swkrupa78

George Charlie, Thank you so much for this quick response! Having said that, do you think the will the ship provide us with transportation very early in the morning for us to make the 8:00 am flight say at 5:00 - 5:30am? I booked the flight with points so I can change it to be safe.

Many thanks. 

Steve

We are sailing on the Azamara Journey from Miami Jan 7 to Lima Jan 23. We will be overnight on the ship on Jan 22. We booked a return flight to the US early on Jan 23 using AA points so our flight is at 8:00 am.  Can anyone give advice on the most reliable and reasonable costs to transfer from the cruise port to the airport?  Azamara charges a rate of $60 pp.  Not sure if we should try to find a tour shuttle or van using Viator or if we should bite the bullet and pay Azamara.  It seems you have to take a cruise shuttle to a location and catch a transfer from that area, Wonder how safe and dependable that is.

Your recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

 Steve

ey Everyone, We Finally received our communications this morning from ATLAS about of Feb 14 cruise. Not only did I get the email from Atlas and a subsequent email from my TA, hours later the FedEx package arrived with all of the documents we need for our trip.  So, I guess its official and we can not wait to meet everyone and enjoy this once in a life adventure.

I know Atlas is a new carrier and it seems that they are going through some growing pains with communications.  But from what I have read so far, the trip itself is going to be amazing.  Let's hope no one gets Covid so we can all enjoy this trip!

Steve K

Hey Everyone, We Finally received our communications this morning from ATLAS about of Feb 14 cruise. Not only did I get the email from Atlas and a subsequent email from my TA, hours later the FedEx package arrived with all of the documents we need for our trip.  So, I guess its official and we can not wait to meet everyone and enjoy this once in a life adventure.

I know Atlas is a new carrier and it seems that they are going through some growing pains with communications.  But from what I have read so far, the trip itself is going to be amazing.  Let's hope no one gets Covid so we can all enjoy this trip!

Steve K

Has anyone on the Feb 14 sailing received any communications from Atlas about the trip? Our agent sent us the flight info but the 8 of traveling still have not gotten the letter about protocols and Medvac insurance. I scheduled prepaid our PCR test prior to flying but now it seems Atlas is offering a free PCR test at the airport according to one of these posts? Wish Atlas would respond!!

@cpw0807 Thanks for your reply! Sounds like the we are all incurring faced with this issue and expense. Its too bad that Atlas could not arrange to have the PCR (vs the Antigen) tests be done on Sunday.  Many of us are flying in the day before so they could have made arrangements. Even if they chipped in and helped defray some of the cost.  It would make our lives less stressful.

 Hope you have a great trip!

I wish that Atlas would provide detailed information to us all regarding their PCR test option.  This is the first I heard about it through this Forum that there may be an option to take it at the Orlando Airport through them.  We still have not heard anything from Atlas about of FEB 14 sailing. We did get an email from an Atlas rep saying they will be sending out the email details soon!

CVS offers a free PCR test but we don't know if we will get the results back before we board the plane.  So we already prepaid $150 each to take our PCR test on Feb 11.  We are also signing up for the free PCR test at CVS on Feb 11, just in case something goes wrong with the paid PCR test.  Had I known that we could take the PCR test at the Orlando airport as an option, I would have just taken the CVS PCR test for free and if the results came by Sunday, my wife and I could have saved ourselves $300! If not, we could have taken the PCR test in Orlando and pay their fees.

Regardless, Atlas is certainly not making this easy for us passengers!

@Tobbie888 Thank you for your response.  One of the members of my group did contact Atlas directly today and the Atlas rep she spoke with said:

"she could NOT find any files/ records of a letter going out for our sailing like the February 2 copy she sent for our preview and information.  She was at a loss to explain only saying they are short staffed and busy with current sailings.  Our travel documents should be mailed soon via FedEx."

All I can say is that Thank God there is this forum to get information.  I don't do Facebook so this is the best place to ger answers. I think Atlas dropped the ball on this as there should be some consistent communication going out to all who are sailing with them.  Being short staffed is not acceptable excuse for the amount of money we are spending.

Anyway, I already signed up for my PCR test before I fly out to Orlando which will cost me $150 pp to get a 24 hr turnaround.  I also just signed up for the Atlas Test (which BTW it says it is an ANTIGEN Test not a RT_PCR, but again things are fluid and maybe they never updated their email and website).

Thanks Again.

Steve

@myopenroad Thanks for your reply.  As I mentioned, we are traveling with 3 other couples. One of them just contacted Atlas directly. The rep was very helpful and she provided them with an email that was sent to the folks who are going on the Feb 2 sailing, 

This email was sent out on Dec 20...well in advance of the Feb 2 sailing so we should have gotten ours by now!  Anyway, there is some great info that i will share.  One thing is you can sign up for the Antigen test and you have to register on an Atlas website page.

Here is the full email and hope it helps all:

Steve K

We are on the FEB 14 Antarctica sailing with 3 other couples.  First, I concur that the only insurance that Atlas covered is for MEDVAC not trip cancellation.

My bigger concern is communications about this trip.  Has anyone received either an email or a letter from Atlas or you TA about preparing for this trip (ie. required travel documentation and Covid testing protals, proof of health insurance and specific COVID coverage etc)??

I just sent an email to my TA and to the Atlas rep inquiring about this.  Would appreciate anyone's input!

Thanks,

Steve K 

David - Thank You very much for this information. This makes logical sense. Now the trick will be to find a facility that guarantees a result back within 72 hrs for a PCR test.  This would not be an issue if Argentina accepted the molecular NAAT test like Abbott ID now. We may have to sign up at multiple places as a safeguard.

Appreciate you getting back! Have a great trip.

Steve

Hi David,

My wife and I also have the same question. We are on the Atlas World Navigator sailing on Feb 14.  It is not clear on the Argentinian website. I do know that only a PCR test is accepted, not a rapid antigen or the Abbott ID now molecular test. So this is critical to know what the rule is.  I would think its from the time of plane departure else the airline could refuse you to board.

Hopefully someone who has gone recently will respond sooner than later. If not Atlas should be able to clarify in February (as the rules could change). Once I hear back, I will send a post.

Have a safe trip!

Steve

Thank you Traveller2222 for this update. We are on the Feb 14 sailing. 

Can you clarify what the deal is on taking the PCR test? Is the 72 hrs from the time we depart Orlando or when we arrive in Argentina?  I assume it's when we leave else they wont let us on the plane.

Thank You!

Steve K

I am not certain what the actual time is for when to take the test.  I assumed it was 72 hrs from departure (as that makes the most sense).  Was not aware of what Atlas is saying.  Perhaps someone who is on an earlier sailing can clarify.

With regard to the PCR test, as long as the test results says PCR, I think a RT PCR will be valid.  I am trying to find places here in CT where I can get a PCR for free as I understand they can be quite costly ($150+) if it is not covered by insurance for travel.

Thank you Kat!  Sorry for the mistake and I appreciate you helping me out. On a side note, found out that the issue I am having may only affect me. Turns out the phone app is working for my wife's account as the excursions and dinner reservations appear on her phone! It's got to be an IT issue with RCL as they developed the software.

Merry Christmas!

Steve

Has anyone been experiencing issues with their shore excursion bookings for Celebrity? 

We are booked on the Apex Jan 22 sailing.  I am finding that Celebrity has done 2 mass cancelations (a Beach break in Nassua and today a beach break in Cozumel) and they have not notified us. In addition, I originally booked a Belize Mayan Ruins excursion on June 20 (when it was on sale for 20% off).  Then on Dec 8, Celebrity offered a 30% deal on this same excursion. So I cancelled the excursion and REBOOKED it the same day to get the savings. 

The issue is that I can see the excursion on my calendar but when I called Celebrity, they are telling me that I am NOT booked for that day.   Meantime, they are unable to rebook me for that excursion as the system will not allow them. I was told that I am booked for something between 8 - 2 pm but they can not see it and the system will not allow another booking.

Their shore excursion process is a mess.  The other issue is that the web version and the Phone app do not synch up at all.  I can see my all of my dinner reservations on my calendar if I log in to my account on my PC.  And at one point in time, they appeared on the Phone app. But now, NOTHING appears on the phone app.  

I am very frustrated as I was an IT director and I know these are system issues that need to addressed.  We are traveling together with 2 other couples, and we expect to be together on the Belize excursion.  I trust that Celebrity will get this resolved quickly. Be interested if anyone is experiencing similar issues. 

Steve

I called the NYC Argentine Embassy. The consulate informed me that we DO need the PCR test and that the Abbott ID Now molecular test is not accepted.  

Does anyone know the specifics around what Covid tests are acceptable by Argentina?  Their website says PCR tests.   But what about the rapid Abbott ID Now molecular test that is offered by Walgreens?  We used that test to gain entry to Aruba.  It is NOT a Rapid Antigen test.

Otherwise not usre where to get a quick turnaround for a PCR test and if we can get it free,

My sailing is on Feb 14 with Atlas.

Thanks,

Steve K 

I was just informed by my TA that Argentina now requires us to provide proof that we need COVID insurance to cover any possible medical expenses and possible quarantine expense in event we get COVID.  I know I can get this through AON.

I addition, I Argentina requires foreign travelers to submit a Covid negative test either a PCR or a Rapid PCR test (not an Antigen test).  My specific question is whether or not Argentina will accept the Rapid Abbot ID Now test that you can get from Walgreens and get turnaround within 24 hrs.  Walgreens has drive up locations where you can take the test in your car and be supervised by a pharmacist.  We have done this several times when we go to Aruba and I believe it is accepted by many foreign countries. 

The Abbott ID Now is a molecular NAAD test -  Nucleic Acid Amplification Test.  Here is an excerpt from the FDA:

"ID NOW COVID-19 assay performed on the ID NOW Instrument is a rapid molecular in vitro diagnostic test utilizing an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in direct anterior nasal (nasal), nasopharyngeal or throat swabs from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms. Testing is limited to laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a,that meet the requirements to perform high, moderate, or waived complexity tests.

The ID NOW COVID-19 test is intended for use by medical professionals or trained operators who are proficient in performing tests using the ID NOW Instrument. The ID NOW COVID-19 test is only for use under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization."

Does anyone know if this test is acceptable or do we have to incur the $150 cost to get a PCR test?

Would appreciate your help.  Our cruise with Atlas isn't until Feb 14.  They are going to give us a rapid anitgen test on Feb 13 before board the plane but that test does not meet the Argentina Covid test requirement for entry. I looked on the Argentina website and they do not spell out what PCR tests are acceptable (Aruba website does a great job telling you what they accept and the Abbot Id Now is listed as one).

Many thanks in advance!

Steve K

Happy to report that Atlas rebooked us and the 3 other couples we are traveling with. We are now on the Feb 23 sailing (vs the March 4 sailing).  I posted this as well on the March 4 roll call. Thank you Atlas!

Steve and Diane

Our TA gave a quick update to say that there is a dedicated Atlas representative handling the cancelations and rebooking process for the March 4 mishap.  Hopefully we will hear back soon as the other 3 couples who joined me are very anxious.

We were just informed that the March 4 2021 was canceled as Atlas has now decided to charter this sailing.  Our agent informed us that she had to send in a request to a certain rep at Atlas who is handling the cancelation since there was a promotional rate. She is waiting to hear back. I also asked about compensation. I will let you know what I find out. 

KatyaM,

Like others on this post, we also received our refunds about 2 weeks after we received the cancelation letter. Celebrity reimbursed us for entire trip including the Choice Air flight we made to Ft Lauderdale. And then we needed to cancel our flight from San Diego to home with American as we booked it on our own. We had to find another use for the American ticket else we would lose the entire purchase amt. Celebrity refunded us the $400 change fee after we rebooked the flight to another destination and had proof we used the ticket for another flight. Our agent (Online Vacations) also refunded us the initial deposit. We also received the Future Cruise voucher credit (about 50% of what we paid less taxes) which we will apply to another cruise next year. So we were made whole for the entire trip.

We dealt with the OneChoice Hospitality team who handled this and they came through. When you speak with your travel agent or Celebrity, tell them that other people have already been made whole. The two couple we were traveling with also received everything in a timely fashion. I noticed that your post references AUD so you may be from Australia - I wonder if Celebrity is reimbursing the US customers before other countries? It should not make a difference but who knows what their process is?

At any rate, you should contact them again and find out what the delay is. Hope you get satisfaction soon.

Steve

We were to be on that same cruise. I will tell you that I think Celebrity dropped the ball BIG time in how they handled communications around this refund issue. We were traveling with two other couples. Each of us were getting mixed signals from Celebrity when we called to clarify exactly what we were to be refunded in terms of airfare and what the dates are for using the Future cruise voucher. We spent a lot of time on the phone with various reps to try and get a consistent answer to our questions. It was a very frustrating experience and we are glad it is finally over.

First, for our Choice Air refund portion of the trip, we were told by one rep that our refund from Choice Air would be fully covered, but then our friends called and they were told that NO, we were only going to get a CREDIT to apply the money to a different flight when we booked our next cruise! Then we called One Choice Hospitality and rep told us that we would indeed get refunded for the Choice Air. The final outcome was in fact that they did give us a full refund for the Choice Air.

As far as our own air that we booked coming home, we had to quickly find another trip to somewhere or lose the entire airfare. So we booked a trip to England on the same airline and submitted our $400 change fee to Celebrity. We finally received that credit yesterday.

In terms of the future cruise credit, again we were getting mixed messages. We are not in a position where we can book a cruise to sail by Feb 1, 2019. In fact, we were hoping to use this voucher for a future Panama Canal cruise in Spring of 2020 - since there is no Panama canal cruise for Spring of 2019. Although the voucher says that it is "sail by" Feb 1 2019 date, two reps from One Choice Hospitality have assured us that it can be used for future sailings and be treated as a "book by" date as long as we book a cruise by Feb 1st. However, the jury is out as I am cynical as to whether Celebrity will honor that commitment.

The sad part is that my wife and I love sailing with Celebrity, but it has left a very disappointing impression to our friends who were to cruise with Celebrity for the first time. In fact, it was our recommendations about how great the service is with Celebrity that convinced our friends to try Celebrity.

I hope that Celebrity management can learn from this experience and improve on the way they handle communications on cancelled cruise situations. They really need to be prepared before they send out vague memos and have their reps informed with one consistent message to their customers on how their cancellation process is to work. They are a great company and once you are on the ship, you do have great cruising experience.

KatyaM, try calling the 800 number help desk that was in the letter. 844.418.6824. Tell them you want to speak with One touch hospitality rep.

Good luck.

The first we heard was an odd email yesterday telling us that because our reservation status had changed, all of the shore excursions that we had booked, were also cancelled. At first I couldn't quite work out what was going on - I checked my reservations in "My Celebrity" and saw that the reservation had been removed from the list! I checked with our travel agent and she hadn't heard anything either. She tried to call Celebrity to find out what was going on only to be told that there was no one who could help her and to call back 2 days later! In fact, we weren't even sure of what was going on until we saw this thread. Extremely frustrating and really tests my loyalty to the brand - this would have been our 10th cruise, and although we have "future cruised" 2 more cruises in 2019, we will really think twice before booking with them again. Let's face it, if Celebrity cares so little about the value of their brand, why should we continue to be loyal to it! :mad::mad::mad: