Tango99

23 hours ago, gubby said:

We have saved Aeroplan Miles in order to book a business class seat to Europe to take a cruise next year. How many days ahead can we, or should the seats be booked? Is there a way to book economy and use Aeroplan to upgrade or do I book using 60K miles per seat? Never have done this before. I appreciate any insights.

With the changes to the plan you can sign in to Air Canada, and then select the method to pay by Aeroplan reward. By then you’ll have entered your account #. Then you find your preferred flight/routing, and you will see the various options that are available … by class … and what your points will buy you. It’s all on one page for each flight. Take lots of notes for now. Include flight number and airline and time in transit. You can get an idea of what airline might work better. Once you select the class and go on to seating preferences, you will be given the option of using all points, or various combinations of cash and points.  This will be for just 1 passenger, so remember to double it. Some business class are not offered short haul, so buy that for the longest flight segment. Trouble with that in real time MAY be baggage allowances for smaller connecting flights. Check out the airlines in the Star Alliance partners. Be careful though if you stop or layover in let’s say Portugal - TAP airlines are often least expensive but have fewer options, and covid status is still iffy (but of course that can improve). Another lovely option was Singapore Airlines when they had a stop in Munich. Not sure if that’s still available. Swiss Air never applied a fuel surcharge when it was introduced in the 80’s so that was a massive saving for a long time, even when using points. Mind you that’s likely going to change. You’ll see the differences when you check out the routings. It’s all about your preferences and ideals about value for money.  If you decide to book now, be prepared to look at options if there are changes to the flight schedules. That’s usually September. Sometimes it’s a 20 minute difference, sometimes more. 

19 hours ago, QuattroRomeo said:

We have used ArriveCan a few times through the website. You do receive an email, which includes the QR code, a receipt reference code, and the names included as travellers all in one page. I just print it out and carry it. 

Did you use the website in the 72 hours before arrival? I remember using the app to register and partially fill travel info, then in the last 72 hours before arrival we completed it and got the QR code. Not sure if it’s the same for the website. 

On 6/5/2022 at 4:53 PM, Crown Vic said:

When submitting the ArrivCan documentation online, is one supposed to receive a confirmation of  acceptance via e- mail? Thanks…

Not sure where you are. My sister is in Wales. She’s flying to see me here in Canada 14th June. She’s been trying to use the online application for 3 days and yesterday was advised there was some technical difficulties.  Needless to say, she’s beside herself. The email she received tells her to click on it, and when she does it sounds like she’s getting dead air. I wonder if she missed any small print, and the part to click on is when you’re adding the info within the 72 hour window before travel.  Once I had done my travel in March I didn’t stay up to date. Hope you are able to share your progress here! 

On 5/14/2022 at 12:25 PM, Fouremco said:

The GOC introduced eTA to identify travellers from the visa-exempt nations. The program commenced in 2016, long before ArriveCAN, and the $7 fee was based on cost recovery. I'd be very surprised if that fee still covers the cost of running the program, and I imagine that in time the price will go up, but not to support ArriveCAN. The eTA program is run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, whereas ArriveCAN is a joint CBSA and PHAC program.  

Let’s hope the work you mentioned being done to revamp ArriveCan incorporates the administrivia of various departments and agencies that confuses travellers. 

20 hours ago, 1kaper said:

 

Hmm.  I thought that the machines had a wide options of languages but can't quite remember. 

My favourite was going through YUL last week and getting "randomly" selected for a covid test.  I know it's a thing.  I have no problem with it.  But the lady asked me to write down all my information and then typed it in.  Two fingers.  I was stressing because my flight was boarding in 10 minutes.  I explained to her I knew I had to do this but I was also hurrying to make a connection.  Her response was "everyone here has a connection".  I explained I meant boarding soon.  And my gate was far. 
Turns out I was the lucky one.  Some people behind me had a flight already boarding.  When I got to my gate they were calling last call for that flight.  I knew people behind me didn't make it (their gate was past mine). 
I was frustrated that they would have someone in a data entry position who was could not do data entry. She was two finger typing and despite writing my stuff clearly I ended up spelling everything for her. 

 

Still haven't gotten my results...

I must have had the same lady.🙄 I tried to explain I had already registered as there is an option to do that as a feature of ArriveCan. She didn’t even bother looking. Then my (PCR) result arrived 2 days later. 

3 hours ago, cdn_tbird said:

I could be wrong, but I would think that the discussions are around when the US will be increasing the number of US agents stationed in Canada so that some can be assigned to the centres for interviews.

That’s a valid point. The US also relies on their Global Entry Portal to fast track pre-approved arrivals from other countries besides Canada.  And then there’s the issue of agents to interview in designated offices at international airports. We only have 4 of them operating such in Canada. 

3 hours ago, Fouremco said:

I agree, ArriveCAN would seem to be a logical place to include eTA details along with passport and visa (if required) information in due course.

 

CBSA and CATSA staffing levels have also played a major role in the current airport woes. Neither organization has been able to match the demand brought on by the sudden surge of travellers, any more than the Passport Office has been able to meet the sudden demand for new and renewed passports.

eTA seems like a cash grab but I get it. Just hope the beurocracy doesn’t decide that it’s a source of revenue to support ArriveCan, aaaand increase the rate. There’s still many sites in Europe scamming the uninitiated to fill an eTA form that looks official but have conned people, like my sister, to paying far more. The inconvenience around changing credit cards and such, just for what should be 7.00 is crazy. So I’m doing hers by proxy. 
 

Granted, the resurgence of traffic in the 4 international airports, currently operating as such, is astronomical….but the resurgence of traffic to the CBSA would be reduced if the airline was able to re-start international flights from Halifax, Ottawa…? Yup. There’s an economy of scale. It’s getting pretty clear that AC isn’t financially and resource ready yet. In the meantime, why not re-deploy CBSA agents to Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver? Much less expensive and lowers risk to the airlines. Some waiting on tarmac, which messes up turnaround and departures. Just sayin’

While on the subject of entry to Canada. The eTA still seems to be alive and kicking as well. That crazy 7.00 fee applies to all foreign travellers landing at a Canadian airport. I don’t know how much $ was lost during covid.  If Arrive Can is being expanded, I suppose this might also sneak in.  Comments?  BTW. I’m convinced that congestion at airports are mainly due to re-directing travellers to the 4 international airports, while others are feeder routes to them, and domestic travel. Once they’re all open and business is back to pre-pandemic days, travellers will get back to their usual practice. 

Sorry. My mistake.  I should have said CDC authorized lifting part of the federal mask mandate. That still applies to closed in areas, and planes, but generally it no longer applies indoors. That has already been changed in several states. I found it very interesting while cruising S and W Caribbean first 2 weeks in March, that all the stores have a No Mask No Service policy posted very prominently on their doors. I saw very few unmasked. 

On 4/20/2022 at 10:41 AM, Tango99 said:

In my opinion, change here is likely though not immediate and folks still need to mask up on our Canadian planes. If you've been through any of our customs halls recently, most people actually want to mask up for their own safety. Provinces are considering extending their own mask mandates so that’s another few curves to anticipate.  The change in US masking was approved by the CDC so that’s a very major step for our neighbours in the south.  

16 hours ago, DirtyDawg said:

Now that the U.S. has dropped masking requirements on Airplanes (for now) will Canada follow suit? 

 

If not, will they just drop it for Airports? If they don't I wonder about the shock our American cousins will have when they fly up here, on a U.S. carrier for a Cruise, and then have to wear a mask as they depart the plane in our Great White North. 🤔

 

In my opinion, change here is likely though not immediate and folks still need to mask up on our Canadian planes. If you've been through any of our customs halls recently, most people actually want to mask up for their own safety. Provinces are considering extending their own mask mandates so that’s another few curves to anticipate.  The change in US masking was approved by the CDC so that’s a very major step for our neighbours in the south.  

16 hours ago, dawnvip said:

After all the quarantine plan questions, the ArriveCan app asks:

 - which countries, besides Canada, did you or those travelling with you visit. 

 -  " Are you or any of the travellers listed on this form experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever and cough , fever and difficulty breathing" 

 

No longer any question about testing positive or being in close contact in the last 14 days.

That makes sense now yes. We couldn’t find an option on the app for “cruising” for the being out of country.  We had come back from the S and W Caribbean and had to list all destinations. And the pre-testing disappeared the day after we returned. Though the context of my note was wrt being random tested.  You are asked about contact etc by the lab testers during registration with the company at the airport in whichever province you land. Some folks are sent a secondary SwitchHealth kit. 

18 hours ago, macmax said:

Scenario....you test positive and have quarantined for 5 days on ship.  Do Canadians still need to quarantine for another 6 days before flying home

or has that changed since we no longer need to produce a negative test to board the return flight?

 

There’s currently a bit of a curve.  If you’re randomly tested on arrival in a Canada airport if you are newly positive, you’re able to travel on to your place of quarantine and wait for results. The random tests are PCR so there’s a 24 hour wait …by then you’re home. (You declare you have a place for quarantine in the last part of the details in the ArriveCan questionnaire in the 72 hours before you arrive. The questionnaire also asks where you’ve been on your trip, and if you've tested positive or in close contact in the 14 days before arrival…any of the questions on the app or in person can trigger a visit to the testing area and a sticker on your passport on arrival.

5 hours ago, mousefan73 said:

Hi there!

I have read often online in the past Canadians who were returning and were randomly given Airport Tests Often waited many days for results. What is the status at the moment? We are flying into Vancouver for a few days before our cruise and I was thinking what are the chances of us already being on the boat before we get results?

The random tests are PCR tests so they take longer. Usually within 36 hours. I was tested at 4pm and got my results the next afternoon. And the cruise line may still require tests as well. 

17 hours ago, Dotinthought said:

How safe is it now to be cruising?   I am familiar with restrictions and policies in place to control the spread of Covid but I would be interested in knowing how frequently cruises are cut short due to Covid or are conducted in a way that severely compromises the cruising experience.   I hope this sort of question does not fall afoul of cruise critic policy on this topic.  I am not asking for opinions on those divisive topics of vaccines etc.  I just want to know as a practical matter how it is going.  
 

I have been on only one voyage during the past year, on the Queen Mary 2 (February 22 Caribbean).  The experience was overall wonderful.  I was disappointed, though, that Cunard was quite secretive about how many passengers became ill.  Transparency would be better.

Consider that for cruise ships to return to business in July 2021, that their hvac systems, medical facilities, and health protocol were all renewed and increased to manage any incidence of covid, that the crew is 100% vaccinated and tested randomly and regularly for covid, and that only fully vaccinated and negative tested adult passengers were first to cruise again. Ship capacity including crew were reduced by 50%. For many months since then, the positivity rate on cruise ships was between 0.002 and 0.003%….ie 2-3 people per 1000. Albeit likely to increase further, compare that with on shore rates, previously 28% in Canada, higher in US states, and now as high as 1 in 15 in the UK, and hardly any tracking in other countries. Yet in general, tracking and testing continues for the cruise and travel industries.  How to disclose any statistics publicly or to guests while on board as a matter of privacy to individuals and crew? Hmmm. Hardly likely with all the privacy rights of individuals. But the individual ship status can be viewed on the CDC website. Most are ‘under review’. On a personal note, frankly I wondered a little when on a cruise with 3700 on Mar 6 immediately following a cruise with 1400 the week before. And decided what happens, happens. I was adequately prepared and have trust in the vaccine and testing. The cruise lines are doing what they must to reduce the risk, but for the most part it’s up to passengers to do their part. Especially when in much larger venues with different age groups being introduced. 

14 hours ago, ehogan said:

Hopefully this will be my last question.

 

So from the above interpretation does this mean that upon receiving the ArriveCan app receipt for embarking on the cruise in Vancouver I use this receipt again for CBSA for disembarkation in Vancouver two weeks later (which doesn't seem logical).  Or, do I need to make another submission 72 hours before arriving back in Vancouver.  
 

Princess is not asking for ArriveCan proof on embarkation as far as I could discover.

You set yourself up on ArriveCan anytime with your passport, vaccination status etc. It is not for universal use, just for Canada. It won’t be used to board a plane, ship etc bound for another country.  But 72 hours before arriving in/returning to Canada you must complete and submit the finishing details. They include “in the last 14 days have you travelled ….?”, any symptoms?, etc. They also include details of whether you have arrangements for quarantine and where, should you test positivity at any time within 2 weeks of your arrival. Will there be any health care professionals etc in the place of quarantine. When this part is completed and submitted, that’s when the QR code be issued, to your device.  If you can’t get a printed copy, or haven’t submitted it at all, you will be tested on arrival. So the option of the website application is to enable those without phones, or internet to find ways to get this done. 

On 4/1/2022 at 12:27 AM, son3cruisers said:

I printed off ( all 7 pages ) and was actually called up to the counter to show it- along with about 10 other people - right before they called boarding.

This was a flight from YYZ - SJU over March break. I’ve never shown that form before. I had all my other documents done through the air canada app. 

Good to know. Thanks you for that. Maybe SJU, as they’re part of the USA, stick to the US regulations for the island. 

14 hours ago, bigAWL said:

Cruise ship passengers disembarking in Canada should not be subject to random arrival testing.

 

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

 

Thanks for the info about arrivals “by boat”. This could be much more specific. I missed it completely! 

The ArriveCan app is still required for any arrivals in Canada. And arrivals are still subject to random testing. I’ve no idea what that means for cruisers to Vancouver even if they’re Canadians in transit via Seattle. 

On 3/25/2022 at 11:00 PM, Tango99 said:

 

On the ArriveCan app you will be asked specifically about your recent travel prior to arrival in Canada ,and if you will be staying with essential health care workers etc when you arrive and if you have made arrangements for isolation/quarantine should that be needed. You will also be given an option to sign up with your coordinates for testing (at GC expense) should you be randomly selected. The arrive can app is essential if you want to self declare as it gives you a QR code to present to customs. If you don’t have it you will be tested, and subject to mandatory 14 day quarantine….regardless of your vaccination status. 

13 hours ago, lakelivin2 said:

Do we still need to fill in the passenger disclosure and attestation to board the plane to the USA?  I know it's mainly a list of exemptions, but do we need to print it off? Looking for answers from those that have recently crossed the border.  Thanks!

It is still in the list of Air Canada requirements for boarding, and in the list of CDC requirements for entry into the USA then yes. Pages 1 and 2 are actually your personal attestation to your vaccine status and to your negative Covid test status. Pages in between are exemptions for emergency care professionals, essential services suppliers (covered under another set of rules) etc. The last page (7) is your handwritten. signature declaring your are the person signing, by your own hand. I wouldn’t mess with that requirement though it isn’t always asked for….

7 hours ago, cantgetaname said:

What if I am in Florida waiting for my cruise and the day before I get tested and it comes back positive?   How many days do I have to isolate before I can leave?  

Your insurance may cover you for quarantine accommodations in Florida, though I’m not sure the industry has responded to that sort of trip interruption just yet.  Or the insurance you bought from the cruise line, which is most likely to support your costs. In light of recent changes there may already be some changes to the ArriveCan app that doesn’t require you to declare a test status before coming home. Why not check it out. And if you’re randomly selected and test positive on arrival in Canada you can fly on to your place of quarantine to stay for 10 days after arrival. 

Just now, Tango99 said:

 

Depending on your itinerary, you need to make yourself aware of each country’s documentation requirements specifically wrt Covid. The cruise lines will advise on travel boundaries, and borders, such as those in place in Europe, beforehand. And you will be on your own to complete forms they will advise are needed to be completed for Covid travel in various EU countries.  Same probably applies to travel in Caribbean, though we havent had any forms to do for our cruise to USVI, BVI, DR and western Carribean. The only thing I’ve come across is that Bermuda may require their own attestation/ declarations etc and can change status overnight. 

8 hours ago, ALD18 said:

Understand the need for all COVID documentation to get into US and on ships.  During cruise if a port of call requires specific COVID documentation for that country can you get it onboard prior to disembarking at that port via the ship?  Or, is it your responsibility to acquire it prior to leaving on trip and take it with you?  Hypothetically example on a cruise you have a port of call in let's say Barbados.  Saying Barbados requires a specific Barbados COVID document filled out and presented.  Where or when would the passenger need to get that document?  Anybody ran into this?

41 minutes ago, Babr said:

I asked this question on the Canada ports of call  forum. Several people looked at it, but no one has answered. I hope someone here can help.

 

Do all passengers arriving by cruise ship from the US need to upload travel information into ArriveCAN in order to visit a port or disembark at the end of a cruise?

 

Do I need to enter the information in a defined time period or can I do it before leaving home? I had not planned to buy a wi fi package, but I am reluctant to upload passport numbers and other personal information from a public signal in port.

 

I plan to spend the night at an airport hotel before an early return flight to the US. Are there procedures in place if pre-flight test is positive, such as designated hotels for quarantine?  I don’t have a quarantine plan because I don’t know what is available or allowed.

So far, the cruise line has not provided any information. I’d appreciate your advice.

 

Here’s a little of what might be a start for your plan….but it is limited to coming into Canada, from a Canadian’s perspective on recent changes.   Also know that the details you’re asking are subject to change…  and might not be available just yet to the cruise line you are planning. Cruise resumption into Canada is only recent, as are the testing amendments to arrive here. Check travel.gc.ca regularly for info. I can’t say any news on US citizens returning to the US but TMK they're still subject to test….you can check that on your side….Canadians and internationals still need to.  And to address your own itinerary be prepared to look into insurance to cover you for cost of any quarantine when you are planning your trip (as we do when we might be quarantined in the US). Some cruise lines have been covering quarantine, but as of March 1 a lot changed. Alternately, if you have friends or family in Canada then you could ask them if they’re available to help you with quarantine and then say Yes if you have such an arrangement (you will be checked in on to be sure). They can not be health care workers, etc. The rules on that are on the ArriveCan app. Which very likely applies to cruisers. Though I think….that once the app is completed the job is done and you’re ready for disembarkation in Canada. The next step is flight home. Maybe this is enough info for you to begin to check all this out.