Mackdogmolly Posted May 16, 2021 #51 Share Posted May 16, 2021 16 hours ago, jelayne said: we have done some research and find that in our area we can get a PCR test with results in 3-6 hours ( not inexpensive). So depending upon the availability of tests in your area it is possible that 1 test could be sufficient for both. Some airports have testing facilities with even quicker turn-around times on tests, so if you live close to one of those that would be ideal. Yes, we can get a rapid PCR test near us too, but crazy expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travels with Lisa Posted May 17, 2021 #52 Share Posted May 17, 2021 On 5/15/2021 at 10:21 AM, laser2000 said: Back on Topic We are booked on the first Journey sailing out of Athens on 13th October and will fly into Athens on the 12th. If we have to take a PCR test within 72 hours of the flight and then within 72 hours of the cruise it would be extremely difficult if not impossible and very expensive to arrange and that's before your mind starts playing with the possibility of false positive results. The Azamara Explore Well information is contradictory regarding testing. In one section it states that all guests will be required to provide a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result. In another section it states that they will be guided by the Local Ministry of Health to determine if SARS-Cov-2 testing will be required for guests. Which is it and how are Azamara going to help facilitate the testing.? Whilst I appreciate that these are difficult times in 6 weeks we will have to make our final payment. We very much like the Azamara experience and although we have concerns being on the "first cruise" with lots of unknowns the issue regarding testing is a real deal breaker. I would also add that an important part of our holiday is to do self arranged sightseeing and again this would be a deal breaker if the only way you can leave the ship is on an Azamara Excursion. I just hope that we get more clarity in the next 6 weeks. She may be incorrect, but my TA told me that it isn't Azamara that might require a negative test prior to boarding, but the country that you are flying into. She said we could test at home before leaving or perhaps there would be testing at the airport at arrival. That is the reason why it's stated "may require a negative test". Her take was the cruise lines were trying to go along with each countries' requirements so they were able to continue cruising to and from the different ports. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackdogmolly Posted May 17, 2021 #53 Share Posted May 17, 2021 2 minutes ago, Travels with Lisa said: She may be incorrect, but my TA told me that it isn't Azamara that might require a negative test prior to boarding, but the country that you are flying into. She said we could test at home before leaving or perhaps there would be testing at the airport at arrival. That is the reason why it's stated "may require a negative test". Her take was the cruise lines were trying to go along with each countries' requirements so they were able to continue cruising to and from the different ports. It seemed clear to me that Azamara is requiring a negative COVID test. I would imagine, at least at this point in time, that country flying to would as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Jazzbeau Posted May 18, 2021 #54 Share Posted May 18, 2021 I just checked and Greece is already welcoming Americans who can prove full vaccination without any further testing. By the time of your cruise in October many other governmental and corporate bodies should have had time to catch up with the science. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurieb Posted May 18, 2021 #55 Share Posted May 18, 2021 2 hours ago, Travels with Lisa said: She may be incorrect, but my TA told me that it isn't Azamara that might require a negative test prior to boarding, but the country that you are flying into. She said we could test at home before leaving or perhaps there would be testing at the airport at arrival. That is the reason why it's stated "may require a negative test". Her take was the cruise lines were trying to go along with each countries' requirements so they were able to continue cruising to and from the different ports. I totally agree with your TA's take on this!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted May 18, 2021 #56 Share Posted May 18, 2021 6 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said: I just checked and Greece is already welcoming Americans who can prove full vaccination without any further testing. By the time of your cruise in October many other governmental and corporate bodies should have had time to catch up with the science. Yes, the Greece website is very clear about this for all tourists https://travel.gov.gr/#/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare uktog Posted May 18, 2021 Author #57 Share Posted May 18, 2021 I am less concerned about getting into Greece, I’m more concerned at getting back into Scotland. I can’t risk going away and having to do 10 days even at home when I get back, it’s hard enough making arrangements with others to be away the short time. In Scotland they are doing everything they can to stop us travelling- notice how England has the app to prove vaccination, we have nothing.....I bet they do have the technology ready but don’t want us to use it! 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riocca Posted May 18, 2021 #58 Share Posted May 18, 2021 It’s not just as simple as who Greece will allow in, the list seems to be based on where tourists normally come from rather than the science. Some of the allowed countries are on the U.K. red list, the risk of new variants being passed across boarders must be high as it was last year. Here in the U.K. we have a lot of concern about the Indian variant, unfortunately some other countries don’t have a clue about what variants they have circulating. Recently published figures show that 40% of countries do no genomic sequencing, the USA have done about 22% and the U.K. 40% of Covid genomic sequencing worldwide. There’s a way to go before this pandemic is under control if we run head long into international travel then there’s a good chance we’ll be back in the same situation this coming winter, let’s get a greater number of the world population vaccinated first. 10 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloodaxe Posted May 18, 2021 #59 Share Posted May 18, 2021 Totally agree, unfortunately some people are already starting to act has if it is over, it's far from it. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excitedofharpenden Posted May 18, 2021 #60 Share Posted May 18, 2021 I agree too. There's too much emphasis on financial need by countries such as Greece and it outweighs common sense. If the Indian spike in the Bolton area has taught us anything it's to get the vaccine if you are able. There is no excuse to put others health and their freedoms at risk. Phil 8 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riocca Posted May 18, 2021 #61 Share Posted May 18, 2021 23 minutes ago, excitedofharpenden said: I agree too. There's too much emphasis on financial need by countries such as Greece and it outweighs common sense. If the Indian spike in the Bolton area has taught us anything it's to get the vaccine if you are able. There is no excuse to put others health and their freedoms at risk. Phil Not just countries but the travel companies as well, some are telling potential customers to ignore government advice and travel to countries on the amber list. Prices are ridiculous one operator was offering 7 days all inclusive in a 4* Lanzarote resort including flights for £335pp in May with the required PCR tests at a subsidised £20. We know from last year many of those who should self isolate on return won’t, thankfully this year there appears to be many more who are being sensible. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare uktog Posted May 18, 2021 Author #62 Share Posted May 18, 2021 Yes I too have been shocked at some promotions of agents and some cruise lines which are ignoring the position. We need to realise just because we are vaccinated until a higher percentage of the population has been covered aka 80% we have issues. Children and teenagers are now the super spreaders. I still fear for problems on the round UK cruises as unvaccinated guests are allowed on some. They risk putting all cruise line restarts at risk if issues crop up I still hope we can get back to cruising soon but remember Turkey has been welcoming us all for months and their rates are so bad they are on our red banned list. So the only information we should be relying on is where are we allowed BACK from without restrictions 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laser2000 Posted May 18, 2021 #63 Share Posted May 18, 2021 If Greece accepts fully vaccinated visitors without a covid test then that would be a big plus, should Azamara then follow suit and remove any test requirement to board the ship ?. Perhaps use temperature checks and any failing passengers being subject to antigen testing at the dockside to manage the risk. Thinking of our cruise departing Athens on 13th October I have to keep reminding myself that this is a holiday for which I am making a significant full payment for and not an ordeal which it is in danger of becoming. We like Azamara and the on board experience, we particularly enjoy the food & service so what will life be like on board under the new social distancing regime. Yes a lot will depend on the passenger numbers but I doubt we will get any precise information regarding capacity limits but this is critical. My main concern being the capacity of the MDR which we tend to use for all of our Dinners, Tables for 2 are all very close together and to try and provide any degree of social distancing would have a massive impact on the restaurants capacity, Personally I don't want to eat out of a box or spend more time in the buffet, if tables have to be booked in all the restaurants how is this going to be done on a fair basis. we need to know. Is the Azamazing evening going to go ahead and what about the White Night Party, both very enjoyable events. Azamara needs to make it crystal clear that privately booked shore excursions/self sightseeing is allowed and passengers will be allowed to leave the ship at the ports. Only Greek Government action should stop this. The ship's itinerary is nearly exclusively Greek ports with one stop in Turkey. Although I do want to visit Ephesus perhaps it would be simpler to make this a single country cruise. Assuming that Greece gets on the Green list of countries we from the UK can visit then the UK Govt will require a covid antigen test before we return home, Azamara needs to consider how this can be achieved. As I say this needs to be an enjoyable holiday that we all benefit from, being disappointed disillusioned guinea pigs will be a disaster for all parties. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECCruise Posted May 18, 2021 #64 Share Posted May 18, 2021 41 minutes ago, laser2000 said: Is the Azamazing evening going to go ahead and what about the White Night Party, both very enjoyable events. Can't answer any of your other questions (only Azamara can so perhaps take a chance and call them to see if you can get a straight answer?) But as for Azamazing Evenings, they are definitely off at least for the near future (Spring, 2022 at least). Discussion is here Nothing has been noted about White Night. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackdogmolly Posted May 18, 2021 #65 Share Posted May 18, 2021 4 hours ago, ECCruise said: Can't answer any of your other questions (only Azamara can so perhaps take a chance and call them to see if you can get a straight answer?) But as for Azamazing Evenings, they are definitely off at least for the near future (Spring, 2022 at least). Discussion is here Nothing has been noted about White Night. . It’s true they are off, but being replaced by an onboard Destination Celebration with local talent (at least until 2022) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobal Posted May 19, 2021 #66 Share Posted May 19, 2021 17 hours ago, laser2000 said: If Greece accepts fully vaccinated visitors without a covid test then that would be a big plus, should Azamara then follow suit and remove any test requirement to board the ship ?. Perhaps use temperature checks and any failing passengers being subject to antigen testing at the dockside to manage the risk. Just for info, I had Covid just after Christmas, as did my husband. At no point did he have a high temperature and I only did so on a few occasions. When I did my test I had actually had no symptoms at all, including a high temperature, but did it because he had tested positive. My test came back positive and I did develop symptoms a few days later. He did the test only because he had lost his sense of taste and smell. Which is a long way of saying that, as a true indication of having Covid, the temperature check is pretty pointless. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare uktog Posted May 19, 2021 Author #67 Share Posted May 19, 2021 I agree Bobal. Some people (especially women) also throw high temperatures randomly that are nothing to do with Covid 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laser2000 Posted May 19, 2021 #68 Share Posted May 19, 2021 27 minutes ago, Bobal said: Just for info, I had Covid just after Christmas, as did my husband. At no point did he have a high temperature and I only did so on a few occasions. When I did my test I had actually had no symptoms at all, including a high temperature, but did it because he had tested positive. My test came back positive and I did develop symptoms a few days later. He did the test only because he had lost his sense of taste and smell. Which is a long way of saying that, as a true indication of having Covid, the temperature check is pretty pointless. Yes I agree that the temperature check is fairly cosmetic but we need to consider that we are now fully vaccinated and should have little fear from covid & we should start to lead normal lives. Otherwise what was the point in getting vaccinated? As long as all passengers & crew are vaccinated then I would be happy to board with no testing. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevintheIrishDJ Posted May 19, 2021 #69 Share Posted May 19, 2021 8 hours ago, laser2000 said: Yes I agree that the temperature check is fairly cosmetic but we need to consider that we are now fully vaccinated and should have little fear from covid & we should start to lead normal lives. Otherwise what was the point in getting vaccinated? As long as all passengers & crew are vaccinated then I would be happy to board with no testing. What about the NY Yankees? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandma Cruising Posted May 20, 2021 #70 Share Posted May 20, 2021 13 hours ago, KevintheIrishDJ said: What about the NY Yankees? For those of us not from the US can you elaborate, please. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiggertom Posted May 20, 2021 #71 Share Posted May 20, 2021 On 5/18/2021 at 8:20 AM, uktog said: I am less concerned about getting into Greece, I’m more concerned at getting back into Scotland. I can’t risk going away and having to do 10 days even at home when I get back, it’s hard enough making arrangements with others to be away the short time. In Scotland they are doing everything they can to stop us travelling- notice how England has the app to prove vaccination, we have nothing.....I bet they do have the technology ready but don’t want us to use it! I notice that you can get a record of your vaccination through NHS inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare uktog Posted May 20, 2021 Author #72 Share Posted May 20, 2021 22 minutes ago, tiggertom said: I notice that you can get a record of your vaccination through NHS inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status Yes they announced this yesterday I think after a lot of pressure from GPS who were getting lots of requests. I’ve downloaded our records before the system crashes 😀 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marinaro44 Posted May 20, 2021 #73 Share Posted May 20, 2021 4 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said: For those of us not from the US can you elaborate, please. Nine members of the Yankee team and staff tested positive after being "fully" vaccinated. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwf7501 Posted May 20, 2021 #74 Share Posted May 20, 2021 4 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said: For those of us not from the US can you elaborate, please. Please note this article is several days old. To me (a pedestrian) it seems scientists perhaps don't know what to make of it yet. The people got the J&J vaccine, only one of the "positives" had symptoms (mild), the group travels together in pretty close quarters, and they're all subject to frequent testing. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/13/sports/baseball/gleyber-torres-yankees-covid.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
govanguy Posted May 20, 2021 #75 Share Posted May 20, 2021 Guess what? NHS Scotland are aware some people are experiencing issues viewing their vaccination status online, and are working to resolve this. Please try again tomorrow. Please do not phone the helpline as they will be unable to provide you with further information 6 hours ago, uktog said: Yes they announced this yesterday I think after a lot of pressure from GPS who were getting lots of requests. I’ve downloaded our records before the system crashes 😀 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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