Royal are they still requiring masks??

[sunsetme]

One  the one way Alaska cruise are masks still required/ What are the Covid numbers like?

[toofewcruises]

Yes, they are requiring masks.

[antsp]

20 minutes ago, toofewcruises said:

Yes, they are requiring masks.

Crazy

[hilliss]

@sunsetme Masks are required in public areas only.  Open spaces they are recommended.  BUT, the hot mess right now (we are on a land then sea trip), is that Princess is really struggling.  We have seen folks tested and Dx’d with Covid who are then just left out to dry.  No communication, no information, and lots of broken hearts as most who cruise to Alaska have put a lot of money and planning into this.  We are Platinum cruisers with Princess, and this trip has been a nightmare with Princess.  We experienced delays in getting to AK, and had purchased flights through Princess Air.  With their 24/7 guarantee and promise to catch one up.  But, they told us when we arrived a day late, that we would have to miss the land portion of our tour, and catch the ship on July 2nd.  I told them that we wanted to join the tour, but late.  They finally agreed, but then told us we would be fully responsible for catching up to the land tour without any offers to assist with rebooking travel, or any transportation.  So, after working with Delta, 30 hours later, and a $400 Lyft bill, we finally joined our group.  But, I personally saw 3 individuals “kicked out” today because of Covid testing.  I was at the front desk when another customer walked up who had tested positive was told by the clerk “well, your vacation is over”… no empathy, nothing.  Then, they didnt even wipe down the desk the person who tested positive had been at.  So, my recommendation.  If you are concerned about Covid… or if you are concerned with paying a lot of money for a trip that might end in the middle… where Princess kicks you out, and promises to assist, but then doesnt, wait… dont cruise with Princess now.  They do not have things mapped out well.  BTW, we cruised twice with Princess since November of 2021. Both out of Fort Lauderdale.  First cruise out on Regal.  We also were on one of the last cruises in March of 2020.  Im ok taking risks… but I regret this trip because Princess has not been responsive or assisted.  No customer support at all.

[hapster85]

Tested positive after lunch today at the Mt McKinley Lodge, on day 6 of our land tour. The testing was conducted by Beacon Health, here at the lodge. Received the first email within 30 minutes of testing, showing positive result. Bummed to say the least.

 

Two more emails arrived a few minutes later, also from Beacon. The first advised us to isolate, that we would be transferred to Anchorage as soon as they could arrange it, and that we would be clear to travel again on July 6th. The second advised that they would put us up in one of the hotels they are working with, or we could make our own arrangements. Either way, we would need to pay for the room, and seek reimbursement.

 

A young man arrived at our door a short time later with printed information from Princess on how to get reimbursed. We will also have a $100 per day per person allowance for food. Again, paid out of pocket first, and reimbursed later. Also included was a number to call to get our flights rebooked, if we had used EZAir, which we had. Took a couple of hours on hold, but wasn't like I had anything else to do. Was a relief to get that squared away. Also received a menu for ordering meals while still at the lodge. Not many choices, but at least we won't starve.

 

Meanwhile, we received a call from the front desk advising that our transfer to Anchorage would be at 1 o'clock tomorrow. No word yet on where they are putting us. Received another call from from them this evening confirming the time of our transfer, and asked if we needed anything.

 

No complaints so far about the process. Hopefully that remains the case over the next 5 days. Haven't heard how many other guests have tested positive, nor have we asked. Anyway, guessing the masks aren't going away on the Alaska north/south bound cruises anytime soon.

[hilliss]

Good to hear.  Very different from what the neighbors across the hall have seemed to have experienced.  If Princess is clearly spelling things out, that helps to know what occurs next as opposed to feeling like one is stuck.  Sorry for the loss of the rest of the land tour and cruise.  For us, this has been a 30 year dream.  And we wondered if this year was “too soon” but decided to risk it anyway.  Hopefully the quarantine process and then trip home are as smooth as possible. Still believe that Kentucky is paradise (we live in Shelby County),