Live: Zaandam Boston to Montreal 8/27 - 9/3

[ACorgan]

I’ve found this forum to be invaluable while we prepared for our cruise, so want to try to do a live thread, in case it’s helpful to others.

 

We’ll have three adults in their 30s and 40s sharing a Neptune Suite. All our previous HAL cruises have been balcony rooms, so this will be our first taste of the “suite” life. I’m especially looking forward to complimentary pressing and breakfasts in the Pinnacle Grill.

 

We’ve completed our HAL health questionnaires and the ArriveCAN app. The ArriveCAN app seemed fairly straightforward to use, the only hesitation I had was around one of the last questions that required a Canadian address. Since we’re not staying at a hotel post-cruise (heading straight to the airport), I was at a loss as to what to put here. In the end, we just used the address for the cruise terminal in Montreal and that seemed to work just fine. We all got our receipts with the QR codes and the “I” next to our names, so checking it off the list.

 

Next up is our proctored tests tomorrow. We’re trying the Optum test recommended by HAL, so we’ll see how that goes. We also started setting up our VeriFLY apps, but can’t complete them until we have our negative test results. Although we all feel healthy, I definitely have some test anxiety 😅; I’ll feel much better about this trip once we have an official clean bill of health. Once that’s done, I can focus more on packing 🧳

 

 

[ACorgan]

Today we did our virtual proctored tests. I found the eMed service very easy to use. I chose to use the website, instead of the QR code with my phone, since I thought it would be easier to use my computer camera. The website was listed right on the outside of the box along with the unique code I needed. It just took a few min to set up my account and then they connected me to a live agent right away. I did have an issue with my microphone not working (user error - I didn’t realize I still had my computer set up for a headset), but the agent just had me use the chat function, so it wasn’t really a problem. They check your ID, walk you through opening and self administering the test, set a 15 min timer on the screen for you, and then that agent disconnects. You don’t have to stay in front of the camera during the 15 min, just have to make sure the test itself stays in frame. Once the 15 min is up, there’s an audible timer and a clickable button to connect to a new agent. The new agent checks your test results and then you’re done. I had my confirmation email with negative test results within a few min.

 

Once we had the test results in hand we tried to update our VeriFLY apps. Mine was very straightforward - once I uploaded my test results they were accepted within a few min and I was cleared as ready to sail. Another person in my group had an additional item on their checklist that I didn’t have: Proof of Documents. They were asked to add info from ArriveCAN; not sure why one had that step and I didn’t 🤷🏻‍♀️ The same person with the added step is also having issues with the health questionnaire on VeriFLY. Every time they try to complete it, it gives an error. We’re going to give it a break and try again later. If still an issue, might need to reach out to VeriFLY tech support

[REOVA]

31 minutes ago, ACorgan said:

Every time they try to complete it, it gives an error. We’re going to give it a break and try again later. If still an issue, might need to reach out to VeriFLY tech support

Had the same issue with VeriFly. Called and they said to delete the app and download it again. Same thing happened and they said they could not help me since it was so close to departure (2 days) and to bring hard copies to embarkation. So we ended up doing the slow line in Boston to get on board while Verifly passengers whizzed through. Good luck as it does speed up boarding process if it works. 

[ljones]

Can anyone tell me - Does Zaandam still have computers in the Exploration Cafe (?) for individuals to use (At a price, of course)...

 

Thanks much.

[idiebabe]

1 hour ago, ACorgan said:

Today we did our virtual proctored tests. I found the eMed service very easy to use. I chose to use the website, instead of the QR code with my phone, since I thought it would be easier to use my computer camera. The website was listed right on the outside of the box along with the unique code I needed. It just took a few min to set up my account and then they connected me to a live agent right away. I did have an issue with my microphone not working (user error - I didn’t realize I still had my computer set up for a headset), but the agent just had me use the chat function, so it wasn’t really a problem. They check your ID, walk you through opening and self administering the test, set a 15 min timer on the screen for you, and then that agent disconnects. You don’t have to stay in front of the camera during the 15 min, just have to make sure the test itself stays in frame. Once the 15 min is up, there’s an audible timer and a clickable button to connect to a new agent. The new agent checks your test results and then you’re done. I had my confirmation email with negative test results within a few min.

 

Once we had the test results in hand we tried to update our VeriFLY apps. Mine was very straightforward - once I uploaded my test results they were accepted within a few min and I was cleared as ready to sail. Another person in my group had an additional item on their checklist that I didn’t have: Proof of Documents. They were asked to add info from ArriveCAN; not sure why one had that step and I didn’t 🤷🏻‍♀️ The same person with the added step is also having issues with the health questionnaire on VeriFLY. Every time they try to complete it, it gives an error. We’re going to give it a break and try again later. If still an issue, might need to reach out to VeriFLY tech support

We're all set and Ready to Sail!  At first (today) I didn't have the spot in Verifly to add the ArriveCan info by my Husband did and then it showed up.  Just had to add the ArriveCan Receipt #.  I had to resubmit my Husband's Test Results a few times before he got the "green light"!   

 

 

[ACorgan]

1 hour ago, REOVA said:

Had the same issue with VeriFly. Called and they said to delete the app and download it again. Same thing happened and they said they could not help me since it was so close to departure (2 days) and to bring hard copies to embarkation. So we ended up doing the slow line in Boston to get on board while Verifly passengers whizzed through. Good luck as it does speed up boarding process if it works. 

They told us the same thing about deleting  the app. Luckily, once we uninstalled, reinstalled, and re-input our info, we finally got the desired “ready to sail” 🎉 I think we should be in good shape with all our required documents.

 

Now I’m just closely monitoring the Boston weather forecasts. I’m hoping the expected thunder storms ⚡️tomorrow night don’t impact our flights 

[Sea42]

Safe travels!

 

[rkacruiser]

Looking forward of learning of your experiences.  Thanks for posting!  

[janmcn]

19 hours ago, ljones said:

Can anyone tell me - Does Zaandam still have computers in the Exploration Cafe (?) for individuals to use (At a price, of course)...

 

Thanks much.

Yes. Computers still there to use with your account.

[ACorgan]

Our trip is off to a relaxing start. We got to the airport far earlier than we needed to, but had plenty of time to enjoy a drink in the Alaska lounge before boarding

 

I’m still keeping an eye on the possibility of thunderstorms in Boston, but feeling much better now that our plane is en route. Even if we end up delayed, should still make it into Boston sometime tonight. They fed us a delightful strata for breakfast on the plane

Only 4 more hrs until we reach Boston (assuming no weather delays)

[ACorgan]

We made it to Boston with only a 30 min delay. Our flight landed on time, but we had to wait for a gate since operations were disrupted due to the storms. It was a quick (10-15 min) Uber ride to our hotel. The rideshare pickup area was a bit of a hike from the baggage claim. The directions to the rideshare area were well marked with signs and arrows on the floor, but included a few escalators, a moving walkway, and an elevator. Next time I fly into Boston, I would seriously consider grabbing a taxi instead of Uber. 
 

We’re all checked in to the Residence Inn Boston Seaport and are happy with the room and the location. We walked about 12 min to the Legal Seafoods Harborside for dinner and we’re only about a mile from the port, so should make tomorrow morning very straightforward 

[REOVA]

2 minutes ago, ACorgan said:

We’re all checked in to the Residence Inn Boston Seaport and are happy with the room and the location. We walked about 12 min to the Legal Seafoods Harborside for dinner and we’re only about a mile from the port, so should make tomorrow morning very straightforward 

Great location and plenty to eat/see within walking distance. Sounds like you are off to a great start.

[Jammu2]

Good luck. Can't wait to read more.

[ambystoma]

Oh my god HELP! We are vaccinated US citizens but completely didn’t know about getting a negative COVID test! What can we do now?! Its almost midnight. OMG.

[canadianbear]

Looking forward to more of your experience and will follow along.  Bon Voyage!

[ACorgan]

18 minutes ago, ambystoma said:

Oh my god HELP! We are vaccinated US citizens but completely didn’t know about getting a negative COVID test! What can we do now?! Its almost midnight. OMG.

Someone else might have a better idea, but a quick google search shows that there is an ARCpoint labs right by the pier that says they do COVID testing without an appointment. Looks like they open at 10am tomorrow morning. Good luck! 

[ambystoma]

Thank you! We are going to try to sleep and go to the arcpoint lab first thing!!

[oakridger]

I'm looking forward to hearing about this cruise @ACorgan!  I'm glad your travels to Boston went just fine.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic @ambystoma.  Sounds like the ARCpoint Lab should work for you in the morning.  Let us know how it goes and Bon Voyage!

 

~Nancy

[ACorgan]

We were worried about oversleeping this morning due to the time change, but the bright sunshine had us all wide awake very early. Definitely a change from the Pacific Northwest weather we’re used to 🌥 We were all very efficient packing up and now are just twiddling our thumbs at the hotel waiting to head to the ship

 

Our boarding passes say 11am, but none of us are certain what that means. Should we wait to show up at the pier until exactly 11am? Or is it more like the airport where we should plan to go a little early to clear security so that we’re ready to go at 11am? Right now we’re leaning towards trying to have a car drop us off at 10:30. I’m not sure where the Ubers drop people off and whether we’ll have any difficulties figuring out where to go. Would appreciate any advice people might have for arrival times at the Boston port 🙂

[ACorgan]

Glad we had planned to go a little early. We left the hotel around 10:15, which Uber said would give us a 10:30 arrival, but traffic was a snarl as we got closer to the port. After we sat for some time, not moving, only about .3 miles from the port, we just had the Uber driver let us out and hoofed it the rest of the way.

We were greeted with massive lines of people and suitcases and had some mild panic when we saw it. Luckily, I asked someone and we quickly found out it was just the never ending taxi line for all the people getting off the other HAL ship in port and trying to get to the airport 😅 

 

Once we picked our way around everyone, we finally got to our terminal just a few min before 11am. We dropped our checked bags with the friendly porters out front and followed the “passengers” signs to go inside.

There was a separate area for those who had completed VeriFLY. We showed the gate keepers our passports, the VeriFLY ready to sail screen on our phones and the ArriveCAN receipts on our phones. They sent us up the escalators to security.

 

We had one small “boxed water” from the plane that we thought we could take on board, but security told us no drinks at all and we needed to chug it or toss it. Wasn’t a huge deal to us, so we surrendered the drink and, since it was unopened, they said they’d donate it to the homeless. 
 

After security screening, we went to individual kiosks where they had friendly helpers to help take your pic and scan your passport to get you checked in. From there, we were ushered into chairs in waiting areas. I had thought we were early, but the section 1 waiting area was already full and we started the section 2 area at just a few min past 11am. 
 

Almost 11:30 now, so no idea what time they’ll let us on the ship. One thing of note - they mentioned that people are required to have a paper copy of their boarding passes. Luckily, I had printed them for our whole group (just in case), since my traveling companions had just planned to use the ones on their phone. 
 

Now we’re just crossing our fingers that we’ll make it on by noon so that we can grab lunch in the MDR 🤞

[ACorgan]

Made it onboard, stopped by our room for keys and the Neptune Lounge to change a specially dining reservation. We were in the MDR shortly after noon to enjoy a leisurely lunch 

The MDR was very empty, so either we beat the rush, everyone went to the lido instead, or they were all still getting settled in their rooms.

 

Our suitcases were waiting for us outside our door when we returned from lunch and I got everything unpacked. Back to the Neptune lounge to turn in our Canada forms, to our muster station to check in, and then we might swing by the lido to check out the dessert options since we decided to forgo dessert in the MDR

 

[ljones]

On 8/26/2022 at 7:15 AM, janmcn said:

Yes. Computers still there to use with your account.

Thanks much.  I was worried about having to find a Internet Cafe in port somewhere.

[Live4cruises]

Thanks, @ACorgan!  I'm eager to follow along on your trip; we are on a similar one in 6 weeks.

[smashedpumpkins]

Great to hear you made it. My family and I will be boarding next week when you get off for the trip back to Boston!

[ACorgan]

*Beverage package for 3rd person with Have It All (HIA):*
Prior to boarding, we weren’t sure how this was going to work. The first 2 names on our reservation had the Signature Beverage Package (SBP) through HIA, so we didn’t know if the third person would automatically be enrolled for the SBP or not? 
In practice, the third adult didn’t have any beverage package, but was told they could add one, if they liked. After looking at the options, they decided to go with the Quench package, since they aren’t a big drinker and that package was significantly cheaper.
Adding the quench package was a little bit of a challenge. The Neptune suite concierge wasn’t able to do it, so we stopped by the Sea View Bar. They were very helpful there, but had to involve a manger for an override, since the system wanted to charge all 3 people in the suite (even though the other 2 already had SBP). They quickly got it all worked out and everyone is happy with their package of choice.

Now, we’re all stocking up on pops and canned waters for the room since this is our shortest day and we want to hit our 15 drinks 

Edited August 27, 2022 by ACorgan