emarismom

I booked a Canada/New England cruise on the Escape for next year on September 3rd. Now I'm wondering if it will be way too early for leaves.

I will be going on my first cruise since the pandemic started on November 18th. I just booked it today!! Anyway this is what the MSC website says about unvaccinated cruisers: For U.S. and Puerto Rico residents departing on cruises from U.S. and non-U.S. ports: For fully vaccinated guests, testing is recommended (within 3 days of embarkation before boarding) but not required (with proof of vaccination), per our vaccination requirements. Unvaccinated guests (ages 2 and older) must show proof of a lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation before boarding. Children under 2 years of age are not required to submit a negative test. Should I just make appointments for my husband, daughter and I at Quest Diagnostics for 3 days before the cruise? If we are boarding at approximately 11 AM, should I set the appointments up within 72 hours? We will be working the days before the cruise, so it will have to be early which could put us outside the 3 days. How picky are they? Also would a drive through Covid test site be considered a "lab administered" test?

I vaguely remember years ago arriving at the port at La Romana and there being two inexpensive shuttles. One of them went to Altos de Chavon (which I used). I'm not sure where the other went. I'm looking now and not finding any information on this. We will be in La Romana in January for a short port day (11:30-6:00). If thie shuttle is no longer available, what would be a good short excursion?

Does anyone know or have any information on whether MSC will open up to unvaccinated cruisers? I really want the DIvina for New Year's Eve, but we are not vaccinated. Either way I will book a cruise for that week, but I don't want to book on another line just to cancel it in a week or two. Any insights?

I am REALLY hoping that they open up their cruises to unvaccinated passengers!! I want to take the NYE cruise on Divina!!

This is fantastic news!! I haven't been on a ship in almost three years!! I used to cruise 3-4 times a year. I'm retiring soon, so according to my son, I have to take one cruise a month to make up for all of the missed cruises!