delondin

14 hours ago, vino123 said:

Not sure if this attachment works but basically at the end of the info it says if you dont receive the results of your own PCR test in time its up to you to contact the service provider as they cant due to information security.

Makes me nervous about using another provider other than theirs.

celebrity testing letter.pdf 129.89 kB · 35 downloads

Do you think Celebrity would be chasing Eurofins for people’s results if they don’t come through in time? No one seems to be able to get through on the phone to Eurofins and I can’t imagine the wellness check in staff at the port calling and sitting on hold on our behalf.  Also I would think there are data protection issues. 
 

we have only received one email so cannot both book our tests so looks like we need to contact Celebrity to get the other email. 

3 hours ago, capriccio said:

 

I have no experience with this website aimed at students but it includes hundreds of US colleges and universities to give you an idea of spring break dates.  The table can be sorted by date. March 12 to March 19 looks like a very popular week.    https://www.studentcity.com/plan-a-trip/when-is-my-spring-break/

 

 

Thank you. 

3 hours ago, capriccio said:

College and university dates vary throughout the month.  Schools with kids between the ages of 5 to 18 usually have the week off before Easter (which is in April 17 next year) or sometimes the week after.

 

Its the college and university students who can be most disruptive.  The families with younger kids aren't disruptive but be aware that hotels jack up their prices for the before and after Easter weeks.

So our cruise is 13 March will this avoid the main break ?

What are the actual dates of spring break? 

Also celebrity are responding on various social media platforms with different answers which is not helpful at all. 

30 minutes ago, 38anchor said:

I know I should be just extremely thankful that I am getting the opportunity to have some sort of vacation this summer (and we haven't been bumped off the cruise like so many other people on P&O / RCI) but Celebrity are not making it easy or stress free. 

 

I have read all the info on the Celebrity 'free' PCT tests (thanks to those that have shared from the 3rd July sailing) but I have also read some really negative reviews about this company Celebrity have decided to use. As we are travelling from Lancashire to spend 2 nights in Southampton pre-cruise we would like to get a test done locally on the Wednesday afternoon (we sail Saturday) - there is somewhere near us that will give you results within 24 hours if its before 4pm. This sounds perfect BUT I have just been messaging Celebrity on Messenger to check if its 72 hours before sailing or boarding and they have confirmed it is SAILING. (they also did say 'Just keep in mind that these protocols are subject to change' - how helpful!!!

 

As we don't depart till 6pm then my 4pm test will be invalid (our check in on board is 12-12.30 slot). There isn't anywhere local to us that stays open past 6pm to get a later test.

 

I suppose we could have it done local on the Thursday morning but we were hoping to make an early start.

 

We could always look to get a test on the Thursday en-route or in Southampton, but again, with such a long drive we are not sure when or where we will be.

 

Why oh why do they have to make it sooooooo difficult 😩I totally get that in these uncertain times things have to be reactive but surely there are some things they can be clear on and control ie testing protocols. Just really frustrated with them and their unclear messaging requirements of what is needed to sail.

I know I’m frustrated too. We want it as early as possible to make sure the results get back in time but worried that we won’t find anywhere after 6 pm (sailing time) . It doesn’t help that the celebrity website and email are conflicting 

16 minutes ago, Eglesbrech said:

It comes up automatically on screen once you add a credit card number.

I couldn’t see it. I added it on the app. So I went back on computer but even if I edit card I can’t see that box 

Where during online check in do I find the bit you tick regarding celebrity not doing the exchange rate on the credit card. Thanks 

3 hours ago, Thameside said:

Hi Everyone,

after receiving my link from Celebrity yesterday, for 3rd July Cruise, inviting me to book a PCR test via their partner, I proceeded to register with them. When this was completed it went through to Trustone app page where the available test centres appeared with available appointments for either June 30th or July 1st. There was a fairly big choice of centres across the country but you would need to be lucky not to have to travel too far. I chose a centre near Heathrow and tried to book but was not very successful on my ipad, it would not complete the transaction, so decided to download the Trustone app to my phone and then signed in using registration details. I was then able to choose a centre and successfully make an appointment, it was a bit of a palaver all round. You will need to do each member of your party separately as each link enables one booking for that person.

You would probably be better to book your own near to you and claim the money back, which is the other alternative they give you. I hope that might helpful to someone.

So does it solve the query of whether it is 72 hours before boarding or sailing time, by giving you the choice of only acceptable times? 

Thank you. 

Normally we find the costs similar but the last 2 cruises the flight costs have been considerably more. We have gone with this due to the uncertainty of the current holiday market but would be interested to hear from uk cruisers whether the option to rebook with a better price is there 

1 hour ago, CambsCruiser82 said:

Celebrity have said on their twitter that, for example on the 3rd July cruise, you can take the test any time of day on the 30th and it will be fine. So I wouldn't worry too much about a specific time for the 30th.

I always worry with this kind of answer. It clearly states too early and will not be acceptable. The trouble is shoreside are not the same as head office. A few year’s ago we flew to USA to board with an esta. The checking in agent insisted on seeing an actual visa stamp in our passport. We explained that we had an esta and she was adamant she needed a stamp. Luckily another check in agent  stepped in and we were allowed to board. 

We have a choice of Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina or Sonesta Fort Lauderdale beach.  The cruise will be in the Spring break period.  I prefer a room with a balcony which the Marina has and the Sonesta doesn't appear to have, but I get the impression the Sonesta would be quieter.  We would like to be within walking distance of shops, restaurants etc.  We like a sea view from our room.  Thanks.

58 minutes ago, royallondon said:

I believe you will also have a “wellness check” at your allotted arrival time.  Perhaps this is what delondin is referring to.

Yes this is what I was referring to.

Just wondering what happens to your luggage if you get denied boarding due to failing the medical screening. I can’t imagine it would be quick for them to find your luggage and return it. 

3 hours ago, Mim Lloyd said:

I've just been checking in online for the 17 July Silhouette cruise and see that Celebrity want passport info for each traveller. We assumed we wouldn't need our passports as the cruise is a closed loop one staying in in the UK and for UK passengers only. Taking passports isn't much bother if we have to, but our 1 year old granddaughter doesn't yet have one and her 6 year old brother's passport ran out last September. As she was born during the 1st lockdown it didn't seem worth paying for a passport for her until she was actually able to travel abroad, and wasn't worth renewing her brother's for the same reason. There's nothing in the booking conditions about this for UK 'staycation' cruises and I tried ringing them earlier but had to give up after being on hold for 40 minutes. So, will Celebrity insist on passports or accept other forms of ID for them (eg birth certificates)? Anyone know? And if they will, how do we check in as it doesn't give any other option for ID, only a passport.

You even need your passport if you are just doing a ship visit for the day so I imagine it would be required for these cruises. 

We booked the first day they went on sale and I’m sure it said under 18’s need test and everyone else two jabs. 

2 hours ago, madmedic said:

Hi we have checked in today for July 9th 😁. Just wondering how and when we can print the luggage tags. Has anyone figured this out? 🤔

What time did you get?

1 hour ago, cruise47 said:

Does anyone know what is serve or have a copy of the lunch menu.

From my experience there is a one sea day lunch menu in the speciality restaurants but it is the same menu regardless of what restaurant you dine in. 

57 minutes ago, lostchild said:

My family coming from UK did that on purpose last time we cruised out from Ft. Lauderdale.  It was closer to the airport they came in (MIA) and Miami beaches are more famous than Ft. Lauderdale. They went to Miami a few days earlier to enjoy the beaches.    We, on the other hand, just went straight to FLL the night before and stayed at a hotel there like most other folks.

We are flying to Miami and sailing from ft Lauderdale want a couple of nights pre and post cruise. Can’t decide which way round to stay. It will be over the spring break period so what do you think would be better?  

I think the problem is not the rule but that it was not communicated to affected passengers. In fact, worse still, telling Kitty that it does not affect uk passengers when it clearly does. 

1 hour ago, photabitha said:

Looking at some of the posts on Social media posted by Captain Kate in particular, the crew have to have a series of tests and go into quarantine when they join the ship.   I am not sure about before each cruise. 

I think the problem is losing our money. What if the results come back late or non inclusive. 

3 hours ago, American_in_York said:

Sorry I'm a bit confused by this update. Does this mean Celebrity will also pay for my 15 year olds PCR test as well or just for those vaccinated passengers? 

The way I read it is that under 18’s would have an antigen test at the terminal instead of a PCR, at Celebrity’s expense.  Hopefully we will get more info from Celebrity soon. 

I am now reading in the British press that come mid June when more countries go on the green list the labs processing the PCR tests will not be able to cope so now that is another stress.

32 minutes ago, Mim Lloyd said:

We're booked with my son and his family for the 17 July sailing. He had his first vaccination just over 2 weeks ago and can't get a booking for earlier than 30 July, so we're panicking a bit now. If he can't manage to get his second jab before 17 July will Celebrity stop him boarding?

I believe 2 jabs is a condition of boarding so yes they will stop him boarding.