Covid protocols and Princess Insurance

[nunuc2000]

We've put a hold on a cruise for the end of May, Grand from Vancouver to Anchorage and back again (B2B), and we're hoping to just clarify a few things before we make that final decision. I spoke with a rep at Princess, and while she was trying to be helpful, she was really unsure about some of the questions I have. I'm hoping that the collective knowledge of actual cruisers with actual real-world current cruising experience will provide the info I need 🙂  We *think* Princess Platinum Vacation Protection plan will insure us for the things we're a little unclear on, but not really sure. 

 

We will be flying to Vancouver from Calgary (Canada) on the morning of the cruise. I understand that we must provide proof of vaccinated status (no problem), along with proof of negative PCR test taken within 3 days of embarkation, or monitored antigen test taken within 2 days - no problem for us to obtain that. Okay, here's where I start looking for answers:

 

1. If we have a positive test result prior to leaving our home city the day before the cruise, does the Platinum plan refund us to original form of payment, or refund in future cruise credits, or other? 
2. Let's say I test positive a few days into the cruise - I presume I'll be moved to a "quarantine" cabin.  How long must I remain in that cabin? I assume 5 days minimum? 
3. If my husband is negative, does he remain in our original cabin? Will any of his activities or movements be restricted? Will he be tested more than just that original time after my positive result? 
4. If item number 2 comes to pass, does the Platinum plan refund me the prorated number of days I am quarantined in future cruise credits? original form of payment? Other? Is my husband also reimbursed for the same amount of days "missed" as his cruise experience is negatively impacted by my quarantine? 
5. If I test positive on the second last day of the cruise, I assume the same quarantine protocol is triggered, but what happens on debarkation day? Does Princess arrange and pay for me to continue quarantine at a hotel? (I obviously would not be able to fly home yet) 
6. If item number 5 comes to pass, would my husband then stay with me until I have cleared quarantine so we can fly home together? 
7. Do we need to complete the ArriveCan form for reentry into Canada before we fly home (regardless of covid)?

 

Thanks for any info you can provide - I'm sure Princess is doing their best to provide a positive and healthy cruise experience, but in the event that covid rears it's ugly head while we're cruising with them, I'd like to know what to expect in advance.  We've managed to avoid it thus far, and are hopeful that if we do develop it, our symptoms will be quite mild.  I've seen a few posts in which cruisers have suggested that they would not report their symptoms in an effort to evade any isolation protocols (and effectively increase the risk of spreading it to others in the process), but that's just not how we roll. It will be disappointing if we get sick, but we'll do the right thing to ensure we can minimize the risk to other guests and the crew as well. 

 

P.S. really enjoying the "Strategy" post by Ken the Cruiser 🙂 

 

 

 

Edited April 14, 2022 by nunuc2000

[milolii]

Maybe ask here 

 

 

[Tedferg]

I can only answer #3, husband would stay in cabin without restriction.

[netingirl]

Also, anyone know what happens if you test positive in between the back to back cruises? 

 

Online it says that on B2B's you have to disembark and test and that if you're positive you're off the cruise...  Is that true?  We're also looking at booking a b2b in May and that is my main concern - getting on the ship for the first week fine and then catching covid and being disembarked before the second leg.

[Tak8]

From reading other posts, passengers are tested last day of first leg and if you test positive you will not continue on the second leg, but enjoy a hotel stay with per diem until the 5 day isolation is up.  You can search the forum for passengers who reported on their positive test results.  I've been reading since I too have a b2b in May.

[brisalta]

I took a look at the Platinum Protection Plan at https://www.princess.com/plan/princess-vacation-protection/

but being in the USA I suspect it is filtering out the Canadian version of the page.  Down that page there should be a link to the Platinum Protection Plan and the link might lead you to a Canadian version of it.

 

[Cbtours]

1 hour ago, netingirl said:

Also, anyone know what happens if you test positive in between the back to back cruises? 

 

Online it says that on B2B's you have to disembark and test and that if you're positive you're off the cruise...  Is that true?  We're also looking at booking a b2b in May and that is my main concern - getting on the ship for the first week fine and then catching covid and being disembarked before the second leg.

 

Edited April 16, 2022 by Cbtours

[Sunwanabe]

Platinum, my understanding is illness or injury prior to embarkation, full refund. 

[caribill]

What is true yesterday may not be true today. And what is true today, may not be true tomorrow.

 

So answers to most of the questions are "who knows what will be in effect in late May?"

 

As just one example, other threads are reporting that B2B testing has been discontinued.

[CruisingJs]

I can tell you what happened to us when I tested positive during our cruise.  We were supposed to be on two 7 day cruises back to back.  I had a really bad sore throat and tested positive on day 6 of the first cruise.  Hubby tested negative.  I was sent to quarantine.  Hubby stayed in our original cabin with instructions not to leave because of direct exposure so he started packing.  The next day was turnaround day.  We were both eventually escorted off the ship after everyone else disembarked.  We live about an hour from port and had used a car service to get there so we were put in a medical transport SUV and taken home.  People who had flown were taken to hotels.  We both received per diem FCCs for the day I was in quarantine.  The second cruise we had booked was refunded via FCC after my TAs intervention.  Since we weren’t able to cash out our casino accounts, that money was returned to my credit card.  I also had some refundable OBC which was referred to corporate according to the email they sent me.  No word on that yet.

 

One word of advice.  I was originally told I would have to file a claim with AON for that second cruise but AON required written proof of my positive test while onboard.  I never got one.  So if you do test positive and think you might want to file an insurance claim, make sure to get the written test results.

 

Your results may vary!

[Tedferg]

2 hours ago, CruisingJs said:

I can tell you what happened to us when I tested positive during our cruise.  We were supposed to be on two 7 day cruises back to back.  I had a really bad sore throat and tested positive on day 6 of the first cruise.  Hubby tested negative.  I was sent to quarantine.  Hubby stayed in our original cabin with instructions not to leave because of direct exposure so he started packing.  The next day was turnaround day.  We were both eventually escorted off the ship after everyone else disembarked.  We live about an hour from port and had used a car service to get there so we were put in a medical transport SUV and taken home.  People who had flown were taken to hotels.  We both received per diem FCCs for the day I was in quarantine.  The second cruise we had booked was refunded via FCC after my TAs intervention.  Since we weren’t able to cash out our casino accounts, that money was returned to my credit card.  I also had some refundable OBC which was referred to corporate according to the email they sent me.  No word on that yet.

 

One word of advice.  I was originally told I would have to file a claim with AON for that second cruise but AON required written proof of my positive test while onboard.  I never got one.  So if you do test positive and think you might want to file an insurance claim, make sure to get the written test results.

 

Your results may vary!

Were you on Majestic Apr 2 - 9? We spoke to B2B passengers who had been disembarked and not able to take second leg.

[CruisingJs]

2 hours ago, Tedferg said:

Were you on Majestic Apr 2 - 9? We spoke to B2B passengers who had been disembarked and not able to take second leg.

We were in Discovery 3/27 and we were supposed to be on 4/3.

[nunuc2000]

On 4/16/2022 at 9:51 AM, CruisingJs said:

I can tell you what happened to us when I tested positive during our cruise.  We were supposed to be on two 7 day cruises back to back.  I had a really bad sore throat and tested positive on day 6 of the first cruise.  Hubby tested negative.  I was sent to quarantine.  Hubby stayed in our original cabin with instructions not to leave because of direct exposure so he started packing.  The next day was turnaround day.  We were both eventually escorted off the ship after everyone else disembarked.  We live about an hour from port and had used a car service to get there so we were put in a medical transport SUV and taken home.  People who had flown were taken to hotels.  We both received per diem FCCs for the day I was in quarantine.  The second cruise we had booked was refunded via FCC after my TAs intervention.  Since we weren’t able to cash out our casino accounts, that money was returned to my credit card.  I also had some refundable OBC which was referred to corporate according to the email they sent me.  No word on that yet.

 

One word of advice.  I was originally told I would have to file a claim with AON for that second cruise but AON required written proof of my positive test while onboard.  I never got one.  So if you do test positive and think you might want to file an insurance claim, make sure to get the written test results.

 

Your results may vary!

Thank you for the info... and hope you've recovered completely.  Very good advice about getting it in writing.  Sure hope we don't get sick, but we're doing our best to be as informed as possible in the event that we do.

 

[Tedferg]

On 4/16/2022 at 2:01 PM, CruisingJs said:

We were in Discovery 3/27 and we were supposed to be on 4/3.

Ah, some other poor soul also was not able to do second leg of a b2b.

[Steelers36]

On 4/14/2022 at 4:18 PM, nunuc2000 said:

We've put a hold on a cruise for the end of May, Grand from Vancouver to Anchorage and back again (B2B), and we're hoping to just clarify a few things before we make that final decision. I spoke with a rep at Princess, and while she was trying to be helpful, she was really unsure about some of the questions I have. I'm hoping that the collective knowledge of actual cruisers with actual real-world current cruising experience will provide the info I need 🙂  We *think* Princess Platinum Vacation Protection plan will insure us for the things we're a little unclear on, but not really sure. 

 

We will be flying to Vancouver from Calgary (Canada) on the morning of the cruise. I understand that we must provide proof of vaccinated status (no problem), along with proof of negative PCR test taken within 3 days of embarkation, or monitored antigen test taken within 2 days - no problem for us to obtain that. Okay, here's where I start looking for answers:

 

1. If we have a positive test result prior to leaving our home city the day before the cruise, does the Platinum plan refund us to original form of payment, or refund in future cruise credits, or other? 
2. Let's say I test positive a few days into the cruise - I presume I'll be moved to a "quarantine" cabin.  How long must I remain in that cabin? I assume 5 days minimum? 
3. If my husband is negative, does he remain in our original cabin? Will any of his activities or movements be restricted? Will he be tested more than just that original time after my positive result? 
4. If item number 2 comes to pass, does the Platinum plan refund me the prorated number of days I am quarantined in future cruise credits? original form of payment? Other? Is my husband also reimbursed for the same amount of days "missed" as his cruise experience is negatively impacted by my quarantine? 
5. If I test positive on the second last day of the cruise, I assume the same quarantine protocol is triggered, but what happens on debarkation day? Does Princess arrange and pay for me to continue quarantine at a hotel? (I obviously would not be able to fly home yet) 
6. If item number 5 comes to pass, would my husband then stay with me until I have cleared quarantine so we can fly home together? 
7. Do we need to complete the ArriveCan form for reentry into Canada before we fly home (regardless of covid)?

 

Thanks for any info you can provide - I'm sure Princess is doing their best to provide a positive and healthy cruise experience, but in the event that covid rears it's ugly head while we're cruising with them, I'd like to know what to expect in advance.  We've managed to avoid it thus far, and are hopeful that if we do develop it, our symptoms will be quite mild.  I've seen a few posts in which cruisers have suggested that they would not report their symptoms in an effort to evade any isolation protocols (and effectively increase the risk of spreading it to others in the process), but that's just not how we roll. It will be disappointing if we get sick, but we'll do the right thing to ensure we can minimize the risk to other guests and the crew as well. 

 

P.S. really enjoying the "Strategy" post by Ken the Cruiser 🙂 

 

 

 

I think what has been missed here is that you do not need the Platinum VP plan for all your Covid situations.  Princess is just doing what they do to compensate you.  The Princess insurance gives you CFAR coverage.  Think of the medical coverage part as for reasons other than catching Covid on the cruise.  If you do not need the CFAR, you can likely get much better medical coverage from 3rd party or if you already have an annual trip insurance plan.

[travelhound]

On 4/14/2022 at 3:18 PM, nunuc2000 said:

We've put a hold on a cruise for the end of May, Grand from Vancouver to Anchorage and back again (B2B), and we're hoping to just clarify a few things before we make that final decision. I spoke with a rep at Princess, and while she was trying to be helpful, she was really unsure about some of the questions I have. I'm hoping that the collective knowledge of actual cruisers with actual real-world current cruising experience will provide the info I need 🙂  We *think* Princess Platinum Vacation Protection plan will insure us for the things we're a little unclear on, but not really sure. 

 

We will be flying to Vancouver from Calgary (Canada) on the morning of the cruise. I understand that we must provide proof of vaccinated status (no problem), along with proof of negative PCR test taken within 3 days of embarkation, or monitored antigen test taken within 2 days - no problem for us to obtain that. Okay, here's where I start looking for answers:

 

1. If we have a positive test result prior to leaving our home city the day before the cruise, does the Platinum plan refund us to original form of payment, or refund in future cruise credits, or other? 
2. Let's say I test positive a few days into the cruise - I presume I'll be moved to a "quarantine" cabin.  How long must I remain in that cabin? I assume 5 days minimum? 
3. If my husband is negative, does he remain in our original cabin? Will any of his activities or movements be restricted? Will he be tested more than just that original time after my positive result? 
4. If item number 2 comes to pass, does the Platinum plan refund me the prorated number of days I am quarantined in future cruise credits? original form of payment? Other? Is my husband also reimbursed for the same amount of days "missed" as his cruise experience is negatively impacted by my quarantine? 
5. If I test positive on the second last day of the cruise, I assume the same quarantine protocol is triggered, but what happens on debarkation day? Does Princess arrange and pay for me to continue quarantine at a hotel? (I obviously would not be able to fly home yet) 
6. If item number 5 comes to pass, would my husband then stay with me until I have cleared quarantine so we can fly home together? 
7. Do we need to complete the ArriveCan form for reentry into Canada before we fly home (regardless of covid)?

 

Thanks for any info you can provide - I'm sure Princess is doing their best to provide a positive and healthy cruise experience, but in the event that covid rears it's ugly head while we're cruising with them, I'd like to know what to expect in advance.  We've managed to avoid it thus far, and are hopeful that if we do develop it, our symptoms will be quite mild.  I've seen a few posts in which cruisers have suggested that they would not report their symptoms in an effort to evade any isolation protocols (and effectively increase the risk of spreading it to others in the process), but that's just not how we roll. It will be disappointing if we get sick, but we'll do the right thing to ensure we can minimize the risk to other guests and the crew as well. 

 

P.S. really enjoying the "Strategy" post by Ken the Cruiser 🙂 

 

 

 

We just took a caribbean cruise and had many of the same questions.  Our questions went unanswered, but fortunately things went as planned.  That said, hopefully these ridiculous protocols will be removed, as things continue to improve.

[High C's]

43 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I think what has been missed here is that you do not need the Platinum VP plan for all your Covid situations.  Princess is just doing what they do to compensate you.  The Princess insurance gives you CFAR coverage.  Think of the medical coverage part as for reasons other than catching Covid on the cruise.  If you do not need the CFAR, you can likely get much better medical coverage from 3rd party or if you already have an annual trip insurance plan.

As a fellow Canadian/GTA resident, I'd be interested to know what companies you would recommend?  We currently have an annual CAA plan. We like it because it is a "pay first" type of plan (does not require us to pay first and be reimbursed).  But we are on the look out for an annual plan that covers longer periods than the CAA offers (ours is 15 days at one time).

[PescadoAmarillo]

On 4/14/2022 at 2:18 PM, nunuc2000 said:

Having just been through at least part of this on the Ruby Princess, I will answer your questions based on how things were done around April 1. 

 

1. If we have a positive test result prior to leaving our home city the day before the cruise, does the Platinum plan refund us to original form of payment, or refund in future cruise credits, or other? 
   You will have to file a claim online, but you would receive taxes and any prepaid expenses (such as shore excursions) back on the original form of payment immediately upon cancelling, and cancellation charges would be refunded once you provide proof of your illness (which is a covered reason). I’ve read where Princess might offer to “help” you by eliminating the need to file a claim online with Aon (who administers Princess Vacation Protection) and offering you FCC instead. Don’t take it…file the claim and get a refund back to your original form of payment. 
2. Let's say I test positive a few days into the cruise - I presume I'll be moved to a "quarantine" cabin.  How long must I remain in that cabin? I assume 5 days minimum? You must test negative twice, 24 hours apart, beginning Day 5, so the least amount of time you’d spend in quarantine is 6 days. The doctor told us most guests who test positive are in quarantine for 10 days. My husband got out after 6 days. 
3. If my husband is negative, does he remain in our original cabin? Will any of his activities or movements be restricted? Will he be tested more than just that original time after my positive result? Your husband will be identified as a close contact, tested immediately and then tested every subsequent day for 5 days. He will be unable to eat outside his cabin. We’ve been told close contacts can’t drink outside their cabins and we’ve been told they can sip and cover. He must be masked 100% of the time he’s outside the cabin. 
4. If item number 2 comes to pass, does the Platinum plan refund me the prorated number of days I am quarantined in future cruise credits? original form of payment? Princess will give you an FCC with a one year expiration date that is a prorated portion of your cruise cost (taxes and fees are not reimbursed).  No need to file a claim. Is my husband also reimbursed for the same amount of days "missed" as his cruise experience is negatively impacted by my quarantine? Your husband gets nothing other than a significantly diminished cruise experience. 
    
5. If I test positive on the second last day of the cruise, I assume the same quarantine protocol is triggered, but what happens on debarkation day? Does Princess arrange and pay for me to continue quarantine at a hotel? (I obviously would not be able to fly home yet).Yes, though I’ve also read where some guests have made their own arrangements at a Princess recommended hotels. You will pay for your hotel costs and food, and be reimbursed later (some say much later) by Princess. Food is reimbursable at $100 per day, though I’m not certain that if that is per person or per couple. You have to quarantine for the remainder of five days (so if two days on the ship, three days on land). 

6. If item number 5 comes to pass, would my husband then stay with me until I have cleared quarantine so we can fly home together? Yes if that’s what you’d like to do. 

7. Do we need to complete the ArriveCan form for reentry into Canada before we fly home (regardless of covid)? I can’t answer this. 

You are very wise to do your research ahead of time. Unfortunately, there have now been reports from several people (me included) who went through it with varying degrees of success, and there is much to be learned if someone is interested in being realistic about the possibility of having a COVID-impacted cruise. Good luck!

 

 

 

[nunuc2000]

Thank you all for the continued suggestions and information… Forewarned is forearmed as they say. We will definitely be taking every precaution we can to avoid getting sick while still enjoying our cruise experience, and knowing what to expect, and being prepared for the worst if that’s what it comes to, it’s a little peace of mind. 

[PacnGoNow]

14 hours ago, PescadoAmarillo said:

 

Thank goodness there are CC members like you!  Honest, informative and caring.

Hope you are feeling better.