QueenofEverything

If you are that concerned, it might be a good idea to put it off another year. No one dreamed this would last so long, but I do think it is here to stay. I think we will have to deal with it like we deal with flu season each year. Maybe the vaccines will be more effective next year but who knows? The choices on river cruises are much more limited, but you are also cruising with a much smaller number of other passengers. If you don't think you can relax and enjoy it, put it off.

No, and I have tried. Even if it should be free with Medicare, I am not sure the pharmacies are aware of this. I noticed this with the free at home tests. Initially, there was a lot of confusion. I was told at the pharmacy that for Medicare to pay for them a prescription was required. Now, it is not problem to just request them. I think that since the insurance companies stopped paying for tests for travel fairly recently, it may take a little time for pharmacies to pick up that Medicare maybe different.

Too funny! I am an inherent rule follower and have been spending way too much time trying to figure it out. Just decided to be done with it and ordered the tests from Optum (Kickbacks or not!)

Thanks everyone for your responses. Looks like I am not the only one who was not clear on this.

Yes!

That doesn't seem to agree with their website: 2-Pack includes two individually wrapped tests, each test includes a personal virtual visit with an eMed Certified Guide who will help you properly administer the test and verify the result in just 15 minutes. So if a 2 pack includes 2 tests and 2 virtual visits can you use it for 2 people?

One more question for NattilyAttired - Since it comes in a 2 pack with 2 telehealth sessions, can you use it for 2 people or do you have to buy 2 two packs? TIA

Thanks for that info

Yes, I did see your post on the other thread. Can you tell me the cost of testing like you did?

We recently used OnPoint testing before a Disney cruise. We used the government tests and had no problems using the results provided by OnPoint. I am confused by Holland America's statement that the telehealth service must be affiliated with the manufacturer of the test. Anyone have insight into this? Is this really enforced?

What is the cost this test? I assume it includes the test kit

We used OnPoint testing. After you pay, you will get a link to register. Go to that website and put in your information. It will ask for insurance information, but since you are not doing an in person test, just click where it says something like client pay or self pay. (You won't be paying anything additional) You can test up to 4 people per session, but you will need to register each one separately. Just go back to the email you got with the link and repeat the process for each person. You will receive a confirmation number for each person you register. You will also receive a zoom link for your appointment. Just click on that when it is time for your appointment. They will ask for each person's confirmation number first and then proceed. Make sure your test kit is sealed and they will walk you thru everything. After you finish your session, you will receive an email with a pdf for each person tested showing the results.

We went with Jayleen last year. Lovely young woman. Extremely knowledgeable, really knows her stuff. Just be aware her boat is very small. The bay was not rough, so no problem for us.

They changed the november and december Rhine Getaway cruises to Christmas on the Rhine several months ago. The itinerary changed somewhat and the cancelled excursions are due to the change. Most of them are places the Christmas cruises are not going i.e. Kinderdijk. Some are due to different scheduling in various ports, like Cologne. The cancelled excursions have been showing as sold out for several months.

I don't believe they will let you have it both ways. On late port days, anytime dining would be overwhelmed with fixed dining time people and that wouldn't be fair to those with anytime dining. I believe you would have to go to the Lido, or room service.

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They have taken it off. I'm sure it will be back with the changes.

We are booked on this as well. I am pretty ticked off. Couldn't they figure this stuff out before they open for reservations? I mean, they have known for 150 years that this would be the 150th anniversary, it is not like they didn't have time to plan ahead. We are supposed to go on a river cruise after we arrive and now we have 10 days in between! This is very inconsiderate of them.

Definitely the whole day! It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I do love flowers and probably took 500 pictures that day. Yes, I take too many pictures. It is a beautiful, peaceful day. Take the time to enjoy it and don't be rushed. We also did it pre cruise, easy to get to from Amsterdam.

Did you get both the single supplement waiver and the $399 air? My sister was told it is one or the other

Is there decent snorkeling at the YC beach?

We have been on two Christmas cruises, both on the Danube. We did one on Avalon and one on Viking. Both were outstanding. If you choose the Danube, be sure your cruise includes Nurenberg, as not all of them do. We did Nuremberg to Budapest on year and the opposite direction two years later. Stay a couple of extra days on each end if you are able. Both Budapest and Nuremberg are facinating cities. The Christmas markets in Vienna are beautiful. If you have any interest in WWII, be sure to visit the Rally Grounds and Documentation Center in Nuremberg, facinating. The Christmas markets in Budapest are wonderful and be sure to get some hot chocolate. You have to eat it with a spoon! Yum

Interesting that Zuiderdam is stopping to let passengers off and the Eurodam is not.

What ship are you on?

We are doing this excursion in August on the Zuiderdam and we are getting dropped off. Total time of excursion is 6 hours, beginning at 9:15. We will still have plenty of time in Juneau