GoesBoom

Question.  We sail on this vessel departing June 19th.  What type of coffee machine is in the cabin?  I like to bring my own coffee.  Thank You

I’m now booked for Valentine’s Day 2023 on the Sphinx. 

17 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

 

I'll suggest that is a question to ask Viking closer to the time, as I expect the requirements may have changed by summer

Heidi is totally correct.  I’m sailing out of the UK in 7 days.  Over the last 4 weeks the testing requirements have changed 4 times.  Both when to test and the type of test.  Viking’s wording is also a bit vague or contradictory at times.  Might consider to start worrying about testing requirements 3 weeks before the cruise.  Viking also says to check the requirements 7 days before you fly in case the requirements change again.

Both in the same cabin!  They lied about being vaccinated.

I think if they issue docs and then cancel, you get a full cash refund.  If they cancel before docs due to covid, you only receive a FCC.  They are slimy.

All, just received a marketing email from Uniworld.  It announces that their first European river cruise will be in Italy on June18th.  It is asking people to sign up for their first cruise.

2 hours ago, GoesBoom said:

Unless things go bad in France, I think this will happen.  It will be an adventure.

Well, well, well.  Just got email from Uniworld.  My June 20th cruise is canceled.

I’m booked in France for a June 20th river cruise.  They might be asking the passengers if we would like to learn to be deckhands, waiters or butlers.  I fly direct from Dallas into Paris.  Macron says he will open France to vaccinated Americans on June 9th.  Yes, I’m fully vaccinated.  The cruise is totally within France’s borders.  I connect thru Heathrow on my return flight.  I need a covid test to transit Heathrow and one to enter the US.  Will find a test that satisfies both.  Unless things go bad in France, I think this will happen.  It will be an adventure.

44 minutes ago, Lance88 said:

Glad to hear that Uniworld finally did the reasonable thing and suspended your May 30 cruise. We are still waiting for a decision on our June 6 cruise. I don't expect one until there is a decision from the EU this week on allowing US tourists. If it goes ahead , I am sure we will be scrambling with testing , transfers , etc. I am also concerned about being the first cruise.

The EU voted to allow all vaccinated people into the EU.  No date announced.  They also raised the threshold for “red” countries.

Finally canceled!  If you or anyone else needs a recommendation for a local guide in Porto, I have a great one.

22 hours ago, CUTTERSAM said:

To include May 30 or ends midnight May 29. That's what I think is the problem here!

So do you have a verdict from Uniworld yet?  I have a saying, you judge a person/company on how they respond during the emergencies, not on what they do during normal times.  I understand that during normal times Uniworld has a great product and is 6 star.  But, they show their true colors now, when things aren’t so good.  Given their recent performance, I have serious doubt on how they will perform in the future.  If I’m on a Uniworld cruise and a crisis occurs, will I be told, sorry the cruise is terminated, we hope you have insurance (I did get that email from Uniworld), good luck getting home.  So sad.

18 minutes ago, CUTTERSAM said:

The latest news is no news yet.  My TA called Uniworld this morning and was on hold over an hour. the said they would have an answer for her later today or tomorrow about 5/30 Douro.

Interesting, given that the “Condition of Calamity” in Portugal has been extended until May 30th.  This morning Uniworld took down all French cruises prior to June 20th.  My Grand France cruise is June 20th.  Given France plans to open on June 9th to non EU tourists, I expect my cruise to be a go.

CUTTERSAM , sailing in 2 weeks.  No cruise documents?

56 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

I can't find this website.  Is the URL correct?

So sorry, I messed up, what is new.  AFAR.COM

I predict the next week will be exciting.  With Italy opening up to all Americans who fly in on covid tested flights and Greece being open, those countries presently not open to Americans may suddenly rush to open.  The grab for the all mighty tourist dollar!  I find some of the best information on IFAR.COM. 

Well, as of Monday, Brits are allowed into Portugal.  I’m sure Uniworld is pushing their Portugal cruises.  Might sail with Brits and EU passengers only if Americans not allowed in.  The São Gabriel Is still underway this morning.  Looks more and more like a test voyage.

You don’t claim your checked luggage.  It is a long connection.  You live out of your carry on.  Done this several times.

So, where do you change planes? I don’t see a Boston to Porto nonstop.  Present arrival time in Porto?  I think you previously mentioned you were on Delta.  Might be changing at AMS.  I believe there is a hotel inside AMS.  If all true, Delta might be willing to let you layover in AMS and fly into Porto on the 30th.

As of today, the S.S. São Gabriel is on the move.  Presently moored at ENTRES-OS-RIOS.  Maybe a trial run.

There is a great App called Marine Traffic.  Shows you lots of information and location of any ship in the world.  I’ve used it for years.  You should get it.  Well, the App shows that Viking is exercising their boats.  They have been leaving the docks for short 1 hour jaunts.  I’m sure testing and making sure everything is  in perfect running order.  So far I haven’t seen a Uniworld boat do the same thing.  Maybe it is because Viking owns their boats.  I think Uniworld leases theirs, I could be wrong.

So I understand that on Thursday, Portugal extended the state of calamity until May 30th.  Maybe now Uniworld will make the right decision.

OK, so if your cruise does go and you need tested to renter the US, read this article …

https://www.afar.com/magazine/cdc-approves-at-home-covid-tests-for-international-travel

I have purchased the Abbot test and downloaded the App.  Works like a charm.  Buy the $24 test kit and take it with you.  Also works if you are transiting LHR.

1 hour ago, CUTTERSAM said:Abusive is a good word for it.

Abusive is a very good word for it.  I sent a nice, but factual email, to Ellen, the Uniworld CEO.  I was wondering if she knew what her people were up to.  I did not receive a reply, nor a notice of my email being bounced back.  My cruise is in France.  I did learn that this Thursday there will be a meeting in Paris to determine when the French will permit cruising to start.  One participant will let me know the results.  In my opinion, Uniworld is acting like a company having financial difficulties.  Begging for bookings, no cash refunds only FCC, and trying to be the earliest boats back on the water.

On 5/7/2021 at 3:23 PM, CUTTERSAM said:

  "yes, it is still scheduled" she said. I asked her twice.  

But, Uniworld deleted from their website all May river cruises for the month of May.  I’m confused.

37 minutes ago, CUTTERSAM said:

Just got word from TA. Uniworld suspended all Portugal sailings up to 5/23

All cruises in Portugal for May are canceled.  First Sailing is now June 6th.  According to their website.