ggo85

I have no problem with a CL requiring a negative COVID test before boarding even if not required by local authorities and, at a certain level, don't mind if we passengers have to pay for it. However, when the cruise departs out of a non-US port, I think they ought to offer pierside testing. The reasons are: (1) some people have long transits and thus it could be a challenge to get the testing done in the US during the allowed window before departing; and (2) it is obviously more complicated to get testing done in a non-US country (i.e., finding a site, making an appointment (if needed), getting there and back, making sure they're open when you can get there, hoping they speak English, etc.) I had to find a test site in another STATE(!). The place recommended by the hotel was a 20-minute walk, cost $150 for antigen, and was not covered by insurance. And it wasn't open on Sunday. That's in the US and it was still a challenge. I understand why CL's don't want to do 100% testing at the pier. When Crystal was doing this (at Crystal's expense), things got so backed up that people were forced to stand in the hot sun for extended periods and the ship was two hours late leaving port. The solution, IMHO, is for SS to STRONGLY recommend testing prior to arriving at the port but offer it at the pier for those who can't get it done. Charge a bundle to discourage pierside testing, but at least make it an alternative. As an aside, the email notifying us of the need to test in advance was in my spam folder (every other SS email goes to my Inbox). Thus, people could miss it and not everyone reads these boards. It is also VERY confusing regarding whether the testing needs to be done 48 or 72 hours prior. If you're "fully vaccinated," it's 48 but if you're "up to date" with your vaccinations, it's 72. Nothing in the correspondence defines the difference between the two. We're doing it the day before, but clarity is always a good thing.

We’re on this cruise but doing United and Lufthansa, so hopefully ok. I wanted to book SAS - now glad I didn’t. Not that I’m smart, just lucky.

One last question - I promise!! I haven’t worn a long dress in quite a few years but am thinking of bringing an easy to pack one (lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle) for the formal nights. Will I be in the vast minority if I do? That’s ok, BTW, just want to know.

Must admit that, for business travel, I always take only a carry-on and NEVER EVER check a bag. All black pants, wrinkle-free fabrics, one pair of shoes, etc. But for vacation, I enjoy the “extravagance” of taking a variety of clothing options. Colors! Taking my favorite toiletries in full-size vs. whatever I can find in travel size. It’s an indulgence that for me separates business travel (work) from vacation. That said, don’t want to go crazy!

Thanks so much. Don’t think I could do a carry-on (want to take my full-sized toiletries for a trip this long) but you have reassured me that most of what I have will work. Thanks!!

Thanks. We called SS today and they said no pier side testing in Copenhagen on July 5.

This is for the ladies out there. Revisiting this topic as I get my stuff ready to pack. I'm still struggling with "informal." I looked at the pictures on SS's website (e.g., little black dresses) and I don't wear stuff like that -- and don't want to buy it just for this cruise. I don't own a pantsuit (never have) and definitely don't want to wear a business suit! So, does "informal" mean: Palazzo pants and sequins? "Traditional" business casual, such as wool slacks with a cashmere sweater or blouse that you'd wear to work or to a nice restaurant but not as dressy as to an afternoon wedding? Dressy (non-Bohemian) sundresses (think Talbots)? Tailored work dress (day into night)? I'm trying to figure out how to make what I have work but still blend in. Really it's a question of how "dressy" the informal nights are -- what is a "nice" top and what are "formal" slacks on SS? [Obviously, I'm not thinking cargo pants and a sweat shirt.] Appreciate any additional input or suggestions.

Yes, on Moon. I'm a Crystal refugee -- first time on SS. Not overly impressed with their pre-cruise notifications. I don't really care whether we need to test before arriving at the pier or whether we will be tested at the pier or both. But I would like the requirements delineated -- well in advance. This is especially true for a cruise leaving out of a foreign country, meaning that many people will be departing the US well before the cruise date. Also, being in a different country makes it a bit more challenging to find testing (for those not bringing their own kits). Not everyone knows about home proctored testing -- must confess I didn't until just a week ago. People may be scrambling if pier testing isn't offered, so should be told soon in order to make appropriate arrangements.

Our cruise departs on July 5 and we've had no notifications regarding testing at the pier. We're bringing monitored home tests that we can do in the hotel, just in case. But they really need to tell people whether they need to get their own tests or whether there will be pier testing (or both) more than a few days in advance.

We are first-time SS cruisers. Refugees from Crystal and also Cunard Queen’s Grille. Taking a Northern European cruise this summer. Understand SS is dressier than Crystal and it’s been awhile since we did Cunard. What do MOST men and WOMEN wear on informal and formal nights? Assuming MDR. For informal would a jacket, dark slacks and no tie be ok? What about khaki pants? Is a tie required? For women, would slacks and a nice top be acceptable? Or is a dress mandatory? For formal nights, is a grey or dark suit OK for men? Cocktail for women? My husband has no tux (that fits) and I have no long dresses. We want to fit in but don’t want to buy an entire wardrobe for a cruise (we live in an area where we’d never wear formal attire outside of a cruise). Yes, I’ve searched older threads but am still not sure of the answer. And read what SS says, but cruise lines say lots of things - what most passengers do may be something else. On a new line, we don’t know.