Eli_6

Can we test 3 days out for an Alaskan cruise entering Canada with a PCR test if we are vaccinated/boosted? I got the following email from Carnival re Canada and it is not very clear. I am understanding the CCL letter to state that vaccinated/boosted guests can take a PCR test 3 days out. However, if we choose to take an antigen test instead, it has to be only 2 days out. How do you read it? I googled and Canada government website says vaccinated guests don't require a test at all so that makes it even less clear. I asked this on the Canada forum, too. I am trying to figure out when to schedule my test and testing 3 days out would be much more convenient due to school/work/travel. "All guests, two years and older, are required to present the negative results of a pre-cruise COVID-19 test at check-in. Vaccinated guests may present a PCR test taken between 72 and 24 hours prior to sailing. As per Canadian requirements, vaccinated guests, including those who are up to date with their vaccines, may instead take an antigen test no earlier than two days prior to sailing.Unvaccinated guests must present a PCR test taken between 72 and 24 hours before the sailing date and will also receive an antigen test at embarkation."

If so, what is it? Can you test 3 days out with a PCR test? I am cruising Carnival out of Seattle and they are requiring we download and fill out ARRIVECan ahead of time. CCL allows fully vaxed and boosted guests to test 3 days out. All of us are fully vaxed/boosted--husband and I vaxed plus boosted and children aren't eligible for a booster yet but are fully vaxed. But I got an email from CCL that is clear as mud and appears to say if you are going to Canada, you must test only 2 days out. My kids are in school (and husband working) and we are flying out that evening 2 days out and 1 day out we will be in the port of call already without a car so I would much prefer to test 3 days out if possible where I can just go to CVS and test all 4 of us for free at once. When I googled, the sources I saw said Canada didn't require vaxed guests to test at all.

You need to go on the Mardi Gras.

Meh. Cucina is no big loss. Not diamond, but I would rather $50 OBC than have to go to the reception. I just hope they don't shut down the Steakhouse.

If they are eligible for a booster and have not received it, they would not be able to do the three day testing. I don't think they would be eligible because they only received their vaccine within the last 6 months. However, to play it safe, you might just have them test within 2 days. This is what the carnival website says: Fully Vaccinated Guests VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS Vaccinated cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the sailing day (not counting embarkation day) and have proof of vaccination. Additionally, the CDC has strongly recommended that individuals obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination, when eligible. Should the CDC definition of fully vaccinated evolve to require the booster shot, our policy will adapt accordingly. Consequently, we also strongly encourage all guests who are eligible to get their booster vaccine. It is also always possible that certain destinations could define a fully vaccinated guest as one who is current with a booster shot, and boosters may be required for specific voyages based on duration. The following voyages require fully vaccinated guests who are more than 6 months past the last dose of their initial vaccine series to be boosted in order to sail. Carnival Pride Barcelona departures – May 19 and May 29, 2022 Carnival Splendor 23-day Carnival Journey (Transpacific) – September 6, 2022 Except where destination requirements differ*, guests who are up to date with their vaccines may take their test within three days prior to sailing. Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including any booster dose, when eligible. Example: If the sailing is on Saturday, guests who are up to date with their vaccines may take their test as early as Wednesday and as late as Saturday, if guaranteed to receive results in time for check-in. "If a guest is fully vaccinated but not up to date with their vaccines (i.e., is eligible for a booster but has not received one), they must take their pre-cruise COVID-19 test within two days prior to sailing. A fully vaccinated guest who is not up to date with their vaccines may take their test no earlier than Thursday and as late as Saturday."

What are they like? Google says 50 to 60 degrees but that doesn't seem right because it seems like the glaciers would melt. We are a family of 4 taking a helicopter to the glacier for 20-30 minutes. We live in Houston, Texas so do not have much in the way of cold weather clothes. Do I need to worry about buying my kids mittens and other cold weather gear? How heavy of a coat will we all need?

We are traveling to Europe for a cruise in July/August and will need Covid tests both before we board the cruise (because we will be there a week in advance) and before we leave to get back in the US...a total of 8 tests for 4 of us. Basically, we will be gone for a total of over 3 weeks so I figure I need to order these things a couple of weeks before we leave on our flight. I don't want to try to find a place to get Covid tested in the UK if I can help it. Problem is, when I ordered the Binax at home proctored tests for a prior cruise, they weren't good for that terribly long after the date I received them...as in, I think the expiration date on them was only a couple of weeks after I received them. Thus, you couldn't buy the tests a month or two out and them still be good for a much later test date. Perhaps I just got an old batch, IDK...but it has me concerned. I was wondering what other people were planning to do.

Yes, they can be. AARP also has other cruise lines at 10 percent off as well. We have an AARP membership even though we are only in our 40s because of the travel benefits and discounts...in particular, British Airways. The only problem is that if for some reason you cancel, you have to wait for a new gift card to come in the mail. They don't just refund the money to the old card or your credit card.

I never eat the lobster so I haven't paid attention, but my younger son is coming on our next cruise and he loves it. Unfortunately, I think I may have accidentally booked us for the Steak house on lobster night because I wasn't thinking about him being upset about missing lobster...but my husband just reminded me. Is it only serve on the second night? I can't recall. Last cruise he went on, he ate like 5 lobsters so I really don't want to have to pay for them. I don't even know he ate them all...

Just downloaded it and uploaded all of our passports and vax cards. Took about 30 minutes for 4 people. It did misspell my son's name from the passport scan, but I corrected it manually. It would not allow me to "finalize" the entry, though, because I was too far out...I sail in 12 days. It would only allow me to enter through the 16th so I would assume that means we will have to finalize this after the cruise has started since we are in Canada the second to last day of the cruise and you can't finalize it until 4-5 days before entry per the app.

Clothes??? I would assume you can't go in naked. Never seen the dress code enforced on a Carnival ship.

I would go on the cruise and see the various ports. Having been to Rome before, I don't think you need 10 days to see Rome. Frankly, I wouldn't even want to spend ten days in Rome. The "sites" are absolutely amazing, but overall I was let down with the city outside of the tourist sites. I think you can see the major sites in 2-3 days.

OMG. The Masala Tiger looks AMAZING! I can't wait. We board in 12 days.

On our upcoming Alaskan cruise (leave in less than 2 weeks) we have a pretty low rate which leads me to believe that it was a casino rate. However, I can't recall as it has been awhile since I booked and and I booked through a TA. I think my TA is already in Europe on the Pride so I don't want to bother her as I think she is going on B2B2B, etc. for almost the entire summer. Does it appear on your booking or is it noted somewhere else what rate you booked under? Is it somewhere on the website?

I am guessing they are referring to letting the door close as many hotel and cruise rooms have heavier than normal doors that do make a noise when they close. I don't think door slamming is a big deal unless it is in the middle of the night.

When I went on a cruise out of Galveston in about February, almost everyone I saw had either a blue or red card...mostly blue. I absolutely think that the super low fares are attracting new cruisers. I also recall John Heald posting a few months back stating that x percentage of cruisers on their ships were first time Carnival cruisers. I don't recall the exact percentage, but I do recall that it was MUCH higher than I would have thought.

How as capacity? Did they sail completely full?

Thank you so much!

How is capacity? Are they sailing full?

I believe the first Alaska and Europe sailings have started. Is anyone on them or have they been on them? Are they sailing at full capacity? How are things going?

I am super jealous of those of yall basically getting offers for almost free Europe cruises. I want to know how yall get those! Is it through the casino?

Best deal I got was zero cruise fare (just paid taxes, port fees, and tips) on a lido deck room with a window that looked out towards the front deck of the ship that was considered an inside room. We are cruising to Alaska in a couple of weeks where we paid about $2k for a suite and $600-something total (including port fees, taxes, etc.) for an inside room. But lately my deals have dried up.

Me, too. Exactly the same.

Thank you for the info! I am at least glad to hear that the helicopters take several people so worst case scenario (even if he can't go), it sounds like I can go with my two kids.

My husband broke his little (pinky) toe two weeks ago. We are supposed to cruise to Alaska in 2 weeks. As of right now, we have the Tracy Arm Fjord excursion booked, a helicopter tour to a glacier, and an independent (from Carnival) private fishing tour booked. What are the chances that they will let him go on any of these with a boot on his foot? Will he have to wear regular shoes to be able to go? I mean, he technically can since his boot is removable...but it just isn't as comfortable for him. I especially worry about the glacier one because I don't see them letting him on a glacier in a boot...and if he can't go, I don't know if they will let ME go alone with TWO kids (ages 8 and 9). I am not even sure how many people fit in a helicopter. Anyone know?