Millennium arrives in Phillipsburg!

[goldylocks70]

On 4/13/2021 at 8:16 PM, love to cruz said:

Can anyone help me? We plan on flying to St. Maarten the day before our cruise, then staying an additional day in St. Maarten when getting off the ship. Do we have to pay twice for the medical insurance? How do we get tested early enough to provide the test & required paperwork prior to getting off?

 

15 minutes ago, goldylocks70 said:

 

I was wondering about that also?  

[funatseascott]

We spent 2 weeks in St Maarten in March.  The detailed summary of getting to and leaving from a previous person was spot on.  We had our Covid test done Thursday afternoon for a Sunday morning departure.  We uploaded our results Friday morning and had pre-approval within an hour.  We brought printed copies of the Covid test and pre-approval paperwork.  They checked out paperwork at the airport checking in.  They also checked it before boarding the flight to St Maarten (had a connecting flight).  The time to check our Covid test paperwork, get thru immigration, get our luggage and get out to lots of waiting taxis took about 45 minutes.  Easy and probably same amount of time as before, as previous trips had far more people coming in, just without the Covid report checking.  Our resort in Maho had Covid test arranged for Friday when we left on Sunday.  The tests were in our mailbox the next morning at our timeshare.  At the airport, they looked at our printed Covid results while checking in.  Nothing looked at when we got to the US.  We ran into numerous people not wearing their masks properly over mouth AND nose, but since we had been vaccinated before, we didn't feel too bad being around these people.  We had no issues getting in or leaving.

 

We are on the June 5th cruise, but coming in the Sunday before and leaving the day after the cruise.  I do not know if we will have to pay the $30 insurance for the extra day in St Maarten, but we are planning like we will, bonus if we don't.  From what we are being told, the Covid test on the ship will be done Friday, which allows you to stay in St Maarten to Monday morning.  If your flight home is Monday afternoon, the Covid test on the ship will be past the 3 days from test.  This is why we are flying home Sunday afternoon.  We expect that we will have to get a Covid test to fly to St Maarten, another Covid test before getting on the ship, a Covid test when getting to the cruise terminal and a Covid test to get off the ship to fly home.

 

Somebody asked about what to do in St Maarten before going to the airport.  I think that is partially dependent on the number of suitcases or what you are travelling with.  You could shop Front and Back Street by the cruise terminal (about half the businesses have closed), but who wants to drag their luggage around.  You could take a taxi to the Simpson Bay area to have breakfast/lunch at Zees Best (we love this place and visit multiple times every trip to St. Maarten) or other restaurants, as dragging the luggage isn't as bad from the street to a restaurant.  You would then just take another taxi to the airport when you are ready.  We have always stayed in our timeshare lobby after checking out, so have never run into this issue.  The airport does have plenty of seating, a few food places and a few shops.  We normally try to get to the airport around 12:30 for our 3:00 flight and don't find the wait that bad.

 

I hope the above helps.

[rsail203]

27 minutes ago, funatseascott said:

We spent 2 weeks in St Maarten in March.  The detailed summary of getting to and leaving from a previous person was spot on.  We had our Covid test done Thursday afternoon for a Sunday morning departure.  We uploaded our results Friday morning and had pre-approval within an hour.  We brought printed copies of the Covid test and pre-approval paperwork.  They checked out paperwork at the airport checking in.  They also checked it before boarding the flight to St Maarten (had a connecting flight).  The time to check our Covid test paperwork, get thru immigration, get our luggage and get out to lots of waiting taxis took about 45 minutes.  Easy and probably same amount of time as before, as previous trips had far more people coming in, just without the Covid report checking.  Our resort in Maho had Covid test arranged for Friday when we left on Sunday.  The tests were in our mailbox the next morning at our timeshare.  At the airport, they looked at our printed Covid results while checking in.  Nothing looked at when we got to the US.  We ran into numerous people not wearing their masks properly over mouth AND nose, but since we had been vaccinated before, we didn't feel too bad being around these people.  We had no issues getting in or leaving.

 

We are on the June 5th cruise, but coming in the Sunday before and leaving the day after the cruise.  I do not know if we will have to pay the $30 insurance for the extra day in St Maarten, but we are planning like we will, bonus if we don't.  From what we are being told, the Covid test on the ship will be done Friday, which allows you to stay in St Maarten to Monday morning.  If your flight home is Monday afternoon, the Covid test on the ship will be past the 3 days from test.  This is why we are flying home Sunday afternoon.  We expect that we will have to get a Covid test to fly to St Maarten, another Covid test before getting on the ship, a Covid test when getting to the cruise terminal and a Covid test to get off the ship to fly home.

 

Somebody asked about what to do in St Maarten before going to the airport.  I think that is partially dependent on the number of suitcases or what you are travelling with.  You could shop Front and Back Street by the cruise terminal (about half the businesses have closed), but who wants to drag their luggage around.  You could take a taxi to the Simpson Bay area to have breakfast/lunch at Zees Best (we love this place and visit multiple times every trip to St. Maarten) or other restaurants, as dragging the luggage isn't as bad from the street to a restaurant.  You would then just take another taxi to the airport when you are ready.  We have always stayed in our timeshare lobby after checking out, so have never run into this issue.  The airport does have plenty of seating, a few food places and a few shops.  We normally try to get to the airport around 12:30 for our 3:00 flight and don't find the wait that bad.

 

I hope the above helps.

Scott-great info. I asked about what to do before my flight, but Celebrity solved that as they added a St. Maarten sightseeing excursion that ends up at the airport at noon. Perfect timing.

[goldylocks70]

On 4/15/2021 at 4:18 PM, goldylocks70 said:

 

I was wondering about that also?  

 

On 4/15/2021 at 6:06 PM, rsail203 said:

Scott-great info. I asked about what to do before my flight, but Celebrity solved that as they added a St. Maarten sightseeing excursion that ends up at the airport at noon. Perfect timing.

 

On 4/15/2021 at 6:06 PM, rsail203 said:

Scott-great info. I asked about what to do before my flight, but Celebrity solved that as they added a St. Maarten sightseeing excursion that ends up at the airport at noon. Perfect timing.

Do we need the PCR and the Antigen Viral test or just the PCR?  I am still concerned about getting the results back in a timely manner.  

Thanks for all the detailed information, it is very helpful.  Have a wonderful cruise 

 

 

 

[Jeremiah1212]

It looks like Millennium brought on crew yesterday. 

 

 

[elportal]

On 4/15/2021 at 5:32 PM, funatseascott said:

We spent 2 weeks in St Maarten in March.  The detailed summary of getting to and leaving from a previous person was spot on.  We had our Covid test done Thursday afternoon for a Sunday morning departure.  We uploaded our results Friday morning and had pre-approval within an hour.  We brought printed copies of the Covid test and pre-approval paperwork.  They checked out paperwork at the airport checking in.  They also checked it before boarding the flight to St Maarten (had a connecting flight).  The time to check our Covid test paperwork, get thru immigration, get our luggage and get out to lots of waiting taxis took about 45 minutes.  Easy and probably same amount of time as before, as previous trips had far more people coming in, just without the Covid report checking.  Our resort in Maho had Covid test arranged for Friday when we left on Sunday.  The tests were in our mailbox the next morning at our timeshare.  At the airport, they looked at our printed Covid results while checking in.  Nothing looked at when we got to the US.  We ran into numerous people not wearing their masks properly over mouth AND nose, but since we had been vaccinated before, we didn't feel too bad being around these people.  We had no issues getting in or leaving.

 

We are on the June 5th cruise, but coming in the Sunday before and leaving the day after the cruise.  I do not know if we will have to pay the $30 insurance for the extra day in St Maarten, but we are planning like we will, bonus if we don't.  From what we are being told, the Covid test on the ship will be done Friday, which allows you to stay in St Maarten to Monday morning.  If your flight home is Monday afternoon, the Covid test on the ship will be past the 3 days from test.  This is why we are flying home Sunday afternoon.  We expect that we will have to get a Covid test to fly to St Maarten, another Covid test before getting on the ship, a Covid test when getting to the cruise terminal and a Covid test to get off the ship to fly home.

 

Somebody asked about what to do in St Maarten before going to the airport.  I think that is partially dependent on the number of suitcases or what you are travelling with.  You could shop Front and Back Street by the cruise terminal (about half the businesses have closed), but who wants to drag their luggage around.  You could take a taxi to the Simpson Bay area to have breakfast/lunch at Zees Best (we love this place and visit multiple times every trip to St. Maarten) or other restaurants, as dragging the luggage isn't as bad from the street to a restaurant.  You would then just take another taxi to the airport when you are ready.  We have always stayed in our timeshare lobby after checking out, so have never run into this issue.  The airport does have plenty of seating, a few food places and a few shops.  We normally try to get to the airport around 12:30 for our 3:00 flight and don't find the wait that bad.

 

I hope the above helps.

Thanks for all the great info. Im cruising on June 19th but will arrive 3 days prior, any recommendations on where to Stay .I've been to St. Martin  a few times on cruises but never stayed longer. I looked at all inclusive but do not want to commit to one place.. Thanks in advanced..

[funatseascott]

On 4/26/2021 at 11:46 AM, goldylocks70 said:

 

 

Do we need the PCR and the Antigen Viral test or just the PCR?  I am still concerned about getting the results back in a timely manner.  

Thanks for all the detailed information, it is very helpful.  Have a wonderful cruise 

 

 

 

I believe St Maarten requires the PCR test within 72 hours of your last leg to enter the island.  It was the same requirement to enter the US.  Our flight down to St Maarten was Sunday, so we had the test done Friday afternoon.  The tests we took Friday afternoon had our results emailed to us Friday evening, so timing wasn't an issue for us.  We are planning to do the same this time, as we are coming down early to enjoy St Maarten.  No need to have the expense of airfare just for a 7-day cruise, so we are coming early and staying after.  Enjoy the cruise!!

[funatseascott]

On 5/3/2021 at 10:36 AM, elportal said:

Thanks for all the great info. Im cruising on June 19th but will arrive 3 days prior, any recommendations on where to Stay .I've been to St. Martin  a few times on cruises but never stayed longer. I looked at all inclusive but do not want to commit to one place.. Thanks in advanced..

Our timeshare is in Maho, but with us coming down a week early for this cruise, we will be staying in Simpson Bay at The Villas at Simpson Bay Resort.  They have a private beach and easy walking distance to grocery store (Market Garden), restaurants (Avantika-Thai, Zees Best - brunch/almond croissants, Astra-Steak/Lobster, The Greenhouse-lobster, La Sucriere-pastries) and Toppers Rhum.  It's easy to catch buses to Phillipsburg and back.  Enjoy wherever you choose as we love St Maarten and can't talk it up enough.

[Fouremco]

11 minutes ago, funatseascott said:

I believe St Maarten requires the PCR test within 72 hours of your last leg to enter the island.  It was the same requirement to enter the US.  Our flight down to St Maarten was Sunday, so we had the test done Friday afternoon.  The tests we took Friday afternoon had our results emailed to us Friday evening, so timing wasn't an issue for us.  We are planning to do the same this time, as we are coming down early to enjoy St Maarten.  No need to have the expense of airfare just for a 7-day cruise, so we are coming early and staying after.  Enjoy the cruise!!

For entry to Sint Maarten, there are options with respect to testing:

 

1. A rt-PCR test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab performed in the country of origin and within 72 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten (last leg in case of connecting flights) is required for all travelers originating from a country that is categorized as high risk. Antibody tests and tests performed outside of the 72 hours period will not be accepted. Results from home covid-19 collection test kits will also not be accepted. Airlines might require you to show a negative lab test result. For travelers from the USA, US territories and Canada the time frame remains 120 hrs. prior to departure. This will remain in effect as long as the national health authorities of the USA and Canada do not require differently for their traveling citizens.
2. Alternatively, travelers originating from the USA and Canada can do an antigen test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab performed within 48 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten. All FDA approved antigen tests including those with Emergency Use Authorization only (EUA) are accepted. Tests performed outside of the 48 hours period and home tests will not be accepted.

https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/

[elportal]

18 hours ago, funatseascott said:

Our timeshare is in Maho, but with us coming down a week early for this cruise, we will be staying in Simpson Bay at The Villas at Simpson Bay Resort.  They have a private beach and easy walking distance to grocery store (Market Garden), restaurants (Avantika-Thai, Zees Best - brunch/almond croissants, Astra-Steak/Lobster, The Greenhouse-lobster, La Sucriere-pastries) and Toppers Rhum.  It's easy to catch buses to Phillipsburg and back.  Enjoy wherever you choose as we love St Maarten and can't talk it up enough.

Thanks I actually booked it yesterday. can't wait...

[ZiggyGA]

On 4/15/2021 at 5:32 PM, funatseascott said:

We spent 2 weeks in St Maarten in March.  The detailed summary of getting to and leaving from a previous person was spot on.  We had our Covid test done Thursday afternoon for a Sunday morning departure.  We uploaded our results Friday morning and had pre-approval within an hour.  We brought printed copies of the Covid test and pre-approval paperwork.  They checked out paperwork at the airport checking in.  They also checked it before boarding the flight to St Maarten (had a connecting flight).  The time to check our Covid test paperwork, get thru immigration, get our luggage and get out to lots of waiting taxis took about 45 minutes.  Easy and probably same amount of time as before, as previous trips had far more people coming in, just without the Covid report checking.  Our resort in Maho had Covid test arranged for Friday when we left on Sunday.  The tests were in our mailbox the next morning at our timeshare.  At the airport, they looked at our printed Covid results while checking in.  Nothing looked at when we got to the US.  We ran into numerous people not wearing their masks properly over mouth AND nose, but since we had been vaccinated before, we didn't feel too bad being around these people.  We had no issues getting in or leaving.

 

We are on the June 5th cruise, but coming in the Sunday before and leaving the day after the cruise.  I do not know if we will have to pay the $30 insurance for the extra day in St Maarten, but we are planning like we will, bonus if we don't.  From what we are being told, the Covid test on the ship will be done Friday, which allows you to stay in St Maarten to Monday morning.  If your flight home is Monday afternoon, the Covid test on the ship will be past the 3 days from test.  This is why we are flying home Sunday afternoon.  We expect that we will have to get a Covid test to fly to St Maarten, another Covid test before getting on the ship, a Covid test when getting to the cruise terminal and a Covid test to get off the ship to fly home.

 

Somebody asked about what to do in St Maarten before going to the airport.  I think that is partially dependent on the number of suitcases or what you are travelling with.  You could shop Front and Back Street by the cruise terminal (about half the businesses have closed), but who wants to drag their luggage around.  You could take a taxi to the Simpson Bay area to have breakfast/lunch at Zees Best (we love this place and visit multiple times every trip to St. Maarten) or other restaurants, as dragging the luggage isn't as bad from the street to a restaurant.  You would then just take another taxi to the airport when you are ready.  We have always stayed in our timeshare lobby after checking out, so have never run into this issue.  The airport does have plenty of seating, a few food places and a few shops.  We normally try to get to the airport around 12:30 for our 3:00 flight and don't find the wait that bad.

 

I hope the above helps.

Funatseascott - I see that you are on the June 5th cruise out of St Maarten, arriving earlier that week and staying an extra day after the cruise.

 

We are in the same situation but on the June 12th cruise.  I also see that you have experience filling out and submitting the St Maarten Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) form for previous trips to St Maarten.  With the introduction of cruising the form has changed and now includes a new option "Air-Sea Travel".  Because we are arriving a day early staying in a hotel, and leaving 2 days after the cruise I am unsure if we should use the "Air Travel", or the "Air-Sea Travel" option.

 

It seems that neither of these options applies exactly to our situation.  "Air Travel" asks for Hotel information but nothing about the ship, but "Air-Sea Travel" asks for Ship information but hotel information for the rest of your stay on the island.

 

Do you have any information on which way people in a similar situation should complete the form?  If not, would it be possible, that after you get your approval back from St Maarten,  posting instructions on how you filled out the Travel Information section of the form?

 

I am sure there are many people in our situation and any information you can provide would be appreciated

Thanks

[Borntocruise22]

2 hours ago, ZiggyGA said:

Funatseascott - I see that you are on the June 5th cruise out of St Maarten, arriving earlier that week and staying an extra day after the cruise.

 

We are in the same situation but on the June 12th cruise.  I also see that you have experience filling out and submitting the St Maarten Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) form for previous trips to St Maarten.  With the introduction of cruising the form has changed and now includes a new option "Air-Sea Travel".  Because we are arriving a day early staying in a hotel, and leaving 2 days after the cruise I am unsure if we should use the "Air Travel", or the "Air-Sea Travel" option.

 

It seems that neither of these options applies exactly to our situation.  "Air Travel" asks for Hotel information but nothing about the ship, but "Air-Sea Travel" asks for Ship information but hotel information for the rest of your stay on the island.

 

Do you have any information on which way people in a similar situation should complete the form?  If not, would it be possible, that after you get your approval back from St Maarten,  posting instructions on how you filled out the Travel Information section of the form?

 

I am sure there are many people in our situation and any information you can provide would be appreciated

Thanks

I would like to know this also. We are 2 days before and 2 days after our cruise on 6/19. Thanks!

[caymancouple]

18 hours ago, Borntocruise22 said:

I would like to know this also. We are 2 days before and 2 days after our cruise on 6/19. Thanks!

Add us to that question list.  Coming in 4 days early staying one extra day after the cruise.

 

[funatseascott]

On 5/8/2021 at 9:18 AM, caymancouple said:

Add us to that question list.  Coming in 4 days early staying one extra day after the cruise.

 

 

On 5/7/2021 at 3:14 PM, Borntocruise22 said:

I would like to know this also. We are 2 days before and 2 days after our cruise on 6/19. Thanks!

 

On 5/7/2021 at 12:28 PM, ZiggyGA said:

Funatseascott - I see that you are on the June 5th cruise out of St Maarten, arriving earlier that week and staying an extra day after the cruise.

 

We are in the same situation but on the June 12th cruise.  I also see that you have experience filling out and submitting the St Maarten Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) form for previous trips to St Maarten.  With the introduction of cruising the form has changed and now includes a new option "Air-Sea Travel".  Because we are arriving a day early staying in a hotel, and leaving 2 days after the cruise I am unsure if we should use the "Air Travel", or the "Air-Sea Travel" option.

 

It seems that neither of these options applies exactly to our situation.  "Air Travel" asks for Hotel information but nothing about the ship, but "Air-Sea Travel" asks for Ship information but hotel information for the rest of your stay on the island.

 

Do you have any information on which way people in a similar situation should complete the form?  If not, would it be possible, that after you get your approval back from St Maarten,  posting instructions on how you filled out the Travel Information section of the form?

 

I am sure there are many people in our situation and any information you can provide would be appreciated

Thanks

I'll look into this more and post an update.  Our plans are to arrive 6 days before and leave 3 days after, so I'll see what we need to do for both ends.

[gerelmx]

Millennium leave St Marteen and is heading to Galveston, TX

[cruisemom42]

22 hours ago, gerelmx said:

Millennium leave St Marteen and is heading to Galveston, TX

 

Anyone know more about the above? Curious why she would be going to Galveston at this point?

[gerelmx]

1 minute ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Anyone know more about the above? Curious why she would be going to Galveston at this point?

 

Someone posted in other thread, that they are going to Galveston to Vaccinate the crew with J&J

[cruisemom42]

Just now, gerelmx said:

 

Someone posted in other thread, that they are going to Galveston to Vaccinate the crew with J&J

 

thanks -- that makes sense. 

👍

[djh]

5 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Anyone know more about the above? Curious why she would be going to Galveston at this point?

If anybody finds out when she is due in Galveston would you post the info here? I would love to head down to see her!

[Seany527]

1 hour ago, djh said:

If anybody finds out when she is due in Galveston would you post the info here? I would love to head down to see her!

Friday night, someone on social media said ‘3 more sea days’ so I believe their arrival will be Tuesday. 
If you go and take pics, upload them on here 😁

[chawkjewel]

1 hour ago, djh said:

If anybody finds out when she is due in Galveston would you post the info here? I would love to head down to see her!

VesselFinder says 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday but doesn’t specify (that I noticed anyway) if that is central time. I may have just missed it. 

[gerelmx]

56 minutes ago, chawkjewel said:

VesselFinder says 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday but doesn’t specify (that I noticed anyway) if that is central time. I may have just missed it. 

 

It's UTC time

[HS2BS]

I wonder how many crew members since arrival in St. Maarten on April 27th have experienced symptoms of COVID-19? Celebrity is again cutting their time schedule close, most of us have waited till a completed inspection of the ship was done by port/health/Coast Guard/etc before any egress to the ship. Assuming everything is cleared and inoculations( J & J) and provisions are completed by Wednesday, that leaves a little over two weeks till passengers are on board.

Hal

 

[Ken the cruiser]

Here's the Cruise Mapper link if you want to follow its progress.

 

CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM Current Location (cruisemapper.com)

[lhsail]

On 4/5/2021 at 10:05 AM, Sunshine2000 said:

😀 We're currently staying in St Maarten and this morning we discovered Millennium docked in port. It does seem that sailings will begin. 

May I ask how you found the island?  The last time we were there there was still so much hurricane damage.  Then the economic impact of COVID. We will enjoy our time there no matter what, but curious.