HAL requiring masks?

[atexsix]

I mentioned on the Princess boards, what about all the people that don't read Cruise Critic?  Hundreds or even thousands of passengers will read that email and get the 72 hour thing messed up, or get the wrong test because they couldn't get an appointment, they might even think a home test kit or antibody test is sufficient.  

 

They are either going to turn away a lot of people at the pier and sail even emptier than they already are, or do something about this mess.  

 

Almost every board on cruise critic is lit up with the same threads asking the same questions.  

 

 

Edited August 5, 2021 by atexsix

[idiebabe]

12 minutes ago, atexsix said:

There's another regional drug store chain called Bartell's which makes up for the lack of CVS's.  But I don't know what they are doing as far as testing. 

@Boytjie.   Check Bartell’s!  I just went in and they do Antigen Testing.  Thanks, Bruno!  

[Tridentnyc]

10 minutes ago, Boytjie said:

 

I did check CVS with not much success. First it said I did not qualified. Then it says the test results could take 1-2 days, Not good!

Boytije, I'm in the NYC metro area (Jersey City) and on the 08/14 sailing. Go to a CityMD, they do both tests (Antigen and PCR) and will do both at the same time. They take insurance and don't take appointments, walk in's are fine. You get the antigen results within an hour and the PCR usually in 24-48 hrs. How do I know this? I've done it twice and both times were super easy, no hassle. I plan on going to my local CityMD Wednesday night, will have the antigen result in an hour and will have the PCR as a backup a day or two later. There's a bunch in Brooklyn, here's the link: https://www.citymd.com/all-locations

[syesmar]

2 minutes ago, atexsix said:

I mentioned on the Princess boards, what about all the people that don't read Cruise Critic?...

They are either going to turn away a lot of people at the pier and sail even emptier than they already are, or do something about this mess.  

Almost every board on cruise critic is lit up with the same threads asking the same questions.  

It would be very helpful for HAL to have a fact sheet for these new developments, as indeed there are many questions.

[HAL4NOW]

35 minutes ago, atexsix said:

There's another regional drug store chain called Bartell's which makes up for the lack of CVS's.  But I don't know what they are doing as far as testing. 

Here is a link: Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing |Bartell Drugs

[Boytjie]

28 minutes ago, idiebabe said:

They had a lot of questions.  I only answered Yes  for Travel and said No to all other questions for the Rapid Antigen Test which takes an hour to get results.  The PCR is 1 - 2 Days.   I was able to schedule if I wanted to but it asks for Medicare info, etc.  

 

Did they offer Rapid Test  (Antigen).   That’s the one you need!  I checked HAL again and says it’s accepted.  

 

CVS in Seattle?

[idiebabe]

2 minutes ago, Boytjie said:

 

CVS in Seattle?

No, here in Myrtle Beach.  

[Boytjie]

24 minutes ago, Tridentnyc said:

Boytije, I'm in the NYC metro area (Jersey City) and on the 08/14 sailing. Go to a CityMD, they do both tests (Antigen and PCR) and will do both at the same time. They take insurance and don't take appointments, walk in's are fine. You get the antigen results within an hour and the PCR usually in 24-48 hrs. How do I know this? I've done it twice and both times were super easy, no hassle. I plan on going to my local CityMD Wednesday night, will have the antigen result in an hour and will have the PCR as a backup a day or two later. There's a bunch in Brooklyn, here's the link: https://www.citymd.com/all-locations

 

We fly to Seattle on the 10th, so testing at home won't work. I know where to get tested in Brooklyn! 😉

[Boytjie]

1 minute ago, idiebabe said:

No, here in Myrtle Beach.  

 

We have to get tested in Seattle since we will arrive four days before the cruise.

[idiebabe]

1 minute ago, Boytjie said:

 

We have to get tested in Seattle since we will arrive four days before the cruise.

I thought maybe Seattle would be same as here since Walgreens seems to be.  Hopefully,  Bartells will work out for you!  
 

Our next one is in November.   Seems this new Policy will be through 2021 Sailings.  Spending a few days pre-Cruise visiting my Daughter so will need to get tested there.  
 

I just read Carnival Vista had Cases last week and now.  Maybe the reason HAL has changed their Protocols.  Corporate requiring it on all Lines.  

[atexsix]

19 minutes ago, HAL4NOW said:

Here is a link: Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing |Bartell Drugs

Thanks

[Boytjie]

55 minutes ago, HAL4NOW said:

Here is a link: Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing |Bartell Drugs

 

The site asks you to register before you can even start looking for an appointment. I may wait till we are in Seattle next week before doing that. Other sites let you go quite far in the process without having to register upfront. 

[Florida_gal_50]

7 hours ago, atexsix said:

The scientists are saying worldwide we're looking at 5 to 10 years (that includes 2020 and 2021).  The politicians of course like to sing a different tune.  

Uggggggg.  I was hoping for another 100 years like it’s been for this one.  I know there has been other pandemics but they haven’t been like this one.

[DWAliaschief]

7 hours ago, syesmar said:

It would be very helpful for HAL to have a fact sheet for these new developments, as indeed there are many questions.

This is what we received last night for our Aug 7 sailing and then another email this morning from HAL. 

Dear Holland America Line Guest, We look forward to welcoming you on board for your upcoming cruise. Holland America Line’s restart of cruising has been successful, our guests and team members are excited to be sailing again, and more ships are returning to service over the coming months! As always, our primary commitment is to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, team members, and the communities to which we bring our ships. We will continue to operate with 95 percent and higher of all guests fully vaccinated; in addition, our crew are vaccinated according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requirements. In an abundance of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant, we are updating our protocols and requirements. We are hopeful these measures will be temporary, and we will continue to adjust our protocols based on the advice of our medical and public health advisors. Please carefully review the information below regarding new, temporary testing requirements:

Effective with cruises departing on Saturday, August 14, 2021, we will require ALL fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (medically supervised PCR or antigen test) taken within 72 hours of their embarkation on all Holland America Line sailings. Fully vaccinated guests will be required to provide proof of this negative COVID-19 test, along with proof of full vaccination at least 14 days prior to embarkation, upon arrival in the terminal and can then proceed on board. Please note that testing in the terminal will not be available so it’s critical that you have your negative test results with you at cruise check-in. We will not be able to accommodate guests without proof of a negative test. Please check our TravelWell® health protocols at HollandAmerica.com/TravelWell for further details on testing requirements.

In addition to testing requirements, we have also made adjustments to our onboard mask policy as follows:

We strongly encourage all guests to wear face masks when indoors. All guests will be required to wear face masks in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino, except when eating or drinking. Guests will be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in all dining areas. You may occasionally be asked to wear a mask in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate. As a reminder, masks are required during embarkation and debarkation in the terminal, and masks must also be worn during the debarkation process on board. We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality double-layer cloth or medical-grade mask. Please note that bandanas, neck gaiters and masks with exhaust valves will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask and that visors and face shields are only permitted when used in addition to a mask.

Please check our TravelWell Frequently Asked Questions for further details on our updated testing requirements and onboard protocols. These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and team members while on board. Several destinations have implemented their own requirements and all guests will be required to follow the protocols in each destination we visit. As stated above, we are hopeful these requirements will be temporary, and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Yours in health, Grant Tarling, MD, MPH Chief Medical Officer

[Caribbean Chris]

Thank you DWAliasChief for the latest from HAL.

My question of HAL, not answered yet, is what process will be used to give HAL  proof of the negative Covid test in advance or at the pier. It seems as though many people who fly in ahead of sailing date will have only digital proof such as an email on their phone from the testing lab. 
 

In other words, printing out a paper copy may not be possible before we leave home when PCR results take 1 - 2 days. 
 

(I  know that the US Virgin Islands system our friends just used involved forwarding the Lab’s negative test results email to the USVI government and receiving an emailed approval QR code to provide the airline - either via digital document or paper copy - before you could fly there.)

 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Sept 5, 2021 Eurodam

 

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION:
We look forward to welcoming you on board your upcoming cruise. In an abundance
of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 caused
by the Delta variant, we have made adjustments to our onboard mask policy.
All guests will be required to wear face masks in elevators, entertainment
venues, retail shops, the casino, and other designated areas except while
eating and drinking. Guests must also wear face masks prior to being seated in
all dining venues and may occasionally be asked to wear a mask in other
designated areas. Masks are required during embarkation and debarkation in the
terminal, and must be worn during the debarkation process on board.
Our team members will continue to wear masks at all times when in guest areas,
except when eating or drinking or outdoors when not interacting with guests. As
we work with our medical experts to promote the health and safety of our guests
and team members, we appreciate the cooperation of all of our guests.

[syesmar]

2 hours ago, DWAliaschief said:

This is what we received last night for our Aug 7 sailing and then another email this morning from HAL. 

Dear Holland America Line Guest,....

Thanks for sharing the email! That phrase about 95% or higher vaccinated is interesting (I know right now it’s 100%, and understand why it’s worded this way).

 

A few more answers I think would be helpful:

-A list of tests that are not accepted.
-Testing sites near the port.
-Can appointments be booked now, or only a couple days before?
-Recommended testing sites that guarantee return times.
-Backup testing locations should the original fall through or get delayed (presumably more expensive, but with a guaranteed rapid return time).
-Is 72 hours really 72 hours, or is anytime 3 days before good enough?

 

These questions will get asked over and over, and it would be nice to have one set of answers from HAL as a standard.

 

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald has answered some of these on his FB page; I assume they would be in line with HAL.

 

All the Best!

Edited August 5, 2021 by syesmar

[KirkNC]

It would seem like HAL should setup testing at the pier like in Europe.  They could even have people show up the day before if they wanted to.

[Vict0riann]

We got an email from HAL this morning, too, concerning our European cruise on Eurodam in October.  No mention yet of Covid testing.   Just:

 

"We look forward to welcoming you on board your upcoming cruise. In an abundance of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant, we have made adjustments to our onboard mask policy.

All guests will be required to wear face masks in elevators, entertainment venues, retail shops, the casino, and other designated areas except while
eating and drinking. Guests must also wear face masks prior to being seated in all dining venues and may occasionally be asked to wear a mask in other designated areas. Masks are required during embarkation and debarkation in the terminal, and must be worn during the debarkation process on board.

Our team members will continue to wear masks at all times when in guest areas, except when eating or drinking or outdoors when not interacting with guests. As we work with our medical experts to promote the health and safety of our guests and team members, we appreciate the cooperation of all of our guests."

 

 

[Cruising-along]

3 hours ago, DWAliaschief said:

We will continue to operate with 95 percent and higher of all guests fully vaccinated; in addition, our crew are vaccinated according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) requirements.

In an abundance of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant, we are updating our protocols and requirements. We are hopeful these measures will be temporary, and we will continue to adjust our protocols based on the advice of our medical and public health advisors.

Please carefully review the information below regarding new, temporary testing requirements:

Effective with cruises departing on Saturday, August 14, 2021, we will require ALL fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (medically supervised PCR or antigen test) taken within 72 hours of their embarkation on all Holland America Line sailings.

95% vaccinated??  And then it says all fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral Covid-19 test.  What about the 5% who aren't vaccinated??  This doesn't even make sense.

[maryandmarge]

For those of us who are going on Alaska cruise out of Seattle  but flying in a day early from Ohio we also have to take into consideration the time difference between the 2 states and figure out exactly what the earliest we can have the test done.    I was at the Dr. office yesterday for another matter before Holland even put this requirement in and I asked her about having the tests done.   She said if we find out we needed a test for travel to contact her and she would put in the order with the Cleveland Clinic Urgi Care about 5 miles from us and that we should be able to get the test done Wednesday and  not have any issues getting results in time before we left on Friday.  She did say to make sure when we call that we say it is for travel and we don't have any symptoms because it is handled differently.     So fingers crossed - we are going to go with that.   I'm going to see if we can request both the antigen test and the PCR like someone else said so we have a back up.    Our other scare is we are booked on American to Seattle and Spirit home from Seattle and both are cancelling flights right now all over the place.    Not stressing over the coming home part - but want to make sure we get there!   

Safe travels to all!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

2 hours ago, KirkNC said:

It would seem like HAL should setup testing at the pier like in Europe.  They could even have people show up the day before if they wanted to.

I agree with you ...

[atexsix]

1 hour ago, maryandmarge said:

For those of us who are going on Alaska cruise out of Seattle  but flying in a day early from Ohio we also have to take into consideration the time difference between the 2 states and figure out exactly what the earliest we can have the test done.    I was at the Dr. office yesterday for another matter before Holland even put this requirement in and I asked her about having the tests done.   She said if we find out we needed a test for travel to contact her and she would put in the order with the Cleveland Clinic Urgi Care about 5 miles from us and that we should be able to get the test done Wednesday and  not have any issues getting results in time before we left on Friday.  She did say to make sure when we call that we say it is for travel and we don't have any symptoms because it is handled differently.     So fingers crossed - we are going to go with that.   I'm going to see if we can request both the antigen test and the PCR like someone else said so we have a back up.    Our other scare is we are booked on American to Seattle and Spirit home from Seattle and both are cancelling flights right now all over the place.    Not stressing over the coming home part - but want to make sure we get there!   

Safe travels to all!

You can always take Amtrak to get home if you find yourself stranded, the Empire Builder is back to a daily schedule.  

 

The issue for us is Dear Dad is V.A. and I'm private insurance, so it's easier to go through a drug store rather than deal with umpteen appointments 2 and 3 days before our vacation.  

 

This has been the worst lead up to a vacation in my entire life.  

[rucrazy]

I have a feeling most of us want to return to our passion of cruising .. and the sooner the better!

But as a matter of thought has anyone considered, that not enough of the world has not been vaccinated yet?

Maybe we are putting the azimuth thrusters in front of the ship?!

 

[KirkNC]

3 minutes ago, rucrazy said:

I have a feeling most of us want to return to our passion of cruising .. and the sooner the better!

But as a matter of thought has anyone considered, that not enough of the world has not been vaccinated yet?

Maybe we are putting the azimuth thrusters in front of the ship?!

 

I think that’s a huge issue that most ignore.  It doesn’t impact the most popular destinations (Alaska and parts of the Caribbean) as much as the rest of the world.  South America, Asia and Africa are a mess.  In many cases the vaccinated rates are under 10% in some countries.  That’s why I don’t believe the 2022 world cruises will sail. If they do there will need to be massive changes to the itineraries.