Djsmrs

On 4/1/2022 at 9:27 AM, crzndeb said:

And sail by Dec 31 2022. Many of us are waiting to see if our cruises that were booked prior to Sept/2021, have been shifted, with same booking numbers, will still get double points promotion. Some say yes, but nobody really knows yet, until we sail next year. 
And unfortunately, I doubt we will see again.

We sailed a shifted sailing in December (moved from Dec 2020 to Dec 2021) and got double points.  

Just got home from 2 weeks in Cabo and we saw whales in the pacific every day - and didn't really have to look too hard or for too long to see them.

We used CVM in December and worked well.   Took a while though - pretty sure we were there for 2 1/2 hours from start to finish.  They say it's a rapid turnaround, but just a heads up that 2 hours may be a rapid turnaround.   We had an appointment and waited 30-45 minutes in line just to get the tests done... then had to wait for the results (antigen).   

Having said that it was very convenient.  And they give you a hard copy and email results - redundancy is more important than ever in the event one copy gets lost.

Your bags will likely be checked through on the way to SeaTac.   We just did this from YVR - MCO and this is how it works in Calgary.  I can't comment on the process coming home - 

Although the bags are checked through, you will go through US customs in Calgary airport.  After you disembark the aircraft you will have to go through international security and after you make it through security you will be sent to a waiting area until your bags clear through to US customs.  Westjet officials will be there to guide you through the process.  Because you're not collecting them and putting them on a belt you have to "confirm" the bags with an official.  Once they "clear"  you will proceed through US customs and board your flight to Seattle.   The wait took us about 15 minutes - no big deal.   I think our connection time was about an hour and 15 and although we didn't have a tonne of time to spare we made it.   

I strongly urge you to make sure ALL your bags clear before you go through.  We didn't and my bag didn't make it before our 7 day cruise in the caribbean.   I had a very frantic trip to Target at 11:00 at night to grab some basics for our cruise lol

You're very likely to see them.   We go the last two weeks of March every year and see countless whales from our balcony facing the pacific.

7 minutes ago, Froufie said:

But it does state 'must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased'?  It was purchased in Canada?  Is it not authorized by Canada? It is not required for domestic travel - only international - so how does this make sense - you would only purchase it for out of the country travel right?

 

Most confusing and hope there is some more clarify on this?  People have been using the switch health tests to fly out (antigen) and into (PCR) Canada so don't believe this is now changed?

I read it in the global report.

Here's the phrase I noticed:

As of Feb. 28, a negative rapid antigen or PCR test results will be accepted to meet entry requirements. These tests will need to be administered by a laboratory or health care entity, meaning doing a test at home won’t work.

And the link:  https://globalnews.ca/news/8619015/new-border-rules-covid/

Also listening to the news they were stressing that the test must be approved in the country you're coming from.   Now - I don't know if that's to ease the minds of travelers worrying that their test won't be accepted because it's not approved in Canada, or???

2 minutes ago, Froufie said:

I hope the 'day prior' is correct and not just 24 hours - makes a big difference for some of us staying overnight post cruise!!!

 

I agree that it does sound like the Switch health tests are acceptable as they are proctored online and authorized by Canada and also FDA approved from what I understand! 🙂

I don't think so - the test has to be approved in the country you are travelling from.  Which is so stupid.  Why can't I use a test that's approved in Canada.  I guess if coming from the US the switch might be good - but not Mexico or Europe

Sounds like the at-home tests won't be allowed, which is disappointing...

The inconvenience is infinitely less for an antigen test - I was hoping for this.  The cost and hassle is so much easier.  Woot!!

I found this great website that lists entry requirements for travel to all countries...   hopefully it's allowed.

https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

You don't need to join or sign up for anything - 

Have tried to 

22 hours ago, Welly9 said:

Good Q, have you called anyone?

Im sure they will extend, especially with the restrictions at the border...

We use Nexus and it comes up for renewal this Early Summer, and need to deal with it too...

Have tried to call - can't get through to anyone - I'm sure they're completely overwhelmed with queries.   Oh well.. we'll just keep an eye on it I guess.    At least he's still a kid so the application is free 🙂

Just wondering if anyone has had an answer from the powers that be on this one.   My son's 2 year extension on his Nexus expires March 17, and because he's under 18 he needs to go to the interview and get a new photograph.   All the Canadian nexus offices are closed (so stupid), had an interview scheduled over the border for next week... of course the border has been closed again and they cancelled the appointment.   

So... here we are with the extension about to expire... border is closed (I'm not shelling out $400 for PCR tests to go get his photo taken in a 2 hour cross-border trip), and Cdn offices are closed.

I wonder if they'll extend the extension - or make everyone re-apply?   

Such a mess.   Even if they open the borders today - I booked a Feb appointment back in NOVEMBER... so I feel like we won't be able to get him in prior to the expiration.   ugh.

sorry...   

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has used the pier testing, what the experience was like, and whether or not results were received on time.    The conundrum is people don't want to wait until they're on board to book this - the stakes are too big and need to be organised ahead of time.

1 hour ago, Amberle3 said:

We're in the same boat (so to speak) - cruising in a few weeks, live in Canada.  We have the antigen tests booked for the morning we leave (2 days before the cruise) which RCI tells me will count for the cruise as well.

 

Coming back we're doing self-testing with rapid LAMP test kits. I found the link through the info that Air Canada has on their site, according to AC, the testing people and the government's site the rapid LAMP tests will be fine for coming back.  2 of our party will be doing theirs onboard prior to coming home, 2 of us are continuing on to spend a few days at WDW and will do ours there.

Price is $149 CAD with some bonus Aeroplan miles.

https://switchhealth.ca/en/partners/aeroplan/

Hi - this is what we were going to do as well, but I've read a few people are hitting a wall at the border with the tests with certain border guards.   Will you follow up after your cruise to update on how it goes?   

Have an AMAZING cruise!   We sailed in December and it was absolutely spectacular to be away and check out for a week!!!

2 hours ago, Bronx12 said:

Can you elaborate on the free tests being done at Walgreens/CVS please, I was understanding that was for US citizens only. 

Thanks

No - you just go to the website - you can do an NAAT test - cost is free... the conundrum can be getting an appointment (you get what you pay for)... there is no requirement for you to be a US citizen.

We are literally going through this also - except I booked our April cruise when RCCL was still doing on-board testing.   Now that they aren't offering this anymore it's certainly more challenging.   

We are cruising on Symphony out of Miami and have found a clinic where we can get a PCR on a 1 hour turnaround time the morning that we disembark.   I've already booked it and luckily it's on the way to FLL so just requires a quick stop-in.   

My suggestion is to google google google until you can find somewhere that can do a quick PCR the morning you get off.   Pricing, in my experience, is anywhere from $150 - $400.   If all you can find is $400 - it's probably cheaper to stay overnight and get the free NAAT test done at Walgreens/CVS which you can book about 4 days out.

Good luck!    I'm hopeful the gov't will change this ridiculous testing policy - especially in light of the number of people who had Omicron, couldn't get a PCR test, and may continue to test positive on a PCR for months.    Grrrrrrr.

Wow - although I have not enjoyed reading about your experience (a poopy way to end a vacay), I am eternally grateful for you sharing this.   What a journey you've been on - and I cannot believe how RED that line is on your antigen (my son's was SO faint my old eyes couldn't see it without the phone flashlight, near a window, on a certain angle... he could see it right away 🤓).   If your PCR comes back negative I will be floored (sure makes travel easier for 180 days if it comes in positive!).  I really hope you have very minor symptoms and a very easy and quick recovery.   

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us!!!

On 12/25/2021 at 1:32 PM, K_e_short said:

@Djsmrs

 

Did you have any issues checking in online with your kids?

I have to see an agent tomorrow as I can't check my 14 year old online.

 

I called and they said it was a glitch but still worrying.

 

Nope.   We were on WestJet. Not sure which airline you’re with.   I’ve had it happen on other flights pre-Covid though where we couldn’t check in online and had to do it at the airport.    

20 hours ago, TeaBag said:

Thank you so much for all your great tips. 

While we could take advantage of the relaxation of the PCR test needed on return to Canada for trips under 72 hours, we drove down to the US 4 times!! We printed out our ArriveCan (can they not manage to make it simpler?) and presented it when crossing into Canada.  The border guard told us, as Nexus people, we don't have to print it because it is already in their system when you submit it.  He could see it on his screen.  Hopefully this will apply at the airport also.  We won't be flying till May, sadly.

I bet all the agents you had to deal with, to and from the cruise, loved your organizational skills!  We always seem to get behind the people who are like deer in the headlights and have nothing ready.

Happy Holidays to you all.

I’d be careful of this when flying.  It’s the checkin agent that needs your ArriveCAN QR code - not the customs agent.   Customs didn’t even ask for our ArriveCAN.     If it was me I would still bring a printed copy if I didn’t have it on my phone.   

Thought I'd throw a little light on this as I was definitely looking for this type of information before we sailed on our cruise with our kiddos.

About us - me, my husband, 13yo son, 11yo son.   All vaxxed, except the 11 year old who has had one shot (so is considered unvaccinated).

Cruise out of Port Canaveral on Harmony for 7 nights - travelling from Vancouver.

Flying to Orlando:  Dec 11 - 6am from YVR to Calgary.   9:15am YYC to MCO.

Testing:   We all required an antigen test to enter the states and to board the ship (Sunday boarding day), so we opted to have our testing done on Friday, December 10th.   My husband and I did the at-home tests purchased through the Air Canada Travel Hub.  Cost was $79 for a kit with two tests, and I ordered them a few weeks prior.   We did our tests at home and it worked pretty well.   I thought I'd be able to do it on an ipad, but it made me access the login through my iphone.   We did one login and both tests were done one after the other.   I had a typo on my husband's name and they were great about fixing it right away.   Double check all your information when you register your account.  It has to match your documents.

My 11yo couldn't do the at-home test, so we decided to have both boys done at the airport the night before our flight.   We stayed at the YVR Fairmont the night before as our checkin time was 4am (yikes).

Booked the kids' tests through CVM at YVR and it was a zoo!   I booked the latest times possible (8:00pm) because I wasn't sure what our day/evening was going to be like.   This allowed us to grab dinner on the way to the airport and was nice because we weren't rushing to get there.   It was very busy and the stress level in the line was pretty high as people were missing flights due to the waiting times.   Highly recommend doing this the day before your flight (or morning of for a late afternoon/evening flight).   Both boys tested.  All four of us negative.  Cost was $79 per test.  In the future I won't book this at the airport - I'll do it closer to home, but this is a great option in a pinch.

Departure Flight Checkin at YVR:

Piece of cake - gave each family member their passport with their negative tests and vaccine status printed out, folded, and included with the passport to expedite things.   This was really helpful.   I brought backup copies of proof of vaccine just in case one was lost - plus we had access to online emails with results.  Was a domestic flight - so pretty basic.   Security was busier than normal - allow extra time.

Connecting flight at Calgary - had to leave secure area and come back through international security.   Bit of a gong show - then had to wait in the baggage clearance area for confirmation that all our bags made it through to the aircraft (note - mine didn't make it, even though they said it did - but that's another post).   Again, had printed boarding passes, test results and vaccine status with each passport for ease of access.   

Boarding the ship:

We had an 11:00 boarding time and I had planned to arrive at 10:00 for testing for the 11yo - but due to lack of baggage had to make a couple stops and we arrived at 11:00'ish.   The testing was VERY efficient.   They took us through, youngest had his swab and we were led to a waiting area where we waited about half an hour for our results - again got  the all clear and we were on our way onboard.

Once on board - things were pretty much the same as at home.   Masks inside.  Giving people distance.   We didn't dine in the MDR so I can't give feedback on that, but Chops, Jamie's, Johnny Rockets, Sabor were all amazing and offered lots of spacing.   Kids had room service a couple of nights while we went out for dinner, which made it easy to maintain physical distancing.    We didn't feel there wasn't anywhere on the ship we couldn't go with an unvaxxed kid that we would have wanted to go, and as such didn't feel that we were missing out on anything because he wasn't wearing his vaxxed wrist band.  

I'd say our cruise experience was pretty much the same as pre-covid, with the exception that we couldn't go and wander around at the ports.. but it wasn't really that big of a deal.   We did one excursion at Cozumel (Punta Sur - HIGHLY recommend) and he could get off at CoCo Cay.

Flying home Dec 21 - MCO - Toronto and then connecting to Vancouver.

PCR test needed for the four of us - RCCL tested us on board (which I think they are discontinuing in January, so plan flight times accordingly).   All tests came back negative.  Got print outs and emails.

Arrive CAN app - had it downloaded and we completed everything on it before heading to the airport.  YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR ARRIVECAN DONE SO YOU CAN PRESENT IT AT CHECKIN.   Please have it done ahead of time it will save a tonne of time.  The check in agents can not do this for you.

Also at check in - tucked in each passport - negative test result, proof of vax, boarding pass.   Pro tip - go to the kiosk while your family waits in the checkin line.   Print off your boarding passes and baggage tags.   This will really speed up  your checkin process.   We were checked in and bags dropped in about 5 minutes because we had everything ready to go - and it made it much less stressful.   

Flight from MCO to Toronto - quick and smooth.

Canada - entry testing for my youngest - Toronto - the youngest had to be tested.   We only had one hour to make our connection to Vancouver - so this was STRESSFUL.   Took us 30 minutes to get through customs because it was so busy (we were flying on the 21st - so was a busy Christmas travel day).   Got through customs, then youngest was redirected to the testing area.   I told them our flight was boarding in five minutes and they whipped us through and were absolutely amazing.   We were in and out of testing area in about 15 minutes.

Off to security and on board the flight home.    Had his test results 28 hours later - all negative.

Key points that I think saved time and frustration:

1.  Have printouts of everything if you can.   I had a folder with dividers in it that had all our paperwork, test results, reservations - everything just in case it all went sideways.  Didn't need much more than the copies we used, but was a relief knowing I had backups just in case.

2.  Use the check-in kiosks to get your boarding passes and baggage tags - this will save time at the counter for check-in.   I cannot tell you how many people did not have this done and it was so frustrating to stand there waiting for something to be done that they could have done themselves.

3.  ArriveCan needs to be done to be presented for check-in when you're leaving the states.   Do it the day before if you can.  Not at the airport.   Please don't do it when you get up to the counter.

4.  If you have to be tested upon arrival in Canada and have a connecting flight - tell them.  They will rush you through.   The staff was amazing.  If not - don't stress too much about it.   Pearson airport had it dialed in and I was really impressed.

5.  Give yourself ALL the time.  Check in EARLY.   Everything is taking twice as long as it used to.   I think we've all forgotten how to travel - lol, and silly mistakes are being made that slow down check-in, and security.   Lots of shoes off and belts off - which was weird for us because we have TSA pre-check, but that didn't seem to matter.

Bring patience.   Bring snacks for kids.  Give yourself time.   You're better off sitting at the gate for an extra 30 minutes than having a stroke in security because the lines are so long and everything is moving so slowly.

Be kind - people are really doing their best, and I found a simple "hi - how's your day going" gave customer service reps a minute to take a breath.   People's stress levels are high with all the unknowns.

All in all everything went pretty well and smoothly and I'm not deterred from traveling again.   We're looking forward to a trip to Mexico in a couple months provided the world doesn't all fall apart between now and then... and then another cruise in April!

1 hour ago, schiff1997 said:

But if you do not get off the ship in the islands you would still be considered under US jurisdiction if you are on a closed loop cruise

This is 100% incorrect.   

16 hours ago, crbonfiber said:

Could you be any cheaper??? Stay home if your broke!

Could you be any ruder?   Wow 

When my kids were little we brought snacks from home for day trips.    Goldfish, granola bars, fruit gummies, trail mix.   Maybe bring some from home.   

Clarification on travelers with connecting flights clarified by the Health Minister:

Travellers coming from non-U.S. foreign destinations need an arrival test
Once a fully vaccinated passenger arrives at a Canadian airport from a non-U.S. foreign destination, they will either be swabbed by a public health nurse or get a take-home test.

That traveller must then self-isolate at home or at their designated quarantine destination (such as a hotel) while they await the results of the test. It may take up to three days to get a result.

If that traveller gets a negative result, they're free to leave self-isolation and move about as they normally would. If the test is positive, they must stay in quarantine for 14 days.

If a passenger has a connecting flight, they get swabbed or collect a take-home test and then continue on to their final destination.

If, for example, an inbound passenger from Hong Kong arrives in Vancouver to catch a connecting flight to Kelowna, B.C., that traveller would get tested or pick up their at-home test in Vancouver before proceeding to the connecting flight. That passenger would then have to self-isolate in Kelowna while they await the results of the test.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/arrival-testing-regime-explainer-1.6272919