cwatts15

We are thinking a booking NCL and it goes to Ward Cove. We are traveling with a couple with mobility issues and use scooters. Does anyone know is the shuttle accommodates scooters so they can see the town?

Ditto, We need an hotel in March for our NCL cruise on the 29th.

We would like something we can walk to see a few things, eat and is safe to be wandering around.

Also, any recommendations for the best way to Colon cruise port? Shuttle, Taxi? How long does it take?

We are going on Encore January 16th. We just got off Carnival Vista last week with over 4000 passengers and am looking forward to reduced capacity with NCL. I am hoping NCL doesn't cancel. We did cancel our Greek Isles on Mar 3 for now. Maybe Omicron will start to fade and I will consider rebooking. 

On 8/17/2021 at 5:15 AM, Fun4Us2013 said:

Here’s an interesting side note. Wonder how this will affect people, like us, who plan on a 2 day stay over in Rome after the cruise? Will we be allowed and if so what will we be able to do and see?

Wondering the same thing? Has anyone recently done a post cruise extension in Rome? Any problems? what about the return Covid test for US?

16 hours ago, SJSULIBRARIAN said:

Thank you CWatts15 for your comprehensive review. I had been wondering how ACL was doing with their start up. Sounds like some hiccups that need to be worked out but at least some line is sailing.

It went much smoother than I thought it would. I am glad ACL are stepping up and cruising before many others. We are ready to be cruising again and support there efforts. We just need to know what the rules are, what to expect, and don’t want to be taken advantage of in the name of Covid.

12 hours ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

Looks like ACL has been listening -- they just dropped their 4-day-in-advance PCR requirement for fully-vaccinated passengers!

 

"Fully vaccinated guests are not required to obtain a COVID-19 test prior to travelling to the ship and will be asked to present proof of the vaccine (i.e. vaccination card) at time of boarding. A guest is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last recommended dose of vaccine."

 

Still have to get the rapid test upon arrival, of course.

That is awesome!!!

16 hours ago, BaumD said:

Cwatts15. - were you allowed off the ship on your own or did you have to stay with a ship’s excursion?

We went on their excursions, but we walked into town by ourselves without any issues.

We just got back from sailing the lower Mississippi on the Queen of the Mississippi. There was originally about 110 passengers per customer service about 3 weeks before cruise but only 38 actually boarded. Most cancelled due no vaccinations. The cruise was good. Great service. Food was mostly good.

As for the excursions- we had signed up and paid for some premium excursions but when we got on board they were all cancelled except Graceland. They had 2 buses running small group excursions. The excursions were mostly good but some were challenging for some of our family members that had mobility issues so they couldn’t go. We wore our masks and had to social distance most times. Graceland VIP tour was not good for us due to the mobility challenges we faced.

We had a great speaker on the Civil war daily and a lady that gave a few craft classes. Entertainment was a  couple playing piano and a singer. There was cocktails every evening.

Service was excellent all over the ship. We wore masks in public areas and took them off while dining or drinking.

We had no problem boarding. They did a health screening-simple questions, and they did a rapid antigen test before we board the ship.

This is my 1st cruise with ACL and overall I enjoyed it. However, I am still not happy with how ACL is not being transparent about mandating vaccinations, now I heard was through April 30th. All they say on the website is that they are” regularly communicating with guests about additional requirements like vaccinations and shoreside operating requirement” like cancelling many excursions without notifying us until we get on the ship. Disappointing

But besides making Covid vaccinations mandatory for all passengers right now,

 I also found out that the crew is not vaccinated. I spoke with many of them and I was told that since they didn’t have there vaccines, the crew were not able to get off the ship -that they were “in a ship bubble”.  I was surprised to hear this. I assumed that the crew would be vaccinated since they were mandating them for passengers. Well, I assumed wrong!  
 

As for the “ship bubble”, I saw crew mingling with the public on the shore, unloading delivery trucks and bringing supplies to the ship, and was told by a crew member that several of them got to go to Walmart for their personal supplies. They don’t mention this at all.

I worry about this because they are only requiring 1st shot vaccine at least 2weeks before cruise for passengers. There is varying data on the effectiveness of the vaccine ranging from 52%-90% 2 weeks after 1st dose. Maybe it will be better with J&J vaccine. People are still vulnerable and even more so if you have unvaccinated crew that don’t truly stay in a bubble.

I just think ACL needs to be more transparent about their current Covid policies and vaccination requirements for both crew and passengers, so passengers can consider the risks and make a true informed decision about whether they should go on their cruise or reschedule.

My advice is call frequently about updates and don’t be surprised about any changes you find out about when you get on board. Everything they do is covered under there right to change anything due to Covid. 
 

Happy sailing!

On 4/5/2021 at 8:16 AM, tango223 said:

Did you have a Pre-Covid  PCR test 4 days prior to boarding? Then you had another COVID rapid test and be in your cabin until it was clear

On 4/5/2021 at 8:16 AM, tango223 said:

Did you have a Pre-Covid  PCR test 4 days prior to boarding? Then you had another COVID rapid test and be in your cabin until it was clear?

Yes

On 4/5/2021 at 6:55 PM, DaveinCharlotte said:

Can you tell us where you got your PCR test, and how much it cost?

I went Walgreens to get my PCR test. I was going to get the molecular ID Now test that comes back in a couple hours, but they said not to it because it is a rapid Test and they don’t accept anything rapid. Which is crazy because that’s what Hawaii, Aruba, American Airlines and many more want. I sent the info on the test to their health & department about the Walgreens test and they later changed there website to say “Only molecular test results (such as a PCR test) will be accepted.”

I hadn’t got a response so I went ahead a got a regular PCR swab and I had the results in 2 days. I didn’t pay anything. 
In Oklahoma, Walgreens doesn’t charge. They bill your insurance and they have vouchers for free tests.

When I got to the ship I was tested again using a rapid antigen test. That took about 15 min.

We just got off Queen of Mississippi. You had to upload your Pre-Covid test results online. You will need to show your vaccine card on arrival at ship. They will give you a brief health screening questionnaire to fill out and they will give you a Covid rapid antigen test. We were told to go to our cabin and they would come let us know when the test results were back. They brought us welcome drinks telling us our test was negative. 

We board the Queen of the Mississippi tomorrow. We shall see how it goes...

Today ACL contacted me and asked me if the 4 remaining people in our family were planning on canceling our cruises and wanted refunds. We all discussed it over the weekend and spite our anger for what ACL has done, we have decided to still go. This is our 3rd rebooking and my mom and uncle are concerned with their advancing age and health issues that they might not be able to go if we rebook in the fall. So I told them we were going. She told me that ACL would issue full refund of the voucher in a check, not a credit.  I asked why the website still said the Covid vaccine was recommended and not mandatory and that no announcement has been made? She just said they were working to notify the passengers that wouldn’t be able to go. I also asked if we will have to show proof of vaccination and she said yes, it will be mandatory. I asked to when they were going to notify passengers to bring there vaccination cards? Well I got the same response, we are working on it.

She told me not to worry If our PCR tests doesn’t come back in time, the doctor will perform the Covid antigen test on you so can board. 

So Friday, I am told by customer service that the Walgreens ID Now NAAT molecular test that is highly accurate, will not be accepted and that I would not be able to board the ship, but now if my PCR is not back when I board that they will have the doctor screen me and use a rapid antigen test that has a higher incidence of false negatives, and if negative I could board.

Sometimes I just don’t understand the logic.

Anyways, I was able to talk to someone who was checked out my story. They told her that mandatory vaccines only applied to sailing before April 10th. They never mentioned that to me. So for basically a month trial with only vaccinated passengers???

And they said they made written contact with passengers, we still have yet to receive a letter.

https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/American-Cruise-Lines-requires-passenger-vaccination

6 hours ago, MSEm said:

What is the required proof for covid vaccination?

I have not been told that I need to bring proof of vaccination, only proof of Covid PCR. I have a no idea if anyone on the Jazz or Independence were required to have vaccine. In fact, I was hoping that there would be others that would post that they heard the same thing or were told they needed the vaccine, but everything is silent. Maybe my brother is the only one? Strange that there has not been any “breaking news”, “Another cruise ship makes Covid vaccinations mandatory” Everything is hush hush!

7 hours ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

Agree with BaumD.  ACL website has been saying since early Feb that (1) vaccinations are recommended but not required, but (2) a PCR test IS required.  Sure, vaccinations are starting to become available, but they are not that widespread yet.  AQSC is not mandating them until July 1, which sounds about right.  Have to wonder if all the personnel at ACL are on the same page.  On Feb 25 jkaleh posted "From e-mail from ACL to me 2/19/21: If guests do not have their test results available at the time of boarding we will conduct our own testing, once we confirm a negative test result they will be allowed to board."  So from "pre-PCR tests are not really required" to "vaccinations are now mandatory," without any update to the website policy??  Doesn't seem to compute.  I'm assuming the word you got from ACL was directly from them and not indirectly through a TA.  Like MSEm says, I'd contact them again and speak to someone else.

I spoke with ACL customer service reps Serena, Amy, Lisa & Jeff. Also Becky a supervisor. I originally called last night to clarify the Covid test requirements because they told my brother/sister-in-law that the Walgreens Rapid ID Now test was now acceptable. They called me because I am in the medical field and they didn’t understand the test. Our pre-board paperwork says PCR or molecular test. Walgreens has ID NOW NAAT molecular test used for airlines and travel. We had to use it to go to Hawaii last month. ACL customer reps just kept saying no, it has to be PCR. Anything that says rapid is not acceptable. I tried to show them that it was a molecular test but all they said was “if you show up with that test you will be denied boarding”. I asked what would happen if our PCR was not back in time because they have getting on the ship the day before we cruise now and they said “If that happens the doctor will perform a rapid antigen test on you so you can board the ship.” I asked, so why spend the money on the PCR if I can get a Rapid Antigen by to doctor and they said, “because it is required”. I told them that that didn’t make sense, but that didn’t matter. They didn’t have a logical answer and just kept reading what they are told to say. Very frustrating!!

Here is some good info from the FDA about the tests and level of accuracy. 
The antigen test is less accurate with more false negatives result.

After speaking with multiple customer service reps I asked for Supervisor. Of course, Friday afternoon no one available. I requested to stay on hold till she found one. After a long hold I gave up. I was at work and couldn’t hang on the phone. But about 20min later I got a call from a supervisor Becky in Utah. She told me that ACL made the decision last Tuesday and they were trying to contact everyone. She said she was sorry and I asked if my brother got his vaccine on Saturday-(he was on a wait list) could he go? She said no. She said he had to be vaccinated 2 weeks. I told her about the other customer service telling me only 1 week, and she said she is wrong. She said ACL has the right to change their policies at anytime and that there only concern is for the welfare and safety of there passengers, blah, blah, blah.
So they cancelled his reservation last night. They said to call back Monday about a refund. The lady told my brother he should get a refund even though it was a cruise voucher because ACL will deny him boarding. We will see if that is true.

My brother has been trying to get his vaccine but hasn’t been eligible. His group doesn’t open till the 22nd. 

Today he was called a told they had some leftover vaccine and he was able to get his 1st shot. Unfortunately, a little too late. Oh also, he had Covid and had documentation of his treatment. They didn’t care about that! 

Even today, ACL website does not say anything about mandatory vaccines.

The Jazz was suppose to sail today, I hadn’t heard anything.

I am a healthcare provider and I have my vaccination. There was 6 or us going on this cruise all with vaccinations except my brother who had Covid late last year. He has natural immunity but that isn’t good enough for ACL even though there website and our Pre-board info says “Covid vaccine is recommended”

I am happy that the cruise lines are requiring vaccinations. I strongly feel this was handled very wrong!!! ACL made a decision abruptly last Tuesday, not in line with the other cruise companies American Steamboat, and Victory starting July 1st, and RCL & Celebrity on there June cruises. However no announcement anywhere. Not on there website, Facebook, Twitter, or on any search on google. Just my brother being told he is no welcome aboard, humm.....

We are suppose to sail on the Queen of the Mississippi next week. I called to get some info today about the Covid testing and found out that they just decided that vaccinations were mandatory now. Unfortunately, my brother is not vaccinated because he is not eligible in his state. They said sorry he can’t go. No letter, no email, just a oh by the way your brother will not be allowed on the boat. It would of been nice if he would of been told. They just said, oh sorry, someone was suppose to notify him. They called last week to tell us that we would be staying on the boat on Friday instead of a hotel and confirmed flight info. They asked about vaccinations, and said they encouraged them but not mandatory at this time. 

So FYI, VACCINATIONS ARE NOW MANDATORY AS OF LAST TUESDAY!

We had 2 Lower Mississippi cruises ahead of our on 3/27 that were cancelled already. They told me the first cruise for ACL will be the Independence this weekend, the Jazz on the 21st, then our cruise Queen of Mississippi on the 27th.

So I am just waiting to see how it goes.

I asked them about  to what happens if someone pops + on the ship. She said they have hotels at every port for quarantining and she couldn’t answer about who has to quarantine. She said it is determined on a case by case basis and whether you are vaccinated. It wasn’t clear. We are waiting to see how it goes with the 2 cruises before us, but we are thinking about rescheduling again.

We are scheduled to cruise out of New Orleans on Mar 26. We were sent all our boarding info and to pick our shore excursions. I talked to them an they said they were sailing about 75% full. I think she said 110 passengers. They said they had a doctor on board, could do Covid tests and isolate anyone positive. We have to get a Covid test within 4 days of sailing. I am sure there was a lot more but off the top of my head, those were the main things. Of course, masks and socially distancing. There are 2 cruises before us, so we can see how it goes😊

On 9/8/2019 at 8:31 AM, dronnygirl said:

It's  a while since we went  to Ashdod but we had to give passports into reception the night before and were given a numbered ticket. The next morning the Israel authorities came on board and processed the paperwork while we had to wait in the lounge. When our ticket number was called we had to proceed to the desk where we were given our passport as well as a stamped authorisation, they do not actually stamp the passport as some countries will not allow entry after an Israel visit. At this point we left the ship. Hope this helps, I can recommend Israel Guided Tours if you are looking for an excellent visit.

What tour companies did you use?

Just back from Baltic cruise on NCL Getaway this month. Great cruise. We booked our tours through TJ Travel. There were several people on our Roll Call that were getting people together for the different tours they offered. We did the 2-day All Highlights St Petersburg Excursion and received a cruise critic discount.

We had 13 people on our tour with a max of 16. We rode in a van that sat 2 on 1 side- 1 on the other. It was very clean, and they had plenty of water.

When I signed you for the tours with TJ travel they sent me the paperwork necessary-Visa to present to immigration. NCL had some of there tours off first. They had independent travelers sign up for groups to get off ship, but when it came time to disembark they never even looked at your key card with your assigned time. Line was very long but we were able to get off ship and through the immigration by 08:30 am. The tour company waited.

As for the tour, it was by far the best tour I have had in a long time. We saw the many sites listed and we were never really hurried. They were able to get us into different places like the Hermitage before the crowds came. They provided lunch for us at local restaurants that was very good. We took 2 different boat rides and even a subway ride in their beautiful subway system. Our guide was great. I am so happy I went with TJ travel. It can be scary to book with local companies, but rest assure, this company is on the up and up, and treat you very good.

We also booked a Berlin and Tallin tour with them. They did not require any down payment at all when I booked. I took those tours before SPB and I didn't pay for them until our SPB tour was completed. Now that is trust.

Anyway, had a great trip. Hope any of this helps.

7 hours ago, quack2 said:

Sounds like a First World inconvenience.  Certainly not a disaster. 

 

I hate to be so blunt, but the cruise community is overly obsessed with First World problems

 

Blunt hmm, definitely a difference in Perception-One from someone who is just sitting behind a computer making whatever smug comments they want to, and the other from a partially paralyzed man who was there being told he would have to try and walk to check-in. His perception of fear from possibly falling, or from embarrassment as people stared and didn’t help as he finally went the ground. I don’t know what cruise center has benches everywhere as mentioned above. There was no benches, no chairs, no wheelchairs or assistance. The cruise center was not just a building but it had tents outside a joining the building with lines inside & outside with lots of people. 

I tried to get a luggage cart to put him on to take him in the line but it was quickly taken from us. Port authority told us to go into the tent for a wheelchair. He got up again to walk with assistance into tent, no wheelchairs. The security lady pointed to the long weaving line and said we would have to go through the line and wheelchairs are in the building. SERIOUS,

I took the securities stool from her. Sat him down and I finally got someone to go in building to get a wheelchair. The place was in chaos. 

I have been travelling with handicapp people on cruises since the late 80’s.

I can only compare it to going through customs at Heathrow and I will never fly that way again. I try to be over prepared when it comes to the persons health and safety. I have never had a problem with assistance. I have been on 33 cruises and have never seen what saw the other day.

I talked to the NCL because the port people blamed the cruise lines. Well the cruise line blamed the port people.

No winners here!

We just recently boarded the NCL Bliss in San Pedro 4/14 and it by far is the worst port I have ever boarded a cruise ship at? Please beware, you will be waiting a long time. They are not prepared for the amount of passengers the Bliss has? We had  2 handicapped people with us and could not find a wheelchair for them when got off the airport transfer. Little help. No chairs to even rest at? At one point, we had to lower our friend to the ground so he could rest because or no benches, chairs, anything. Finally got one W/c, they couldn’t get us 2. They took us to a special assistance line that passed the lines that others had to wait hours to get through. The lines were so long that they went outside, weaved back & forth in a tent, and then extended outside in sun. I was so thankful we were able to go to a special line and bypass the long lines. Everything appeared to be in utter chaos. As we neared the front of line I saw a row of unused w/c’s. I went to get one for my mother, but was quickly yelled at and told I wasn’t allowed to push one. But no one was using them!! Only ship personnel could use them, but hardly anyone was available. After our two handicapped people got registered, my husband and myself had to register but couldn’t wouldn’t wait us. The assistant took off and told us to catch up on the ship. Like where? The biggest ship and they were taking the 2 handicap people on board, drop them off, separate us and we had there canes and had no idea where to go. I have never seen such a mess, for passengers trying to get on board. This is not a handicap friendly port. We talked to many other people including other handicap passengers and they voiced same concerns.