Celebrity boarding rules change again for cruises from St Maarten - posted 05/31/2021

[LGW59]

48 minutes ago, imtired1959 said:

 

Totally agree, you want to be the first, good on you , but deal with the uncertainty out of Celebrity’s control.

[FlyerTalker]

2 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Totally agree, you want to be the first, good on you , but deal with the uncertainty out of Celebrity’s control.

 

I'm calling "Chimpanzee" on this one.

 

Please point to ANY outside reference indicating that the changes from 120 hours to 72 hours to no test to 72 hours again has been ANYTHING other than decisions made by Celebrity and Celebrity alone.

 

St Maarten has not been doing flip flops.  None of the port stop countries has been changing requirements back and forth.

 

So just what is it that is out of Celebrity's control - other than their own problems with corporate messaging and communications?  (Which definitely show they have no self-control)

[LGW59]

6 hours ago, Fouremco said:

Absolutely asinine! They should have made a decision on this weeks ago and stuck with it. Their dithering and last minute changes will have a very negative impact on passengers.

Countries are changing their requirements, frequently, I think Celebrity is trying to just keep up with it all.  Huge demand still for folks to cruise.  Early cruisers will bear the brunt of the frequent changes.  Assinine IMHO are all that are criticizing and judging even before the first ship has sailed.

[DallasGuy75219]

12 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Countries are changing their requirements, frequently, I think Celebrity is trying to just keep up with it all.  Huge demand still for folks to cruise.  Early cruisers will bear the brunt of the frequent changes.  Assinine IMHO are all that are criticizing and judging even before the first ship has sailed.

No, asinine are the people defending Celebrity for their inept attempt at accurate and consistent messaging across platforms. Even Carnival puts them to shame.

 

See @FlyerTalker's post: 

Please point to ANY outside reference indicating that the changes from 120 hours to 72 hours to no test to 72 hours again has been ANYTHING other than decisions made by Celebrity and Celebrity alone.

 

St Maarten has not been doing flip flops.  None of the port stop countries has been changing requirements back and forth.

 

So just what is it that is out of Celebrity's control - other than their own problems with corporate messaging and communications? 

[LGW59]

2 minutes ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

No, asinine are the people defending Celebrity for their inept attempt at accurate and consistent messaging across platforms. Even Carnival puts them to shame.

 

See @FlyerTalker's post: 

Please point to ANY outside reference indicating that the changes from 120 hours to 72 hours to no test to 72 hours again has been ANYTHING other than decisions made by Celebrity and Celebrity alone.

 

St Maarten has not been doing flip flops.  None of the port stop countries has been changing requirements back and forth.

 

So just what is it that is out of Celebrity's control - other than their own problems with corporate messaging and communications? 

Ok then, love the power of positive thinking.  Curious, have you a upcoming cruise booking on celebrity?

[DallasGuy75219]

Just now, LGW59 said:

Ok then, love the power of positive thinking.  Curious, have you a upcoming cruise booking on celebrity?

Yes, out of St. Maarten. And I'd be canceling it this week if I didn't have airfare tied up through Celebrity. 

[twinmom22197]

So I’m on the June 5 cruise.  I called Celebrity last night and the agent knew nothing about this…..until I told her it was on their website. She asked her supervisor, she knew nothing about it either. Then she read it. And then she said “Well if it says it on the site then that’s what you go by”

I told her I didn’t mind taking another test (as we are leaving Thursday and have already taken the one for St. Maarten) but if this is the case why isn’t Celebrity letting us know like Now! I got an email at 10:24am yesterday that says nothing about having a test to board. 
Thanks to the original poster for the heads up. 
 

Angie

[wrk2cruise]

I wonder if it would be worth another call today when the "A" team is in the office?

[LouChamp]

i’ll wait 

[cruisemom42]

15 hours ago, lhsail said:

This is so frustrating and I feel for those cruising this week. We sail in August. I should keep track of how many times this changes between now and then. Totally agree with the need to communicate directly and explain why. 

 

I somewhat understand the frustrations. But, honestly, didn't those booking early cruises understand that there were going to be a lot of changes and confusion and a need to be flexible if booking some of the first cruises to resume sailing??  

 

It has been said many times that those who want to be on the first cruises out of the gate would need to take these things in stride...

[CalTexCruiser]

The interesting thing is that for the Athens sailings (which I am booked on), there has never been a PCR test requirement, only the antigen test at the terminal.  Last update of the Athens protocol was May 28.

 

I wonder if some ports that the St Maarten sailings are visiting (not St Maarten itself) are imposing this requirement on Celebrity last minute, and Celebrity just sucks at consistent messaging/timely notification of customers.

[lhsail]

1 minute ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I somewhat understand the frustrations. But, honestly, didn't those booking early cruises understand that there were going to be a lot of changes and confusion and a need to be flexible if booking some of the first cruises to resume sailing??  

 

It has been said many times that those who want to be on the first cruises out of the gate would need to take these things in stride...

As an early booker I expected changes. I would have expected them more from St. Maarten or the islands. But these are Celebrity only requirements that keep changing, not governmental. And, again, no direct communication with those booked on the cruises or explanation for why the changes are necessary. 

[CalTexCruiser]

Also, I guess fortunately for us Athens cruisers, Celebrity's CEO is on one of the Sep sailings to celebrate her anniversary, so one can assume that Celebrity's team of 1000 monkeys will be on their best messaging behavior for the Athens sailings.  

[AbbyCruiser45]

In an email this morning (June 1st at 4AM) with boarding processes it says the following: 

• Schedule your RT-PCR test
  • St. Maarten government regulations require U.S. and Canada visitors to present negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 120 hours prior to departure or an antigen test taken 48 hours prior to departure. All other visitors must present negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

• HAVE YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND ELECTRONIC HEALTH AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM FORM (EHAS) READY.

  • Upon arrival to the airport in St. Maarten, please have your proof of negative RT- PCR test, your EHAS pre-approval form required by the government, and your passport ready for inspection.

• Arrival at terminal

  • Screening begins with presenting your original vaccination card, visual check, and health questionnaire.

To me, this seems to be what the original published procedures were, where you need the PCR to enter the country and vaccination with no test to board the cruise. 

[slanik]

We are sailing on the June 26th cruise out of St. Maarten.  This morning we received an email from Celebrity outlining the process of testing.  There was no mention of Celebrity wanting a PCR test within 72 hours of boarding.  The only timeline was the within 120 hours required by St Maarten.  Interesting.

[FlyerTalker]

OK...question to both @slanik and @AbbyCruiser45:  Did you book your cruise directly from Celebrity or through a travel agent?

 

I ask because I have yet to receive any emails about boarding procedures and policies, yet have been getting ones trying to sell me casino packages and upgrades.  Wondering if the booking channel explains why some people get these emails and others don't.  (I booked through my agent)

 

We still have the issue of the official public statement on the website says one thing, and other communication channels say something else.  And if I sound repetitive, well yes.  Because this is NOT how a functional company interacts with their customers - no matter how much the cheerleaders want to make excuses for the Celebrity screw-ups.

[Seany527]

This was the email I got from Celebrity at 11am Eastern, June 1.  For those sailing on June 5, we do require a test at least 72 hours prior to boarding. 
 

 

 

Dear Guest,    

    

We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Millennium for your 7-NightAruba, Curacao and Barbados cruise departing June 5^th, from Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Before we board, we have some important health requirement information to share with you.    

     

Celebrity Cruises has been working closely with health and government authorities, in each country we sail from, to outline a clear path for cruising with new health and safety protocols.  At this time, we have been advised of new testing requirements which will require your attention. 

  

St. Maarten Health Requirements: 

 

• St. Maarten’s RT-PCR testing requirements for travel have been updated. The requirements for entry into St. Maarten, for US and Canadian visitors, will include a negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test result taken within 120 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken 48 hours prior to departure. This requirement differs from Celebrity boarding requirements which you will find below.
• All other visitors must present negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to departure. 
• Your proof of negative RT-PCR test and the EHAS pre-approval form are required at the airport. 
• The name on your test results must match those on government issued identification.

Celebrity Cruises requirements for boarding: 

• All guests must present a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival at the cruise terminal. The name on the test results must match those on government issued identification.
• Proof of vaccination in the form of the original vaccination card for all guests 16 and older. No photocopies or photos accepted.
• Children between the ages of 2-15 who are not vaccinated must complete a RT-PCR test at the terminal prior to boarding.  

Guests who do not present all required healthy sailing documentation are at risk of being denied boarding. If you have any other questions, please contact our Customer Service team at 1 (844) 418-6824 in North America or 1 (316) 554-5961 worldwide. 

 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make our return to service and we look forward to welcoming you aboard for an unforgettable vacation. 

     

Sincerely,    

Celebrity Cruises 

[tallyho8]

This is the email I received this morning from Celebrity. It was sent 6-1-21 at 10:13 AM.

It says Celebrity requires everyone to get a RT-PCR test within 72 hours of arriving at the cruise terminal.

 

It also changed the part about kids under 15. Now instead of an antigen test at the terminal they have to get an RT-PCR test.

 

These last minute changes mean many people have 2 get 2 tests and some, like me, may not get their test results back in time before they leave.

 

ALSO: There is a link at the top of the email for you to click stating that you received the email.

 

Dear Guest,          We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Millennium for your 7-Night Aruba, Curacao and Barbados cruise departing June 5th, from Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Before we board, we have some important health requirement information to share with you.           Celebrity Cruises has been working closely with health and government authorities, in each country we sail from, to outline a clear path for cruising with new health and safety protocols.  At this time, we have been advised of new testing requirements which will require your attention.    St. Maarten Health Requirements:   St. Maarten’s RT-PCR testing requirements for travel have been updated. The requirements for entry into St. Maarten, for US and Canadian visitors, will include a negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test result taken within 120 hours prior to departure, or an antigen test taken 48 hours prior to departure. This requirement differs from Celebrity boarding requirements which you will find below. All other visitors must present negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Your proof of negative RT-PCR test and the EHAS pre-approval form are required at the airport. The name on your test results must match those on government issued identification. Celebrity Cruises requirements for boarding: All guests must present a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival at the cruise terminal. The name on the test results must match those on government issued identification. Proof of vaccination in the form of the original vaccination card for all guests 16 and older. No photocopies or photos accepted. Children between the ages of 2-15 who are not vaccinated must complete a RT-PCR test at the terminal prior to boarding.  Guests who do not present all required healthy sailing documentation are at risk of being denied boarding. If you have any other questions, please contact our Customer Service team at 1 (844) 418-6824 in North America or 1 (316) 554-5961 worldwide.   We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make our return to service and we look forward to welcoming you aboard for an unforgettable vacation.        Sincerely,     Celebrity Cruises

Edited June 1, 2021 by tallyho8

[AbbyCruiser45]

2 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

OK...question to both @slanik and @AbbyCruiser45:  Did you book your cruise directly from Celebrity or through a travel agent?

It was booked through a travel agent and we received this email directly from Celebrity, not the agent. This is for the 6/19 sailing. 

[AstoriaPreppy]

This is, to put it mildly, exasperating. As a passenger on the 12 June sailing, I'm waiting to see what happens on boarding of the first voyage. 

 

I'm also confused at the people on CC making excuses for Celebrity, or saying "what did you expect?" I certainly didn't expect Celebrity to bungle their own messaging or guidelines to this degree over the last 20 days. As the kids would say, "pick a lane." 

To be clear, these are *not* changing government regulations. This is entirely Celebrity's doing. First we needed tests, then we didn't. Then they inserted additional boarding requirements on the website (without updating the date on the guidance). Then they told travel agents and professionals something completely different. Then they removed the testing requirements entirely for vaccinated guests, and sent an email to everyone on our voyage saying so... 

 

And then on Memorial Day, they just randomly decided to add a 72 hour PCR test requirement for everyone?? It's an actual WT*? moment, especially considering that many locales don't even have lab capacity to turn around a PCR test in 24 hours. When you call the guest services line, the agents are just as befuddled. 

Will people who followed the instruction in Celebrity's email be denied boarding? Why is none of this in the Celebrity app or cruise docs? Is there no actual policy, or is it a copywriter with no direction or oversight? Will the guidelines change again? Who knows!? I certainly don't. But I'm once again having to change my pre-cruise schedule to book a NYC PCR test that should get turned around in less than 24 hours... I feel for anyone not in a major metro area who may have to pay out of pocket for a test that may not be processed in time for boarding. 

[slanik]

My booking was directly through Celebrity.  And my email did not have the 72 hour Celebrity requirement.  Here is the email I received this morning at 10:04 am.

 

 

We’re counting down the days to your sailing from St. Maarten. Here’s important information on testing and health screening requirements.

VACCINATION POLICY

• All guests ages 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all Covid-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. Proof of vaccination is required in the form of the original vaccination card. No photocopies or photos accepted.

o As of August 1, 2021, all US Guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

o Crew members onboard will be vaccinated.

ST MAARTEN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

For the most current requirements visit: Government of St. Maarten travel requirements.

• All guests arriving by air must complete the St Maarten required Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS). Complete this form as soon as you have you a negative RT-PCR test result. Processing can take up to 12 hours.

Tip: Guests arriving and departing by air should select “Air Travel” for Travel Method.

• Staying over in St Maarten before or after your cruise? You must purchase the St. Maarten Visitor Protection Plan through the EHAS form. The Protection Plan is not required for guests transiting the same day to and from the ship.

• Test requirements for entry into St. Maarten: US & Canada visitors must present a negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 120 hours prior to departure or an antigen test taken 48 hours prior to departure. All other visitors must present negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Be sure to bring a printed copy. Name on test results must match those on government issued identification.

• Proof of negative RT PCR test and the EHAS pre-approval form are required at the airport.

CELEBRITY BOARDING REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of vaccination is required in the form of the original vaccination card. No photocopies or photos accepted.

• Children between the ages of 2-15 who are not vaccinated must complete a rapid antigen test at the terminal prior to boarding.

Guests that do not meet our requirements may be denied boarding.

TRAVEL HOME

• Testing required for home country re-entry will be administered free of charge by our medical staff on board prior to debarkation. Learn more once onboard.

 

Check HEALTHY AT SEA for the latest updates and travel requirements.

Or call
North America: 1-800-280-3423
Outside North America: 316-554-5961.

 

 

#CELEBRITYCRUISES

 

 

The health and safety protocols set forth herein, guest conduct rules, as well as regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change without notice based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. Onboard and destination experiences, features, itineraries, and guest conduct rules vary by ship and destination and are subject to change without notice.

©2021 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships' registry: Malta and Ecuador. 

Celebrity Cruises Inc.
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
www.celebritycruises.com

Privacy Policy

[AstoriaPreppy]

1 minute ago, slanik said:

My booking was directly through Celebrity.  And my email did not have the 72 hour Celebrity requirement.  Here is the email I received this morning at 10:04 am.

 

 

We’re counting down the days to your sailing from St. Maarten. Here’s important information on testing and health screening requirements.

VACCINATION POLICY

• All guests ages 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all Covid-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. Proof of vaccination is required in the form of the original vaccination card. No photocopies or photos accepted.

o As of August 1, 2021, all US Guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

o Crew members onboard will be vaccinated.

ST MAARTEN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

For the most current requirements visit: Government of St. Maarten travel requirements.

• All guests arriving by air must complete the St Maarten required Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS). Complete this form as soon as you have you a negative RT-PCR test result. Processing can take up to 12 hours.

Tip: Guests arriving and departing by air should select “Air Travel” for Travel Method.

• Staying over in St Maarten before or after your cruise? You must purchase the St. Maarten Visitor Protection Plan through the EHAS form. The Protection Plan is not required for guests transiting the same day to and from the ship.

• Test requirements for entry into St. Maarten: US & Canada visitors must present a negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 120 hours prior to departure or an antigen test taken 48 hours prior to departure. All other visitors must present negative naso-pharyngeal RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Be sure to bring a printed copy. Name on test results must match those on government issued identification.

• Proof of negative RT PCR test and the EHAS pre-approval form are required at the airport.

CELEBRITY BOARDING REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of vaccination is required in the form of the original vaccination card. No photocopies or photos accepted.

• Children between the ages of 2-15 who are not vaccinated must complete a rapid antigen test at the terminal prior to boarding.

Guests that do not meet our requirements may be denied boarding.

TRAVEL HOME

• Testing required for home country re-entry will be administered free of charge by our medical staff on board prior to debarkation. Learn more once onboard.

 

Check HEALTHY AT SEA for the latest updates and travel requirements.

Or call
North America: 1-800-280-3423
Outside North America: 316-554-5961.

 

 

#CELEBRITYCRUISES

 

 

The health and safety protocols set forth herein, guest conduct rules, as well as regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change without notice based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. Onboard and destination experiences, features, itineraries, and guest conduct rules vary by ship and destination and are subject to change without notice.

©2021 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships' registry: Malta and Ecuador. 

Celebrity Cruises Inc.
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
www.celebritycruises.com

Privacy Policy

 

This seems like the same email that Celebrity sent guests on the 12 June sailing. Again, no mention of a 72 hour PCR test for boarding, which you have to click through to the website to discover. 

[CalTexCruiser]

Wow.  Maybe Celebrity has two groups of monkeys sending out two sets of emails.

[Fouremco]

What a dog's breakfast! As much as I love Celebrity, and have only Celebrity cruises currently on the books, there is no possible excuse for the mess they have made on the Celebrity - not Sint Maarten or ports of call - testing requirements.

[CalTexCruiser]

I want these early cruises to succeed because I want our cruise in Sep to go.

 

But Celebrity is shooting themselves in the foot.  

 

With this last minute change, there will be some number of passengers who show up on June 5 without the 72-hr PCR test...what happens to them?  This will be a public relations nightmare.