suttonrunner

2 minutes ago, uktog said:

Viking test daily, it really spoils the cruise.  I hope you are not advocating that

No I am not  at all  advocating that - it was in response to some members saying they would feel safer if 'everyone' was tested pre boarding  at the pier- but even doing that would not pick out  all the positive cases.  I cannot wait for the  time when they stop with all this testing altogether. 

16 minutes ago, annapolitan369 said:

Travelberlin

I believe you are correct.  If all cruisers are not tested at the dock, it makes little sense to have any testing requirement.  No protocol can guarantee that all aboard will be Covid free, but testing all at the dock will be as good as you can get.

Although we can easily afford the new charge for testing at the dock, it is wrong for Azamara to remove anything that was included when we paid for the cruise.  That change should only be for those who have not yet made final payment.

Jay

It is pointless testing all at the dock  you need to take the incubation period into account.  It would be interesting to see how many positive covid you would get testing day 3 and day 5 of the cruise - I am sure there would be a lot more positives than at the cruise terminal.

2 hours ago, travelberlin said:

This would definitely be more appropriate. We will have the possibility to test at home before our flights and we will all be in the same position. Anyhow whit this measure of not having the test on the day of embarkation the ships will not sail anymore Covid free. So what is the point of creating additional stress to some of us?

Ivi

There has never been a  guarantee that any ship could ever sail covid free.  It  can take 3-5 days after exposure to covid before a test shows up positive.  For example if you fly on  an   aircraft  or two with 300  + passengers all  crammed onboard,  have a  negative covid test at home then again at the pier, who is to say that you have not been exposed to covid during your travels.    That  pier side negative test is not a   guarantee that the ship would be  sailing  100% covid free. The pier side test may pick up one or two positives but there may be several people exposed during their travels but with not yet having enough viral load circulating their system to show the test as positive.   Everyone would have had to have worn a FFP Respirator  continuously for 5 days before and whilst travelling /hotel stays before you get to the ship to guarantee you step on board the cruise ship covid free. Obviously that would be an impossible ask.

We are in a much better place now than we were 2 years ago, that was an horrendous time worldwide as everyone is aware.   I worked amongst it in hospital and it was very scary.  Thankfully we now  have vaccines and treatments available.  Everyone who travels/cruises sails has to be vaccinated and  hopefully boostered - we   must now learn to live with covid as it is here to stay, just like influenza is. 

Lets hope that in the near future all this testing will stop.  Various airlines and countries have stopped it already  (and the mask policy too) I choose to travel on airlines who have dropped the testing policy even though I may be at risk of exposure to covid in doing so. I travel because  I do not want Covid to rule my life.  If and when the cruise lines do drop testing  the decision to sail would be a choice you would have to make, just like the majority of people sailing on Azamara  make the decision to get on an aircraft to get to the ship.  When at home you choose to go to the supermarket, restaurant,  theatre or go to work the risk of catching covid is there too  wherever you go.   I for one will certainly continue cruising as well as going about  and enjoying my  day to day living.

 I cannot believe that this topic has caused so much angst  just by Azamara dropping the complimentary testing.  It isn't just Azamara but other cruise lines have done the same  too.   You do not have to take the expensive $59 tests at the pier - there are  many other options available it just might mean a little more inconvenience than it would have been for you having the complimentary one.  Taking out a good COVID/CRUISE worldwide travel insurance is a good safety blanket which I am so thankful for.

2 hours ago, Roel94 said:

Danny or Amanda 

Oh dear - we are adults here - I don't think this is a fair  topic of conversation.   How would you like to be negatively  broadcasted on social media? not very nice at all.

16 minutes ago, roberts2005 said:

Has anyone confirmed that emed self administered and monitored Covid tests are acceptable Antigen tests?

Someone did have a zoom meeting with Azamara and proctored antigen tests are acceptable. I have pasted their comment on here.

"I was in a zoom meeting with Azamara yesterday and the test has to be a "proctored" test. So, you can use one of the EMed at home tests that are proctored (witnessed through a call, and they send you a certificate), but you cannot use an at home test that is not proctored". 

15 minutes ago, uktog said:

For those of us with joint problems the thalassotherapy pool even with it not 100% functioning was a godsend

Well that is  indeed a positive for using the sanctum spa  area as Thalassotherapy pools do aid in joint pains I am really glad it helped you 

20 hours ago, tiggertom said:

So disappointed to hear this. We are finally getting a suite, and looked forward to using this area of the ship we have never been in. We never bought a pass as we felt it spoiled the exclusivity for those entitled to use it. 🤷‍♀️  Oh well.

I wouldn't be disappointed  really - I  have had use of this area on the Quest  on my past sailings as it has always been included in my fare.  At my last sailing there were only 7 usable sun loungers and a day bed.   The small pool wasn't working correctly.  Some of the day there isn't much sun on the deck due  to the height of the ship and the position of the sun and the size of the deck.   Out of five sailings I have only ever been asked once if I would like a cool beverage.  I certainly would not pay for a pass for the privilege of using this  very tiny private deck.

2 hours ago, uktog said:

Unfortunately, no mix up. Moët was never an option in The Den or Living Room. 

That's a shame for you. It was definitely there when I was on for my B2B Caribbean  in March this year  as I had it.  I must have drunk it all ! There was also some Bollinger too and a fabulous one as part of the French Chef table (wine Pairings).   

I hope they have replenished their stocks when I return in two weeks as champagne is my tipple of choice on holiday, one of the reasons why I choose the Ultimate Drinks Package with it being  quite expensive by the glass.  

3 hours ago, Mora_2022 said:

It's a sparkling wine from California ...if they try to serve that to me as Champagne I'll drag them by the ear into the next wine store in France and let the owner give them the well deserved lecture about the provenance of Champagne. 

I think the bar staff may have got mixed up with 'Moet & Chandon' with 'Domaine Chandon'. I had to return my 'champagne'  a good few times for the real McCoy.  It's all in the bubbles!

33 minutes ago, tiggertom said:

What champagne do they serve? Thanks

On my recent cruise  (Feb/March) it was mainly Taittinger and occasional bottles of Moet.  At times  the champagne was flat and also was sometimes served sparkling wine by mistake

1 hour ago, travelberlin said:

The problem is also you might not be able to get tested Wednesday evening, and if you do, you might not get the results immediately.   I have been looking for places to get the PCR test and most of them are not functioning anymore or the serious ones are mainly for people with symptoms. Even at the airport, providers have closed their facilities.

For same day PCR , tests places require to take the test before 13.00. This would be for us traveling two days before and boarding at 14.00 hours outside the 72 hours window. Price about Euro 120!
There is an option of 3-4 hours PCR for about Euro 180! This means even if I could get that expensive test done on the evening before my flight, my cruising costs will be suddenly increased in Euro 180 🧐

Azamara what were you thinking with this measure on such a short notice and after we have made pre cruising arrangements?

Ivi

If that is the case for your circumstances  would be be wiser to have the pier side test @ $59?   Just trying to find a positive for  your situation.  

38 minutes ago, Penton said:

Just trying to get my head around this new testing requirement. We are flying to Venice from the UK early on Thursday morning and board Azamara Onward in Ravenna on Saturday afternoon. My latest opportunity to get a PCR test before leaving the UK will be on Wednesday evening so I believe that will meet their 72 hour requirement. As other posters have commented  it seems pretty pointless testing so long before embarkation because 3 days is plenty of time to contract Covid!

Well  you could test on the pier 

It seems I may be the only one who is happy with this change. For me it is a positive.    I would much prefer to have  a pre flight negative covid test in the UK, which I have always had to do, in the past anyway    than fly with uncertainty that  even if I test negative I may test  positive at the pier and face the consequences of that.  I do feel for the passengers who leave a couple of days before their embarkation as they are in a predicament but at least they have pre-boarding ( at a cost) covid testing at the pier or video testing.  I know some people are saying Azamara are nickel and diming  but  it is not their fault we have Covid and they have provided complimentary testing for quite some time now.  This complimentary testing  has never been available for flights or to access countries so why attack Azamara for stopping this.  They have been very kind in allowing this  testing in the past.  I awaiting your negative replies with anticipation

1 minute ago, roberts2005 said:

I am hoping the 3 day rule will apply. With flight time and 6 hour time difference no way I would be under 72 hours.

Me too!   It seems extremely complicated  indeed with the time changes too!  Yes it would have been easier if they had specified 3 days rather than 72 hours for the PCR test.  As, after all, the lateral flow test is specified as having to have the  test within one day rather than 24 hours.  I don't know the answer - it is mind boggling.  At my last test when I needed a 'fit to fly'  the test centre wanted to know my  exact flight time to ensure I was within the time frame 

9 minutes ago, roberts2005 said:

The May 2nd Onward cruise boards on a Monday.  If we get PCR tests on Friday in U.S. will those results be valid for boarding.?

That should be OK but as It specifies 72 hours (not 3 days) I would make sure the covid test on Friday was within 72 hours of  boarding  time.  If you are boarding at 2pm then I would  have the covid test  sometime after 2pm in the USA just in case.

Yes that's the one - it is open Sundays very efficient you have to take your passport with you  -  I thought you could  not advertise on here, but  I may be wrong.  I wouldn't want to get told off!  Happy sailing for Saturday.  

12 minutes ago, les37b said:

 

Azamara Testing Requirements

• Voyages starting May 1: In the interest of welcoming you onboard and starting your voyage as quickly as possible, guests will no longer be required to undergo a COVID-19 antigen test while checking in at the terminal. However, to strive for a COVID-19 free environment, guests will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon embarkation. The COVID-19 test can either be:
  • PCR: Test date no older than 72 hours prior to embarkation; OR
  • Antigen: Test date must be within one day of embarkation
• Antigen COVID-19 testing is available for $59 USD in the terminal or on the boarding deck.
• Boarding will be denied to those guests who cannot provide a negative COVID-19 test.
  • Prior to Disembarking: Guests who are required to take a COVID-19 test before returning home can do so onboard for $59 USD for Antigen and $85 USD for PCR. For more information, please contact Guest Relations while onboard.
• Guests that have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days should present the third-party testing provider with the following:
  • A paper or electronic copy of the guest's previous positive viral test result (dated no more than 90 days ago), and
  • A signed letter, on official letterhead that contains the name, address, and phone number of a licensed healthcare provider or public health official, stating that the guest was cleared to end isolation.
• Having a recovery letter does not negate our vaccination requirements, and we highly encourage those guests who are eligible to receive a booster shot.
• Although many of our guests are COVID-19 tested as a prerequisite to travel to the ship, for those guests that do not have this requirement (for instance US domestic travel, inter-EU travel, or those driving to the port), we strongly recommend all guests take a COVID-19 self-test at home prior to traveling.

 

 

 

$59 for a £1 test is a bit steep IMHO !

 

My cruise we are flying out to Lisbon on Monday the 6th June at 9am for the cruise on the 7th, meaning we need to locate a testing centre open on the Sunday 5th June for a PCR. The place Ive used in the past, isn't open on Sundays. I know Azamara are not the only line on this gravy train, but it's pretty annoying. I've several trips coming up, that I will be away for a few days before, so this is becoming a logistic nightmare.

 

 

 

 

There is a well known Nationwide Testing centre (I obviously cannot say the name on here but google fit to travel Covid tests)  they are open every day including Sundays and  charge £49 for a PCR test and £22.50 for antigen if that helps.  I have used this company in March when flying to Miami and they were very efficient.

9 minutes ago, Azamarajunkie said:

We have just received that letter, is it 1 day or 24 hours before boarding for an Antigen test. This has an impact if we are staying at an airport hotel before flying on the day of embarkation.  

It is one day  not 24 hours

The email suggested that Rome Airport have testing station as does the pier at a cost of $59.  I am not aware of USA national holiday rules but fortunately in the UK  (I have just checked)  there are testing stations open on Sundays including  1st May and also on Bank Holidays.

I have just received an email for my upcoming 8th May Cruise.  Azamara informed me that they will no longer be processing pre boarding Covid tests.  They will still need proof of a Negative PCR test taken within 72 hours pre boarding or an Antigen test  taken no later than one day pre boarding.  I am quite pleased about that as I  always worry  what may happen if I  test positive on the pier.

22 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

No, thank God.

Love that answer - made me laugh out loud

1 hour ago, KevintheIrishDJ said:

60% off 2 passenger + $500 OBC

Thank you.  Wow!  That is a great deal for you.  Alas I am a solo passenger so cannot take advantage of that deal, but  I am so excited for Christmas  on the Onward 

What was the special deal if you don't mind me asking?   - I am also on the Xmax cruise

1 hour ago, Grandma Cruising said:

It’ll be 3 weeks before your cruise by the end of this week, so hopefully you’ll be able to see and print them then.

It is 20 days until the cruise as I am on the same one - but maybe they are delayed due to Easter?  My last cruise in March I had to  phone up Azamara as my documents were not available  even the week before departure. 

32 minutes ago, USC Adventurer said:

do you know which cabins have larger bathrooms than the 6th and 7th deck cabins?  i'd like to make sure i can get a larger bathroom.

thank you in advance for your advice.

The Suites have larger bathrooms than the standard inside/outside and balcony  cabins.  The Continent Suite has a slightly larger bathroom than the normal cabins  some with baths and shower combo and some with walk in showers (no Bath).  The Spa suite has a lovely bathroom with enormous round tub  and shower  within a large enclosure looking out to sea (the bath takes a long time to fill).  Never been lucky enough to be in the top suites so cannot comment  but if you search  on 'you tube'  you can get a pretty good idea of the size of all cabins/suites  on there.