Sue from Canada

I love Icelandair.  However, I'm not fond of Keflavik airport.  Ramps are wheeled up to the plane and I find it difficult to walk down the stairs with a purse and a carry on.   Then you have to take a bus to the terminal.  Once inside it can be an absolute zoo.  Such a shame as the airport if actually lovely and has some good stores.  I also don't like having to do the same departing (taking a bus to the plane and walking up the stairs).  However, Icelandair has good business class (Saga) prices and the service and food are wonderful.  

I've done the crossing twice and it was more foggy than rough.  Has your better half tried 'sea bands.'  You can buy them any CVS or WalMart.

On 6/10/2021 at 4:56 PM, FionaL91 said:

Hi all,

 

We're visiting Naples on Celebrity Reflection in June 2022 and we are looking at booking the Capri, Sorrento & Pompeii excursion. It's listed as 10 hours, I was wondering if anyone has any experience of this excursion? Description below:

 

Explore Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii on this thrilling adventure to some of Naples’s most beautiful and fascinating destinations. Begin with an exciting jetfoil ride to Capri, followed by a funicular ride to Capri Town. Enjoy stunning views of the marina and the Sorrento Peninsula. Stroll La Piazzetta, the fabulous shopping district, and if you wish, visit the beautiful Augustus Gardens. Then, take a scenic drive south to Sorrento. Indulge in the lively resort atmosphere, delighting in the exquisite warm Mediterranean climate, before making your way to the historic ruins of Pompeii. Uncover the secrets of ancient Pompeii on a fascinating exploration of the archaeological site. View the forum, lavish baths, temples, and richly decorated villas. Learn about the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that preserved this famous ancient town.

I did this tour years ago and loved it.  So, I won't elaborate with what the others have said.  However, if I may give you a tip, bring a fan and an umbrella with you.  I would have died of heat without my fain and used it often and you can use the umbrella for shade. 

1 hour ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

Not any more, but I did for 7 1/2 yrs

Ever thought of writing a book?

7 hours ago, frteach said:

I always wear my Canadian pin on my jacket when travelling, and despite the fact that we are a "work in progress", I am still proud to do so. 

I sewed a small Canadian Flag on my carry-on luggage.   

4 hours ago, Crew News said:

If interested, distilled water is $2.95/gallon.

I've never had distilled water.  Does it taste as good as Acqua Panna?

On 7/19/2021 at 9:16 AM, K_e_short said:

Is antigen screening the same as an antigen test?

 

I did read in detail the Shoppers Drug Mart website and I'm confused because they said it's a "rapid antigen screening" but the U.S. documentatio says "antigen test.".

Give Public Health Canada a call (1-833-784-4397).  According to another post a 'Rapid Antigen test" is valid and can be done at Shoppers for $40.00. 

I hope this PCR testing business doesn't last too long.  As long as we've got both our shots, let me out the country and back in.  Period.

On 7/21/2021 at 11:35 AM, MStarzky said:

Well I guess we'll see what happens when i get my antigen test next week. I'm flying out Aug 1.

I thought one only got the antigen test 3 days before flying.

On 7/21/2021 at 3:24 PM, 3Shelaghs said:

Ya.....but I have no hope...... I’d like to send my cruise bill to Trudeau! Ford won’t take my calls...yes, I’ve tried!LOL

Trudeau wouldn't know what to do with a bill - he's never had one to pay in his life.

Cruising in November.  Guess I'll contact the Canada Coast Guard to see if I can book passage on one of their icebreakers. I hope they have room service and put a chocolate on my pillow at night😄

10 hours ago, mexico8 said:

We have a cruise on November  21st from Fort Lauderdale.   In the past we got a direct flight (non-stop) from Ottawa to Miami but so far we don't find any direct flight to either Fort Lauderdale or Miami from Ottawa.   We will have to make a change in Montreal or Toronto.   Anyone know if and when direct flights might be offered for November 2021?

For direct flights check alternate dates.  You may have to fly in two days in advance but for me it's worth it getting a direct flight.  (I got direct flights from Ottawa to Tampa by alternating my dates).

9 hours ago, Robjame said:

Ontario has a watermarked vaccine certificate which is accessible for free from the official site and accesses your vaccine records. Difficult to forge.

Accepted for travel.

 

IMO Trudeau will follow what Biden does. Trudeau has already stated that a vaccine passport would be divisive. Public sentiment will change his mind.

Did you print it on 8.5 X 11 paper?  I'd like to print it in a smaller format.

2 hours ago, zelker said:

To my knowledge they no longer offer these.  Too bad.

That's a shame.  I took a few of the session and they were fun.  We even got to keep a lovely cotton apron.  I remember taking one class during a storm.  All the counters were covered with Saran wrap and the pots were tied down with the same.  We were making New Orleans beignets in the deep fryer and I was so scared the fryer was going to land on the floor and the hot fat would splash some participants.

See the other PCR topics for you answer.

14 hours ago, Fouremco said:

I've researched pricing in Ottawa with almost identical results. I really don't think that you are going to find anything more reasonably priced for the foreseeable future, even in the GTA. It might be more beneficial focussing on turnaround times, as one of our hospital affiliated testing sites is very close to home, is one of the cheapest, but doesn't guarantee the timeliness of the results.

In Ottawa we can get the test at Shoppers Drug Store.  There is also a clinic in the Professional building over at the Riverside Hospital.  Prices around $200.00

56 minutes ago, 3Shelaghs said:

Download ARRIVECAN app before you leave Canada. Has to be redone with each trip.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html 

Such a hassle if one doesn't have a smartphone.  Thanks for the link

4 hours ago, LouTheGlue said:

 

I plan on bringing both but will only show the 2nd that shows I'm fully vaccinated with 2 doses and the date. If they require both they no problem I'll then show the first one as well.

I'm planning on doing the same thing.

On 7/9/2021 at 10:49 AM, Winnigirl said:

We are just beginning to think about cruising again, but I am just totally confused about the regulations.  Every day I seem to read something different.  We are fully vaccinated and understand that we will not have to endure quarantine when we return to Canada - but there seems to be a lot of tests to go through.  Testing before we leave the country.  Testing in the country we are flying to (depending on the country), testing when we get back.  Are some countries (I'm thinking the UK) still closed to Canadians?  In Manitoba we are issued a card confirming total vaccination and I have it on my phone, as well.  Do we need more documentation than that?  I'm totally confused.  Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm just as confused as you.  I hope all these tests will disappear in the next couple of months.  In Ontario the PCR test is $199.00.  Ontario didn't issue a card confirming vaccination but a letter size doc.

14 hours ago, Alberta Quilter said:

Have you looked into CAA travel insurance?  I was on the Alberta Motor Association website last night and hope to go to their office this morning to inquire about insurance because I just booked us for the Rocky Mountaineer and want to insure that trip due to the high cost.  CAA does have Covid coverage, with Orion Travel Insurance Company, if you are partially or fully vaxxed...  Here is a link to the AMA website on the Covid travel insurance:  https://www.amatravel.ca/travel-medical-insurance/covid19-endorsement 

 

I'll try to report back later (have a busy day today) what I find out although we're more interested in cancellation/trip interruption for our trip.  But Covid will come into play because I've read we'll have to take a Covid test the night before the train, even though we're fully vaxxed.  My fear is that we could test positive and not be able to go at the very last minute.

 

HI AQ.  Thanks for the tip on CAA travel insurance.  I'll look them up.  OMG, you're booked on the Rocky M.  Is that this year?  I went to a presentation at CAA two years ago and it looks like a wonderful trip.  Costly.

15 hours ago, gnome12 said:

Of course a QR code is a better option, but Ontario is not yet on board. However, there is nothing stopping me from saving a copy of the Ontario document on my phone, as well as keeping the paper copy in my wallet.

I wish they'd come out with a wallet sized card like our OHIP one.

16 hours ago, Thechamp555 said:

I feel is it better option then a paper version. The QR code can be stored electronically easely on your smart phone. The QR code is used by many countries around the world as a vaccine passport.

And for those who don't have a smart phone.....and I don't want one.  I have a pay as you go phone that is always turned off except for at the airport or an emergency.  Costs for $100.00 year

I've never booked a gty as I only like midship - forward and a specific deck only.

14 hours ago, Fouremco said:

While faint, as intended with watermarks, mine are nevertheless visible. Most printers allow you to change your print density to a lighter or darker setting. Is yours set to the highest density? 

Yes to highest density.

I printed my vac' forms twice and the watermark is so faint that one can barely see it.  Anyone else run into this?