prish

I think timing also makes a difference. We were through in less than 40 minutes last month, some others from our cruise took 3-4 hours later that morning.

robin13, we needed a negative test result to board our Apex cruise last month, Sueseabe also needs to get one prior his/her October 2 sailing and had asked for information about testing locations.

I flew into Schiphol mid April and was required to fill this form, but I understand it’s no longer required. Air France asked if I had it when I checked in, though no one actually looked at on arrival.

We were on the Apex a few weeks back and all four MDRs have vegetarian menus, you just need to ask your wait staff. They were also happy to get some Indian items from the OV café buffet, but you have to request this a day in advance.

We also need a negative test result for our Apex cruise last month and booked a rapid antigen test online with Corona Snel Check, you can choose from several locations in Amsterdam. Took all of five minutes, results were emailed to us in within the hour. Cost around €28. http://coronasnelcheck.nl/

We were on the Apex two weeks back and I had made SD reservations at the different MDRs. Surprisingly there were long lines on Day 2, at both Tuscan and Normandie, people wanting reservations as well as those like us with reservations. But it was just that one evening, other days were just fine.

We were lucky and made it to the lounge in about 40 minutes Saturday morning. But an hour or two later several others from our cruise took 3-4 hours from kerb to gate. One couple stood in line for over an hour before they could even get into the terminal, they arrived at 11.30 for a 16.30 flight and got through security only at 15.30! We flew United, out of Terminal 3, which is said to be relatively less crowded. Our taxi driver told us Terminals 1&2 are much busier, with the longest lines.

An update on Schiphol this morning. We self disembarked at 6.45 and got to the airport in a pre-booked taxi. Terminal 3 as we’re flying United, check-in was easy as we’re Premium 1K. We were through security and passport control and at the lounge by 8, the whole process took less than 40-45 minutes. The airport is quite crowded and busy, but lines not too long, definitely nothing like what I had feared.

Thanks Ashland, yes, I saw your earlier post. I meant in the last few days. We’re flying United, so departures hall 3, which is supposed to be less crowded and busy than halls 1&2, which are for the European airlines. We’re also Premier 1K priority passengers, so am hoping that’ll help too. But as you and others say, it’s the luck of the draw and timing, as some parts of the day can be much less busy than others.

Appears Apex should have docked at 23.00hrs yesterday. Below is what I found online. Will ask when we check-in for our cruise later this morning. The current position of CELEBRITY APEX is at North Sea (coordinates 51.52452 N / 2.28018 E) reported 0 min ago by AIS. The vessel is en route to the port of Amsterdam, Netherlands, sailing at a speed of 19.2 knots and expected to arrive there on Aug 12, 23:00. IMO / MMSI: 9838383 / 215105000 Current draught: 8.3 m Position received: 0 min ago Course / Speed: 38.2° / 19.2 kn https://www.vesselfinder.com › vessels CELEBRITY APEX, Passenger (Cruise) Ship - IMO 9838383 - Vessel Finder

Any recent updates of the situation at Schiphol departures? We sail on the Apex this afternoon and fly back home on August 20.

Thanks orla and Ashland. Celebrity only informed us about the 3.30pm departure, nothing about when we get back to port. The last day of the cruise is a sea day, so I would guess the ship can speed up and return the previous night itself. Hopefully they’ll have some precise info for us when we check-in to board. My main concern is the crowds at Schiphol, I plan on asking for an earlier pickup if we arrive earlier in port. Thanks again! 😊

Thanks again MAVIP, will ask Celebrity when we check-in to board on Saturday, maybe they’ll know. Hope your granddaughter is having a wonderful birthday, wish her loads of fun and laughter today and in the years ahead!

Thanks for the detailed explanation MAVIP. Any site where we can check about returning to port timings? If the canal is open in 12hr blocks this would necessarily mean ships need to come back by latest 3.30am, as most sail aways are scheduled for 3.30pm. I am sure there’s some site where this info is available, can anyone help? Thanks 😊

Thanks for the input, appreciate your taking the time to reply. Any idea if getting back into Amsterdam port is affected, do you return earlier or later? Thanks again!