BJW123
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On 6/13/2022 at 12:39 PM, Flyonby said:
How our covid contingency plans worked out when actually put to the test.
1. We booked during what we assumed would be a lull in the covid numbers. Obviously that didn't happen as the US is in an Omnicron surge. Nothing that could have been done about this. Plan was solid, but can't control the path of the virus.
2. We booked adjoining balcony cabins. Booking a balcony cabin was a splurge from our normal ocean view cabin. Putting 3 people in 1 cabin was going to be almost as much as 2 separate cabins for 4, so getting 2 cabins was a no brainer. Our booking agent worked with us to get adjoining cabins knowing that we would put my daughter in the cabin with us and let my mother have her own space.
This contingency plan turned out to be the most life saving. Opening the divider between the verandas made the space feel less confining. We were able to send my daughter from cabin to cabin when she needed a break. I would definitely book a balcony if quarantine was a possibility.
3. We did not book our excursions through Celebrity, but we did buy cancellation insurance. We notified the company as soon as we were quarantined that we needed to cancel. Despite this, we had the tour guides call us directly in 2 ports to see if we were going to show up. We are still working with the company to see what can be refunded. Bottom line, probably should have booked through Celebrity based on the possibility of quarantine.
4. We had a covid prep bag packed. This had the aforementioned medicines, extra crafts and books for my daughter, and some books for the adults. We were lucky to not need many of our meds. The medical office had some medicine available, but I like having my own selection, especially for my 5 yo. I did not pack enough books and crafts for my daughter. She is not a screen child, and her main entertainment is running around and playing and books. She is good about playing by herself, but this trip pushed her past that limit.
Things that we did not plan for, but made the quarantine bearable.
We carried on 8 bottles of wine, per the 2 bottles per person noted on the website. The screener tried to protest the amount, but my husband pointed out the policy. Not sure Celebrity planned on a 5 yo carrying on 2 bottles 🤪.
Celebrity gave us each unlimited internet. My husband had already purchased an unlimited package for himself, but having unlimited internet really helped us all.
Being able to order food not just from the room service menu. Guessing what might be on the buffet and seeing what arrived was always interesting. Getting to order from the main dining room and not missing lobster night was great.
Room service brought us free waters, afternoon cocktails, and often wine with dinner. Definitely a nice break from the sameness
Thank you for sharing your experience with lots of detailed tips - good to know as I just submitted final payment yesterday for an 18 day Honolulu/Sydney cruise in October with lots of sea days, so am concerned about Covid and want to be prepared. Did the ship's medical team offer you paxlovid after you tested positive? I asked my doc for an Rx we can bring on board, but currently it's available only if you're positive, although he said that may change by October.
Semi-live from the Solstice | Mexican Riviera, Oct 22-29
in Celebrity Cruises
Posted
My husband and I were also on this sailing in cabin #1634, Aquaclass. I upgraded since I felt sorry for myself and needed a treat. 🙂 We cancelled our Honolulu-Sydney Celebrity Equinox cruise earlier in the month due to my long Covid symptoms and this cruise was a consolation prize since we live locally didn't have to deal with airports. Here are some random thoughts: