Jim_Iain - Summit Live Post B3B Greenland / Iceland / Canada Aug 7, 19 and 31, 2022

[sasset]

Thanks Jim. That's what we were expecting, but the language 

"For guests on back-to-back sailings

All back-to-back guests will receive a COVID test in port, prior to reboarding the Transatlantic leg of their journey, at no additional cost." gave us pause. Our cruise is among several that were specifically referenced. That's why I was trying to figure the best check in times for what we want to do with our time.

 

[Jim_Iain]

34 minutes ago, sasset said:

Thanks Jim. That's what we were expecting, but the language 

"For guests on back-to-back sailings

All back-to-back guests will receive a COVID test in port, prior to reboarding the Transatlantic leg of their journey, at no additional cost." gave us pause. Our cruise is among several that were specifically referenced. That's why I was trying to figure the best check in times for what we want to do with our time.

 

 

I can understand but as you know, Celebrity isn't the greatest on messaging.   On our last cruise there was a question as to whether we would be tested at all.    I believe it has to do with country requirements and number of positive cases. 

 

The protocols are changing so quickly, I really wouldn't worry about it.   I have heard of some cruises where they had testing on shore all of our cruises have been on the ship the day before   On our last cruise I got to know the tester pretty well and she was going ashore to test unvaxed kids at the terminal even though all the B2B's had been tested the day before.

 

 

[Smmessineo]

22 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I can understand but as you know, Celebrity isn't the greatest on messaging.   On our last cruise there was a question as to whether we would be tested at all.    I believe it has to do with country requirements and number of positive cases. 

 

The protocols are changing so quickly, I really wouldn't worry about it.   I have heard of some cruises where they had testing on shore all of our cruises have been on the ship the day before   On our last cruise I got to know the tester pretty well and she was going ashore to test unvaxed kids at the terminal even though all the B2B's had been tested the day before.

 

 

I am trying not to overthink this since our b2b is in December, but what type of tests do they do for theb2b passengers?  Is it antigen? Is it done like the home tests? 

[txart]

In the past, on our Canada/NE cruises the customs/immigration process was done on board at Portland or Bar Harbor before returning to Boston. How is it being handled this time? We are taking the 12 night cruise starting September 21 and are curious about the current process. We have enjoyed your reports and photos from your B3B. Wonderful shots from Greenland and Iceland.

[Sox Fan Cruiser]

I know you don’t want to hear this but hurry home!  We get on the ship tomorrow.  🤣

Edited September 10, 2022 by Sox Fan Cruiser

[kpark895]

47 minutes ago, Sox Fan Cruiser said:

I know you don’t want to hear this but hurry home!  We get on the ship tomorrow.  🤣

 

I agree!  But I'm sure Jim and Iain have taken good care of the ship for us!  (I am a little worried about Jim's report that many crew are leaving at the end of his cruise and new crew will be coming on.) 

[5:00_Somewhere]

23 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

Captain just came on and said Hurricane Earl has formed and heading toward the North East

 

Last night he made the decision to speed up to 22 knots to get around the projected seas.  Correct decision and we are in calm water. 

 

Next weeks cruise may just skirt it.  The Captain is really good. 
 

 

 

We're watching this very closely. 😬

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

26 minutes ago, kpark895 said:

new crew will be coming on.) 

 

"New crew" does not necessarily mean just hired and trained. While there could be some, there could also be crew returning from vacations and such.

[Jim_Iain]

15 hours ago, Smmessineo said:

I am trying not to overthink this since our b2b is in December, but what type of tests do they do for theb2b passengers?  Is it antigen? Is it done like the home tests? 

All of the B2B tests we have had are Antigen test and exactly like the ones you have done at home.  All the tests on this cruise we have never received results.    They just say if you tested positive you will know quickly. 
 

We received the same message as you about on shore testing but have always been done aboard on our cruises 

[Jim_Iain]

1 hour ago, Sox Fan Cruiser said:

I know you don’t want to hear this but hurry home!  We get on the ship tomorrow.  🤣

You will enjoy.   summit staff are wonderful. Some that expected to go home tomorrow have been extended. 

[Jim_Iain]

21 minutes ago, 5:00_Somewhere said:

 

We're watching this very closely. 😬

I think you will be good. The Captain has been good at giving us a smooth cruise. 

[Jim_Iain]

We received out Top Cruiser photo with the Captain this morning 

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

We decided to have Eggs Benedict in our room this morning. 
 

Arriving at 9:30 so should be on time arrival. 

 

[Jim_Iain]

Portland is our first port of entry to the US so have immigration and Customs this morning.  
 

We have a 10:00 slot but suite guests are given a Priority Line.   If done like other cruises once cleared you have a sticker on sea pass to allow immediate departure from the ship.
 

The good thing about doing Immigration today is tomorrow will be a quicker  disembarkation.  
 

 

[Benthayer Gonbak]

15 hours ago, Smmessineo said:

I am trying not to overthink this since our b2b is in December, but what type of tests do they do for theb2b passengers?  Is it antigen? Is it done like the home tests? 

Not exactly what you asked but:  In May most of Italy was doing antigen tests but using nasopharyngeal swabs it seemed.  The top part is flexible and smaller so it can go a bit deeper.  While I wasn’t on a B2B the rules for those testing in Rome Italy were in flux for how early the testing could be etc.  We boarded in Ravenna and had less confusion than the celebrity cruises were reporting.  
 

Ultimately, things change as the country’s protocols change which can seem hourly, and Italy seems to be no exception! 

[Benthayer Gonbak]

8 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Portland is our first port of entry to the US so have immigration and Customs this morning.  
 

We have a 10:00 slot but suite guests are given a Priority Line.   If done like other cruises once cleared you have a sticker on sea pass to allow immediate departure from the ship.
 

The good thing about doing Immigration today is tomorrow will be a quicker  disembarkation.  
 

 

Interesting! I’ve done the Canadian trip to Quebec twice and never had to deal with immigrations although I recall some check in Boston when we returned from a cruise. 

[davekathy]

16 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Portland is our first port of entry to the US so have immigration and Customs this morning.  
 

We have a 10:00 slot but suite guests are given a Priority Line.   If done like other cruises once cleared you have a sticker on sea pass to allow immediate departure from the ship.
 

The good thing about doing Immigration today is tomorrow will be a quicker  disembarkation.  
 

 

I notice the second letter said ...and face mask on. Did you have to wear your face masks and if so did Celebrity provide them? 

[Jim_Iain]

There are huge lines in the Rendezvous Lounge.  
 

Even Retreat is a zoo.   Immigration is still not set up.  
 

Reminds me if the days when Retreat was a muster station.  
 

[colliercruiser]

19 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

The good thing about doing Immigration today is tomorrow will be a quicker  disembarkation.

If you get the opportunity after you disembark, let everyone know if it goes quicker than usual.  Our next Summit cruise is Oct 3, and the prior one before us also stops in Portland before disembarking in Boston.

[Jim_Iain]

2 minutes ago, davekathy said:

I notice the second letter said ...and face mask on. Did you have to wear your face masks and if so did Celebrity provide them? 

I think mask are required by immigration.   We have our own and wear them 99% of time outside our cabin or when eating and drinking, which is of course most of the time. 
 

Celebrity has been providing mask at security, in the Casino and Theater.   I would expect them to be available at immigration. 
 

As you might notice, Almost everyone in Retreat are mask free, but appear to have masks in hands 

[Jim_Iain]

15 minutes ago, Benthayer Gonbak said:

Interesting! I’ve done the Canadian trip to Quebec twice and never had to deal with immigrations although I recall some check in Boston when we returned from a cruise. 

While it may not have been apparent everyone is always required to go through immigration on first entry onto U S soil.   Even the astronauts are processed.  
 

Sometimes it is as simple as flashing your passport.    I know it’s n FLL at terminal 25 they now use facial recognition and a camera processes you. 
 

 

Customs is self reporting if you purchased over $300. 

[Jim_Iain]

24 minutes ago, Benthayer Gonbak said:

Not exactly what you asked but:  In May most of Italy was doing antigen tests but using nasopharyngeal swabs it seemed.  The top part is flexible and smaller so it can go a bit deeper.  While I wasn’t on a B2B the rules for those testing in Rome Italy were in flux for how early the testing could be etc.  We boarded in Ravenna and had less confusion than the celebrity cruises were reporting.  
 

Ultimately, things change as the country’s protocols change which can seem hourly, and Italy seems to be no exception! 

 

On our last test, they used a very shallow swab test.    When I tested positive prior to Southampton, the guy scraped my brain. Lol

[vickykay]

Jim,  we have so enjoyed your review that we’re looking into this for next fall.  Thank you for this amazing review.

[Jim_Iain]

Here’s the photo of Zeniths.   It was a really intimate lunch. 
 

[takemewithyou]

44 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

We decided to have Eggs Benedict in our room this morning. 
 

Arriving at 9:30 so should be on time arrival. 

 

Fort Gorges in the top photo