southernshug

11 minutes ago, roxybear135 said:

We've used eMed a few times now and had zero issues with it.  You buy the tests through their site and they overnight ship them.  You have to sign up for a Navica account to do the test and then they upload your results to that within minutes (and email you a certificate of the results too).  Super easy to use and highly recommend them.

Thank you. 

And why is On Points reviews so awful?

11 minutes ago, Mtn2Sea said:

Prior to boarding the N. Statendam last month, we used On Point Testing.  We did our test in our Boston hotel and it was very easy.  Having rarely used Zoom, the only problem I had was the proctor did not see me after we connected.  Fortunately, I saw the icon that activated my computer’s camera.  Everything went quickly and I got the test results in my email right after we finished.  One thing I like about this company is they allow an appointment to include more than one person.  We used the free government test kits.

So you can use just the regular free test, that doesn't have any proctoring attached to it? I know thats a stupid question but all of this is just so darn confusing anymore, that i want to make sure im doing this correctly! lol

9 minutes ago, Mtn2Sea said:

Prior to boarding the N. Statendam last month, we used On Point Testing.  We did our test in our Boston hotel and it was very easy.  Having rarely used Zoom, the only problem I had was the proctor did not see me after we connected.  Fortunately, I saw the icon that activated my computer’s camera.  Everything went quickly and I got the test results in my email right after we finished.  One thing I like about this company is they allow an appointment to include more than one person.  We used the free government test kits.

So you can use just the regular free test, that doesn't have any proctoring attached to it? I know thats a stupid question but all of this is just so darn confusing anymore, that i want to make sure im doing this correctly! lol

covid test? and if so.....which company did you go with? TIA

2 hours ago, -The-True-North- said:

I am 100% for trying to keep the public safe. And I will happily wear a mask while in tight corridors (although I'd prefer not to). But I am 100% again vaccine mandates and booster mandates. That is a personal preference and no one but you should force an injection into you.

 

They don't force people to get the flu shot and they shouldn't force people to get this.

 

With that being said, I have 2 shots and don't require a 3rd. I will wear a mask on board (asked or not) but will not be getting a third dose ever, and therefore might have to change my future cruising company.

I agree with you 💯 %

We are leaving on Sept 17th from Boston to Quebec. I was just informed that we DO need a monitored Covid test, as Canada is requiring it, but we do NOT need a covid booster!!! They do consider "fully vaccinated" as having the original 2 vaccines. I hope this helps with some of the confusion. 

12 minutes ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

I’m on Nieuw Statendam Oct 2nd. Same situation, when I booked I wa told w/o booster I needed a PCr test 72 hours before and 2 doses was Okay. Now, according to this list I need 1 booster. I had a reaction to the 1st two and have since developed some other  arm/hand issues. 
I guess I need to talk to my TA in Tuesday. Thank goodness I have insurance for CfAR.

The only reason we decided to take another cruise is because our 2 vaccines were enough! My husband had a horrible reaction as well and mine wasn't much better. I just talked to someone at HAL yesterday, regarding upgrading our cabin and he said we didnt need to test and the 2 doses were fine and yet.....I still feel like I don't know for sure, lol

39 minutes ago, rdemn said:

Something is not right here I am on the new Amsterdam September 11 it is not on the list but Canada still says I need a Test While other cruises on the new Amsterdam out of Vancouver is on the list don’t make sense I would love not to have to test but very confused

I'm on that same sailing and now I have no idea where we stand. I have been told by HAL, that our 2 doses of the mederna vaccine are all that we need but now do we need a booster? And do we still need to take a monitored covid test? Ugh....I'm so ready for things to become easy again, lol

18 minutes ago, kdakda said:

Yes, the crew appreciation fees add up.  They're posted to your account daily, so if you have OBC that isn't used for other purchases, that will be used toward this at the end of the cruise.  

Good to know.....thank you!

I'm so sorry, I should have mentioned the ship, lol. Yes, it is Nieuw Statendam and thank u both for the information.  As far as these appreciation fees, my goodness, that'll add up quickly!

Thank you all for ur help! My next question  (seems like I have too many) is about a sail away party? When and where is that and do they serve cocktails for free or is there a charge? 

I'm learning,  real quick, that u could easily spend more than u think u are if u don't have the answers, hahaha

Thank you so much! I had no idea what all it could be used for. 

Thank u in advance 😊

Thank u all for your responses. I hope to get better at all this as I have more cruises under my belt! 😊

It's also my hope to someday be able to help others with their questions with kindness and understanding as most of you have! 

54 minutes ago, KroozNut said:

Doing a guarantee to save a few bucks is never a good idea in any situation, and you're now experiencing why.

It's is a casino offer, so I didn't really have a choice 🤷‍♀️

I was told, within the last couple weeks, that my 2 vaccines were all that I needed. They do NOT require the boosters! 

That's what I was afraid of. This is a casino offer, so I'm not sure how I can change anything. I'm still very new to cruising,  as this is only my 2nd cruise ever, lol. Any thoughts?

Thank you so much for the information.  Greatly appreciated!

Ocean view category F on Nieuw Statendam. I am curious if anyone can tell me how noisy it is on the main level on this ship? Looks like all these cabins are either under the clubs or the stage area. Thank you for your insight! 

Thank you

Is the food from the Cafe an extra charge? 

19 hours ago, princeton123211 said:

My personal favorite would be Oak Long Bar at Fairmont Copley Plaza-- its a Boston landmark in its own right and worth a visit. The Newbury Hotel and the Four Seasons would be honorable mentions. All three put you in great walking distance to Boston Common and Public Garden. 

Thank you so much!

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm thinking the brunch idea might be a good one. Can anyone suggest a good place?

with ship not leaving until 4pm. Does anyone know anyplace that we might be able to store our luggage during our wait? We thoughts we'd wander around and see the sights but don't really want to haul the suitcases with us. Open to all suggestions, lol