Magicat

A little off topic, but on our recent return to Canada last week we had the ArriveCan app all filled out and ready to go.  But not one person from checking into our flight until the limo home ever asked to see it.  Unless it is now all automatic and they know you have it filled in and submitted.

I've used the AC Conversion card through CIBC and Air Canada.  You can load it with 7 or 9 different currencies and even transfer between currencies on the card using your phone.  Used it a couple of times in Europe but now just use a CIBC prepaid Visa in either MXN or EUR.  Found it easier to manage than the Conversion card.

Check your homeowners insurance.  I know at one time my neighbours were able to add this to theirs when they travelled.  Can't speak to whether something like that exists anymore.

3 hours ago, KeroTravel said:

This is generally hurricane season for the Caribbean.  We have a trip, not  a cruise, booked in September, but haven't registered yet.  Was the only time we could go this year, so we're taking out chances, have been caught places before in hurricane weather, and its definitely not an enjoyable season.  Hard to plan when hurricane season is so long.  

Kind of hard to plan to fly out of Toronto with winter being so long and unpredictable. 

Arrived last Thursday from LGA, waited on the plane for about 10 - 15 mins.  Took longer for the pilot to find a parking spot.  Once off the plane it was another 20-30 minutes or so to go through customs and outside.  Well up to where I had to take my random Covid test.

Leaving on Sunday morning, breezed through security.  Maybe we caught everything at just the right time.

Oh and I hate to recount a story of another couple on an Alaska cruise.  We saw them around the ship wearing their bath robes and thought that was peculiar.  We struck up a conversation with them and their luggage did not make it.  Their bags were following them from Vancouver to each port but kept missing the ship.  I believe they finally got their bags on the second last day of the cruise in Ketchkan.

I hope your friends get their luggage.

5 hours ago, 1kaper said:

 

I would also check the credit card used to book the trip.  My travel credit card covers the cost of buying essential items like clothing and toiletries up to a certain amount if luggage is lost. 

Good idea on the credit card benefit.  Lost my bag on AA and had to purchase toiletries to cover me until my bag caught up with me.  Through that ordeal I learned that you need to use the same credit card you purchased the flights with as well, in my case, the hotel I was staying at.  

11 hours ago, Cookie002 said:

Thank you for letting us know that the Cruiseship may help us. We will ask at guest services if there is anything they can do.

 

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Royal was very helpful when our bags were delayed.  Flew in the day before and our bags did not make it.  Not really the airline's fault as our flight was delayed and we caught a different flight.  Anyway, bags did not join us when we landed in FLL.  We boarded the ship and went to guest services to explain our situation.  They were very helpful and offered us formal attire and clothes from the shops on board in the event our luggage did not make the ship.  They made sure the dock was aware of bags being delivered.  An hour before departure we had our luggage delivered to our room.  Kudos to Royal for offering to help out in that situation. 

Just off the Adventure a couple of weeks ago and they were running out of beer and liquor.  Hendricks Gin, Jack Daniels, Port Wine, Belvedere Vodka, Guinness, just to name a few brands that were nowhere to be found on board.  If I had purchased the UDP, I would have asked for my money back.  I see a surge in Run Runners being purchased. LOL

Went through security at T3 on Sunday morning.  Took about 30 mins from drop off by the taxi to through security.

We book as soon as the flights begin to appear.  For Air Canada that usually starts happening around 330 days out.  In these times you have to be a little flexible or realize your plans may change.  Our direct flight to Copenhagen originally was leaving on a Wednesday was changed to leave Thursday.  We will lose one day touring and lost a great deal on a hotel.  

54 minutes ago, 1kaper said:

I arrived Friday afternoon. It’s now Wednesday afternoon. No response. 

I was randomly selected when we arrived on Thursday into Toronto.  I flew to Mexico City on Sunday and that is when they sent my results.  It was negative.  I wonder what would have happened if I were positive?

Just recently went through YYZ.  Returning, it would appear that the bottleneck was at those declaration machines have set up to take your declaration and your picture.  A passengers arriving on a flight from Tokyo at the same time as us seem to struggle at filling out their declaration.  Someone suggested that the machines were only in French and English.  

Leaving was not as painful.  Again the hold up was security screening.  Not the actual procedure but the staff running it.  There was no sense of urgency in their work nor did they really care.   Empty bins would block new bins from coming down the conveyor.  A properly motivated staff would greatly improve this area.

Went through LGA and it is an awesome airport.  Whomever designed that new terminal deserves a medal.  Very quick and efficient check in and security.  

Wipe everything down with a Clorox wipe. We'vw been doing it for years way before Covid. Remember when Norwalk was the big thing?

On 4/25/2022 at 5:52 PM, gnome12 said:

Just a slight correction; it is the Atwater market. 

Thanks, was a long day. Must have Handmaids Tale on the brain.

The transit will take you to Mount Royal with great views of the city.  If you are a foodie, get to St Viateur bagles and Schwartz's deli for some great smoked meat.  Atwood market is also a great place to pick up meats and cheese to take on your cruise.  All accessible via transit or Metro.

1 hour ago, redtop101 said:

I have the latest ArriveCan app version 2.28.6 on iOS. We are boarding a ship in LA this Saturday April 30 returning to Vancouver May 7th. I already had some pre-filled sections including Entry by Marine. Others have mentioned that now it needs the name of the cruise ship and stateroom number. I just don’t see that. Is it because I can’t enter the date of embarkation until 72 hours before?

Maybe it is only for Apple users.  I have a BlackBerry running Android so maybe I get an exemption for having outdated technology. 🤣

Downloaded the latest version and continued to fill our upcoming trip.  No mention of a cruise ship that I have seen.

We've stayed at the Hyatt in Jersey City a couple of times.  PATH train is right next door and will take you under the Hudson to WTC station.  Very convenient. 

If you have status on Royal Caribbean, then you get a number of drinks for free each day.  With these free drinks we might purchase one or 2 additional drinks.  Doing this ends up far less expensive than a drink package.  

3 hours ago, broberts said:

 

Why would an airline use facial recognition software in an aircraft cabin?

At the airport.  It is just a general statement that can apply at all venues.  To protect myself I will wear a mask.  If I am challenged by anyone about it, I will use that line.  I remember reading that in the US some places were denying people entry because they were wearing a mask.

Wearing a mask messes with their facial recognition software. 

I suppose it depends on your definition of "optimal".  Is a closer airport from the port better than having a cheaper flight?  Or is a direct flight compared to one with multiple stops better? Do you also consider the time of the flight?  Are you rushing to get there or do you have to wait hours for your flight.  Optimal means different things to different people.  

In our case for our upcoming cruise to Bayonne, we determined our "optimal" airport was LGA. Although it is further than Newark, the flight is direct to Toronto at a reasonable time.  It is also on an airline we want to take and the price was too good to resist.  Will our savings be used up by the taxi or Uber?  Probably, but the other factors important to us weighed into our decision.  Good luck and have a great cruise!

5 hours ago, island lady said:

We have still never used up all our vouchers per day...and it wasn't for a lack of trying.  😉 

When we find ourselves at the end of the evening with extra drink coupons, we take them as unopened to go beers.

Wonder if they are practicing for Coco Cay.  We have heard that Royal is building hotel rooms so people can stay over night.  Plan would be to book a cruise with a night or two at Coco and then grab a ship to go home.  We don't know details or anything concrete.  So far this is just speculation.

Sorry missed Costa Maya: take a cab into town and go to the Crazy Lobster.  Nice beach area, drinks are reasonable.