reassurance that Oceania representatives are available on site is reassuring. Now it appears that all we need is a taxi driver that knows where to drop us off. My DH appreciates all the pointers/input since I decided to put HIM in charge of ground transportation

We are a group of 6 embarking at Galataport on July 17th. Since this will be our first experience embarking from Istanbul we have been trying to familiarize ourselves with embarkation procedures to minimize confusion  at check-in. Our research has shown Galataport to be huge (restaurants, shopping etc) but we have not found much detail on how to navigate through the terminal and what we can anticipate for guidance/assistance. Can anyone who has embarked in Istanbul provide us with more guidance/tips and reassurance that it will be easier than it currently seems? 

Applying for and receiving the EVisa’s for our July sailing was so easy and quick. The form took about 10 minutes to complete and the EVisa’s were emailed within minutes. Downloading the visa’s was challenging at first because of my security settings on my computer but by emailing the pdf to myself I was immediately able to print them out and insert into our travel binder. 

I have sent an email. Thank you.

Please tell me that you did not attempt an Evel Knievel stunt where you tried to jump the dive platforms with your high powered scooter

10 hours ago, cynt said:

MAUREEN where are you? Well maybe you got kicked off in St. Kitts?!?!😛🤪😜

19 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi there, good morning😀 went to Avecina Medical on Southside Blvd. Here is the link:

https://avecina.com/

 

They do charge 5.00.......but it was the best 5.00 I have ever spent😃...they told me they had too many folks who scheduled appts but did not show up. It was fast and easy and I will use them again and the other thing.....the office is less than a 5 minute drive from where I live👍  You will get the results the same day but it may be a couple of hours. (Depending on what time you get your test). They have the equipment on site and they do them in batches.  My appt was at 4:30 and they actually were so nice about it and I waited about 10 extra minutes and they gave me the results in person. I got the hard copy right there.  Normally they text you but I wanted a hard copy. Due to Hippa they cannot email you so if you want the hard copy you will have to pick it up. 

The staff is super nice and I will definitely use this place again😀

Lois,

Thank you so much for the link and the detailed information. Like you, I would much rather wait for a hard copy since my technical skills are sometimes lacking especially when I am nervous and under pressure.

Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to reading all about it in future posts.

12 hours ago, Lois R said:

Had my Antigen Rapid Test today😀everything came back negative....wooohooo😀. I fly out Wednesday afternoon👍

Lois,

Where did you get your Antigen test? We are down the road in StA and the site where we had scheduled for next Tuesday morning is closing this Thursday afternoon. I only found this out when I called to confirm the appointments yesterday. Seems that the city wants their parking lot back 😉 

Now if they would rethink the 48/24 hr Covid. testing mandate options and reestablish the 72 hr requirement for PCR testing. Imagine the joy of being able to plan with excited anticipation instead of a nagging fear that lab results will be reported late and boarding denied.

We have used Viking Air and there have been flight modifications due to the airlines changing planes/routes. We have always been immediately informed of changes. When we are notified of a change we immediately go to the carrier’s website with our confirmation numbers and, to date, have been able to select/reselect seats to our liking in comfort+. My DH an I do not agree on our “preferred” seating choices which rarely, but on occasion, means that we could be on the same plane but a row apart for a few hours. In this scenario I have been known to tap him on the shoulder when he starts to snore. 

Thank you for this information. Was able to add to my AmEx offers right before calling my TA today. The timing could not have been better!

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Hi Robin, yes......that is true. I spoke with Uniworld today (not about this) but asked about the 200.00 and was told the same thing.

Not sure why I am having such angst...…..normally when I book I am really good with my decision.

We had friends that sailed the Duoro River this last April and had a great time with no problems. We are sailing the Rhine with AMA this December and we are still confident that all will work out.