First New England Voyage of 2023 Observations/Caribbean Princess

[PacnGoNow]

12 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Well, Covid is still around.  I thought I was having an asthma flare up.  Several days of coughing and I gave in and went to the medical center.  Tested for flu and Covid.  Covid won.

First experience with the medical center.  All were so nice.  An hour later, I came back to my room to wait for the doctor to look at the paxlovid I brought from home and to swab cabin mate,  I asked to be quarantined.  So I am up on Aloha Deck far forward.  I’m really not sad at all.  Only have to stay for the night since my coughing started days ago.  I had tested negative before 7/23 Virginia 4 days ago.  They marked my “start” date on 7/26 at 6 pm.  So I am cleared to return to my cabin tomorrow evening. CDC guidelines I’d 5 days.  There are 4 tabled rooms that I could see.  

 

In the meantime, I got a tour of the behind the scenes without paying for it.  Attendant 2 followed me and wiped down everything I touched.  Assistant Manager for Club Class called me to see if I needed anything.  Not quite the same, but had lamb chops for dinner.  
 

i was a little more laxed than my normal.  I am one of the few that still wore a mask.  This time, NOT all the time.  

 

Don’t have the answers to what Princess will cover.  Not concerned, yet.  I don’t feel bad.  Just the coughing and shortness of breath. 
 

 

 

 

 

Sorry to hear that. Get better soon.

 

They should still give you FCC for your quarantined time. 
 

Get a letter to that effect from the medical OB and a copy of your medical records.  Your insurance should reimburse you.

 

[cr8tiv1]

26 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

Sorry to hear that. Get better soon.

 

They should still give you FCC for your quarantined time. 
 

Get a letter to that effect from the medical OB and a copy of your medical records.  Your insurance should reimburse you.

 

Thanks.  Did request billing.  I had to ask for Covid instructions from the guy who escorted me up here. Will post later.  No worse than a bad asthma attack.  Will see how I feel after 24 hours of meds.  Bring your own Paxlovid, if your doctor will allow you to have it.  I did.  
 

Nice cabin.  I wouldn’t pick it for myself. Too high up. Too forward. Hope to spot whales tomorrow.

 

Can I request more quarantine time?

 

Edited July 31, 2023 by cr8tiv1

[PacnGoNow]

28 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Thanks.  Did request billing.  I had to ask for Covid instructions from the guy who escorted me up here. Will post later.  No worse than a bad asthma attack.  Will see how I feel after 24 hours of meds.  Bring your own Paxlovid, if your doctor will allow you to have it.  I did.  
 

Nice cabin.  I wouldn’t pick it for myself. Too high up. Too forward. Hope to spot whales tomorrow.

 

Can I request more quarantine time?

 

You could tell them you’d like to have it due to your asthma and don’t feel comfortable getting around others.

 

See what they say.  Seems really short, but they go by symptoms to start your count.  

[dickinson]

So sorry to hear this! 😞

[susancruzs]

Feel better, still around indeed.  Thought I had a sinus infection in April, turned out to be Covid and strep, I was shocked,.

 

Whale watching would be a good thing, do you get dining choices?  Thanks for posting, taking it in stride, dealing with it in a positive way is in your healing favor.

[cr8tiv1]

Made it through the night. Captain/navigator does a really good job of “steering the boat” 😂

 

There was some noticeable movement from where I am used to.  But nothing that required action on my part.  I’m on a bunch of meds!  Can’t have this, that, or alcohol.  Biggest hardship. 

 

Did not get up early enough for sea friends. Maybe tonight.  Sort of captive for entertainment venues. Glad there is sunshine, cool temps, and a vast ocean once we leave here. On port side.  Next stop Sydney. 
 

So far, I’ve received calls from:

Nicholas, club class manager (gave me contact name for room service supervisor)

The medical center last night/this morning

Daniel, from customer service.

Room service has been good.  Bringing me water and huge buckets of ice.  Can’t get the refrigerator to work.  222

 

Cabin mate says they came through cabin and thoroughly cleaned everything, made beds, etc.  Thankfully, she has tested negative. 
 

I am not a balcony lover, but this is a nice change.  Had breakfast while watching industrial traffic. 
 

 

 

 

 

[cr8tiv1]

You guys are in store for a bunch of non-useful thoughts.  With nothing to do, I am thinking of all kinds of great updates.

 

First, if you wanted an upgrade from an interior or ocean view, get Covid and you will be isolated in a balcony cabin, if you are lucky.

Second, your cruise might be free.  I will get back 100% per day of isolation in FCCs. Always a great to have to apply to my next cruise.  

 

Third, room service includes alcoholic beverages.  Unfortunately, alcohol and some meds are not friendly.

 

Fourth, all of my up non-refundable OBC was eaten up my my medical center visit and meds.  I will, hopefully, get that back by filing to my insurance.  You got to have insurance and patience to get this OBC refunded.  Too bad I already donated to the casino, but now all I just have to cash out.  Score again.

 

My app is set to the new room.  Requested towels, delivered in a timely manner.  
 

Called room service for lunch (old school).  She asked if I was feeling better.  
 

I can’t say enough good things about how I am being treated in isolation (their term).  Staying an extra night might be worth it!

[voljeep]

3 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Fourth, all of my up non-refundable OBC was eaten up my my medical center visit and meds.  I will, hopefully, get that back by filing to my insurance.  You got to have insurance and patience to get this OBC refunded.

OBC or charged to your folio and you settled/will settle at the end of the cruise - BE SURE to get a complete copy of your medical records and charges AND a copy of your Final Folio before leaving the ship - don't wait on an email copy of the folio - been there, done that

[Astro Flyer]

Renee…sorry that you got Covid…maybe you’ll need some Island time to fully recover. 🏝️🌴😎

[Jadn13]

I hope you are feeling better!! 
 

Today was the stop in Halifax and we took this tour with a few others from cruise critic (8 total) 

https://halifaxtitanictours.ca/historic-halifax-tour

 

It may have been one of the best and most informed tours I have ever taken.

I can’t recommend it enough! If you are visiting Halifax this is your best option.

 

So much history! 

[cr8tiv1]

4 hours ago, voljeep said:

OBC or charged to your folio and you settled/will settle at the end of the cruise - BE SURE to get a complete copy of your medical records and charges AND a copy of your Final Folio before leaving the ship - don't wait on an email copy of the folio - been there, done that

I was given an itemized statement.  There is verbiage I could get copy of Medical Records,  I checked the box, but it’s not sent with the other items.  Is that what I have to chase after before getting off the ship?

[cr8tiv1]

Thank you @Jadn13 for taking up the slack,  I will definitely look into this on my October cruise.  Should be spectacular with fall leaves.

 

Late this afternoon I ordered a latte to go with the chocolate chip cookies that were sent instead of my peanut butter order.  They got it right.  Beverage package no charge.  It’s amazing how they have me booked in two rooms.  Guess that’s a plus for the app. 
 

 

it was Italian night in the MDR.  We are doing Sabatini’s tomorrow if I am out of jail/isolation.  Italian is not my favorite at either places. Room service  forgot to send my tiramisu shot.  Oh well.

 

 

 

 

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

"It’s amazing how they have me booked in two rooms.  Guess that’s a plus for the app. 
 

Little confused on the covid protocol.  Was there someone else in your room, and thats why

you got moved to better digs? 

I thought they were keeping people in their same room if solo.

 

[cr8tiv1]

41 minutes ago, CalLuvsCrusingToo said:

"It’s amazing how they have me booked in two rooms.  Guess that’s a plus for the app. 
 

Little confused on the covid protocol.  Was there someone else in your room, and thats why

you got moved to better digs? 

I thought they were keeping people in their same room if solo.

 

Yes, I have an unrelated travel cabin mate.  At first, they were going to send me back to my cabin.  I tried to find the right words that would convey that my travel mate would have no such arrangement.  I did not get sent to “better digs”. I went from a Window Suite to a balcony.  
 

They did mention that the ship was full, but they would try to find me alternative accommodations.  Really pleased to be in a bare bones balcony.  Med Center never checked on me late this afternoon.  So I am parked for another night.  This steward is wonderful.  Requested more towels via the app.  She came twice since she ran out of face towels on the first delivery.  Sara knocked on my door to inform me she wasn’t allowed to remove my meal trays. The app for request goes to the steward on duty….not room service.  Go figure???  But only room service could remove trays from isolation cabins.  
 

In preparation for another night away, I phoned Customer Service to ask how I could have my CPAP picked up and delivered.  I really should have taken it with me.  I had such a hard time breathing last night.  Thoughts of my dying in my sleep (apnea) circled my finals thoughts as I finally fell asleep.  Not really, for those of you who take me too seriously.  
 

Another great team. I really have no complaints except for the passenger who gave me Covid.  
 

The suite concierge is alive and well on Grand Class ships (at least here).  She tracked me down to this new room.  She’s extremely busy and we haven’t had a chance to really sit down for me to find out what a person in a suite could use her services for. Being in isolation really cut into our time. But she does know me and I could have probably directly reached out to her if something seriously needed fixing.

 

For those  coming aboard next week… 

 

F311 - the cooler box (aka refrigerator) never got really cold. It’s been a revolving door of looky loos. The bathroom door and cabin door are really hard to open and close. Too long a story to get into details why I didn’t have this all resolved for you.  
 

F307 - I think.  Has had air conditioning issues,  Maintenance has been called several times. Stuck at either 60s or 70s.  No control over temps.

 

It’s almost safe to say no one in the passage way has had toilet problems.
 

Now for the gross. Disclaimer…this is why I resented the move to refillable bottles.  I bring my own. This was in the balcony. I’m sure it is not cabin category specific.

 

 

I can’t leave you with the above image so I shall bid you all a good night with these beautiful images.  We are now traveling about 20 knots to Sydney.  
 

 

[westwind6371]

Hi, Dave here. Hope you are fully recovered soon and released from your "captivity" soon. 

We are on Caribbean Princess Sept.9 for the southbound trip. Do you happen to remember the breakfast hours at Sabatini’s for suite guests?

 

Thanks and stay safe.

[cr8tiv1]

Just now, westwind6371 said:

Hi, Dave here. Hope you are fully recovered soon and released from your "captivity" soon. 

We are on Caribbean Princess Sept.9 for the southbound trip. Do you happen to remember the breakfast hours at Sabatini’s for suite guests?

 

Thanks and stay safe.

I am out of isolation.  Everyone on this board and on the Caribbean Princess have been stellar. Med Center told me my itemized bill would be enough to start my

claim.  I’m not taking any chances….ordered my medical records too!  I know, insurance will probably not reimburse me for that.  

 

Sabatini’s breakfast hours:

Sea Days - 7:30 / 10:30

Port Days - 7:00 / 10:00

disembarkation morning - 6:30 - 8:30 (I think that is what they said)

[voljeep]

1 minute ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I am out of isolation.  Everyone on this board and on the Caribbean Princess have been stellar. Med Center told me my itemized bill would be enough to start my

claim.  I’m not taking any chances….ordered my medical records too!  I know, insurance will probably not reimburse me for that.  

 

Sabatini’s breakfast hours:

Sea Days - 7:30 / 10:30

Port Days - 7:00 / 10:00

disembarkation morning - 6:30 - 8:30 (I think that is what they said)

my non-covid related medical records charge was $28 - some have reported here that the covid related medical records was no-charge

[westwind6371]

Thanks for the fast reply, and glad you are now FREE! 

My wife and I are following your thread closely, as this is our first Canada/New England cruise.

 

Dave

[cr8tiv1]

3 minutes ago, voljeep said:

my non-covid related medical records charge was $28 - some have reported here that the covid related medical records was no-charge

Will see.  She told me there was a charge.  What did you do with your medical records?  Did you have to submit it to insurance too?

[voljeep]

18 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Will see.  She told me there was a charge.  What did you do with your medical records?  Did you have to submit it to insurance too?

I submitted them to both our medicare advantage carrier and also to AON - princess insurance administrator ... this was on the REGAL in Grand Turk when I passed out on the deck

[Astro Flyer]

19 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I am out of isolation.

Yay…enjoy the remainder of your cruise & know that you’ll Shaka 🤙

 

[Ken the cruiser]

31 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I am out of isolation.  

Yay!!!

[PacnGoNow]

41 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Will see.  She told me there was a charge.  What did you do with your medical records?  Did you have to submit it to insurance too?

Glad your out!

I had PVP platinum and filed with AON as a trip interruption with the medical letter attached.  They paid by cash back instead of FCC.  That’s what AON told me to do.  It took about 4 weeks.

 

https://aontravelclaim.com/#/home

 

[cr8tiv1]

26 minutes ago, voljeep said:

I submitted them to both our medicare advantage carrier and also to AON - princess insurance administrator ... this was on the REGAL in Grand Turk when I passed out on the deck

My first step is to file it with Medicare? Wait for denial?

then Aetna? Who should pick up everything?
then AON?

 

and hope to see my FCC on my Princess account? 

 

thank you. 
 

@PacnGoNow I have Platinum PVP.  Does that mean I can skip all the steps?  I want my 2 days of FCC in cash or credit.  I do not care which.  I wish I could get back some of my Plus since I can’t have alcohol the rest of the trip (I know…not). There goes the wine tasting. Haha. 

Edited August 1, 2023 by cr8tiv1

[PacnGoNow]

7 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

My first step is to file it with Medicare? Wait for denial?

then Aetna? Who should pick up everything?
then AON?

 

and hope to see my FCC on my Princess account? 

 

thank you. 
 

@PacnGoNow I have Platinum PVP.  Does that mean I can skip all the steps?  I want my 2 days of FCC in cash or credit.  I do not care which.  I wish I could get back some of my Plus since I can’t have alcohol the rest of the trip (I know…not). There goes the wine tasting. Haha. 

You’re situation is different, because you went to Medical.  So, logically, I would think Medicare first.  But, I would call AON and ask them what to do.

 

I didn’t get any advice from PCL or anyone. So, I just called AON and they directed me.  I was happy with the check, instead of the FCC.

 

You enjoy your cruise now.  Call them when you get home.😉