waiting2retire

The reopen EU website states that the list of countries for which restrictions should be lifted is reviewed every two weeks but was last updated almost 4 weeks ago. Does this mean the list was reviewed but no changes were made?  Canada was on the list until Omicron hit 😞

2 hours ago, bcwife76 said:

Changes are coming.....

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/pcr-test-travel-canada-1.6347334

I would like the author of this article, Sophia Harris, to let us all know where we can get a rapid PCR test (guaranteed results in less than 72 hours) for under $100, since the article states travellers are paying “upwards of $100”, suggesting less. 
 

5 hours ago, DHP1 said:

Just make sure it acceptable to use for entering Canada 

I had friends who used this to return from Mexico no problem. 

@gnome12 you are quite right!  I was fortunate enough to achieve Freedom 55 about five years after I created my CC profile 😁

@cdn_tbird thanks and good luck with your own retirement plan!  It’s awesome 😎 

1 hour ago, broberts said:

 

For US origins, see the blue info box towards the page bottom, https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/.

 

CATSA doesn't seem to have any specific guidance on test kits. (I expect they would be considered medical equipment and are likely permitted.) https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en provides guidance for asking questions on line.

Thank you for the link to the FAA website. Since it specifically states the test kits do not contain dangerous goods (which is what I was concerned about) I am going to hope CATSA sees it the same way. 
 

Is there any reason I can’t take this test in my carry-on?  I would hate to have it lost or stolen from my checked luggage. 
 

There is an option for expedited shipping (1-3 business days) at $15.00 per order. I used this when I ordered Thursday afternoon and received them today.   Well worth the peace of mind for $15.00. Regular delivery is 5-7 business days. 

And I got a paper receipt for shots 1 and 2 but nothing for my booster although it did immediately show up on the Ontario vaccination website 🤷‍♀️

1 minute ago, Heimey said:

Thank-you everyone. For peace of mind I will have both. I haven’t travelled in so long. I’m not letting this get in the way!!!

 

Thanks

Heimey

My feelings exactly!!

Completing the check-in process always heightens my anticipation of the cruise. Don’t know that I would want to do that if I was still on the fence. 

I also got this email yesterday. Never had one before. Just for fun, I tried to make a booking on a number of the listed cruises and they all hit the “something went wrong with your booking” block before I could actually book a cabin. Makes me think this particular email might have gone out in error. 

Thank you for doing everything you are required to do, even though you don’t believe it is necessary. 
 

Have a fabulous cruise!

I have read here on CC that European equivalent to CDC requires cruise ships to disembark pax who test positive for Covid at the next possible port where quarantine in government-authorized accommodation is required. 
 

In the Caribbean, Covid-positive passengers are quarantined on the ship for 10 days or until the end of the cruise, whichever comes first.

3 hours ago, CruiseMGM said:

Argh. I updated my Navigator app last night and now it doesn't work. I get the "white screen of death." Uninstalled, waited a bit and reinstalled. STILL the "white screen of death", even after uninstalling a couple more times and reinstalling. What is it about repeating the same things over and over and expecting a different outcome? Apparently, that's me. Sigh.

Definition of insanity 😁

Glad they extended the offer to Canadians. Unfortunately it seems to be only available for Have It All fares. We don’t have it all for our eligible cruise. 

Sorry to hear that. Wonder if they are still going to reposition the Rotterdam and the Nieuw Statendam as scheduled…

3 hours ago, stefndoug said:

no flights... i need it for the land border.  I won't pay $250 for a test in Seattle.  That is just about what I paid for our cruise 🙂  If there is a chance that Princess won't do the testing then I plan on not making our final payment.  

Based on this statement, I would recommend you not make final payment. Given the rapidly changing policies and procedures relating to Covid, I would say there is a 50/50 chance of just about anything happening over the next several months. 
 

Love Boat toots!

Thanks so much for your detailed report. Sounds like RCI really dropped the ball on the PCR testing. What a hot mess!  I don’t imagine anyone who had to catch a flight was nearly as calm as you were. 
 

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise. Be careful though… it’s addictive!!

I would like to thank the OP for bringing to my attention that this type of error can happen, regardless of the reason or who might be at fault. 
 

We are booked on a Spring transatlantic and because of @PSR’s experience, we will be prepared to insist on a second test if one of us is positive 24 hours after the negative test required to cross the border. 

Thanks very much for reporting back to us Wendy. I suspect the key here will be to claim ignorance and be very apologetic, polite and respectful of the CBSA officers!

7 hours ago, broberts said:

 

To summarize, you want an antigen test because it will be easier for you to do something the public health professionals have cautioned against.

Short answer, yes. 
 

For the past two years, I have followed every single restriction, guideline, and caution from all levels of government and public health professionals. During that time, my mother passed away (not Covid-related), my 3 year old granddaughter spent over a year in the hospital waiting for a heart transplant (which she received in October) while I waited as backup caregiver for her brother, and my daughter worked as a registered nurse in the local hospital throughout all versions of Covid. 
 

While I respect the guidance of our public health professionals, my daughter and I are ready to put our mental health first and take a much-needed vacation while taking all necessary precautions (testing, masking, isolating if required) to keep ourselves and those around us safe. 
 

So please don’t Covid-shame me for making my own considered decision. 
 

12 minutes ago, broberts said:

While I don't understand the reasons behind requiring a PCR test, it does strike me as a bit presumptuous to demand a change simply because it is cheaper.

I don’t care about the cost. I am requesting, not demanding, the change because the rapid antigen tests are far more easily accessible to the general public and less uncomfortable.

It also lessens the chance that I might have unknowingly had Covid at some point over the past few months and test positive on a PCR test long after I was ever infectious. That would also entail a long and costly and unnecessary out-of-country quarantine. I would expect quarantine requirements to remain in place with a positive rapid antigen test because I would be infectious at the time of the test. 

I also signed. Regardless of whether it will make a difference, it makes me feel good to at least try. 

5 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Princess can say whatever they like, but I don't see our federal government relaxing rules for incoming cruisers versus Canadians returning home.  Nope - no way.  Until they are ready to relax rules for citizens, it will never fly politically to treat foreigners differently.  (BTW, Canadians flying domestically need the same test).

Has something changed?  Last I checked, vaccinations were required to fly domestically in Canada, but no testing.