boze9999

For those booked and wondering about Jan/Feb and beyond sailing on the NA, this is the most recent update posted by a HAL cruiser....

23 hours ago, NMCruiser123 said:

I wish I knew more about that passenger’s story.

I will try and find out more @NMCruiser123. Has Medical indicated when they will re-test you? I would certainly ask for one(s) to establish your first negative test and your ability to celebrate with all of us!

This was one of the most unique wine tastings - Wines of Chile and Argentina and Cellar Master Lelani was so informative with her knowledge of the wines of the Andes! Yes @Btimmeropened our eyes to some of the Cellar Master wines we haven't tried!

A couple I met on today on the Zuiderdam said a guest behind them at the ship exit in Port Chiapas said they just got out of quarantine, which they assumed was a 5-day vs 10 day quarantine.....hoping and praying the 10 day Q is shortened for you with a negative test!

For those of us on this sailing, this was just posted by guests on the Eurodam - their ship cannot stop in Colombia due to requirement for covid testing - not sure if our pre-canal test suffices? 

Continue to contact and press Guest Services and Medical for all your questions @NMCruiser123. Perhaps ask if they have an email for additional direct communications vs ship phone. We'll all keep in touch with you. 

22 hours ago, zelker said:

Kirk - since we're on the same SoPac cruise and Volendam this summer, would be interested to know the dates your kits show and if there's a note that says the date on the box is extended past that.  Thanks.  Barb

 

PS - how far out were you able to schedule your test? (assume it's for the Canal cruise?)

Our 6 tests we just ordered from EMED @zelker  have a November 2022 expiration date

This is a very thorough CC post @NMCruiser123 Considering the situation these posters made the best of their quarantine - quite humorous at times- and will give you some insight as to what to expect and to ask for. We're on the ship with you and wish you continued asymptomatic symptoms and a speedy recovery!

https://markmcelroy.com/what-happens-when-you-get-covid-on-a-luxury-cruise/

9 minutes ago, br111 said:

Thanks for all your reports! Is the testing being done specifically because of the canal do you know? Or due to that and the length of the cruise? We're on a partial transit on Eurodam later this month and trying to figure out if we'll be tested too. Upside is that it's obviously good for the ship as a whole (and probably what every ship should be doing at least during Omicron). But it would seem pretty nerve-wracking too! I wonder how many asymptomatic people the mass-testing will catch.

 

Let us know if there's any info on how many positives come back!

I am sure testing protocol is up to the HAL and the CDC. In getting on a ship nowadays, I would just expect to be tested. FYI -  Over the past 90 days, We were tested on each of our 14 day cruises. We were not tested on a 10 day Caribbean cruise. 

12 minutes ago, cruzingnut said:

 

This is pretty scary that Guatemala has been canceled on the basis of just half the ship being tested?   Yikes.....  I'd be watching for suitcases being offloaded tomorrow in Huatulco possibly. 

According to the ship, all cases were asymptomatic with a few with very mild symptoms. The protocol is excellent and those affected will be quarantined and monitored - not disembarked (unless of course someone is very medically ill). 

For inquiring minds regarding the covid testing....HAL tested approximately half of the guests today (day 4) and are testing the other half tomorrow (day 5). Generally smooth process. As the guest, you do your own nasal (front of the nose) swab test. As others have said, you go back to your room and after 30 minutes with no call from medical....you tested negative and are free to resume your ship activities! Certainly reassuring (unless you tested positive!) as we all move into the remaining 10 days of the crossing!

17 hours ago, J&Dhighdesert said:

Brimmer is correct on the number of passengers.  A server told me 1,600 were to be on board, but Cancelled because of flights and I’m sure of the CDC alerts.  There are 1,066 on board.

Thanks for letting me add my two cents Btimmer.

Jo

 

We were told by a stripe that it was actually only around 900 on board! It's an amazingly comfortable sailing!

16 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

Update on the above! The good news is the patient is doing mucho better so, as we were waiting alongside, the med. disembark was cancelled, as was the ambulance (allowing the Bomberos de Mazatlan to stay in their comfy recliners watching their fav soap opera 😉 Sorry, couldn't resist / cops vs firemen rivalry popped up) 

 

So, all in all, that would be a positive ending and we're on our way to PV  🙂 

The best news for all HAL guests.....the Captain and HAL will do whatever is necessary to ensure the health and safety of their guests .... 

13 minutes ago, Laminator said:

That I get...but from what I am reading above it would only possibly be a 3 day charter. 

If it is a corporate charter, then some company paid a "boatload" of money to get it! I'm sure the truth will eventually surface.....we were booked on it, but had already cancelled before HAL cancelled it. 

In the past corporations would charter a cruise for their entity so you wouldn't see it advertised as a charter - just a private corporate charter. Not sure if that's the case or not ?

Everyone has their different levels of comfort and acceptance. Since cruising began again, we have sailed on 4 HAL sailings, all of which have sailed with zero crew or passenger positive tests. Each sailing (7-15 days) has been remarkable. The crew works 24/7 cleaning every inch of the ship. If you love sailing, wearing a mask as you go to and fro is not a big deal (and I hate masks and come from a state where NO ONE wears them). Other than walking around the ship, you're able to enjoy life around the recreation areas, bars and restaurants with your mask aside. I do not believe HAL has downgraded everything. Yes, some things are different, but so are they in your favorite stores and shops at home. Life is short IMO and as long as the ships are sailing, we'll be on them, regardless of the FOMO of lost ports, etc. Make your own decision to go or not and accept and enjoy either way.

We're boarding tomorrow and appreciate all your live reports! 

On 11/16/2021 at 11:30 AM, robertandann said:

I have macular degeneration and need a shot in my eyeball (yetch!)  every 60 days.  Any way to hop off for a trip home and hop on again (covid not withstanding)?

Yes - you are able to do that  @robertandannI got off a handful of times and rejoined with no problem. You just have to work with HAL in advance so they can coordinate port permissions for disembarkation and re-embarkations at respective ports. 

On 11/14/2021 at 8:52 AM, scubacruiserx2 said:

 

We used to staple unit we found these waterproof reusable tag holders .

 

 

 

They are THE best - They stay attached and last a lifetime - and they're so inexpensive on Amazon!

On 4/14/2019 at 9:27 AM, terrydtx said:

We always use the Pier 66 Hotel located at the sea entrance to the Port, you can get a great view of the ships departing in the afternoon and coming into port in the early morning. Our TA always gets us a great deal for our pre cruise stays here.

 

Here is the link:

https://www.pier66hotelmarina.com

Big things are happening at Pier Sixty-Six. A South Florida icon for more than 50 years, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel is temporarily closed for a total reimagination of the destination.Set to reopen in 2024 

3 hours ago, Loggra said:

Yes, but I have since found out it's for the same price. 

The letter says: "You will be automatically rebooked on the 5-day cruise at a special rate" - but maybe that doesn't count for new bookings..... 

On board also - the mid-day and afternoon weather was spectacular (for almost October 1st!). Of course, the Captain had the opportunity to take credit for the good weather - and of course had the weather been not so good, he could have said "I have no control over the weather"!! Loved spending our dollars with the businesses in Skagway!

We're sticking with our "changed to" F/E arrival on the 20th w/ HAL transfer - then the onus is still on HAL to get us to the ship - and yes, you're right, in this crazy world NL might change their minds once again!