Coquitlam Cruiser

SkyTrain is really easy from the airport to the hotel. Stop is adjacent to the River Rock.  

Fellow cruisers, there is a testing site located within the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel adjacent to the cruise terminal in Vancouver.   It is not cheap however.  Empower is the name of the clinic.  Hours are only 8-4 daily.  

6 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I want to call and scream at them  just to get it out of my system. More than anything, I'm annoyed that they have not contacted me. That's a lousy way to do business.

 

I am so tired of dealing with all this covid #$%^&*! QE currrently has an outbreak, so it's likely that my cruise will not have the launderettes, the thermal suite in the spa, the usual lectures, etc. I have to deal with the bus instead of the train because Amtrak can't get its act together. Everything looks like a hassle and a disappointment. I have to keep reminding myself that Alaska is gorgeous and the trip will be worth it.  (It's hot as hell here today, so please forgive the crankiness)

 

So, is there a list of approved companies that will do the online proctoring? 

Acculab and Switch offer proctored tests 

No Covid test required for entry into Canada.  Check Health Canada website for verification 

We live in BC and use the Templeton long term lot.  NB if you are AAA members you might be entitled to a significant discount

On 4/14/2022 at 8:26 AM, maui07 said:

Nope, up to 5% of your cruise could be un vaxxed, they are giving exemptions for 5-12 year olds. Ovbiously under 5's arent vaxxed either. 

Some cruises do not permit any exemptions and if the cruise embarks from a Canadian port ie. Vancouver then you are subject to Canadian vaccine regulations and no exceptions. 

On 2/22/2022 at 7:09 PM, Ferry_Watcher said:

If a cruise passenger is in need of taking a transfer back to the US after a cruise ending in Vancouver, BC, I am guessing that they are trying to get to SeaTac to fly home.  It may be that the cost of flying out of Vancouver, BC is either much more expensive than flying to/from Seattle, or the outbound Vancouver flights involve long layovers or connections.

 

In addition, unlike the examples that were cited (all US cities), Vancouver, BC is in Canada, and thus flying directly into Canada is an international flight which requires a passport.  Not all US cruise  passengers have passports, or necessarily want to fly internationally.

 

I am not sure what the point was that you were trying to make regarding the bus transfers - maybe you could explain.

Well these cruisers if non passport holders they can’t enter Canada 

Able to get an interview today at Blaine for July 6

On 4/7/2022 at 4:33 PM, Sprocket said:

Received the email this morning hubby has been waiting to rebook since original appointment was cancelled.  No appointments at Blaine and it was supposed to open for booking April 5th website says they are still closed.

 

I was able to get an interview today at Blaine for July 6

4 hours ago, Woody14 said:

Prices downtown near the port are crazy expensive.   best bet could be the long term lot at YVR

And Skytrain will take you direct to the cruise ship terminal in 20 or so minutes 

20 hours ago, hallasm said:

I do not fully understand your conclusion regarding ‘Baltic states’  in relation to your comment: “cannot risk any potential opportunity for reprisals and need to protect their clients”

Simply stated cruise lines must protect their clients against possible harm.  Specifically St Petersburg will be a no go as some cruise lines now have announced 

I would suggest that all cruise ships will not call at St Petersburg and may even abandon calling on the Baltic states because of Putin’s irrational invasion of Ukraine.  The cruise lines cannot risk any potential opportunity for reprisals and need to protect their clients. 

Just announced Canada ports closed to cruise ships to Feb 22 at the earliest. Alaska and New England not happening this year 

it is amazing that the UK didn't institute  this requirement some time ago with the rest of Europe and other countries around the world.  I wish you well in Scotland and so sorry for the Tattoo cancellation.  We had tickets for this summer's event along with our Scotland Intensive cruise which we cancelled in early March.  So disappointed.  

13 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

Just to interject here. The Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan does not have the power to close the Ports, they are federal jurisdiction. I have heard that the cruise companies themselves have finally realized that the Alaska season 2020 is a bust. This will be a blow to all the ports who welcome cruise ships.

I live in the Capital city of British Columbia and haven't heard anything about the province staying closed until the new year. We start easing restrictions next week and so far there is 3 phases running from now to late September.

The public health officer for BC may have something to say about this as no large gatherings( more than 50) are permitted and social distancing is required even with the phase-in.  As long as international air travel is curtailed we won't have any cruise ships operating in Canada any time soon as well as the 14 day mandatory quarantine requirement.  Too many variables are stacked against cruising now and for the foreseeable future.

4 hours ago, CMW5060 said:

We’re still holding (slim) hope for improvement to the whole health situation and that our July 17th Alaska cruise will still move forward. Right now just planning to monitor until end if May to see what happens then make decision. Don’t want to jeopardize our health but also don’t want to throw in the towel just yet. I think Princess and Holland America cancelled the whole 2020 Alaska season?  May just be better to try again next year. We had an Aqua aft cabin booked too that we were so looking forward too in addition to celebrating our milestone bdays and retirement. Bummer but is what it is.

Sorry but Canada will review July 1 whether  or not to reopen our borders and I would say that they will remain closed.  Cruise ports are not on a priority list for authorities.  

My cruising days are over.  Being over 70 places me in the high risk group.  I am grateful for all the wonderful experiences I have encountered with Celebrity, RCCL and Azamara.  The places I have seen would not have been possible had I not discovered the joys of cruising many decades ago.  Now, I look at the photos screening on my TV and relive the experience in a small way.  I am truly grateful.

Either King Salmon or Sockeye. 

With the financial dilemma Carnival Corp and others is facing, I would not make final payment as the FCC should the voyage be cancelled might be just a piece of paper.   I just can't cruise again until a vaccine is available as the risk is just too great. I doubt I will even get my deposit back on a cruise for this year.

The way things are in the world right now.  I sincerely doubt Canada will open its ports to any cruising this year.

Dont forget self isolate for 14 days and dont leave your home.

As a long time cruiser on Princess and another line, it is vital that that going forward no passenger is allowed to serve themselves in the buffet.  Yes this does put a strain on the crew but it also protects everyone on board to minimize transmission of any virus.  
As one who experienced a horrible flu on board the Star Princess, I was aghast at the lack of effective control in the buffet.  Passengers were restricted only after the noro virus also hit the vessel.  Needless to say upon arrival at Vancouver, the ship was sanitized again.  Over 1000 passengers on the ship were sick.  The simple solutions are necessary as many travellers refuse to wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the food courts and restaurants.  

it is a matter of time before all travel insurers will invoke similar travel policy coverage restrictions.  RBC hasn't said anything yet but  again only a matter of hours or a few days and all Canadian insurers will follow Manulife.  Time to roll the dice.

Scotland Intensive, August 18, 2020 

Actually, the agency is known as Customs and Border Protection. FYI. having dealt with them for many years at Blaine WA