Important Covid Policy - If you Test Posive while on European Cruises between 5/1 - 11/30/2022

[Jim_Iain]

Celebrity will no longer be covering land based quarantine and safe passage home  if tested positive

 

For all Celebrity cruises scheduled to sail from the European Union or the United Kingdom between
May 1, 2022 and November 30, 2022, inclusive, if you test positive for COVID-19 during the
voyage:
 

• Celebrity will cover the cost of necessary COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard
the ship;
 

• you and members of your Traveling Party may stay onboard the ship to complete any
required quarantine period, without needing to pay additional cruise fare, stateroom
gratuities or taxes/fees to Celebrity for the same; and

 

• Celebrity will assist with coordinating travel arrangements to get you and members of your
Traveling Party back home, but will not be responsible for any associated costs.

 

Source:  https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/cel-covid-19-cancellations-and-refunds-policy.pdf

[FlorenceItaly]

Thank you, Jim.  It was only a matter of time as the cruise lines are bleeding money.  Best wishes to you and Iain.

[Jim_Iain]

Just wanted to make sure others were aware of this change in policy.   I guess we lucked out as we departed the ship on April 30th. 

 

If Celebrity follows suite with RCL they will also be dropping B2B testing requirements. 

[Bo1953]

It is time that the policies surrounding C-19 start to change in favour of X, IMO.

 

It is nice that they will continue to assist in making the arrangements on Euro sailings, yet the passenger is responsible for paying to get home once we step foot on land.

 

In health and bon voyage

[Babr]

The new cancellation and refund policy also eliminates any assistance for shoreside quarantine or delay if one has to wait for clearance to fly home. As long as the test for international flights into the US remains in place, people will need to be prepared for this change in Celebrity’s policy.

 

Travel insurance will cover it under Trip Interruption and/or Trip Delay. Those relying on credit card coverage may find they don’t have coverage for an extended stay. Even the premium cards pay only the change fee and $500 for delay caused by common carrier - not covid.

[MarkusToe]

Clear, as there is no need for isolation in a hotel anymore.... 

[TowandaUK]

I was aware of this policy but am unclear about one aspect. If you are still positive after the standard 5 days would you be allowed to stay onboard until negative or would you be debarked?  Whilst we have travel insurance I am not keen to be kicked off to quarantine ashore, even if the alternative is to be staying in an ocean view. 

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, TowandaUK said:

I was aware of this policy but am unclear about one aspect. If you are still positive after the standard 5 days would you be allowed to stay onboard until negative or would you be debarked?  Whilst we have travel insurance I am not keen to be kicked off to quarantine ashore, even if the alternative is to be staying in an ocean view. 

 

It is funny the way it was written but I doubt you would be allowed to remain aboard for the next cruise.   Just my guess.  

 

Official you would not need to quarantine in the UK.   They told us that when they escorted us off the ship.   The UK no longer has any Covid Requirements for testing or for quarantine.   Totally voluntary.   I was still only 12 hours after testing positive.   We chose to self isolate.   

 

As I read it all they would do is arrange a car or cab at your expense or a hotel at your expense. 

[Babr]

18 minutes ago, TowandaUK said:

I was aware of this policy but am unclear about one aspect. If you are still positive after the standard 5 days would you be allowed to stay onboard until negative or would you be debarked?  Whilst we have travel insurance I am not keen to be kicked off to quarantine ashore, even if the alternative is to be staying in an ocean view. 

The policy says the passenger may remain on board at no extra cost to complete the required quarantine so I suppose it depends on whose definition of “required” is being applied. Previously people on board were quarantined for 10 days, but if the country where you are to disembark does not require quarantine, you may be expected to leave.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

It is time that the policies surrounding C-19 start to change in favour of X, IMO.

 

It is nice that they will continue to assist in making the arrangements on Euro sailings, yet the passenger is responsible for paying to get home once we step foot on land.

 

In health and bon voyage

 

I'm sure the sudden change without warning may have left many in a tough situation.  

 

It could be costly if you continue to test positive and can't fly home for 11 days when you can obtain a Covid Recovery Certificate.  They dropped the getting people home months ago and were only providing reimbursement for a place to quarantine and meals only.   That what was just dropped.  

[Bo1953]

33 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I'm sure the sudden change without warning may have left many in a tough situation.  

 

It could be costly if you continue to test positive and can't fly home for 11 days when you can obtain a Covid Recovery Certificate.  They dropped the getting people home months ago and were only providing reimbursement for a place to quarantine and meals only.   That what was just dropped.  

Yes, yet "many" of us will have adequate travel insurance to cover such instances, though.

 

In health and bon voyage

[baggal]

IMO, cruising is about to get a lot more complicated than it already is.  We are booked on a 12 day Med cruise in October.  After we disembark in Rome, the next cruise on that ship is a TA to Ft. Lauderdale.  Theoretically, if one of us test positive at day 9 or 10 of our itinerary, will Celebrity disembark us in Rome while someone is still testing positive or do we continue on the TA in a cabin not of our choosing?  

 

Without overthinking, cruising is about to get much more complicated.

[Babr]

3 minutes ago, baggal said:

IMO, cruising is about to get a lot more complicated than it already is.  We are booked on a 12 day Med cruise in October.  After we disembark in Rome, the next cruise on that ship is a TA to Ft. Lauderdale.  Theoretically, if one of us test positive at day 9 or 10 of our itinerary, will Celebrity disembark us in Rome while someone is still testing positive or do we continue on the TA in a cabin not of our choosing?  

 

Without overthinking, cruising is about to get much more complicated.

Does Italy require quarantine? If not, you likely will be disembarked to wait until clear to travel, depending on what airline restrictions are in place at that time.

[mac_tlc]

Glad I cancelled our two voyages in Europe this year. We will stay closer to home.

 

mac_tlc

[360Guy]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I'm sure the sudden change without warning may have left many in a tough situation.  

 

It could be costly if you continue to test positive and can't fly home for 11 days when you can obtain a Covid Recovery Certificate.  They dropped the getting people home months ago and were only providing reimbursement for a place to quarantine and meals only.   That what was just dropped.  

Just more confusion as it moves quickly and creates more questions.  We arrived home last night after air deviation.  Had recovery certificate but was still unclear how it would go when we got to the airport.  So thankful to be home it is indescribable.  On “pause” for cruise in October on Beyond TA…final $$ due 7/6.   Booked “in case” return flights from Barcelona on sail date in case testing still happening and worst happens…since a TA realized if we can’t sail how do we get home….Will watch how this goes the next two months but it’s very clear ships going full or close to it and per policy Celebrity has washed their hands of additional support postcruise or cancel with FCC.

Working on getting receipts organized for refund email to Celebrity and trip insurance…to be followed with letter to Celebrity CEO on the good, bad and ugly of 4/21/22 Silhouette sailing.  We absolutely loved the crew!

[AbbyCruiser45]

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

If Celebrity follows suite with RCL they will also be dropping B2B testing requirements. 

When did RCL change this? That would be a huge pressure off knowing that a B2B test was not required. 

[jelayne]

This change to a X’s assistance was published 2 weeks ago.  This is what replaced the coverage policy that ended with sailings departing through 4 /30/22.

[Jeremiah1212]

They will still cover the cost related to flight changes if you booked with Flights by Celebrity. As atrocious as their service can be at times, it’s worth the peace of mind IMO. 

[Virginia100]

2 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

Glad I cancelled our two voyages in Europe this year. We will stay closer to home.

 

mac_tlc

As I did cancel my cruise in Europe  this summer. Too many risks. Maybe summer if 2023.

Edited May 5, 2022 by Virginia100

[Jim_Iain]

6 hours ago, 360Guy said:

Just more confusion as it moves quickly and creates more questions.  We arrived home last night after air deviation.  Had recovery certificate but was still unclear how it would go when we got to the airport.  So thankful to be home it is indescribable.  On “pause” for cruise in October on Beyond TA…final $$ due 7/6.   Booked “in case” return flights from Barcelona on sail date in case testing still happening and worst happens…since a TA realized if we can’t sail how do we get home….Will watch how this goes the next two months but it’s very clear ships going full or close to it and per policy Celebrity has washed their hands of additional support postcruise or cancel with FCC.

Working on getting receipts organized for refund email to Celebrity and trip insurance…to be followed with letter to Celebrity CEO on the good, bad and ugly of 4/21/22 Silhouette sailing.  We absolutely loved the crew!

Delighted to hear you made it home.   I was reading on the other thread of not being able to upload your Recovery Certificate.    Couple questions?   Don't recall if both of you tested positive.

 

We both tested positive about 24 hours apart and tested negative pretty quickly.   No Symptoms at all 

 

Did you get your Recovery Certificate Online or did you go to a clinic?

 

Was their any problems with it at the airport?

 

Any pitfalls or advise you can send our way.   We won't be flying home for another 10 days or so. 

[Jim_Iain]

5 hours ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

They will still cover the cost related to flight changes if you booked with Flights by Celebrity. As atrocious as their service can be at times, it’s worth the peace of mind IMO. 

 

We booked directly with United and flying Business.   While it is a discounted business due to status there is no change fee if I need to change.

[APFBarb]

On 5/5/2022 at 3:23 PM, Jim_Iain said:

Delighted to hear you made it home.   I was reading on the other thread of not being able to upload your Recovery Certificate.    Couple questions?   Don't recall if both of you tested positive.

 

We both tested positive about 24 hours apart and tested negative pretty quickly.   No Symptoms at all 

 

Did you get your Recovery Certificate Online or did you go to a clinic?

 

Was their any problems with it at the airport?

 

Any pitfalls or advise you can send our way.   We won't be flying home for another 10 days or so. 

Jim,

We developed Covid symptoms   just after leaving Silhouette on 4/21.  Proctored tests on 4/25 and 4/26 confirmed +.   Was able to get Certificate of Recovery from "Corona Test Centre" after 7 days from positive test.  Applied and received online.  Was accepted at the airport when we flew back to US on May 4th.  Just couldn't be uploaded in advance to Verifly app used by Aer Lingus.  But no problem showing doc at airport.

 

So glad to finally get home a week later than planned.

[Jim_Iain]

6 hours ago, APFBarb said:

Jim,

We developed Covid symptoms   just after leaving Silhouette on 4/21.  Proctored tests on 4/25 and 4/26 confirmed +.   Was able to get Certificate of Recovery from "Corona Test Centre" after 7 days from positive test.  Applied and received online.  Was accepted at the airport when we flew back to US on May 4th.  Just couldn't be uploaded in advance to Verifly app used by Aer Lingus.  But no problem showing doc at airport.

 

So glad to finally get home a week later than planned.

Thanks --- Interesting that they only require 7 days after positive test.   Most sites I looked at was after 10 days.     One even said they didn't even need a positive test just your word.   I suspect these tests are just a money maker for the companies.

[rachiem]

I've not been able to get an answer for this...

We are cruising from Rome in 2 weeks and then have 3 nights in Rome and flying home to the UK.

If one of us tested positive on the ship, can we disembark and fly straight home as our rules in the UK state no quarantine?

Not sure if we'd be able to quarantine in our accommodation before flying home?

Do Celebrity have to help you or just dump you back on shore or could we disembark early in Greece and spend time there as again, I don't think they quarantine.

[Babr]

1 hour ago, rachiem said:

I've not been able to get an answer for this...

We are cruising from Rome in 2 weeks and then have 3 nights in Rome and flying home to the UK.

If one of us tested positive on the ship, can we disembark and fly straight home as our rules in the UK state no quarantine?

Not sure if we'd be able to quarantine in our accommodation before flying home?

Do Celebrity have to help you or just dump you back on shore or could we disembark early in Greece and spend time there as again, I don't think they quarantine.

No, you can’t fly into the US with a positive test. You must present documentation to board. You have to wait until you test negative or can obtain a certificate of recovery even if local rules do not require quarantine. It is a US requirement to test negative in order to fly.

 

You may remain on board to quarantine. I do not know if you are allowed to disembark before the end of the cruise; but when you do, it is at your own expense. The language of the policy says they will assist in making travel arrangements to get you home. That may include housing as well as air, but the financial responsibility is yours.

Edited May 7, 2022 by Babr