wendycook22

16 minutes ago, K_e_short said:

 

I agree. Also someone has confirmed the expiry date is a long ways off?? (someone help me out).

 

I have heard horror stories of Americans buying the online proctored tests that are expired by the time they are delivered.

 

Meaning you should buy it now, just in case they run out when you do travel.

I found the thread for you.  
 

I seen expiry mentioned in post 13, there may be others.

1 minute ago, K_e_short said:

 

I agree. Also someone has confirmed the expiry date is a long ways off?? (someone help me out).

 

I have heard horror stories of Americans buying the online proctored tests that are expired by the time they are delivered.

 

Meaning you should buy it now, just in case they run out when you do travel.

I read a thread earlier today and someone stated their expiry was late this year.  I wish I could recall the threat. I believe it was on one of the recent Switch Health testing threads.

59 minutes ago, DirtyDawg said:

Those are now an essential packing item for international travel!

And at $149 for Aeroplan members, very affordably priced.

 

We’re you able to test on the ship using WiFi?  We are sailing Celebrity with surf internet, I think we would have to upgrade to Streaming in order to properly connect for the test.

1 minute ago, bookbabe said:

Have them try to find the Walgreens Rapid ID Now test appointments...NAAT tests suitable for return to Canada with results in a couple of hours.

Currently most Walgreens are only booking 5 days out, and appointments are very limited (at least in the Miami and FLL area).  Currently due to high demand you would need to book the morning the appointments are released for your testing date.  It also appears that you will are required to book a separate appointment for each individual being tested, although you may show up all together in one car.  

24 minutes ago, Liverpoolfan181 said:

Our original appts cancelled on us and we had booked a back up at Urgent care.  Rapid PCR. Results in 2 hours. Would book them again in a flash. Ensure you are booking Rapid PCR as the regular PCR’s are taking days and days to return results 

What was the cost of the Rapid PCR at Urgent Care, and turn around (if you don't mind sharing), and perhaps the location/area.  TIA

10 minutes ago, Princess Fi said:

Long way off and many protocols with Canadian government and Celebrity can change between now and May. We have a ten night Pacific Coastal May 3. We leave San Diego but our last port before Vancouver is Victoria. I wonder how they could even contemplate testing all passengers with PCR test. Maybe Canada will eliminate testing similar to UK.  

Eliminating the PCR test would make travel so much easier.  I keep holding on to hope that it will be relaxed to an antigen test, but Omicron caused on bump in taking that road in the near future.  

1 hour ago, tert333 said:

We just finished the process of Covid testing dockside.

 

Overall, a good experience; however there was an issue that my wife did not get her results.   It seems like the email they used was incorrect.  A miscommunication.   Would recommend that you confirm the email address with the rep to make sure they understood the email. You don’t get any printout of the info entered, so you just have to rely on them hearing you properly.

 

also, they say it would be ready in 2 hours, but I had mine in about an hour.  Next time would have stayed at the cruiseport for the results, in case there are any issues.  I called their support number but was put on hold.

 

I think when I get back, I am going to create a laminated card with personal information to give someone when they need the details, so that they can just copy the info from the card..

Did you have to provide proof of return flight being within 24 hours?  Also, were your flights booked independently  or through Celebrity? 

4 minutes ago, Froufie said:

I am wondering if you could share your 'written confirmation'?  Or who to contact to obtain this?

 

I know many are struggling with this same issue - with some ships saying sure next day is fine and others ships indicating that it is actually 24 hrs and the clock starts 'ticking' at 9 am day of disembarkation.  Too bad for you if you're even past that a small bit for your flights home.

 

I agree that booking and cancelling might be the way to avoid this issue and have some 'proof' in hand.  Also wondering if you have flights booked through the cruiseline if they could access this information online if they wanted to?

My confirmation was not written it was verbal, and it was from my BDM contact with Celebrity. Otherwise I would be happy to share my correspondence.  Again, I am not disputing the grey areas it may cause, and that written documentation would ideal.  I am just passing on any information I have gathered.  Let's face it procedures could be written and end up changing mid stride.  Travelling and cruising is currently a very fluid situation.  

I am also questioning what itinerary details Celebrity can see.  We have our flights booked with Celebrity.  This is what is simulating my question 😉  I am curious to hear if Canadian passengers are being asked to show proof of their flight itinerary.  Perhaps we should also ask if CC members would also share if their flights were with Celebrity.

 

56 minutes ago, drpad3333 said:

Email today (on Apex 2/19)   ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS

Dear Guest, We look forward to welcoming you aboard for your upcoming Celebrity Cruises vacation. Before we set sail, we have some important information to share regarding our Health and Safety Protocols. Vaccines All sailings departing the U.S. are subject to guidance from the CDC. As such, Celebrity Cruises will require guests eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully vaccinated, with all initial doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. Guests with a mixed series of any two of the following vaccines taken within a minimum of 28 days between doses, will also be considered fully vaccinated: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sinopharm or Covaxin. Youths who have received one dose of a vaccine (other than Johnson & Johnson) will not be considered fully vaccinated. COVID-19 Booster Vaccine shots are not required to sail on Celebrity Cruises. Pre-Cruise Testing For sailings departing the U.S. through February 28, 2022, all vaccinated guests are required to present a negative COVID-19 test at the time of embarkation. This test may be taken as either as an Antigen or PCR test, conducted within two days of boarding the ship. Each guest is responsible for making their own arrangements with an accredited testing provider as well as covering all associated costs. Unvaccinated children between the ages of two and eleven years old will be required to bring a negative PCR test conducted within three days of boarding. These guests will be provided an additional Antigen test at the terminal prior to embarkation as well as on the day before disembarkation. A registration link for required testing at the terminal will be sent separately. Please note, the CDC has advised unvaccinated guests cannot be tested twice in one day as it may affect the accuracy of their test results, therefore the COVID-19 test required before arriving at the terminal cannot be taken on boarding day. Convenient Testing Options Monitored Self-Test Kit - Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card: Approved Self-Test Kits are available for order pre-cruise for fully vaccinated guests. Complete your pre-cruise test kit at home or any place of your choosing with the help of live video supervision by a Certified Guide. Your results will be ready in 15 minutes. ORDER HERE Concierge Testing Service: In partnership with Bio-reference a concierge testing option is also available. Bio-reference will send a qualified medical technician to your home, office, hotel, or any place you choose, to perform the test. Your results will be ready in about 48 hours. RESERVE HERE Guests arriving at the terminal without a negative COVID-19 test result may be denied boarding. For details on our current health and safety protocols please visit www.healthyatsea.com. While Onboard As a result of increased COVID-19 cases associated with the Omicron variant, masks will be required for all guests (regardless of vaccination status,) at all times indoors except while eating or drinking.  This policy is currently in effect and will be re-evaluated on a continuous basis. Home Country Re-Entry Testing All fully vaccinated guests requiring a COVID-19 test to return to their home country will be provided the opportunity to receive testing in the cruise port during disembarkation. Proof of return travel scheduled within 24 hours of disembarkation will be required. Details on testing registration will be provided onboard. Testing will be complimentary for guests with cruise reservations booked and paid in full prior to November 16, 2021.  For new bookings made on or after November 16, 2021, testing will be available for a per person fee. Thank you in advance for your consideration of these important guidelines. The health and safety of everyone onboard is our number one priority. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Celebrity Cruises at 1-844-418-6824 in North America or (316) 554-5961 worldwide. Sincerely, Celebrity Cruises

I just received this as well for my Reflection sailing. I came here share but you beat me to it. 😆

2 hours ago, TeeRick said:

If we have learned anything at all, the requirements for boarding and testing and masking and shore excursions and individual ports- all are in a constant state of flux and subject to last minute changes.  This should be the expectation right now.  Check back here on CC or the Celebrity website frequently as your cruise gets closer.  Don't count on an email from Celebrity communicating the changes.

I agree 100%.  I am passing along my findings to put it on other cruisers radar.  

13 minutes ago, 3boyz2keep said:

I'm wondering if the new message appears as protocols may change on January 15th as the CDC order expires? We sail at the end of February and I'm really curious if there will be changes.

Exactly.  I thought by sharing this it may give others the heads up in case they haven't already realized it is something that definitely needs to be monitored regularly.  I understand the current travel climate and the potential need for changes by cruise lines, airlines, etc.  Just putting it out there, so it is on the radar. 🙂 

2 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I thought that section used to have info about unvaccinated children being required to test at the pier?

I thought I had previously seen more details about testing requirements during check in and disembarkation the last time I checked but couldn't be certain.    

Just now, cruisestitch said:

I recall seeing that same message going as far back as September. I think it’s a CYA statement and don’t anticipate any changes in the near future.

Thanks.  I didn't recall seeing it on my December 2021 sailing on the summit.  Perhaps, I overlooked it during that check in process.  

I received the following warning when starting the check in process for our February 19 2022 sailing on the Reflection: 

I wonder if there are more changes to come.....time will tell.  

1 hour ago, hoklun said:

I'm not sure when your cruise is, but I can report back next week during my cruise starting on the 9th. 

That would be wonderful.  My cruise isn't until February 19, so it would be helpful to hear your experience.  It may change again by the time I cruise, but I always opt to stay current and informed over just waiting to see what happens.  Happy cruising to you! 

12 hours ago, Desert Diamond said:

Another point to consider is that many crew members may have also tested positive on Equinox and are quarantined. It is perhaps a skeleton crew that is attempting to accomplish the additional work of caring for quarantined/positive passengers.  I don't know exactly how often crew on X is tested but on a Princess cruise we did in early December, we were told that all crew was being tested weekly and crew who interacted with passengers were being elevated to every three days for testing. I've read reports that Harmony and Allure of the Seas have recently had many positive cases amongst the crew.

I can't substantiate the validity of the comment but on my sailing I heard staff was being tested every 4 days.  

Hi Everyone, 

We sailed with Celebrity last month, and have an upcoming sailing in February.  I was curious if Canadians are experiencing Celebrity strictly enforcing the proof of travel with 24 hours of disembarkation. I received confirmation that they are actually using 1 day instead of 24 hours, but I was curious to see if they are enforcing it, and not proving testing to passengers outside of this threshold.  I will have a plan B in place for our trip and know things between now and our February 19 sailing can change.  I am curious what current and upcoming Canadian passengers are experiencing. 
 

Thanks in advance.

Wendy

5 hours ago, Plato123 said:

With great sadness we cancelled our January Celebrity Reflection cruise. The Reflection is our favorite ship and we had hoped to cruise on it once more before it was reworked into an Edge clone.

Omicron was the final straw that made us decide to cancel, but Air Canada shortening our connection time in Toronto and the threat of winter delays added to our reasons for cancelling.

We have another Celebrity cruise planned for December 2022 and hope things have settled down by then.

BTW, we got a future cruise credit from Celebrity and Air Canada refunded all our Aeroplan points promptly, as did Expedia for our FLL hotel stay pre cruise..

We placed our final payment for our February 2022 cruise on the Reflection prior to leaving for this cruise.  We are crossing our fingers and toes we will get to sail again.  We will keep the reservation and utilize the cruise with confidence in February if we have to.  The Reflection has also been our favorite ship to date.  

18 hours ago, letscruzmarch said:

Canceled today sadly. We were scheduled on celebrity summit for the 26th.  Air Canada changed our flight and with the increase of cases here.. we were just too worried about getting a positive while in the States.  
We had our fights through celebrity and will get a refund for that.  FCC for the cruise itself. Fed up, discouraged and so done with all of this.

Do you know if Celebrity will be charging you the cancellation fee for the flights?  We had refundable air fare, but there is a note when we booked stating that there are cancellation fees on the refundable airfare after final payment.  

1 hour ago, Froufie said:

Just confirming as per website/today this is Celebrity's position on testing onboard:

 

Currently all fully vaccinated guests requiring a COVID-19 test to return to their home country will be provided the option to receive complimentary testing onboard prior to disembarkation. Proof of return travel scheduled within 24 hours of disembarkation will be required. As of Tuesday, November 16, 2021, for new bookings, home country re-entry testing will be available onboard for a fee of $55 per person for an Antigen test or $95 per person for a PCR test.

This was our process on our sailing.  They verbally noted on their system that we booked prior to November 16, and that our tests onboard would be complimentary as per the terms at the time of our booking.  They did not ask to verify our return flight information but they most likely had access to this as we had flights booked by Celebrity.    

I can honestly say I didn't even know this board existed until Covid-19.  I frequently search the cruise lines boards, role calls, and port threads, but have never notice this thread in previous years.  

12 hours ago, Froufie said:

Thanks for the great detailed summary!

 

Quick question to you (and others who might know) in regard to pre-flight check in.  We will be checking online BEFORE we have our antigen test results (next morning)....  I assume we can still check in online providing whatever is requested....?  or will we be unable to complete the check in until such time as we have our antigen test results in hand?

 

Or can we check in and add them later?  or just provide them at the airport?  Any ideas?

I went into the online check in and picked our seats the morning prior to our flight (at the 24 hour mark when check in opens).  We took our antigen tests later that evening.  I then completed the rest of the check in process which included uploading our test results.  I hope that helps 🙂 

5 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

Many thanks. There was one case I read about where the terminal employee insisted on the "original" records. The newer national format proof of vaccination with the QR code wasn't deemed acceptable, as it was not the one issued at the time of each vaccination. It's good to see that this was an exception and not the rule!

Yes, I had read that thread as well.  We never removed our original certificates from our phones so hubby and I have both original certificates and the QR's uploaded on our phones. We were prepared just in case there was any question.  I often air on the side of having too much detail/information.  It is better to be overprepared and have more than we need than get caught falling short.  

19 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

Thanks for the very thorough report, Wendy. Just as a matter of interest, what vaccination record(s) did you provide to Celebrity?

We uploaded our QR document as proof of vaccination.  We also used this during the whole trip (we had physical copies and electronic copies on our phone)  The Celebrity App was a bit finicky.  One day the ability to upload the vaccine record was there, the next day it wasn't, then it reappeared and was able to uploaded them.  

One additional note:  In our situation our PCR Test showed the time in which the test was performed.  It was not the time the sample was taken as our sample was taken at 9:40ish and it stated 2:45 on our document and we received our email at 3:17.