calsnoozie

8 minutes ago, kent4489 said:

Tuesday night…. My last update. We are home!

 

Easy and uneventful travel day. Celebrity was there to pick us up for our transfer to Quito airport. 10:30 am pick up for 2:00 pm flight. We were the only ones going for this particular flight. They brought a small van. The Celebrity rep walked us in right to the ticket counter. Absolutely no line! We had our luggage checked and were through security in a matter of minutes. 
We had plenty of time in the Sala VIP lounge. (We have Priority Pass.) It was a nice lounge. Just a few minutes to our gate and we even departed a few minutes early.

 

Again, it was an amazing trip and the Celebrity service in Quito and the ship couldn’t be beat.

Kent4489 - Welcome back home and thank you again for sharing your trip with us.

Much appreciated.

-Sue from California

41 minutes ago, sippican said:

 

My DH and I are hikers. The poles onboard were wooden with no rubber tips. We found them useless and are packing our own collapsible poles (make sure they have tip covers) this time. 

sippican - thanks, just put the poles in the "pack in suitcase" pile!

-Sue from California 

Kent4489 - would you recommend bringing trekking poles?

-Sue From California

8 minutes ago, kent4489 said:

Well, Saturday night. Lots of tears tonight as every passenger was in awe of the week. I’ll be brief….

Today, we went to the Darwin Research Center, very interesting. By the way, I had a fleece and it was a long walk from the bus in a light rain. Make sure you wear a rain jacket. We ended up buying jackets at the research center. Nice quality and a nice souvenir. Glad we had them for the tree planting, which was really nice. By the way, I had read that someone suggested bringing disposable gloves and it was nice as we kept our hands clean. Not necessary, but several people were asking where to get the gloves and I had to tell them that we brought our own. I would highly recommend doing so. Another thing I red was to bring higher socks for the boots. I forgot and only had low cut. I got a blister on my ankle from the boots, so bring higher socks!

We really enjoyed the lunch and show at the ranch. Then walking among the tortoise… it was an all around wow day. 
This evening, again wow. Unbelievable that they introduced the entire crew. Tears!!! The pics from this week were flashed on the big screen and again, amazing. Such a very lovely gift to take these memories home with us. Lastly, our fellow passengers, again, wow! All very lovely people. With 42 of us, it was easy to bond and get to know everyone. I really feel this is something that will be very difficult to duplicate.

 

Kent4489 - can't believe it has been a week!  Thank you for sharing daily.

Adding disposable gloves to the suitcase list and double checking hiking socks!

-Sue from California

49 minutes ago, kent4489 said:

Thursday night… the week is flying by much too quickly. 
 

I’m being even more brief. Again, we enjoyed our excursions so much. This morning, we did the long beach walk, then spent an hour or so, just relaxing on the beach. Back on the ship, we spent time in a cabana chair. This afternoon, we did the long walk and again just amazing.,

Kent4489 - how is the weather? 

Sue from California 

Kent4489 - This weekend we will start to sort and stack our suitcase items (we take the red-eye from SFO to Miami on Thursday 9/16 then to Quito Friday, 9/17 morning flight (will get C-19 tested at SFO airport before we fly out just to make sure there are "no surprises" and the RT-PCR test should meet the requirement to travel to Galapagos within 72 hours of testing requirement).  Is there anything that you "wished" you would  packed but you didn't? 

Also - is there a clothesline in the built into the bathroom shower to hang wet clothes?  

Thanks again for sharing your daily posts and answering questions.  I hope we can do the same...

-Sue from California

Kent4489- what is all involved in the Health Check in Quito ?  Just curious what they check ?
 

- Sue from California 

Thank you for the daily check-in updates, we now know what to expect in less than 2 weeks when we join the ship!

Interesting about the altitude sickness and your oxygen level.  After reading this, I think I have decided to take the preventative medication that was prescribed (Diamox).   

Enjoy exploring !

-Sue from California

46 minutes ago, kent4489 said:

Friday, here’s an update from today. May be brief as I’m exhausted! 😀

 

As mentioned above, our flight was delayed by an hour, then another half hour on the runway. It happens, not a big deal. We were happy to be on a morning nonstop. I can’t imagine arriving really late tonight as some people will be doing.

Miami airport was packed! Security took forever. We were in Priority line, but really slow. Anyway, we arrived in plenty of time and still had an hour to spend in Admirals Club. Really needed coffee and breakfast and glad we had it. We’ve flown American for years and are million milers with lifetime Gold status. Haven’t been on a long AA flight in quite a while, but wow, what has happened to their service? We were in business class and were really surprised. Oh well, still got here easily enough. 
 

Immigration was easy enough and non eventful. Baggage…our bags were tagged priority, but that doesn’t mean much, really nothing. Again, not a big deal. So, when we exit baggage, our Celebrity representative was easily visible. He checked us off the list, said one couple was waiting and there was one other couple to come out. He showed us where to wait. Took a while for the last couple to come out, but then we were on our way. The representative gave a very good commentary on the way to the hotel. I really liked him and hope we are in his group tomorrow for the tour.

 

Once at the hotel, our temperature was checked and we were ushered into a small room to collect our keys, etc. Our representative took photos of all of our PCR tests and our vax cards. (If anyone did not have the PCR test, they will schedule it for tomorrow morning before the tour.) Then we were free to go. On our way to our room, I had a little issue with altitude sickness. Got very dizzy. As soon as we were in the room, I drank a couple of bottles of water and have been ok since then. (I’m fairly physically fit, so it can happen to anyone.) Our luggage was delivered moments after we were in the room.

 

After a short rest, we headed downstairs for an early dinner. (We were starving.) But first enjoyed the pianist in the lobby for a while. Since we hadn’t eaten well today, we decided to have dinner in the Hacienda (steak house in hotel). The food was very good. The service excellent. 
 

That’s it for today… already in bed and so ready to sleep. Meeting for city tour at 9:45 in the morning.

Glad you made it!  

I also noticed on our plane reservation that there is no food service, we will make sure to have breakfast at the Miami airport before our flight.  

We had an International Travel Nurse consult call yesterday through our healthcare proivder and were prescribed Diamox to take as a preventative for altitude sickness.  I am always hesitant to take new meds but maybe will consider  (have to start taking 24 hrs before landing).  Have 13 days to decide (yes- countdown down the days...).

Also, thank you for the tip on calling the JW Marriott ahead of time to add Bonvoy #.  Will try to do this next week.

Did Celebrity tell you how many passengers on the ship?

Enjoy the city tour tomorrow.

-Sue from California 

Safe travels Kent4489, looking forward to your updates.

We are on the same flight from Miami to Quito just two weeks later!  

-Sue from California

11 hours ago, kent4489 said:

Calsnoozie, I am also curious about this. We purchased CruiseCare through Celebrity. But, I didn’t get any proof other than it is listed on my invoice. I called the GalapagosDesk and the agent said that is good enough. Doesn’t make me feel assured, but I’m tired of dealing with a different answer every time I call. Did you purchase CruiseCare? If so, where did you find proof to print it? Or is it just listed as an item on your invoice? Thanks.

Kent4489 - My husband talked to the Galapagos desk yesterday as well.  We got  insurance through Celebrity.  They stated that if asked, you can just show them the line item of the paid CruiseCare from your invoice.  

You can find the policy by going to the Celebrity website main page, scroll to the very bottom of the page and select Cruise Insurance.  From there, click on Buy Now, click on Celebrity then click on Plan Details at the top.  

Here is the direct link, the actual policy (it is ~37 pages), scroll to the bottom and select your state:  https://www.archinsurancesolutions.com/coverage/celebrity?fbclid=IwAR1I74Tcci1ffoxgMYSgjJwgHhDU1DG976eJ7lb5vNuG8z0CQm6j8ceVgkw

-Sue from California

5 hours ago, Pilgrim70 said:

We were on the August 8 Flora cruise taking the excursion package leaving  Miami Aug 6. We had to show proof of vaccination to board  AA flight.  Celebrity gave us test required for entering Baltra at Marriott hotel. Rumor on the ship was that 5 people tested positive at the hotel a  nd were refused to continue the cruise. 

From reviewing government websites it looks as if Ecuador requires a negative test before leaving US now. Changed since we went almost 4 weeks ago. 

Pilgrim70,

Just curious when you landed in Baltra, did they ask for proof of travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage?  Noticed that Celebrity travel requirements on their website has this as a reminder as of today to have ready if asked (which we do as it is a requirement, I just saved the proof as a PDF that will be on my iPAD and a printed copy as well).  

• Travel Insurance with medical and evacuation coverage for Galapagos is a government requirement and guests may be asked to show printed or digital proof upon arrival in Baltra.  CruiseCare Travel Protection provides the necessary coverage.    

ere you asked to provide eve dice 

1 hour ago, kent4489 said:

Calsnoozie, not to pat myself on the back, but from another thread, I was given the email for “Lisa”. I spent 45 minutes today, composing a very detailed email, citing the facts that I have proof of (email from my “vacation planner” telling me that Celebrity would take care of all required testing. Also, the email I received on Friday that Celebrity would change the antigen test to PCR test). I also mentioned that we don’t even know when the flight is leaving Quito in order to book our test for 72 hours prior. (Ecuador states 72 hours, not 3 calendar days). Within 2 hours, I had a call from Celebrity saying that they flagged us for a complimentary PCR test in Quito upon arrival. I did thank the for getting back to me. And that we did not know when our flight would be leaving Quito. She said she will be sure to let us know. So, I think this is why we received the latest update. Celebrity did come through in the end, but not before I was so stressed out and spent so much energy on this. Most people (including my husband) would have just let it go, but I know what they told me and that’s all I want. I still have my doubts and haven’t decided wether or not to cancel the tests that I booked in Miami.

On a positive note, all our clothes are ironed and ready for packing. I only need to pack up toiletries. Then we’ll be on our way. I’m sure our onboard experience will be awesome and wow, we’re going to the Galapagos! Hope you have a wonderful time!

Kent4489 - thank you for sending the email to "Lisa", I saw the other post earlier today and saved the email address!  It clearly sounds like they  addressed the items  you mentioned in the email, Thank you!   Are you able to cancel your Miami test?

Enjoy Galapagos and please share your adventure with us when you can.

-Sue from California

Kent4489 & All,

We are on the 9/19/21 Inner Loop sailing and just got this email notice:

Dear Guest,

We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Flora^® for your Galapagos cruise vacation. Before we set sail, we have additional updates we would like to share with you regarding our Health and Safety Protocols.

Celebrity Cruises has been working closely with health and government authorities, in each country we sail from, to outline a clear path for cruising with new health and safety measures. As we return to service, we are continuously evaluating all requirements from local government and health officials.

Effective September 1, 2021, the government of Ecuador is requiring all guests two years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status to present a negative RT-PCR test result, performed up to 72 hours prior to boarding their flight to the Galapagos.

We encourage all guests to get tested prior to departure from home and provide their own accredited test results. For guests who are experiencing our 10+ night package, we can provide the RT-PCR test in Quito if you are unable to get the test done prior to departure or cannot meet the 72-hour requirement. Please note the flight departure time to Galapagos is 12:04pm local time, on Sunday.

In addition to these test requirements, you will also need to visit www.salud.gob.ec and print out the government mandated health questionnaire. For your convenience the form can be found at the following link here. This questionnaire will need to be filled out completely prior to flying into Quito, Ecuador.

Celebrity Flora^® will sail with a vaccinated crew, and at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated. Guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. For details on our current health and safety protocols please visit www.healthyatsea.com. We’re sailing with fewer guests for more space – and more luxury with even more activities to avoid large gatherings in public spaces.

We apologize for any inconvenience. The health and safety of everyone onboard is our number one priority. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Celebrity Cruises at (888) 751-9303 in North America or (316) 554-5961 worldwide.

Sincerely,
Celebrity Cruises

- Sue from California

2 hours ago, kent4489 said:

Ok, just an update. (Thank you AGAIN for letting me vent! 😀)

So, I emailed my “Celebrity vacation planner” twice on Friday re: this issue. And of course the phone calls, etc. on Saturday that I already mentioned.

Today, not a word from my “Celebrity vacation planner” or anyone from Celebrity. Sorry, but this company will never see any future business from me. Even if they are trying to work on a plan, someone should have contacted me today to ease my discomfort. At least to tell me if a 3 PM test is acceptable or do we need it later. We travel in 3 days. Maybe they could figure out what to do for the future cruises, but they should have dealt with this first cruise affected by this change since it’s coming up so soon. Maybe I’m lucky, but this is the WORST customer service I have ever endured. 

I told my husband that they probably flagged our cabin as problem people! 😀 But, we really are easy going and always have a good time, so ….. well, I’m done with them and we’ll just enjoy the trip. But, never again will I sail on Celebrity. 

 

PS., I did read that the cruise that just got back yesterday, missed their last day stops. Not sure why.

 

Thank you for the update Kent4489.  So frustrating.  

Sue from California. 

Looks like there is a testing site open at Quito Airport 24X7. I am going to research more this week (site is is called MedicalVIP with a  RT-PCR test for $45 USD).  Maybe test after landing in Quito Friday afternoon before Celebrity provides the transporting for us to the JW Marriott?

We are on the 11 day package for the 9/19/21 sailing and taking the red-eye flight out on Thursday evening, I am concerned about meeting the 72 hour testing requirement prior to travel to Galapagos (not sure what time the departure flight to Baltra will be, we will ask Celebrity Galapagos desk tomorrow).    https://ec.usembassy.gov/msg210826/

Looking forward to hearing from everyone on what they have learned/experienced with the new requirement.

Sue from California

Cubbivan - what app/site do you use to track the Flora?  We on on the 9/19/21 sailing .

Sue from California

Following this post closely, we got the same email for our 9/19 Flora sailing next month, we take the red-eye out on Thursday, 9/16 night, arrive in Miami Friday morning, less than 3 hour layover before flying to Quito for 2 nights (all part of the 11 day package tour). Looks like we will have to schedule testing on the way to the SFO airport in the afternoon in order to stay within the 72 hour  requirement.  I will call Celebrity to see if a RT-PCR test meets their requirement since the email stated PCR test.  Worst case, I will find testing options in Quito.  Miami airport is an option for testing if flight is on time arriving at 6:30 am on Friday which I really want to try to avoid doing it there...  

I am sure it will all work out but agree, very much unexpected.  

Please keep us updated Kent4489

Sue from California

I use IM park which is right across from 55 Francisco. For my 10 day upcoming Alaska Cruise on July 30th (we have used them 4 times before as well), it is $16 a day for 11 days overall for a 10 day cruise . Email them if interested, they will send your a confirmation with rate (just show them the email when you drive in with your last name). Payment due when you exit the garage - no need to pay ahead or provide a credit card ahead of time.

- Note: the only "downfall" versus 55 Francisco is that you park on roof of parking garage so your car gets a little dirty. The have a section cornered off just for your cruise. Great service and quick communication. Highly recommend.

-Sue from Fairfield, CA

ImPark / Imperial Parking

80 Francisco St.

San Francisco, CA 94133

(415) 398-4162

80francisco@att.net

Thanks everyone for the quick response. I will wait a few more business days then give them a call!

Sue from Fairfield, CA

Does anyone know what the average turnaround time is from faxing request to seeing the onboard credit? I don't want to bug them if it taking a long time for processing... Should I fax the request in again a second time at some point or call (cruise is at end of March 2016)?

Thanks!

Sue from California

Thanks the input. Glad it is not attached to the wall. I will leave mine at home and use the one on the ship. Save a little space in suitcase!

Much appreciated!

Sue

Question: Leaving next Monday, Feb 2nd, on the Quantum. Was wondering if I should pack my own hair dryer or if one in the cabin is adequate enough (medium length hair).

Can anyone advise on the quality of the hair dryer in the cabins and if they are attached to the walls, etc..

Thanks!

Sue from Fairfield, CA

Several of the hotels in JC have some rooms with views of the Hudson and the Manhattan skyline, but the one in which virtually all rooms have such views would be the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46531-d246778-Reviews-Hyatt_Regency_Jersey_City-Jersey_City_New_Jersey.html

It's built on the foundations of an old pier jutting into the Hudson River. These brief videos show the exterior of the hotel and will give you a good idea of the setting and the views:

 

 

This video has views of the Hyatt Regency from the river. Skip ahead to about 2:45 in the video, and then again to 3:40 onward:

 

Thanks for the youtube links... We are staying at the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson in Jersey City for 2 nights before our Feb 2, 2015 Quantum of the Seas cruise...

Sue from Fairfield, CA

Does anyone have a copy of the brochure showing Jr suites qualified for Coastal Kitchen? I booked several months ago but didn't save an brochures that referenced this "perk".

Thanks,

Sue from Fairfield