LIVE from "Iceland's Natural Beauty" -- All Sailings, 2021

[Jaea]

21 minutes ago, BQEC said:

KarNog. Thank you for the information about Walgreens free Covid testing. In Pa once upon a time a script was needed. 

CVS also does free testing. They’ll take your insurance info but it’s no charge. Also specify which test you want .. pcr or rapid. This is for PA for sure but other states as well. Check out their site.

[Clay Clayton]

Just now, Jaea said:

CVS also does free testing. They’ll take your insurance info but it’s no charge. Also specify which test you want .. pcr or rapid. This is for PA for sure but other states as well. Check out their site.

They do charge your insurance so depending on your plan you may have to pay for it. We are on a high deductible plan and our insurance doesn’t cover testing unless ordered by a doctor. And even if we had done that we would have been billed since we haven’t fulfilled our deductible. 
 

Luckily our county provides testing for free. 

[BQEC]

Jaea,  Thank you. Viewed the CVS site also. Good to know. 

[BQEC]

Clay. Thank you. Also good to know. 

[Clay Clayton]

16 minutes ago, Margigarcia said:

Weird question of the day. 🙂

what does the bottom of the blue lagoon feel like?  Do we need water shoes?

do you have a towel or does it stay in a locker?  I LOVE natural hot springs, but admit to never getting out in 45 degree weather and running to the locker room.

 

We took water shoes based on the advice of a previous poster who had gotten a piece of volcanic rock inbedded in his foot which took a long time to heal. 
 

While I don’t think we really needed them, it made it less slippery when walking in the building especially the locker room. An additional benefit was having them to wear at the thermal spa. I have always been a bit uncomfortable and fearful of a slip and fall when moving from the steam bath to the snow grotto. With the water shoes I felt as surefooted as some of those goats we saw in Iceland. 
 

Enjoy the Blue Lagoon-we sure did!

[Milliegirl229]

5 hours ago, firefox33 said:

This was issued today, July 19, by the Ministry of Health of Iceland,

Effective July 27
COVID-19 in Iceland: All Travellers Required to Present Negative Test Before Departure to Iceland 

This includes vaccinated travelers 

 

Here’s the link;

https://www.government.is/ministries/ministry-of-health/

 

[Milliegirl229]

Thank you for the information though now have more preparation for the trip. We fly out on a Monday evening so test cannot be earlier than Friday evening. We live in Delaware and per the state covid website there are no rapid testing sites open on the weekend. We have CVS but they don't do the rapid tests in DE, it must be by state. I'll be on the phone tomorrow checking for nearby options otherwise I guess we'll be making a trip out of state for our tests and that's hoping we can get them in another state. Entering Iceland seemed so easy compared to Bermuda and Malta but with the changes in the covid rates they are being more cautious. I am so looking forward to this trip and now I just hope we are able to satisfy the requirements and are able to go.
 

Edited July 20, 2021 by Milliegirl229
Please remove as posted to the wrong discussion.

[BarbRN]

4 hours ago, patchicago said:

It’s not as trouble free to travel now as it was in the before days but none of this is more trouble than I’m willing to go to for a week on a ship I know I love and a country that I can see is beautiful. I’m going to make the best of it. If the weather is lousy and I don’t feel like getting soaking wet I will stay on board and enjoy my silver spirits package.

Love your attitude. The pcr test is going to be hard to get before we leave. 

[IWantToLiveOverTheSea]

2 hours ago, Milliegirl229 said:

Thank you for the information though now have more preparation for the trip. We fly out on a Monday evening so test cannot be earlier than Friday evening. We live in Delaware and per the state covid website there are no rapid testing sites open on the weekend. We have CVS but they don't do the rapid tests in DE, it must be by state. I'll be on the phone tomorrow checking for nearby options otherwise I guess we'll be making a trip out of state for our tests and that's hoping we can get them in another state. Entering Iceland seemed so easy compared to Bermuda and Malta but with the changes in the covid rates they are being more cautious. I am so looking forward to this trip and now I just hope we are able to satisfy the requirements and are able to go.
 

I'll be looking around in Maryland suburbs of DC.  There are lots of sites here, but few options for rapid tests, and while most sites are open weekends, I don't know how turnaround is.   I don't think CVS does rapid testing here but I'll check tomorrow.  But I can reach Newark DE in an hour and a half on I-95, so if you live anywhere near there, maybe a road trip to Maryland would work if all else fails.  I fly August 2, so at least I have almost 2 weeks to figure out what works.  But it's certainly been a roller coaster, and now it's getting more like a race.  I run out of time you may see me walking around the ship all day in PJ's    We also an email today from Viking outlining steps that need to be taken.  And we got one about changes to our air schedule.  Luckily the changes turned out to be OK-- no changes for Icelandair and minimal changes for Delta.   Whew!  I'm hoping for a quieter day tomorrow. 

[Margigarcia]

4 hours ago, Clay Clayton said:

We took water shoes based on the advice of a previous poster who had gotten a piece of volcanic rock inbedded in his foot which took a long time to heal. 
 

While I don’t think we really needed them, it made it less slippery when walking in the building especially the locker room. An additional benefit was having them to wear at the thermal spa. I have always been a bit uncomfortable and fearful of a slip and fall when moving from the steam bath to the snow grotto. With the water shoes I felt as surefooted as some of those goats we saw in Iceland. 
 

Enjoy the Blue Lagoon-we sure did!

It looks fabulous!  Thanks for the recommendation-I think I will bring my water aerobics shoes or maybe buy some smaller water socks! Can’t wait!  Sept 7th!!

[oakridger]

OOPS!  This was already discussed on the new thread pertaining to this new requirement!  

 

If I am reading the post from the Iceland government site correctly then, "As of 27 July, all vaccinated persons and those that can present a certificate of a prior COVID-19 infection must present a negative PCR or antigen (rapid) test that is no more than 72 hours old before departure to Iceland."   

 

Since the rapid antigen test is acceptable, then the problem of result turn around time won't be an issue if needed on the weekends before flying.

 

Info on difference between the two types of tests:

What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test? (medicinenet.com)

 

If anyone knows that my interpretation isn't right, please let me know!

 

Thanks,

~Nancy

Edited July 20, 2021 by oakridger
Added info

[patchicago]

9 hours ago, BarbRN said:

Love your attitude. The pcr test is going to be hard to get before we leave. 

I fly out of O’Hare on a Monday night so need a pcr test late Friday at the earliest. No testing facilities are open that late so scheduled test for 10 am Saturday at CVS. Their website says results back in 1-2 days. If I don’t get results back by Monday afternoon I can get an antigen test at the airport (results in 20 minutes) for $120. Let’s hope that Iceland doesn’t change their requirements to exclude the rapid test.

[Doc who loves to travel]

Having just finished cruise I have a good idea of gear needed. For us it was colder and windier than I anticipated. Here is a list of what I used with links….if need men’s suggestions let me know. 
 

-Women’s Fleece pants https://amzn.to/2oGqugs

-Eddie Bauer men’s https://amzn.to/3zcIFJf

-Fleece jacket full zip to remove easily on hot bus https://amzn.to/3wQkrD4

-Rain suit pants https://amzn.to/3iFGQxZ

-Rain suit jacket get one size larger to fit over jacket/fleece https://amzn.to/3wTR2aR

-I brought my thermoball jacket - lightweight and felt great over a fleece and I was able to put rain jacket over it. https://amzn.to/3BeHmv4

-Wish I had a Backpack rain cover https://amzn.to/3exXhLm

-Gloves with touchscreen fingers for phone https://amzn.to/2UVS6xN

-Selfie stick with quick release clips easy to use with gloves - great at falls https://amzn.to/34rERUE

-Backpack with decent size to fit gear and you can leave stuff on bus. https://amzn.to/3irNcAO

-Hiking trail sneakers were comfy and great traction https://amzn.to/3Bt4shV

-Long socks

-Entertainment for bus ride like an iPad or book.  We didn’t have wifi on any bus so download movies before leaving USA 

-Battery with two charging cords for bus https://amzn.to/3zddb5B

-Knit hat great for windy days rather than a baseball cap https://amzn.to/3BnKrsY

-Head mesh for midges https://amzn.to/3kxlkhb

-Covid vaccine card cover — we used lefe

paper clips to hold all together https://amzn.to/3rjQh9X

-Kiwi camp spray use on question able things before you leave https://amzn.to/2VRvejq

[Steve NH]

27 minutes ago, Doc who loves to travel said:

Having just finished cruise I have a good idea of gear needed. For us it was colder and windier than I anticipated. Here is a list of what I used with links….if need men’s suggestions let me know. 
 

 

Thank you so much for all of your posts along the way! They've helped me with my packing.

[mancunian]

Could I ask someone to filed out from a member of staff what Viking Star is doing in Iceland.  Many thanks 

[Doc who loves to travel]

1 hour ago, Steve NH said:

Thank you so much for all of your posts along the way! They've helped me with my packing.

Let me know if you need more!  I was telling hubby this morning that I didn’t need a few things I brought.  I brought a pair of heels, stylish boots and nicer slacks.  Didn’t need.  Remember laundromat is free and very easy to use. Detergent included.  Bring dryer sheets for static. 

[Snit13]

3 hours ago, Doc who loves to travel said:

Having just finished cruise I have a good idea of gear needed. For us it was colder and windier than I anticipated. Here is a list of what I used with links….if need men’s suggestions let me know. 
 

-Women’s Fleece pants https://amzn.to/2oGqugs

-Eddie Bauer men’s https://amzn.to/3zcIFJf

-Fleece jacket full zip to remove easily on hot bus https://amzn.to/3wQkrD4

-Rain suit pants https://amzn.to/3iFGQxZ

-Rain suit jacket get one size larger to fit over jacket/fleece https://amzn.to/3wTR2aR

-I brought my thermoball jacket - lightweight and felt great over a fleece and I was able to put rain jacket over it. https://amzn.to/3BeHmv4

-Wish I had a Backpack rain cover https://amzn.to/3exXhLm

-Gloves with touchscreen fingers for phone https://amzn.to/2UVS6xN

-Selfie stick with quick release clips easy to use with gloves - great at falls https://amzn.to/34rERUE

-Backpack with decent size to fit gear and you can leave stuff on bus. https://amzn.to/3irNcAO

-Hiking trail sneakers were comfy and great traction https://amzn.to/3Bt4shV

-Long socks

-Entertainment for bus ride like an iPad or book.  We didn’t have wifi on any bus so download movies before leaving USA 

-Battery with two charging cords for bus https://amzn.to/3zddb5B

-Knit hat great for windy days rather than a baseball cap https://amzn.to/3BnKrsY

-Head mesh for midges https://amzn.to/3kxlkhb

-Covid vaccine card cover — we used lefe

paper clips to hold all together https://amzn.to/3rjQh9X

-Kiwi camp spray use on question able things before you leave https://amzn.to/2VRvejq

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.  What would you recommend for evening shipboard wear?  I don't want to pack to much.  Less is More for me.

[SteelCity Cruiser]

10 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.  What would you recommend for evening shipboard wear?  I don't want to pack to much.  Less is More for me.

Pretty much anything but denim is acceptable.  Casual slacks and tops (sweater or blouse) and flat shoes are fine.

 

[StuLaurie]

1 hour ago, Doc who loves to travel said:

Let me know if you need more!  I was telling hubby this morning that I didn’t need a few things I brought.  I brought a pair of heels, stylish boots and nicer slacks.  Didn’t need.  Remember laundromat is free and very easy to use. Detergent included.  Bring dryer sheets for static. 

At home I use a dye free no scent detergent for sensitive skin. Can the washing machines be run without adding the detergent if we just want to rinse things out. And for those that have used the detergent does it leave your clothes with a strong floral smell?  Thanks

[Oma to 11]

3 hours ago, Doc who loves to travel said:

Having just finished cruise I have a good idea of gear needed. For us it was colder and windier than I anticipated. Here is a list of what I used with links….if need men’s suggestions let me know. 
 

-Women’s Fleece pants https://amzn.to/2oGqugs

-Eddie Bauer men’s https://amzn.to/3zcIFJf

-Fleece jacket full zip to remove easily on hot bus https://amzn.to/3wQkrD4

-Rain suit pants https://amzn.to/3iFGQxZ

-Rain suit jacket get one size larger to fit over jacket/fleece https://amzn.to/3wTR2aR

-I brought my thermoball jacket - lightweight and felt great over a fleece and I was able to put rain jacket over it. https://amzn.to/3BeHmv4

-Wish I had a Backpack rain cover https://amzn.to/3exXhLm

-Gloves with touchscreen fingers for phone https://amzn.to/2UVS6xN

-Selfie stick with quick release clips easy to use with gloves - great at falls https://amzn.to/34rERUE

-Backpack with decent size to fit gear and you can leave stuff on bus. https://amzn.to/3irNcAO

-Hiking trail sneakers were comfy and great traction https://amzn.to/3Bt4shV

-Long socks

-Entertainment for bus ride like an iPad or book.  We didn’t have wifi on any bus so download movies before leaving USA 

-Battery with two charging cords for bus https://amzn.to/3zddb5B

-Knit hat great for windy days rather than a baseball cap https://amzn.to/3BnKrsY

-Head mesh for midges https://amzn.to/3kxlkhb

-Covid vaccine card cover — we used lefe

paper clips to hold all together https://amzn.to/3rjQh9X

-Kiwi camp spray use on question able things before you leave https://amzn.to/2VRvejq

 

[Oma to 11]

Thanks so much!

[Doc who loves to travel]

25 minutes ago, StuLaurie said:

At home I use a dye free no scent detergent for sensitive skin. Can the washing machines be run without adding the detergent if we just want to rinse things out. And for those that have used the detergent does it leave your clothes with a strong floral smell?  Thanks

Yes

[Doc who loves to travel]

40 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.  What would you recommend for evening shipboard wear?  I don't want to pack to much.  Less is More for me.

I wore ankle pants and light sweater or blouse most evenings with flats. It wasn’t super cold inside ship. 

[CatefromNH]

1 minute ago, Doc who loves to travel said:

I wore ankle pants and light sweater or blouse most evenings with flats. It wasn’t super cold inside ship. 

I took a chance and bought the fleece leggings you recommended (in navy & black). I love them! Thank you for the suggestion. They are in stacked in a corner of  the bedroom with my other trip supplies, ready to be packed on Friday morning. 😁

[Margigarcia]

2 hours ago, Doc who loves to travel said:

Let me know if you need more!  I was telling hubby this morning that I didn’t need a few things I brought.  I brought a pair of heels, stylish boots and nicer slacks.  Didn’t need.  Remember laundromat is free and very easy to use. Detergent included.  Bring dryer sheets for static. 

I don’t think you are supposed to use dryer sheets-I read that somewhere-