Calicokat

29 minutes ago, Xander93 said:

If you are flying in two days before the cruise you can get a same day test in Seattle  with an appointment here (assuming you are going to Alaska from Seattle):

https://discoveryhealthmd.com/offer/seatac-doubletree/

 

 

Thank you for letting us know about this spot. I also found a lab around the same area. Though inconvenient, we’ll do what we have to do. Thank you for your response

11 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

Both Carnival earlier today and Princess not long ago quietly changed their rules regarding covid testing based on CDC Guidelines.

Per Princess Website. I am expecting HAL to make this announcement tomorrow morning.

 

Note: Info below is for Princess so dates line up to their sailings.

 

 https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/us-cruises/

 

Health Protocols for Cruises through 2021

For cruises through December 31, 2021, guests must have the following:

• Received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise
• Proof of vaccination

PLUS, for cruises through October 31, 2021, in addition to the above, guests must also:

• Have proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 2 days of their embarkation
• Be required to wear a face mask in certain areas

• Yes, on voyages sailing through September 12, 2021, ALL guests will be required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 3 days of their embarkation.

  On voyages sailing September 19, 2021 and after, in accordance with CDC directives, ALL guests will be required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 2 days of their embarkation. If sailing on Sunday, the test may be taken on Friday and Saturday, and as late as Sunday, if you are guaranteed to receive your results in time for check-in.

  Guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test along with proof of full vaccination upon arrival in the terminal and can then proceed on board.

  Guests who travel internationally should always ensure they understand all entry and airline requirements to travel from their home country and the destinations they plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing. In addition to mandatory pre-travel COVID tests for vaccinated guests, guests who have traveled internationally in the 14 days prior to embarkation, will require an antigen test at embarkation. For US sailings, this excludes travel to Canada.

  We expect these requirements will be temporary and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Omg. This makes it almost impossible to get results . We are flying in 2 days before embarcation, no time to be tested before flight. Most testing sites cannot  guarantee results in 24-48 hours.we were being tested( $$$) the day before our flight with guaranteed same day results.  Those of us who have already paid in full will have to cancel and wait for refund from HAL . We do have insurance & cancel for any reason, but many probably don’t. This is just horrible . 

I don’t believe HAL will accept a doctors note for any exception. IF they do, I cancel my cruise along with 2 other couples we are cruising with. There is too much at stake for HAL to waiver from the original 💯% fully vaccinated. We shall see. We are the last AK cruise of 2021

Can anyone tell me how the Port Valet service works in Seattle ? 

8 hours ago, SFO PETER said:

HAL states Antigen is acceptable.   I really don't think I could do PCR with the results 2-3 days because flying in one day earlier.

Hope some more directions come out.   

We found a local lab ARCpoint who will do antigen test with 3 hour turn around time @125p They have many locations just check their website

21 minutes ago, Crazy For Cats said:

I just asked this question in the lounge.  Neptune guests can go to the Pinnacle for breakfast.   Sea days it starts at 8.

Thank you for inquiring. I was hoping that hadn’t changed. 

2 hours ago, canadianbear said:

Will you try breakfast in the Pinnacle?

@Brentt_Mthe last time I was in a Neptune Suite ( Eurodam Alaska) breakfast for these suites was offered in The Pinnacle Grill. Is this still among the benefits of staying in one of the Neptune Suites? 

Comment  is not directed to any particular individual

My husband and I ( seniors) have been to Seattle 3 times recently ( 2 yrs ) stayed only 2 blocks from Market, walked everywhere during the day. loved the city . Took Cab at night or went to nearby wonderful restaurants. Please don’t frighten people or give Seattle a bad reputation. 
No matter where you go there may be danger. Pay attention, situational awareness should be first and foremost. 
* I am not from Seattle, I’m from Arizona and East Coast. 

14 minutes ago, AKJonesy said:

Good information from this cruise.  I will continue to monitor each cruise now especially that in cruise news the Celebrity is now mandating testing at embarkation.  Juneau and Sitka under emergency orders have now implemented new mask policies and the other SE AK will likely follow.  I don't think we are out of the woods by any means in terms of returning to normal sailing.  So it will be good to follow each successive sailing to see what changes are happening.  

@ AKJonsey

Would you be so kind to inform us of any news you hear about regarding masking, testing, or any related changes . 

Thank you Lisa for all your work informing everyone about The first NA cruise, it was fun to follow along and see the sights once more. 
I would like to know which nights were gala  nights. Was it Sunday and Thursday? 

Canaletto's menu is not legible. If possible can you try photographing again ? Lisa, you have been over the top helpful! 

On 7/22/2021 at 8:18 PM, Calicokat said:

Have a great cruise. We’ll be going on the last one to AK - our 3rd Alaska cruise- love this cruise. I will be anxious to hear about whether HAL is doing a thorough check to make sure everyone has been vaccinated. Looking forward to your report😃

@LAFFNVEGAS SAID: 
At least for us all the things stated with taking your pictures on the Navigator App and making sure you had copies of something’s was definitely not the case. The one thing is you will need to show passports and Vaccination Cards at least three times, it may have even been 4 times.

Thank you for answering my question about HAL’s attention to COVID protocol! This is great news 

Have a great cruise. We’ll be going on the last one to AK - our 3rd Alaska cruise- love this cruise. I will be anxious to hear about whether HAL is doing a thorough check to make sure everyone has been vaccinated. Looking forward to your report😃

Cleveland- you will love this cruise! This will be our second on N. Amsterdam and the same itinerary through Alaska. One of only a few cruises I could do more than once. It’s different every time. The ship is marvelous 

Thank you for your response. I will be keeping tabs on the local weather reports. We live in AZ and enjoy the cold weather, even rain! 

We have booked NAmsterdam  Sept. 25- Oct 2 2021 . We have taken this cruise before on the same ship late Aug to Early Sept. weather was mixed, rain, fog, sunny days , but certainly not freezing. Brought rain gear and lots of layers ; we were fine. This was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable cruises we’ve ever taken ( 260 night at sea) so we chose it as our first one this year. I’m reading that shops will be closed and weather very cold. I am curious to hear from others who may have cruised at this time of year. Will all shops be closed? Will I need to bring down jacket? Seems to me that considering the 15 month lack of business in ports that shops would more likely be open. Please advise. 
* also hoping HAL requires vaccinations for this cruise out of Seattle . 

This is so helpful for planning . Thank you 😊

2 hours ago, Holly g said:

If you are writing a review of your cruise could you please add the name of the hotel, if any, you stayed at pre or post cruise?  It would be so helpful to other CC readers if we could get ideas of were to stay in cities we haven’t been to. We will be in Amsterdam in May 2020 and trying to find an hotel but are unfamiliar with this city. I’ve read so many post cruise reviews where CC members state they stayed a few days but do not indicate the hotel name and if they would stay again. Actually a few did in other cities but not Amsterdam. 

Anyone else who would find this helpful?  I have found CC to be a wealth of travel knowledge but this seems to be one area that is lacking or am I not looking on the right boards?  Thanks everyone.

We have stayed at both The Pulitzer Hotel and the Andaz , both in an excellent location and on the canal  , good food , brilliant concierge advice , and fabulous service. I have stayed in Kimpton hotels and they are quite nice. Location location location 😊

24 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

There is a taxi rank at Marine Road, in Dun Laoghaire.  It is the road uphill from the train station..

There may be a delay on taxis if a lot of cruisers decide to do this.  Dublin City centre will be ok for taxis for the return trip.

Here is a link to Dun Laoghaire Town website.  If you scroll down the page there is information on taxis.

I reckon that a taxi would be in the region of 40 to 50 euro from Dun Laoghare to Dublin City Centre. On the webpage that I linked there is an email address for a taxi company.  You could email them and ask for an estimate.  Also, if you wished, you could book them to meet you at the tender landing spot.

Thanks VMaxx !

18 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

Correcto! May 6th is a holiday.  Buses and trains will run on reduced service.

You will be able to take the local train (DART) from DL to Dublin (and back again).

Probably you should get the 'Leap Visitor Card' as it will cover the DART, Bus, tram services.

get it here.  Get it mailed to your address as I don't think it can be purchased at Dun Laoghaire station.

HOHO buses will be running. Guiness Storehouse will be open, as will Book of Kells at Trinity College and Kilmainham Jail.  Most large stores will be open, though some may not open until noon or 2 pm.

You should pre book entrance tickets for the above, if interested, as you will be 'competing' with Irish weekenders for addmissions over the holiday weekend.

Thank you again.youve been very helpful. This will be our first time in Dublin. I’ve travelled the entire west coast and prefer to see the city this time around.  Wondering what the cost of cab might be from DL Port to Dublin or vice versa . I’m assuming Taxi are readily available in town for the ride back  or could this be a problem on holiday? 

1 hour ago, VMax1700 said:

What date are you actually arriving in Dun Laoghaire?  

Your thread title says 'May Day/Labour Day holiday'.  May Day (May 1st) is not a holiday in Ireland.  The first Monday in May is a holiday though!

Ship arrives Monday May 6 , a public holiday . Thank you for picking up on this 👍 I cant seem to edit my title. Most appreciated 

1 hour ago, IrishComet said:

Are you sure that you arrive in Dun Laoghaire and not Dublin Port.

What ship are you on and what time will it dock?

Yes, we dock in Dun Laoghaire in the am  according to ships itinerary 

We arrive in Dun Loughaire on a public Holiday. We planned to go into Dublin. We prefer to see the city on our own. I am aware that Banks and many, if not all, museums will be closed. What about shops, will they be closed too? Wondering if someone could suggest a nice itinerary for the day. We’ve got approx. 8 hours before heading back to ship.  We planned on taxi and HoHo for transportation. Any and all advice- tips appreciated. 

See the world is correct. I took this cruise 2016,   I don’t recall seeing any children. It’s a long cruise , therefore unless during a school break , most children are in school.on the other hand they would have the children’s area to themselves and be spoiled for choice.  We went in March . A fabulous and exciting cruise, lots of sea turbulence, but it’s not a problem for us. One of our most memorable cruises. If you are bringing children , be sure they can handle rough seas. Lots and lots for them to see. Norwegian Sun did an excellent job on this cruise! Our first with a larger ship. 

I found all of your responses very helpful. We did get quote from Ruta @ 150 ea. - for tour of Valpo, vina del Mar , lunch and vineyard and then on to our Santiago hotel.

$600 for the four of us. Seems a bit high for just about 5 hrs. But according to cdnsteelman I'm just a bit over 2010 prices of 125 ea. !!

Thanks Crayola for the sightseeing tips !