Mike & Zen

Some photos of Glacier Bay today. Another good day just like last week.

Oh, I just read ArriveCAN was updated 3 days ago to version 2.29.6.. Additional ports of entry… and Vaccinated travellers now asked for destination address. If your ArriveCAN app didn't automatically update, you might want to do a refresh.

I forgot to add in my reply if you are fully vaccinated there is no longer a test requirement to enter Canada.

No, ArriveCAN is only to enter Canada. Effective 1 April, 2022, there is no longer any COVID-19 test requirement to enter Canada by air, land (rail), or marine. Prior to 1 April, 2022, when a COVID-19 test was required to enter Canada, the ArriveCAN app and website then required you to enter your test. However, since 1 April, it has been removed. You only need to set up your ArriveCAN account, upload your passport and proof of vaccination, save it, then 96 hours prior to boarding, enter the rest of your travel information to enter Canada. I would suggest you do the first part now to get it out of the way. But if you enter Canada by air or land, you are subject to a random mandatory COVID-19 test. We were randomly selected twice at YVR when we flew back to Canada from the USA after our cruises there. Only delayed us by about 15 minutes in our case. If you are boarding your cruise in the USA, you follow the US CDC/cruise line pre-embarkation requirements. If you are boarding your cruise in Canada, you follow Transport Canada pre-embarkation requirements. Sounds like you are starting/boarding your cruise in the USA? Pre-embarkation testing for USA and Canada are found in the Princess FAQs.

I have an answer for you. I spoke with upper management, our waiter, and read the US CDC cruise website. Short version from CDC website states no quarantine required if crew member is fully vaccinated or up to date, tests negative ashore before boarding the ship, and does not come from a high to very high COVID-19 transmission area. Upper management stated same as above and can work right away. Also said member is tested 3 days in a row, cannot eat in the crew mess but must eat in the deck 5 midship MDR during that period, and must stay in their cabin for that period unless working or eating. Philippines is a level one low COVID area in the website. US CDC cruise website here: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/management/technical-instructions-for-cruise-ships.html#st-table-1

Some photos in Skagway. I’ve compressed them but can only load a few at a time due to satellite connectivity and signal strength at these high latitudes.

Download your mandatory ArriveCAN app for your entry into Victoria. I find the app easier to use than the website. Create your ArriveCAN account, then upload your passport and proof of vaccination. You can do that now to get it out of the way. Then within 96 hours of boarding the ship, enter the rest of your information. When ArriveCAN asks for your first port of entry into Canada, tap in Ogden Point pier A and B (Victoria). After entering your information, submit it, receive your ArriveCAN receipt with a QR code and an email with the same. Take a screenshot and print out the email as a backup. The last part takes less than a minute. It’s just that easy!

Weather-wise, last weeks and the start of this weeks cruise have been good. Picture yesterday in Juneau.

Here is the letter we received for the 7 May cruise for the OBC, and the explanation regarding the technical engineering issues.

Yes, you are 100% correct. We received $100 OBC each for the change in itinerary for both the 7 May and 14 May cruises.

I will ask him tonight. But I do know the US CDC has made some recent changes with respect to testing. And the top upper management has told me all crew is tested every week. In our 8 cruises with Majestic last year and this year that ended in January 2022, you are correct. And the day before turn around, we were tested for Covid. However, for the 7 May Crown cruise, we were not tested the day before turn around day. I asked management and I was told the US CDC has made it a recommendation only. Part of my planning for these cruises was to bring some test kits. Zenny and I did a self antigen test the morning of arrival, 14 May, tested negative and feel great. Even though masks are only recommended, we still wear ours to help reduce risk as we have six months of cruises booked and want to continue cruising. But the choice is up to each guest.