B x

On 5/1/2022 at 5:52 PM, mom says said:

Since the restart the boarding pass times have generally been enforced,  with separate lines for different boarding  times. The exception has been for suite or Zenith guests, who may board at any time after boarding commences.

I did check in within minutes of Celebrity opening it for our cruise, 11.30-12noon was the earliest time on offer, not mention of anything different for Suite/Zenith (which we are). Previously always just rocked up and been on board by 10.30/11 using the priority route, am I assuming this has gone?

11 hours ago, mahdnc said:

 

I am glad to hear that you can move back to your cabin.  I am sorry about the positive test.....

Goon on you for sticking to your guns and getting moved back to your own room, you've paid for it and there's nothing to beat fresh air and the sound of waves.

Thank for all the informative posts, pleased you had a good cruise and wishing you a safe journey home. Counting the days (with a touch of intrepidation) till 13th June.

Hubby asked me if this had come up on any threads,  if it has then I missed it so asking. His question has anyone who became an inmate on Deck 3 whilst cruising still been testing positive on the last day of their cruise? If so how did Celebrity deal with that? 

That leads to another question, the recognised isolation time is five days, if one is negative after those five days are you released back to your own cabin? If on the other hand one is still testing positive which can be ten days or longer even if asymptomatic I presume you are kept in isolation until negative?

Also, am I right in thinking if one half of a couple is positive and one negative, only one is put into isolation? As I have MS this is a concern as I need help with certain parts of everyday living. 

Excellent news, thanks for updating us all.

2 minutes ago, Random Cruizer said:

OK--here's what's on the Rome airport's website--

Please note:
1. Access to the testing area is only permitted for passengers in possession of a ticket and staff in possession of an airport badge
2. The service will be guaranteed for rapid antigen tests from 00:01 to 20:00
3. The service will be guaranteed for PCR swabs from 08:00 to 16:00.

 

Seems weird-- 1 min to 20 HOURS for the rapid?  8 hours to 16 ours for PCR swabs?

Aren't they they times they are open, not test result times?

2 minutes ago, Random Cruizer said:

Oh boy, I thought the Rome airport was a quick test since it's for departures, too.  I'll still do it--but I'll bring along my own test to do at the hotel.  What a mess.  Fingers crossed they go back to 2 days.

Heathrow results are no quicker at times, eldest son flew out early for a meeting a couple of weeks ago, took an antigen test for his own peace of mind, results arrived as he returned home in evening, advertised at 4 hours.

3 minutes ago, delondin said:

I believe it is one day and not specifically 24 hours so as long as it is anytime the day before it should be ok. 

It depends how you interpret what it say's on the web site "within 1 day prior to sailing" to me "within" means exactly that, within 24 hours. So for example if you test at 8am the previous day (which we originally planned to do at Heathrow) by the time we board at 11am it's outside a one day timeframe. I may be being pedantic here, it's my legalist head kicking in, but clarity would be useful as non of us want to arrive at the dock only to be told our test is out of date.

33 minutes ago, Virginia100 said:

It sounds good on the website at the airport but how is it really? Do you know any arriving passengers that have done it? I don’t. My hotel at the port has been trying to secure a test for us at a Nearby pharmacy they deal  with for three weeks with no appointment time yet!!!

In answer yes, a friend did it just yesterday and messaged me as promised. They arrived at Fiumicino mid PM and attended their booked appointment, that was almost 24 hours ago and they are still waiting for their results (Antigen). She said the test centre closes at 8pm and last testing appointment offered when they booked a couple of weeks ago was 7.30pm so something to bear in mid if you have late flights prior to embarkation day. 

I was interested to know how it all worked as now that I have our boarding time of 11am I guess tests will need doing after 11am the previous day to be within 24 hours. There still seems to be no guidance if Celebrity will allow one to board if tests haven't come through as in the case of my friend. I have asked TA this question, he in turn spoke to Celebrity and said the feedback was as clear as mud with no specific yes or no.

6 minutes ago, AussieGirlKaz said:

Hi All

 

I wanted to share my experience so far.

I am on the Constellation and on my 4th full day of isolation.

On Day 7 I was identified as a close contact of a covid case and was initially tested and negative. I would have had to have been tested for the next 5 days.  That night i developed a dry cough and that morning tested Covid positive. 

I was then moved to Level 2 room with an ocean view for what it's worth.

I have not seen a person since then other than the daily nurse visit in full PPE (understandably), and only the regular calls from room service for my food orders and check in from the front desk.

I was in Aqua class and still have access to the Blu menu and drinks. The food comes in throw away boxes and pretty much has the texture and taste of cardboard. My taste buds are ok my symptoms have been limited and seemed to be only sneezing..tho am half certain now that I was sneezing due to the flowers on the room, as it stopped when I threw them out lol.

Finally have some ability to stream after being at sea.

Have been told there will be some refund or FCC but the amount seems small given pretty much 1/2 the trip is spent in a box.

I was travelling alone so while used to being on my own having no real conversations a day is hard 

They do try and look after your basic needs but not much thought is given to the mental aspect. There is a huge amount of work that can be done in this area. 

I have made a routine for the day which includes making my bed, cleaning the room, some sort of movement to try differentiate the day from night. Even got dressed up to simulate formal night.

 

Even tho this is the opposite to how I wanted to spend my time I would still cruise again... life is too short for what ifs.

So very sorry to read that the trip has turned into a rather miserable experience for you. Not sure how far in you are but have they given any indication when you may be allowed back to some form of enjoyment and normality?

1 hour ago, Purplsmurf said:

When Celebrity announced the protocols for Europe cruises Italy was 1 day prior for testing. Has been like that since the beginning. I would love for it to change to 2 days so we can test before we leave the US and be good for the cruise. If it doesn’t change, which I doubt it will in the next 2 weeks, we will test in the US and then 15 hours later test again in Rome. 

Makes it all such a faff, would be so nice if they laid down some sensible guidelines that were consistent for all passengers and test at the dock which is what I understand some cruise lines have planned for Summer Med departures.

Doctors in Rome site says results in 48 hours and presume Celebrity need them on boarding. I had tests booked early morning on embarkation close to our overnight hotel in Civitavecchia, now they tell me results can be up to 24 hours, so again might not be available on embarkation. Would have been so much easier if we could have remained with our re-booked tests at Heathrow which would have been within 48 hours which was originally the requirement for Italy. At the moment it all seems like a losing battle.

33 minutes ago, mimlypops said:

Megabear, just read your post. So, did Celebrity say to you that you can use an video supervised test as long as the provider is on the Gov.uk recommended list ? Many thanks

23 hours ago, kwokpot said:

We had room 12-2217 and the window washing equipment never was an issue in blocking views.

We are in room 2217 in June. Many years ago on Eclipse's inaugural sailing we had the two corner Sky's on deck 12 aft, when I saw the cleaning equipment I shuddered, but by day two we never noticed it again and it certainly didn't block our view which is wonderful from an aft cabin.

I do share your concerns, our next cruise is out of Civitavecchia on 13th June and whilst we have been counting the days having not cruised since the Pandemic, the apparent rise in cases is a worry. I say this as someone with several autoimmune conditions and having shielded for the best part of eighteen months.

Like you I feel the need to return to some sort of normality, hubby on the other hand does not share my views and is travelling under sufferance despite not having the health worries I have. We have a Sky suite booked, but our TA is looking into upgrades so we have more room if we decide mixing not viable when we arrive. I will just be happy with Med sunshine on the balcony.

On 4/20/2022 at 2:11 PM, Virginia100 said:

Is walk in ok or require an appointment?

I think booking necessary.

Whist we have had room service from Luminae when one of us was unwell and the Maitre de called and offered to bring dinner to us, I am note sure if that was a one off. Does anyone know if one can order room service specifically from their menu as a normality, or is it the bog standard room service menu?

One of our reasons for always booking a suite is the ability to dine there and the improved service and menu. However, we are becoming increasingly concerned reading some of the threads here suggesting capacity numbers are increasing, little social distancing and many not wearing masks......sorry guys I know it's a personal choice and not mandatory in many place and I'm not being critical. But having been forced to shield for almost two years due to health issues my caution is hopefully understandable. We are/were so looking forward to this cruise having had it re-scheduled three times so trying to think outside the box as to options for dining on a balcony based cruise.......which is fine in Greek sunshine. 

Thank you so much for replying, that eases my mind somewhat. The aft is a great location and where we always tried for when the children were small, they loved it. Now grown up and still doing the same.

52 minutes ago, Sibsie said:

9376

I've asked a general question on a new post, but I think you are right and all the same.

Has anyone been in this cabin and can advise if it has the pole beside the bed.

Always had side Sky's before so was thrilled to nab an aft one......until I saw a photo on another post this morning of one on another deck showing the pole right beside the bed. Spent ages on line trying to identify if all Sky corner aft cabins are the same on Reflection. TA has no idea but trying to find out, I need to clarify as I have MS so mobility issues and getting up to that in the night, as I have to do frequently, is an accident waiting to happen.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

On 4/20/2022 at 2:03 PM, cruisingaussies said:

Thanks so much B x. We’re on the 13 June Reflection cruise also and spending the night of 12 June in Civitavecchia so your info is of great help. Don’t believe you’re on the roll call?   Not too many people on it at the moment. 

Thank you so much, we are 2217 and searching around it does seem like all of the aft Sky's have the pole. Been on to TA who of course have no idea so checking for us, but said the if it has, then all other sky's are sold out so only option is an upgrade - of course it is!

Can I ask what number cabin that is, we have a Sky Aft booked for June and that pole would create issues for me as I am disabled and that would be my 'side'. Previously always had same grade but on side of ship with no pole.

Yesterday I received a mail headed 'itinerary update'. However as my original booking info only showed days and ports and no timings it's impossible to see what the amendments actually are. I am thinking maybe just times in port and/or possibly Istanbul as it shows arrival there 11.59am and departing 1pm the following day, so about 24 hours in port and seem to think there were all day tours available which wouldn't work with those timings.

I figured there would be changes at some point and might be more to come, has anyone else received the same and any ideas what the changes actually are at this point?

16 hours ago, The Traveling Man said:

Can you identify the pharmacy you will be using for your Covid test?

I did earlier in this thread, page 2 I think

16 hours ago, B x said:

Beg to differ, slow by nature, that comes from someone half Italian! Anyhow, have our tests booked for 8am at the Pharmacy I mentioned.

I did earlier in this thread.