shirley valentine

5 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

I think it's the US government possibility of shutdown in Nov. which can affect airline controllers, cruise ship shore employees and others.

Thank you 🙏 

59 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Great news for us , our flight is during US Thanksgiving time 

only problem now if the US will have a shutdown or not 

Been through one in 2017 , we didn’t get off a ship until 2 pm after a transatlantic 😢

US Shutdown ? Can you explain what you mean I’m confused. Thank you 

9 minutes ago, shirley valentine said:

Does Hal even have a transport option from the Montreal airport ? 

I did look online and can’t find anything. 

Does Hal even have a transport option from the Montreal airport ? 

Great question , I am anxious to hear any info on this . 

If you belong to a loyalty brand like Marriott or Hilton both have hotels near cruise port  , I find using your points for US destinations worthwhile if your Canadian. 
Especially with the US dollar rate now . 
 

I will only flight direct , so my options are limited . I use Holland Flight Ease with the help of my PCC . I find they have been the best at sourcing my flights . Everything is up in price post pandemic . The hotel prices in cruise ports are crazy if you don’t book early . And with the Canadian dollar now , Hugh ouch. 

On 6/8/2022 at 7:23 PM, ljtinney said:

Has anyone used Azova for testing using the BTNX antigen ( the green box kits) to board Holland America? 

Did Azova telephone testing using yes BTNX green box kits . Sailed from Vancouver Cruise Port to Alaska in April 2022 on Holland America Zuiderdam . Absolutely no problem. I believe it cost $20. US per person. 
Stayed at the cruise port Pan Pacific hotel , did test in our room day before departure . 

On 4/19/2022 at 11:19 PM, cmich068 said:

 

Honestly in my experience you can almost always book within a few minutes of signing up, no real need to do it in advance. But if you're more comfortable doing so there's no harm. 

Azova also let’s you cancel the appointment within 24 hrs at no charge . I believe I got that info when I signed up . 

3 hours ago, tropical83 said:

Thanks for sharing.

Any issues boarding your cruise? What cruise line?

 

I’m considering using Azova with the rapid response green box tests but I’m really nervous about it. I haven’t really heard much about people using this option besides those of you who have recently mentioned booking them.   My plan was booking Shoppers & Walmart. However Walmart seems to have few appointments available lately with none on May 5th when I need one. Also my local shoppers told me yesterday they wouldn’t do the testing. I’m getting really nervous!
 

 

I feel for you . I totally understand and share your anxiety . I’m going to be using Azova now for Vancouver cruise departure April 27 . I’m going to bring extra rapid tests and give it the best try . If there’s a problem, I’m sure Holland America will assist us and there’s testing at the cruise port, but expensive . I’m feeling better seeing the positive posts here on Azova . Plus my airline West Jet recommended them . 
There’s only so much damage control one can do . Hopefully we arrive at the cruise port Covid negative. That’s a whole other rabbit hole . 
First World problems my kids keep telling me . 

1 hour ago, dog said:

I have 2 switch kits to test in my hotel. Aeroplan member. 

Are we saying that Switch Health test kits are acceptable for Holland America….I’m an aeroplan member . Could it be this simple ? 

10 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

If you are flying into Vancouver, consider the Switch Health facility in Richmond, about a 20 minute drive from the airport. Although that will add a bit to your transportation costs to get to your hotel, an antigen test will only cost you $39 if you join or are already an Aeroplan member. The potential drawback is the hours are 9:00 - 5:00, so a late arrival time might not work.

 

Another option would be to stay in a hotel in Richmond and get tested the following morning before heading to the port. There's not the same selection of hotels, but it would solve your testing problem.

First I’d like to Thank You so much for always being a valuable person on this CC site .God Bless you for that .
 As for testing I guess it’s about convenience and how much am I willing to pay $$ for that . Such a first world problem eh ! 
 

Thank you for pointing that out , I do know about the Meet &Greet but just not ready to commit to attending . I’m a bit social phobic these days and can’t believe I’m  actually going to get on a ship again . The Covid pre test is my concern, I’m being pessimistic and need to get more positive. 
 

Leaving for Alaska April 27 …….So no inexpensive rapid antigen testing site near the Vancouver cruise port ? Not in pharmacies near by , just the expensive clinic in the Fairmont hotel at $130. plus
I guess I’ll be turning down my up sell offer . 
I can’t believe HAL won’t have testing at the Port . 😩 

18 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

UGH!

 

 

No interest to me.  This "Orange" stuff began during Orlando's watch and I wonder how long this "party" and Club Orange will last.  

19 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

UGH!

 

 

No interest to me.  This "Orange" stuff began during Orlando's watch and I wonder how long this "party" and Club Orange will last.  

Even the name ….Club Orange ….sorry but I just can’t ….I’ll stop right here . 
 

 

I’d try calling your MP’s constituency office . They will find out info on your behalf . I’ve used their help for passport issues as well as income tax . 
 They are there to work for you . The taxpayer. 

On 2/7/2022 at 10:22 AM, gerryl12 said:

We are booked on the Grand Princess for April 19, LA to Vancouver so will have to wait and see if that goes. I have this sinking feeling that Canada is about to loose all Alaska cruising to Seattle forever if we keep messing with it.

I hope your sinking feeling is wrong 😑 but I’m feeling your thoughts too . 
 

9 hours ago, DHP1 said:

Thanks for the info. We have cancel 3 cruises already in the past two years and really looking forward to our Alaska cruise. My only concern is disembark. Is this Government going to make us take a PCR test?  With 3,000 + people getting off the ship, I don’t think so.  Wait and see I guess. 

My concern as well ….disembarking ….will I need a PCR to fly back to Toronto .  
 

On 2/1/2022 at 2:01 AM, Chinook Wind said:

I believe that Canadian ports were re-opened way back in November.  Remember the clever jokes about ice breakers? 😉

I’m of the understanding that Canadian ports are closed till Feb 28 2022 and am awaiting hearing decision on if they will extend closer or open up again ? Anyone know more I’d love to hear . My final payment for Alaska cruise is due Feb 27th the day before. 
 

15 hours ago, Raveler said:

I spent two hours on the phone with HAL and the insurance company since we bought the platinum plan when we booked, you are covered if you test positive at disembarkation with their insurance.

 

We spoke to guest services once onboard about this and since we were flying home at noon, they gave us a PCR test (self-administered) on the 6th day of a 7 day cruise. We got the results in the evening.

So do I read this to mean if I have Hal Platinum Insurance and I text positive at end of cruise , they cover my quarantine expenses ? 
 

7 minutes ago, shirley valentine said:

https://apple.news/ANAuTo3ttP3upKrrqjrb_OA
here’s one source 

There is another one stating Princess doing the same . 

The other source is on Travelweek.ca  

Sorry I’m lame at this and I’m babysitting 2 toddlers as well , which is why I need a cruise bad Lol 

https://apple.news/ANAuTo3ttP3upKrrqjrb_OA
here’s one source 

There is another one stating Princess doing the same . 

13 minutes ago, DHP1 said:

I couldn’t find Princess new changes. Final payment still remains 90 days 

Sorry I’m not the greatest at knowing how to attach links . Let me try to figure it out .

But after reading the article , I logged into my Holland Account and it is indeed changed there to 60 days . 
 

On 1/14/2022 at 1:13 PM, shirley valentine said:

I’ve got a Holland America Alaska cruise booked end of April . Final payment due end of Jan. 
This is not looking good  😌 

Looks like Holland America and Princess just announced changes in news today . My final payment date now 60 days not 90 before cruise. So it’s Feb 26 payment for Alaska April 27 cruise . I’m hanging in there 🙏👍

I’ve got a Holland America Alaska cruise booked end of April . Final payment due end of Jan. 
This is not looking good  😌