What was that? Posted April 27, 2021 #176 Share Posted April 27, 2021 1 minute ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: To avoid the appearance of benefitting from this confusion, Viking should let pax in the first few Bermuda cruises cancel for a refund if they are not comfortable with trying to thread the needle on all these rules. Especially since the rules changed since most of us booked the cruise. I disagree - the offer should apply to all of us guinea pigs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 27, 2021 #177 Share Posted April 27, 2021 3 minutes ago, What was that? said: I disagree - the offer should apply to all of us guinea pigs! True, but hopefully the first few cruises would smooth the path for the remaining ones, with a firm, do-able proceedure worked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
What was that? Posted April 27, 2021 #178 Share Posted April 27, 2021 (edited) 11 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: True, but hopefully the first few cruises would smooth the path for the remaining ones, with a firm, do-able proceedure worked out. My first thought was to reply with an over-the-top snarky comment, but common sense kicked in before I hit Submit. I booked the sixth/last Bermuda cruise because I expect (a) everything to work fine, or (b) that the wheels will come off on the first - possibly the second - cruise and I will have a force majeure case for a refund. We really do want to go, but I recognized we were all being sold a pig-in-a-poke and I didn't want to risk my $$$ being tied up when Viking pulls out. Actually, I am an optimist, but I think scenario (b) is more likely)... Edited April 27, 2021 by What was that? complete the post 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gacruzr Posted April 27, 2021 #179 Share Posted April 27, 2021 We had three cruises cancelled last year, so we were very aware that it could happen again but hopeful that it wouldn’t. I’m optimistic that there is still time for this to work out and Viking will do what they have to, hopefully in our favor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare molymoo Posted April 27, 2021 #180 Share Posted April 27, 2021 We’re on the fourth cruise and figure by then some bugs can be worked out. I trust that Viking is working behind the scenes to get everything in order ... they have a great deal at stake should things “go South”. Frankly, I feel as though we have a great deal at stake too as we have three more cruises booked and paid for after Bermuda! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 27, 2021 #181 Share Posted April 27, 2021 1 hour ago, What was that? said: My first thought was to reply with an over-the-top snarky comment, but common sense kicked in before I hit Submit. Why yield to common sense, I never do 🥴 And we love snarky comments! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
What was that? Posted April 27, 2021 #182 Share Posted April 27, 2021 14 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: Why yield to common sense, I never do 🥴 And we love snarky comments! By special request: What's the weather like on your planet, Ragnar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bafinegan Posted April 27, 2021 #183 Share Posted April 27, 2021 3 hours ago, What was that? said: Me too. Anyone else? JUst did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #184 Share Posted April 28, 2021 59 minutes ago, What was that? said: By special request: What's the weather like on your planet, Ragnar? I don’t know, I live in my parents’ basement. They have a good interstellarnet connection. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #185 Share Posted April 28, 2021 Viking called after I emailed tellus. They will pass our concerns to the team in charge of the Bermuda project. The rep was not aware of the change of the testing requirement from 5 days to 3 days, but said she is submitting her report with that news. Hopefully, they can work out a viable procedure with the government of Bermuda. Soon... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
What was that? Posted April 28, 2021 #186 Share Posted April 28, 2021 8 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: Viking called after I emailed tellus. They will pass our concerns to the team in charge of the Bermuda project. The rep was not aware of the change of the testing requirement from 5 days to 3 days, but said she is submitting her report with that news. Hopefully, they can work out a viable procedure with the government of Bermuda. Soon... I’ll talk with them tomorrow and compare stories. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #187 Share Posted April 28, 2021 The front line reps are unlikely to be able to help, until they get clarifications and details from the Bermuda team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare B_A_H Posted April 28, 2021 #188 Share Posted April 28, 2021 (edited) Everyone take a deep breath. This change just occurred today. The 72 hour requirement is consistent with other countries including the U.S. We've always been subject to the same requirement for our return to the U.S. The issue for us is the timing; a Tuesday departure make the submission requirements challenging. In the same article we've been quoting it's pretty clear the Bermudan government sees great financial benefit in Viking's program and to allow it means they also have confidence in Viking's proposed protocols. Viking probably became aware of this at the same time the public did. I doubt there's a hotline between the Bermudan version of the CDC and Viking headquarters. Give them time to formulate an opinion and recommendation. The new requirement says "immunized individuals can enjoy the amenities of their accommodations while waiting for their airport-administered PCR test." Who's to say we can't be transported in a bubble via Viking's transfers to the ship while awaiting our arrival results? Since both Viking and the Bermudan government want these cruises to happen and adding in the fact we're all vaccinated it's is highly likely that some type of accommodation can be reached based on our unique requirements. There's also been much mention of "3 people and it's an outbreak" from the previously posted article. That was third party information and not directly from Viking. What happens after "3 people" are infected and what defines an "outbreak" have not been shared by Viking. I have to assume with all the procedures Viking's implemented 3 people being infected won't require all 900 passengers and crew to be quarantined in their cabins aboard ship for 14 days. Color me optimistic but I think these cruises will happen. I also think that Viking has a far greater chance of having an issue free foreign port cruise program than Celebrity and Royal who have far less stringent testing and safety programs in place. See those on the 7/13 cruise in a few week. 😉 Edited April 28, 2021 by B_A_H 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bafinegan Posted April 28, 2021 #189 Share Posted April 28, 2021 1 hour ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: Viking called after I emailed tellus. They will pass our concerns to the team in charge of the Bermuda project. The rep was not aware of the change of the testing requirement from 5 days to 3 days, but said she is submitting her report with that news. Hopefully, they can work out a viable procedure with the government of Bermuda. Soon... I got the same when I spoke with a Viking rep. She was not aware of the changes. I was told it would be forwarded and emails sent once they figure stuff out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bafinegan Posted April 28, 2021 #190 Share Posted April 28, 2021 (edited) 13 minutes ago, B_A_H said: Everyone take a deep breath. This change just occurred today. The 72 hour requirement is consistent with other countries including the U.S. We've always been subject to the same requirement for our return to the U.S. The issue for us is the timing; a Tuesday departure make the submission requirements challenging. In the same article we've been quoting it's pretty clear the Bermudan government sees great financial benefit in Viking's program and to allow it means they also have confidence in Viking's proposed protocols. Viking probably became aware of this at the same time the public did. I doubt there's a hotline between the Bermudan version of the CDC and Viking headquarters. Give them time to formulate an opinion and recommendation. The new requirement says "immunized individuals can enjoy the amenities of their accommodations while waiting for their airport-administered PCR test." Who's to say we can't be transported in a bubble via Viking's transfers to the ship while awaiting our arrival results? Since both Viking and the Bermudan government want these cruises to happen and adding in the fact we're all vaccinated it's is highly likely that some type of accommodation can be reached based on our unique requirements. There's also been much mention of "3 people and it's an outbreak" from the previously posted article. That was third party information and not directly from Viking. What happens after "3 people" are infected and what defines an "outbreak" have not been shared by Viking. I have to assume with all the procedures Viking's implemented 3 people being infected won't require all 900 passengers and crew to be quarantined in their cabins aboard ship for 14 days. Color me optimistic but I think these cruises will happen. I also think that Viking has a far greater chance of having an issue free foreign port cruise program than Celebrity and Royal who have far less stringent testing and safety programs in place. See those on the 7/13 cruise in a few week. 😉 I really hope you are right. Hubbs and I are also on this cruise ( just booked YESTERDAY for 7/13🙄 Go figure...) The challenge for us would be that any rapid pcr testing facilities are only open Mon thru Fri. Having to have the test report available to file for the Bermuda travel authorization 24 hours pre arrival means the pcr test result would have to be done Sat with results back first thing Monday morning. Difficult if the testing facilities are closed weekends. Guess we will wait and see... Edited April 28, 2021 by bafinegan clarification Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #191 Share Posted April 28, 2021 5 minutes ago, bafinegan said: Having to have the test report available to file for the Bermuda travel authorization 24 hours pre arrival That is not what the wording in the rules says, exactly. It says 24 hrs before the DAY of arrival. Not before the TIME of arrival. That is one of the things Viking needs to get clarified. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bafinegan Posted April 28, 2021 #192 Share Posted April 28, 2021 2 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: That is not what the wording in the rules says, exactly. It says 24 hrs before the DAY of arrival. Not before the TIME of arrival. That is one of the things Viking needs to get clarified. yea, I saw that discussion. Technically the DAY is from 0001 to 2359. I'm just focusing on the changes in the PCR test requirement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted April 28, 2021 #193 Share Posted April 28, 2021 21 minutes ago, B_A_H said: Color me optimistic but I think these cruises will happen. I also think that Viking has a far greater chance of having an issue free foreign port cruise program than Celebrity and Royal who have far less stringent testing and safety programs in place. See those on the 7/13 cruise in a few week. 😉 I can guarantee you there is never an "issue free" ship voyage. Not cargo, not passenger. My biggest worry with all this is no one, not Viking, no one is saying what happens when the inevitable "issue" happens. There will be positive tests. This month, this year, next year, and as long as the bureaucrats insist on the useless testing programs. Bet on it.. So what happens then??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #194 Share Posted April 28, 2021 22 minutes ago, B_A_H said: The 72 hour requirement is consistent with other countries including the U.S. We've always been subject to the same requirement for our return to the U.S. Yes, and that would be ok if it weren’t for the requirement to submit the test results “24 hours before the DAY of arrival”. This is especially burdensome to anyone coming from the west coast, as we have to do an overnight layover at a hub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #195 Share Posted April 28, 2021 2 minutes ago, bafinegan said: I'm just focusing on the changes in the PCR test requirement. Are you referring to the timing of the test, or to some new requirement as to the type of test? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bafinegan Posted April 28, 2021 #196 Share Posted April 28, 2021 1 minute ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: Are you referring to the timing of the test, or to some new requirement as to the type of test? The timing. When I booked (yesterday) it was 5 days, now it's 3... been looking all day for any rapid testing sires that are open on week ends. Zilch so far... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #197 Share Posted April 28, 2021 In any case, I’m giving Viking three days to provide firm, accurate, and unambiguous guidance, or I will pull the plug. I don't need the angst... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBearSF Posted April 28, 2021 #198 Share Posted April 28, 2021 (edited) 8 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: Yes, and that would be ok if it weren’t for the requirement to submit the test results “24 hours before the DAY of arrival”. This is especially burdensome to anyone coming from the west coast, as we have to do an overnight layover at a hub. As they mention that arrival day is Day 0. We depart late in the evening of Day 1. We're with Kaiser and can get a test in the morning of Day 3. Results should be available on Day 2. (Thus far, I've needed testing 3 times; in each case, results were available the next day) At the worst case scenario, it'll be the day of our departure, Day 1. A bit tight, but workable in our case. Edited April 28, 2021 by MarkBearSF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragnar Danneskjold Posted April 28, 2021 #199 Share Posted April 28, 2021 (edited) 5 minutes ago, MarkBearSF said: As they mention that arrival day is Day 0. We depart late in the evening of Day 1. Will you be guaranteed to receive the Bermuda Travel Authorization before you board your flight? Go through the timeline carefully. There is no margin for any delays. I’m assuming you are taking a redeye to a hub? That will help give a half day of margin. My DW would not do well on a redeye, thus we have an overnight layover at MIA. Leaving us with no margin. And I’m assuming Bermuda will accept a rapid PCR test with same day results. Luckily, we are leaving on a Friday and staying at a Bermuda beach resort for three nights pre-cruise, so getting a rapid test not an issue. Edited April 28, 2021 by Ragnar Danneskjold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBearSF Posted April 28, 2021 #200 Share Posted April 28, 2021 8 minutes ago, Ragnar Danneskjold said: I’m assuming you are taking a redeye to a hub? That will help give a half day of margin. My DW would not do well on a redeye, thus we have an overnight layover at MIA. Leaving us with no margin. Yup. A red-eye from SFO to ATL. That's why we did our own air to get F for it. (It's really not a lot of time in the air, and I may not actually sleep, at least I'll have a few scotches, so I won't mind too much) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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