Italian ports now require shp tours ONLY again!

[marktwothousand]

1 minute ago, zdcatc12 said:

OK, sorry. I didn't know that this was in regards to UK visitors.

But my point is, how is that gonna work at ports? Will NCL be testing UK PAX throughout the Cruise to make sure they can get off in Italy?

[toddw2u]

2 hours ago, marktwothousand said:

But my point is, how is that gonna work at ports? Will NCL be testing UK PAX throughout the Cruise to make sure they can get off in Italy?

I don't think anyone knows the answer until the new regs are posted by Italy tomorrow, 8/30.

 

 

[ScratchTheRat]

8 hours ago, marktwothousand said:

But my point is, how is that gonna work at ports? Will NCL be testing UK PAX throughout the Cruise to make sure they can get off in Italy?

Yes. Tests are being given onboard.

[mirdle]

On 8/29/2021 at 7:42 PM, toddw2u said:

I don't think anyone knows the answer until the new regs are posted by Italy tomorrow, 8/30.

 

 

Any updates at all from NCL?

[steamboats]

From the Harmony of the Seas  - which was in La Spezia as first Italian port on the current cruise yesterday - all guests had to be tested (altough the requirement has only been extended to US - plus UK). All guests on shore tours had to wear KN95/FFP2 masks. All guests had to fill in the online PLF form for Italy.

 

So it seems that the Italian regulations for US have changed to the same as for UK.

 

steamboats

Edited September 2, 2021 by steamboats

[kearl003]

On 8/18/2021 at 10:53 AM, debenson0723 said:

Well I am traveling to Italy and have private tours booked.  My biggest issue is that there is nothing that I can find which states the Italian Government has made this mandate.  They do have certain restrictions (no more than 6 passengers per vehicle and masking indoors) but nothing re: cruise ship passengers.  Why is it ok for 60 people to get on a bus, be dropped off in Florence or Rome (per the "on your own" tours that NCL is offering) for 5-6 hours versus 6 people in a van doing the same thing?  The issue is money and NCL wants ours (at a markup of about double what the private vendors charge). The other countries we are visiting (Spain, France, Croatia and Greece) do not have these government mandates and we are free to do as we please in these ports so I doubt NCL is really concerned about letting their 100% vaccinated passengers loose in Italy to infect their citizens.

 

I am hoping this restriction is changed prior to my cruise (not until November) but if not, I will do one of the NCL 'on your own' tours and visit/eat where I want while allowed to roam free.  But I feel bad for the Italian tour operators who are struggling to survive and thought they would finally be able to provide the services they have been so good at doing for many years.

 

I’m supposed to be on the epic starting October 31st. I called NCL just yesterday (9/1) and she confirmed that in fact AT LEAST through NOVEMBER passengers will not be allowed to disembark in any Italian ports without being on a fully-guided NCL-booked excursion. And it doesn’t look like they’ve updated the excursions list yet because I’m still seeing many that have “on your own” time but they in fact told me no time will be allowed without a guide. So that’ll also shorten the list of excursions to even try to choose from…

[damianinpa]

I'm book on Epic for early Oct.  I called the shore excursion dept. this AM and was told the 'on your own' are NOT cancelled at this time.  One of my tours (Escorted Sorrento/Naples) was listed as a 'bubble version' which I asked what that meant.  She said it is like an escort or rep from NCL who will be on the tour with you.  Does this mean that the group must always stay together?  Not fully explained.  My other 2 are Rome Hop on/off and Florence/Pisa on your own. Again, she stated as of now they are running.    Also, I asked about masks.  They will likely be needed indoors or on transportation, but, not required when outside where distancing can occur.  I encourage people to call the shore excursions dept. and inquire if you have something already booked.  Please post back your findings here to see if messages are consistent.    

[elbarney]

6 hours ago, steamboats said:

From the Harmony of the Seas  - which was in La Spezia as first Italian port on the current cruise yesterday - all guests had to be tested (altough the requirement has only been extended to US - plus UK). All guests on shore tours had to wear KN95/FFP2 masks. All guests had to fill in the online PLF form for Italy.

 

 

I have done 2 cruises with MSC stopping in Italy and they never required PLF, maybe they are erring on the side of caution? Or is this a new requirement?

On the plf web site it says "Passengers travelling to one of the below countries (as their final destination) should complete a passenger locator form via the European Digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF)"

This shouldn't apply, unless you embark in Italy.

 

[SpainAlien]

1 hour ago, damianinpa said:

I'm book on Epic for early Oct.  I called the shore excursion dept. this AM and was told the 'on your own' are NOT cancelled at this time.  One of my tours (Escorted Sorrento/Naples) was listed as a 'bubble version' which I asked what that meant.  She said it is like an escort or rep from NCL who will be on the tour with you.  Does this mean that the group must always stay together?  Not fully explained.  My other 2 are Rome Hop on/off and Florence/Pisa on your own. Again, she stated as of now they are running.    Also, I asked about masks.  They will likely be needed indoors or on transportation, but, not required when outside where distancing can occur.  I encourage people to call the shore excursions dept. and inquire if you have something already booked.  Please post back your findings here to see if messages are consistent.    

Yes the group must always stay together, people who wandered away from the tour group on MSC excursions were removed from the cruise and had to find their own way home at their own expense.

 

The HO/HO for Rome and Florence/Pisa on your own tours have now been removed from the excursion lists so I expect that your bookings will be cancelled.

 

Masks will be required on buses and public transport you will not have to wear a mask outside providing you can socially distance (approx 2m).  In restaurants/bars you must wear a mask unless actively drinking/eating

 

[Gen X Life]

2 hours ago, damianinpa said:

I'm book on Epic for early Oct.  I called the shore excursion dept. this AM and was told the 'on your own' are NOT cancelled at this time.  One of my tours (Escorted Sorrento/Naples) was listed as a 'bubble version' which I asked what that meant.  She said it is like an escort or rep from NCL who will be on the tour with you.  Does this mean that the group must always stay together?  Not fully explained.  My other 2 are Rome Hop on/off and Florence/Pisa on your own. Again, she stated as of now they are running.    Also, I asked about masks.  They will likely be needed indoors or on transportation, but, not required when outside where distancing can occur.  I encourage people to call the shore excursions dept. and inquire if you have something already booked.  Please post back your findings here to see if messages are consistent.    

How is having an "Escort or Rep with you" On Your Own??????

 

They are just trying to hold out hoping regs will change by Cruise departure and ...

 

You will NOT CANCEL...  WE CANCELLED (Twice, and I am still upset about it. ) ..  Because we felt they were withholding prior vital information and were being disingenuous with their clients.  

 

NCL is trying to get people past the final payment date or no cancel date, so clients have the choice of "Sail or Lose Fare".  I was not going to take the chance and combine that with the possibility of Covid;  12 hour flight and then being denied boarding...

I'm out.

 

We were finding changes and information from other websites.  NEVER ONCE from NCL and they were the company we were contracted with, that is unacceptable.  Only when passengers started calling and demanding verification did they send out an e-mail confirming NCL only excursions and they are still trying to play semantics ...  Well we already knew that.

 

I know not everything is their fault; but they should have a DAILY update on the NCL website with changes and requirements to keep passengers informed.  People know what is going on, they need the details.

 

This is so very stressful and sooo NOT A VACATION!

[ScratchTheRat]

1 minute ago, Gen X Life said:

How is having an "Escort or Rep with you" On Your Own??????

 

They are just trying to hold out hoping regs will change by Cruise departure and ...

 

You will NOT CANCEL...  WE CANCELLED (Twice, and I am still upset about it. ) ..  Because we felt they were withholding prior vital information and were being disingenuous with their clients.  

 

NCL is trying to get people past the final payment date or no cancel date, so clients have the choice of "Sail or Lose Fare".  I was not going to take the chance and combine that with the possibility of Covid;  12 hour flight and then being denied boarding...

I'm out.

 

We were finding changes and information from other websites.  NEVER ONCE from NCL and they were the company we were contracted with, that is unacceptable.  Only when passengers started calling and demanding verification did they send out an e-mail confirming NCL only excursions and they are still trying to play semantics ...  Well we already knew that.

 

I know not everything is their fault; but they should have a DAILY update on the NCL website with changes and requirements to keep passengers informed.  People know what is going on, they need the details.

 

This is so very stressful and sooo NOT A VACATION!

The guidance changes on a daily basis and they are a huge organisation. Cut them some slack.

 

If people don't wanna sail at a time when things are likely to change on a whim, don't book! There's been plenty of chances to cancel/rebook if people want to . Fact is, a cruise can change any ports, rules, itineraries etc at any time by cruise contract so only book if you're happy to have things change.

 

 

[Gen X Life]

36 minutes ago, ScratchTheRat said:

The guidance changes on a daily basis and they are a huge organisation. Cut them some slack.

 

If people don't wanna sail at a time when things are likely to change on a whim, don't book! There's been plenty of chances to cancel/rebook if people want to . Fact is, a cruise can change any ports, rules, itineraries etc at any time by cruise contract so only book if you're happy to have things change.

 

 

That is Exactly what I said and DID! I do not blame NCL I just wish they would be more forth coming and honest with information.

 

But it is also easy for you to say; as it is only a 2 to 3 hour flight and VERY CHEAP, ours are much more expensive, some times MULTIPLE layovers ; getting in 1 to 2 days early with additional hotel stays due to flight cancellations and having to time our tests accordingly -- it is very difficult to travel overseas at this time .... with the possibility of being denied boarding when we finally arrive at the port.

 

So cut us some slack!

[steamboats]

2 hours ago, elbarney said:

 

I have done 2 cruises with MSC stopping in Italy and they never required PLF, maybe they are erring on the side of caution? Or is this a new requirement?

On the plf web site it says "Passengers travelling to one of the below countries (as their final destination) should complete a passenger locator form via the European Digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF)"

This shouldn't apply, unless you embark in Italy.

 

 

Actually this was my understanding too. As you only have a port stop there but Italy is not the final destination plus all tours are "bubble" there shouldn´t be a need to fill in the PLF. The first information from the Harmony was they don´t have to fill it in. Then in La Spezia all of a sudden - passengers were ready to disembark for their tours - they Italian authorities wanted a test (not just from the US but from all pax - no UK onboard). And the other thing was that they had to fill in the PLF.

 

Actually I´d wait and see. For flying to Spain you have to get the Spanish QR code and fill in their form anyway. And everything else regarding the port stops I´d wait and see what they say onboard. It´s easy to fill in and done quickly (o.k. I did it before - Spain, Italy, Greece and Iceland).

 

steamboats

[elbarney]

1 hour ago, ScratchTheRat said:

The guidance changes on a daily basis and they are a huge organisation. Cut them some slack.

 

If people don't wanna sail at a time when things are likely to change on a whim, don't book! There's been plenty of chances to cancel/rebook if people want to . Fact is, a cruise can change any ports, rules, itineraries etc at any time by cruise contract so only book if you're happy to have things change.

 

 

To be fair, most of the changes have not been recent, just they didn't want to communicate them before.

I got a very good price, but by far this is the worst I have seen for information in a cruise post covid

I feel for the people that have to travel with so much uncertainty, most of it because NCL doesn't want to be clear.

Examples:

-3day almost quite but not fully mandatory test. Will they return my money or not if I don't take it and test positive? This is 100% NCL, why do I have to accept this, why is this not clear if I'll get my money back as they promised when I booked?

-Spanish test to disembark and schedule change. This is law from may.

-Italian excursions. Same.

 

I understand the situation with Uk quarantine, as this was really new, but everything else I disagree.

 

 

[ludalex]

1 hour ago, Gen X Life said:

How is having an "Escort or Rep with you" On Your Own??????

 

They are just trying to hold out hoping regs will change by Cruise departure and ...

 

You will NOT CANCEL...  WE CANCELLED (Twice, and I am still upset about it. ) ..  Because we felt they were withholding prior vital information and were being disingenuous with their clients.  

 

NCL is trying to get people past the final payment date or no cancel date, so clients have the choice of "Sail or Lose Fare".  I was not going to take the chance and combine that with the possibility of Covid;  12 hour flight and then being denied boarding...

I'm out.

 

We were finding changes and information from other websites.  NEVER ONCE from NCL and they were the company we were contracted with, that is unacceptable.  Only when passengers started calling and demanding verification did they send out an e-mail confirming NCL only excursions and they are still trying to play semantics ...  Well we already knew that.

 

I know not everything is their fault; but they should have a DAILY update on the NCL website with changes and requirements to keep passengers informed.  People know what is going on, they need the details.

 

This is so very stressful and sooo NOT A VACATION!

 

[ludalex]

This is exactly the point:  NCL can't predict what WILL happen but it must share with its customers existing information, especially if it's been available for a long time.  You can find the Italian regulation about this here and it came out on March 2, 2021:
 

https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2021/03/02/21A01331/sg

The relevant passage is:  5. Gli scali sono consentiti solo negli Stati e  territori  di  cui
agli elenchi A, B e C dell'allegato 20 e sono vietate  le  escursioni
libere, per le quali i servizi della crociera  non  possono  adottare
specifiche misure di prevenzione dal contagio.  (It essentially says walking ashore on your own is prohibited.)

Moreover, other cruise lines, which were sailing during the summer, were abiding by that regulation.  Surely, Norwegian (even if it didn't sail into Italy during that time) was aware of that.  Their website should have contained the disclaimer about Italian excursions in any marketing of Italian ports throughout the summer.  Instead, they are making it seem as if this restriction has just been issued, which of course isn't the case.  In fact, what they did was inform people who were about to get on the Epic at the last minute -- when it's difficult to change plans.  There is no excuse for that.

[Oxo]

Not to start a war. However, what difference does it make if I go with an NCL tour or by myself? I can still spread the C19 regardless whether I am in an NCL for or by myself.

 

In fact,  normally a tour will visit more populated places than a person on their own. 

 

Stay Safe & Happy Cruising!

[Trimone]

All I can say is being in the Mediterranean at the moment, it’s dead, NCL will be making a fortune on these tour’s 

[damianinpa]

1 hour ago, ludalex said:

This is exactly the point:  NCL can't predict what WILL happen but it must share with its customers existing information, especially if it's been available for a long time.  You can find the Italian regulation about this here and it came out on March 2, 2021:
 

https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2021/03/02/21A01331/sg

The relevant passage is:  5. Gli scali sono consentiti solo negli Stati e  territori  di  cui
agli elenchi A, B e C dell'allegato 20 e sono vietate  le  escursioni
libere, per le quali i servizi della crociera  non  possono  adottare
specifiche misure di prevenzione dal contagio.  (It essentially says walking ashore on your own is prohibited.)

Moreover, other cruise lines, which were sailing during the summer, were abiding by that regulation.  Surely, Norwegian (even if it didn't sail into Italy during that time) was aware of that.  Their website should have contained the disclaimer about Italian excursions in any marketing of Italian ports throughout the summer.  Instead, they are making it seem as if this restriction has just been issued, which of course isn't the case.  In fact, what they did was inform people who were about to get on the Epic at the last minute -- when it's difficult to change plans.  There is no excuse for that.

So, I did just look at FAQ and found 2 things that are making me think twice about going.  One is As of August 2021, guests will be required to take a Norwegian Cruise Line organized shore excursion for ports in Italy as guests will not be allowed to explore on their own.

2 is On Europe sailings only, local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

I had NO IDEA I would have to wear a mas on the ship.  I mean everyone is fully vaccinated, so, I didn't think this was a requirement.  I can see in port each County stating you have to wear one indoors, but, I did a chat with NCL and she confirmed that while on the ship in port or at Sea, everyone MUST wear a mask anywhere on the ship except outside when you social distance.    

SIGH

[ScratchTheRat]

1 minute ago, damianinpa said:

So, I did just look at FAQ and found 2 things that are making me think twice about going.  One is As of August 2021, guests will be required to take a Norwegian Cruise Line organized shore excursion for ports in Italy as guests will not be allowed to explore on their own.

2 is On Europe sailings only, local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

I had NO IDEA I would have to wear a mas on the ship.  I mean everyone is fully vaccinated, so, I didn't think this was a requirement.  I can see in port each County stating you have to wear one indoors, but, I did a chat with NCL and she confirmed that while on the ship in port or at Sea, everyone MUST wear a mask anywhere on the ship except outside when you social distance.    

SIGH

This isn’t new. That’s been the case for months now.

[goodmanl1975]

7 minutes ago, damianinpa said:

So, I did just look at FAQ and found 2 things that are making me think twice about going.  One is As of August 2021, guests will be required to take a Norwegian Cruise Line organized shore excursion for ports in Italy as guests will not be allowed to explore on their own.

2 is On Europe sailings only, local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

I had NO IDEA I would have to wear a mas on the ship.  I mean everyone is fully vaccinated, so, I didn't think this was a requirement.  I can see in port each County stating you have to wear one indoors, but, I did a chat with NCL and she confirmed that while on the ship in port or at Sea, everyone MUST wear a mask anywhere on the ship except outside when you social distance.    

SIGH

Yep - old news.  Changed a couple months or so ago regarding the masks.  Back in early July is when they came out with that - when the Jade started cruising to Greece.  

[steamboats]

12 hours ago, ludalex said:

This is exactly the point:  NCL can't predict what WILL happen but it must share with its customers existing information, especially if it's been available for a long time.  You can find the Italian regulation about this here and it came out on March 2, 2021:
 

https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2021/03/02/21A01331/sg

The relevant passage is:  5. Gli scali sono consentiti solo negli Stati e  territori  di  cui
agli elenchi A, B e C dell'allegato 20 e sono vietate  le  escursioni
libere, per le quali i servizi della crociera  non  possono  adottare
specifiche misure di prevenzione dal contagio.  (It essentially says walking ashore on your own is prohibited.)
 

 

Actually this has been in effect since the restart of cruising in Italy in August 2020. There never have been individual shore tours since.

 

Anyway seems that both - NCL and RCI - did think that with vaccinated guests they can offer individual shore tours. But the law hasn´t changed.

 

As for UK - Italy changed the policy last weekend and now there´s no quarantine anymore. But you have to be vaccinated and need a test. Same for US since September 1st.

 

steamboats

[ludalex]

9 minutes ago, steamboats said:

 

Actually this has been in effect since the restart of cruising in Italy in August 2020. There never have been individual shore tours since.

 

Anyway seems that both - NCL and RCI - did think that with vaccinated guests they can offer individual shore tours. But the law hasn´t changed.

 

As for UK - Italy changed the policy last weekend and now there´s no quarantine anymore. But you have to be vaccinated and need a test. Same for US since September 1st.

 

steamboats

Exactly, and so they had no grounds, whatsoever, to advertise on their website and, especially, in describing specific cruises through Italy, that individual tours were now possible.  They needed to come clean, whatever hope they had for vaccinated people.  Moreover, that regulation was renewed on July 23.  Surely, that was the moment -- not a month later! -- to make it clear that excursions were restricted.  Yet, they continued to peddle a basic untruth.

[damianinpa]

Well, I just got the emails of shore excursion cancellation.  Rome HO/HO, Pisa on your own and Almudaina Palace and Patio Tour all Cancelled.  And, the site still only shows 9 tours available, so, nothing new loaded in.  Pretty sure we are cancelling our cruise as we right at the 30 day out mark.  

[SpainAlien]

People are still under the misguided impression that this is simply an NCL rule and not implemented by the Italian authorities.  Tour companies are telling folks that this rule is not real.

 

PLEASE REFER TO POST #216 ABOVE 

Edited September 5, 2021 by SpainAlien