JeffB

Just posted this link in the CPAP thread. It's a good discussion regarding the complexities of the two prong to three prong converters.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-power-adapters-for-european-travel-1508193

I believe the relevant issue is any plug in device that takes the ship's two or three prong power source and splits it into more outlets (three prong or USB) is not going to pass muster. The reason for that is the potential to overload the single source plug's upper amperage limits with multiple electronic devices plugged into it. USB outlets have very low amperage draws but something like a hair dryer or iron presents a high risk of amperage overload on a circuit, a popped circuit breaker or worse, a fire. 

We travel with one much like the one in the photo above and have never had a problem getting it through security in our checked at the pier luggage. I think the risk of confiscation is higher with carry-on stuff that is going to be subject to the prying and not often well trained eyes of local security staff. 

I've been traveling with the ResMed10 CPAP for 5 years. When I first received it, I looked up FAA guidelines on taking it aboard flights and learned it was an acceptable medical device to take on-board as carry on luggage (tagged as a medical device it will not count against any weight limits that might be imposed by an airline. I inquired of the airline CSR that we were flying and they had no clue but thought I needed to fill out a special medical need form. She emailed it to me, I filled it out and sent it back. Never heard anything further, carried it aboard, no one cared - I did not use it during the flight, an 8h translant. 

At the beginning when I first started traveling with my CPAP, I would notify Celebrity cruise lines at least 30d in advance that I was using a CPAP and would need an extension cord and distilled water. On one cruise, the extension cord and water were in my cabin when we arrived. Once ..... the rest of the times - probably a couple dozen -  I stopped wasting my time filling out forms and simply informed our Cabin attendants, when they introduced themselves, that I used a CPAP and needed an extension cord and distilled water. No problem. These items would show up before we were unpacked.

Edge class ships have a plug near the bed stands - no extension cord required. On Anthem of the Seas, there's plug under the bed that is easily reachable with the CPAP's power cord. So, needing an extension cord depends on the ship your sailing on. Either way, no need and don't carry one of your own aboard.

What you may need is a device that converts a European two prong socket to a North American three prong type. Be careful with purchasing and using these. If the ship's power source in your cabin is 125v or less, just about any inexpensive converter plug will work. Watch out if the main power source is greater than that - usually 200-250v. You'll need a step-down converter if the ship's voltage is greater than 125v. There's a ton to sort through on this subject and I don't want to misinform anyone. Here's a good link that covers the complexity of converting two prong sockets to three.    https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-power-adapters-for-european-travel-1508193

Is it a surprise to anyone posting here that the lack of clarity on testing and vaccination requirements is missing?

If you're hoping a federal agency (i.e., HHS or the CDC) is going to clear all this up for US ports, forget it. Some important facts bearing on the questions posed here:

In the US and the European Common Market (goes beyond EU Member states) guidance on COVID mitigation measures has always deferred to state and local health authorities to make the rules. That has produced a patch-work of vaccine and spread of COVID mitigation measure requirements for public and private settings. It's a mess, has been for over 28 months and still is.

Lacking consistent guidance from appropriate authority, I don't blame the cruise lines for their disparate approaches to requiring vaccination or COVID testing to board a cruise ship..... the current environment allows each to his own and IMO, is being driven by liability and cost issues. Go with the flow. Outside the US........

Travel within the European Common Market has required keeping close tabs on each countries COVID related entry requirements. It wasn't easy as travel in Europe started opening up and I've traveled their 3x since cruising restarted in June of '21. Each time it has gotten easier as, consistent with the EUCDC guidance, most country health authorities have now dropped or local officials and businesses don't enforce straggler mandates (clearing passport control usually requires proof of vaccination - your CDC card works for that; it didn't in the past due to forgeries).

Just completed 27d of travel in Europe including a Rhine River cruise that transited the Netherlands,, Germany, France and Switzerland. Switzerland (not an EU member state) has abandoned all previous COVID related mandates. Our river cruise on MS Grace, among river boats in Tauck's line, carried 90 passengers, all Americans by design. To board you had to have proof of being "fully vaccinated" and your last vaccination could not be more than 270d old. Boosters are generally not required but the 270d thing almost guarantees you will need a 3rd or even a 4th shot.  No pre-cruise testing was required and I believe that is the standard for major EU member states and ECM states. Masks per local regulations but while we carried masks ashore (not required on board), no one in any of our ports of call were enforcing wearing them outside or notably inside including public transportation. 

If you are cruising from European ports in the next 90d or so, don't expect the situation to clarify wrt vaccination and testing requirements. That's because the EUCDC recommends but does not mandate anything so mandates vary by country. What I did find in Tauck's case is that what I was required to do on the ship and wherever we ported, including fly in and fly out airports was crystal clear. RCL would benefit from simply stating requirements that they are comfortable with placing safety above convenience for their European cruises, like Tauck did, and stick with them regardless of what the EUCDC is doing.

I get that it is frustrating for guests already booked on a cruise from European ports. Here's my take: Generally, you will not be required to test to fly into and enter EU or ECM countries. This is going to put pressure on Cruise lines that are still requiring testing to board to drop those requirements. Keep close track of this at your cruise line web site. If you end up needing to test, locate the testing sites at your departure and arrival airports and plan accordingly using the 2/3d pre-test time frame. I've used these on our first trip. It was accessible, simple and reasonably priced.

Generally, to enter Europe, you will be required to be vaccinated and your last shot cannot be more than 270 days old. Air travel in Europe is chaotic but manageable. Get your head straight that everything involving air travel is going to take longer and plan your connections accordingly. Connections under 2h isn't recommended. Within Europe, take the trains if you can to avoid the airport chaos.

On return to the states, I spent 4.5h in Schipol Airport in Amsterdam  checking in, dropping luggage and clearing security. There were thousands of travelers doing what I was doing and staff, already short of them, are just overwhelmed. If you can buy priority boarding as part of your Economy class ticket, do it... or fly Business where it's included. It will get you through throngs in line for security faster. On arrival, you'll have to clear passport control. Major European airports have this down. We went through Lisbon and Amsterdam. Note that when traveling within the Schengen region (e.g., like we did between Lisbon and Amsterdam, you do not need to pass through passport control. It was super quick from debarkation to exit. Expect baggage delays but they aren't awful.

On the first leg of your travel from the US to and EU country, book a seat close to the exit used for debarkation and get off the plain and head to passport control ASAP to avoid ques. They will be there, because your flight won't be the only early am arrival that requires passengers to clear passport control, but they seem to move fast. Boarding is a different story.  Be prepared for flight cancellations and use your airline's phone app to see what's available when your flight is cancelled and book it ASAP. Get the best travel insurance you can afford to buy. Happy European travel.  

I sailed Allure out of Port Everglades last month. What was strange is that we could not book shows on the app or the web site before the sailing. This was a late booking for us, about 3w before sailing so, if we'd booked way in advance maybe that option would have been available. My take is that the entertainment schedule wasn't fixed until just prior to sailing. If you tried to see when a show was being presented in advance and on your app schedule, you couldn't see it. 

Once aboard and connected to the ship's internet, we could book shows. Our interest was in Mama Mia, the ice show and the water show.  We are late diners so preference was for the 7:00 shows. If I recall, we didn't have any problems booking times that allowed us to dine (main, anytime) around 8:30 or so. However, specialty dining was another matter. Because we boarded late (2-2:30), most specialty restaurants were booked (these could be booked in advance and they certainly were it appeared). Getting a seating that allowed us to see a 7pm show either before it or after it was hard.

Three points:

The way reserved show seating worked on this Allure sailing was that you needed to show up at the door 15 minutes or earlier before show time. 20-30 minutes was better if you wanted to select your seat from many. Staff were present and would check your app/sea pass using QR codes to verify your reservation. At around 15 minutes prior to show time, it's open seating. 

I found the Diamond Concierge to be very useful in sorting out specialty restaurant reservations. I don't think it is any secret that the restaurants may be understaffed and there's some tables that aren't booked but might be available. That turned out to be the case for the one place we wanted to dine, Izumi. Check the Diamond Concierge hours. Visit at off times otherwise you'll wait a while.  

The app does not allow you to make more than one reservation per show. We would have seen Mama Mia twice. We planned to walk in to the matinee but it got cancelled as one of the the leads and his/her understudy "got sick." That's all we were told.  

We're booked on a Tauck River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland that starts July 13th. We fly from Miami to Lisbon Portugal on July 10th (Arrival date +1), have a day in Lisbon then fly from Lisbon to Amsterdam arriving a day before the cruise on the 12th. Board on the 13th and sail at 4:30pm. There is lots of uncertainty with travel, COVID and Monkey Pox surges in Europe. The way to avoid anxiety over these things is to research them. I thought I'd share that with you.

TRAVEL: I have both anecdotal and first hand knowledge (friends who are aircrew flying internationally) of what's going on inside airports and with flight cancellations. There's a lot of frenzy and hype in the media about flight cancellations and disruptions to air travel. Regional flights both in the US and Europe are being affected by personnel shortages at the airlines themselves and every supporting activity for flight ops (e.g. baggage handlers, fuelers, caterers, security and customs).

• Airports are swamped with travelers and airport check-in C&BP, security, food and coffee services have long lines. Sundays are the worst, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Thursdays better. In most cases, you are going to have to check in at the service counter along with your bags for international flights. Just the way it is these days. 
• International travel is less affected mainly due to the smaller numbers of flights per day of international flights. If you haven't booked already leave days, not hours between connections. That way, you can rebook a cancelled international flight the next day as the airlines flying international rarely have more than one flight per day to European destinations from the US.
• Leave 3h from the time you arrive at the international terminals to departure time. If it so happens things go smoothly that's bonus. If not, you're ready for it.
• If you're flying regionally in Europe be prepared for you're flight to be cancelled. Check your airline's booking site before you go and know what subsequent flights you can book if you're original flight is cancelled. Importantly, download the airline's phone app and get familiar with using it before you have to use it. Rebooking a cancelled flight to a later time is going to be time critical.  Using the phone app is almost always better than trying to find a airline CSR. 
• Have an international voice and data plan for your phone service. Make sure you know how to set your phone up to roam if this is something you don't do on the regular.
• Below is a very good link to check up to date COVID related travel restrictions including what countries do you need proof of negative COVID tests, proof of vaccination, visas and specific declaration forms. Yes, it has gotten much easier to travel in Europe since March, 2022 but things can change quickly, check, check and re-check before you go. In addition, your airline web site will probably have a decent section that allows travelers to check arrival and departure requirements for their European itinerary.  

https://www.iata.org/en/youandiata/travelers/health/

INFECTIOUS DISEASES:  Let's get this out of the way right up front. Fear mongering about Monkey pox is rampant. It's in the mainstream press (at least claims are vetted) and in Social Media (not vetted and notoriously inaccurate). My reference for this assessment is from the EUCDC (link below):

Monkey Pox:

Reports of confirmed infections are rising in Europe.

Increased case numbers are modest and are concentrated regionally (by city or locale) opposed to wide spread.

The virus predominates in men that have sex with men. It is in this cohort, no others, where the virus is increasing the most.

The virus does not cause serious symptoms in most individuals with symptoms lasting up to 2w but usually clear in 7d. Symptoms include high fever and isolated or multiple pustular, 1cm or less skin lesions. Persons with competent immune systems will have isolated lesions.

Spread of monkey pox is from contact with the pustules or fluid left on bed clothing or towels. Prolonged mouth to mouth contact can transmit the disease. It is not transmitted by airborne means and rarely from contaminated hard surfaces (toilet seats, counter tops, etc.).    

COVID:

Reports of confirmed cases are rising in Europe. Attack rates (Rt) vary by country and region)

So far, as in the US, case counts are not overwhelming medical facilities and recent 7d averages have remained flat.

This is the link to the EUCDC's web site. I encourage you to take a look around within it. It has very good sections on Monkey Pox and COVID. From the information you'll gain you can make your own risk assessments for your travel particulars and take considered and appropriate precautions for your travel party accordingly:

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en

If you have questions or see something that is incorrect in this posting, PM me and I'll sort it out.

I assume you got this sorted out Keiffer-b ..... Celebrity has the worst, least understandable way to confirm OBC (refundable and non-refundable), packages and perks that are included in "everything included."  Does not matter if you book with Celebrity direct or through an agent. The invoices are in code that is hard to sort out. You're not alone and I've sailed almost exclusively with Celebrity since 2001.

I've been told these obscure codes are used in their reservations platforms that are then transmitted to billing. The codes fit on a line item that I am told allows them to separate charges in ways that then permits more detailed analysis of income and expenses. Codes - the type that are used to build programs - are a bitch to change once the systems, e.g., accounting and booking, are set up to talk to each other. 

Here's an example for a booking I have on Equinox in September of this year:

Promotions Applied

ALWAYINC NRD. SAVOBCOFFER NRD. OB SALE 6to9n

There's a separate section for OBCs that's a bit clearer but it still can be confusing. Over the years, I've learned the codes. It's like learning a second language!

On 6/16/2022 at 2:08 AM, TheRick said:

I heard Viking Cruise Line is stopping pre cruise Covid testing except where their destinations require it. I wonder if Royal Caribbean will follow suit.

The EU's equivalent to the CDC, the ECDCs relaxed health protocols in as step wise fashion beginning in March of this year. At present very few EU countries have any requirements for proof of vaccination or pre-entry COVID testing to enter them. 

Cruise ships sailing from EU member state's ports follow ECDC's guidelines promulgated through Healthy Gateways, an arm of the ECDC (link below if interested). For all intent and purpose these guidelines for cruise ship operations are identical to those of the CDC's. If you've been watching, the Omicron variants BA-4 and 5 are currently predominating in the EU and in the US and are responsible for increased numbers of infections. To be clear, by other measures such as ED visits, hospitalizations and deaths, most health agencies are not recommending re-instituting prophylactic measures to slow the spread of SARS2. Health agencies have moved from pandemic readiness to emergency readiness to sustainable readiness in the last 9 months. Most prophylactic measures to prevent the spread of SARS2  are now recommendations.

https://www.healthygateways.eu/Portals/0/plcdocs/EUHG_Operational_guidelines_CoV_June2022.pdf?ver=2022-06-10-140149-413

I suspect Viking Cruises in this discussion that no longer require pre-cruise testing are doing so based on "attack rate" (sometimes measured by % positive of R values - rate of increase in new cases) for the ports they are visiting. When they are low there are portions of the Healthy Gateways Guidelines that allow some flexibility in imposing or eliminating mitigation measures for boarding. I suspect Viking and Princess are relying on that flexibility to do away with pre-boarding testing. That could change in a moments notice if attack rates in those ports rise.

I've talked about this before. Cruise ships are unique in their capacity to harbor a COVID outbreak. We've gotten to where we are in the cruising industry by insuring guests and crew members are fully vaccinated and implementing well tested protocols to deal with the unfortunates who do come down with COVID while sailing.  For the most part, few are catching COVID on board and outbreaks (as defined by the CDC) are rare. The reason for that are the steps taken by the CDC and ECDC to reduce spread. You can like them or dislike them but there is some proof in the pudding that is incontrovertible. 

There are cohorts of cruisers that from a risk standpoint shouldn't be hurrying up to eliminate pre-cruise testing or vaccination requirements to board in US or European ports. It is what it is and we seem to be managing returning to normal in the cruise industry pretty well. In the absence of proven screening and surveillance measures we dislike but nonetheless reduce the risk of COVID outbreaks on cruise ships, I'd hate to see public health agencies see rising COVID infections aboard cruise ships, using the detailed reporting that the lines are using, and believe they have to return to more demanding COVID mitigation procedures and policies and convince decision makers that its time to limit cruising again.   

They'll likely take Euros ..... at an exchange rate you may not like but this is only in the casino, at tables, offered to the casino teller, or at guest services. You cannot pay for services or products anywhere else aboard ship - your sea-pass card is your currency.

The best way to optimize you're exchange rate is to put a credit card on file, use your sea-pass card for all onboard purchases and pay your CC balance as you would normally pay a CC balance. Typically, major CC companies like Visa or a Via CC associated with your home country bank will offer a decent exchange rate - at least that has been my experience.

The ship will calculate your cash account balance in Euros, if you like, and you can settle your cash account, if that is what you've established, in Euros  Your charges are not likely to be at a favorable conversion rate.

Considering you're not talking about buying expensive perfumes or pieces of jewelry or watches, you may not be bothered with an unfavorable exchange rate in the casino. Croupiers will take you're Euros and give you chips in exchange. I suspect exchange rates are standardized through out the ship.   

As for ourselves, the more we cruise, the less sensitive to common annoyances we seem to become - they are part and parcel to the cruising life. One of the nice things about putting many cruises under your belt is that one develops a routine of sorts.  It's predictable so that waiting a little longer for that beverage at the bar or a bit more time than we might like between our main course and our dessert doesn't bother us. We're attentive to how incredibly hard working the entire crew is from Captain to pot washer to the crew that chip paint. That helps to put small inconveniences, when they infrequently occur for us, in the proper place. Finally, age and experience brings perspective. One becomes more accommodating, more accepting. The one thing we've said since we started cruising is that we're incredibly fortunate to be in the roughly 1% of the global population that can enjoy an activity like what is afforded to us aboard a cruise ship. We're grateful and therefor, can't find much to complain about. Ever.    

Just sailed Allure out of For Lauderdale. It was a last minute booking - like 3w before sail date. It's been my experience that ships are slow to post the daily schedule in the app so it makes it hard to plan dining and shows. By the time I could access specialty restaurant booking, everything was full. This was my first RCL cruise in a long time so, I just might not be tuned into timing for show and dining reservations. If you're far enough out from your sail date, seating for both show and dining my be available. But, yes, I'd be looking at 6pm dining for 8:15 shows. 

Although I've not had a claim, I've liked the cost for what you get of Trawick International sold through Squaremouth consolidators. You'll see Trawick come up if you search using the InsureMyTrip web site. We're in our 70s so insurance gets pricey but these days, it is must have as you've already concluded. Trawick offers good bang for our buck. 

How good your coverage is will depend on service after you make a claim. Trawick has very good reviews (but so do most of the top brands). I did have a post purchase issue on a policy a while back and Squaremouth, the sales company, was very responsive.

Long time Celebrity cruiser - have looked at this but never ordered it. You get a 750ml bottle of premium liquor, your choice, and a six-pack of assorted mixers. Some nuts too. Last time I checked it was $130.

Years ago, I booked the Captain's Quarters - premium suite - on Carnival Breeze. It was our family HQ. We had 10 people in various cabins that would join us for happy hour. I used this feature X2 and we had brought a few bottles of wine. It was great from a convenience standpoint given our needs. All I needed was ice and glassware - brought by the cabin attendant. 

For a "night cap?"  It's a bit pricey given you have a premium drink package. When you're ready to call it a night, grab your favorite tasty beverage at a convenient bar - even two per person - and carry them to your suite. If the description I provided above floats your boat though, go for it. 

I've  posted on this subject before. To reiterate, the PCR test and NAAT tests are both molecular tests. They are more sensitive. A PCR test goes to a lab and can take 72h to result. The NAAT is done by machine at the place the test is run and takes 2-6h to result depending on demand at the site running the test. The eMed among other home monitored tests are antigen tests and less sensitive.  These take about 15 -30 minutes to result by phone app and email. I support the idea of doing home tests 2d prior backed up by NAAT tests 1d prior. I've needed to use the back up plan 2x in 12 cruises since the restart, June 21. It happens but infrequently. Had one bad eMed test (defective) and one I did it 3d prior by mistake. eMed replaced the bad test. One tip: if you've had Covid there's a remote chance molecular tests will pick up viral material that persists even though you're long past being infective. Choose wisely.

Current Radar top frame ...... It might be a bit wet for a Saturday June 4th boarding at 11am but by 3pm Saturday and through Sunday the 4th (bottom frame), weather looks fine with the disturbance moving well into the W. Atlantic. For reference, you'll see the Yucatan on the left edge of the screen shot, S FL in the middle and Bermuda to the right. The bottom line is that if you're sailing out of Port Everglades, you will sail.

The Celebrity loyalty program - the Captain's Club - is set up a little differently than Royals but corporate's intent - having a live person available on board for Captain's Club members to reach out to in the event of a  concern or general question. Of course, Guest Services is always available for that but this is just an extra layer of services available to guests - it is my understanding that on Celebrity, Concierge reps (for Concierge class guests who booked in that category of cabin) and the Captains' Club host are personnel within Guest Services and answer to a supervisor there.

In 20+ years of cruising and at the start up last June, we encountered our first issue with dining room seating that I felt should be brought to the attention of applicable department managers - one that had nothing to do with a Matre' D's duties. Because of it's nature, I requested a meeting with the Guest Services Director and the Captain's Club host. We had a nice sit down, including the Restaurant Manager and the issue was fully resolved. One the next day, the Captain's Club host called me to follow-up with him personally at his desk on deck 4. We had booked a Concierge stateroom and the Concierge host joined us. Both wanted to make sure we were happy with the resolution and wanted to offer compensations in the form of FCCs. Of course, we graciously accepted.

So, yes, these aboard ship Loyalty Program personnel serve a function and a good one mostly in keeping you informed of your benefits and exclusive ship board events for Loyalty Program members. They also seem to be good smoothing things over on multiple levels. Royal and it's brands are highly customer satisfaction oriented. I find this especially true on Celebrity. Having these folks aboard ship is an extension of that corporate philosophy. 

Iv'e used Air2Sea extensively pre-COVID to and from Europe. It worked best when I did the research, found the connections that worked best, then presented those to the Air2Sea agent. Most of the time it was available, I booked it and off we went. 

Right now, I'd be very reluctant to book with Air2Sea. First of all, they obtain seats at group rated, reduced fares, at least that was the case pre-COVID. I would assume reduced fare seats are, these days, mostly unavailable so, your choice of bookings is going to be limited, probably severely. Air travel in general is going to be costly no matter. Commercial flying is hard in the present circumstance and it's going to remain that way for a while.

My advice is to book airline travel either directly with the airline or through an agency/agent you trust, e.g., MEI. There are skilled travel agents out there who are adroit and finding the best connections and if things get messed up prior to your travel, unscrewing things - without you spending hours on the phone waiting for the airline's CSR. Pick airlines carefully. There are lots of tools to find out whihc lines do the most cancellation and/or changes of flights.

Next, buy the best travel protection you can find that covers trip delays and trip cancellation. Finally, prepare yourself to be delayed, inconveniently rerouted, your flight cancelled or, worst case, you don't get to cruise at all. Have a back-up plan. It sucks but it is what it is. Keep all your receipts, document, document, document and bring credit cards with lots of remaining credit. You may need it.  

I suspect AOS is doing the same thing. Thanks for the info Pattycruise.

Sailing on AOS out of Fort Lauderdale on June 5th. I just booked this cruise last week. There is nothing in the entertainment category available to book. It just says, "check back closer to your cruise" .... and .... "we're getting the ship ready blah, blah....". You can book dining and bev packages packages - not interested. I have a credit for a one specialty restaurant experience from my booking agent but it's a NR credit and won't show up until I'm aboard. If I book a a dining venue now, I'll pay for it up front. The credit might apply but I'm not taking the chance I'll have to visit guest relations to get that to happen. You can book excursions but we'll not be going on any of those and many of the best ones are already sold out as I'm a late booker.  You can book an all fitness class pass but if you check the planner for fitness classes, they aren't published yet. Lots of hold backs on all the calendars with the explanation saying nothing is set yet. 

We're cross-over Diamond from Celebrity so the drink vouchers will work fine for us and I've been told that I can use the Diamond Concierge by getting her email and emailing our desires for the many shows available on this cruise that we'd like to see. I'm told she/he can help with this rather than standing in line on boarding day with 3 dozen other AOS guests scrambling to get reservations. I'm sure most of this has to do with the last minute approach to arranging shows and entertainers due to COVID - travel glitches, sick cast members, etc. 

I'm just going with the flow. We've been to all the ports on this itinerary many times and are unlikely to get off. My goal is to enjoy our first mega-ship cruise, well, the more appropriate line would be to see if we enjoy the mega-ship experience. As Celebrity loyalists, we like guest counts way less than 3000 and since the restart we've gotten totally spoiled with capacities on 10 sailings (except the most recent a week ago on Equinox that had 2100 of 2800 capacity) less than 1500 and one with around 800 guests. Spectacular. That's sadly ending.

The FL Department of Health, who contacted our travel partners that both became infected with COVID while on Celebrity Equinox, 9n, Cayman + ABCs returning a week ago, said the numbers of reports being received from cruise ships shows a spike in COVID infections found by on-board testing.

Look, infections ae going to happen and that is because the newest Omicron variants (BA.2.?) are thought to be better at evading both the humeral and adaptive immune systems obtained from vaccination or previous COVID infection. However, it's not a slam-dunk that you're going to catch it. Even if you do, you're well protected from serious illness. While hospitalizations seem to be rising, it's not steeply. Neither are new case numbers rising steeply as in the Omicron surge in March, 2022.

Another important reality is that it does not appear that a 4th booster confers additional protection from infection. Studies in Israel and elsewhere have demonstrated only marginal adaptive immune system gains (antibodies) and humeral immune system gains (T-Cells, Killer B Cells). I'm, 74, higher risk but in good health and still getting one tomorrow 14d+ in advance of an AOS sailing (my first on an RCL megaship) departing on June 5th, 6n, W. Caribbean and Perfect Day from Port Everglades. 

The real issue for guests is getting isolated aboard ship. Our travel partners were both isolated on day 4 and 5 of 9 cruising days after testing positive. we thought exposure occurred on a independent bus trip in Grand Cayman they took (I didn't go). I actually reported to medical on day 2 with COVID symptoms, tested negative (NAAT) but had to isolate for 24h in my cabin and was not released until I was re-tested negative again. Isolation sucked for all of us.

Royals objective is to prevent an outbreak on each ship and that no ship has moved to "red" indicates the protocols are doing just that. My take is that will continue if Royal proceeds cautiously. I believe Royal should continue to hold capacity at 60-65% and strengthen the capacity of their testing and isolation management contractors to accommodate higher COVID positive case numbers.  I commented elsewhere that I thought testing contractors aboard Equinox got overwhelmed (not enough testers or NAAT Machines to run tests expeditiously) with something less than around 100 cases/out of estimated 3600  among crew and guests (just a guess).

If any of Royal's ships do move to "red status, that is going to be problematic regardless of what the CDC recommends for increased mitigation measures which I feel confident that Royal will comply with all of those recommendations. There will be a place where staff shortages and infected guests will prevent responsible ship operations and ports are going to deny port calls with regularity. You can bet Royal knows exactly where that point occurs by the numbers.

During this period of increased transmission of Omicron variants, guests can help by first assessing their own personal risks of infection and making the right decision to not board when risks potentially exceed benefits, keeping in mind that a mere infection with mild symptoms is going to prompt isolation and a cruise camped out in an isolation cabin. It's a personal choice but you can reduce your risks of infection and a ruined cruise due to isolation while aboard by simply taking reasonable precautions about where you go inside ship's public spaces. If regular main or select dining gets too crowded, skip that and find a place where spacing and open air is available. Avoid crowded bars. You can always find one that isn't.  

My experience with medical practitioners I speak with is that there is wide variance by community practices throughout the US on prescribing Paxlovid. Here in Broward County, FL up until about a month ago, there were multiple test and treat clinics. If you were tested COVID positive at the clinic, you could get an RX if you meet the criteria for dispensing it; in some cases where a clinic had an adjoining pharmacy, dispensing was immediate.  Those have declined with declining availability of Paxlovid along with questions among this community's practitioners about it's efficacy in ambulatory patients in other than high risk COVID patients headed for hospital admission with an antiviral potentially preventing that.

During our Celebrity Equinox cruise, both our friends who tested positive and ultimately developed mild symptoms (husband over 80 infected first, symptomatically recovered after day 7) both were fully vaccinated. The husband was closely monitored by the ship's doctor after he was placed in an isolation cabin. Visited every day for the first 3d,  measured pulse O2 and listened to his lungs on exam. IMO, there is no question his vax status prevented serious illness. His symptoms amounted to a runny nose, dry cough and noticeable fatigue. HIs wife (70) developed the exact same symptoms after debarkation and now at home. She felt improved on day 4 from her first positive test on board (she was ID'ed as a close contact, tested immediately in her cabin but it took over 6h for her to get her NAAT results. She had been given the option to isolate with her husband or in her cabin. She chose the later.

IMO, care from onboard medical staff was excellent but that was delivered by one MD and a few RN types (although they are foreigners with different training and licensing from US). All the testing and isolation management is done by a contractor with medical and guest services in a supporting role. I wasn't impressed. I do not know how many NAAT test machines the contractor had onboard but that it took 6h for our friend (the wife) to be resulted after being swabbed suggests they did not have enough NAAT testing machines to quickly test all guests that required it - either by close contact or presenting to medical with symptoms.

The other problem was debarkation confusion. Both our friends were told they would be escorted to a lounge area then guided to a separate debarkation area at 7am. There was a lot of confusion in doing that. The husband and wife, in different cabins, were supposed to be escorted to the Passport Lounge and then processed off the ship early. The husband wasn't escorted until after 8am and deposited at the Passport Lounge which is fully open to the main Foyer of the ship. By around 8am with regular debarkation in full swing the wife still hadn't been escorted off - I actually did the escorting to get her to the designated area around 8am where there were probably 6 other pissed off people, presumably positive, waiting to be escorted off the ship. Her husband was already off the ship. She and her husband were finally joined up after a lot of confusion about where she was. The testing and management contractor's plan was to Uber them at Celebrity's expense to the airport; that was the only option for them. They live in Stuart FL and had parked their car at our house in Coconut Creek. The Uber driver said he could take them both to our house at their expense instead of going to the airport. They elected to do that. When we debarked you could look down the gangway and see all the limos and Ubers lined up. I'd estimate there were more than 10 of them.

Just cruised on Celebrity Equinox 5/6 - 5/15. Our friends traveling with us both tested positive on days 4 and 5 respectively. The husband (a high risk person), after I urged him to do so, queried the ship's doctor on the availability of Paxlovid (an antiviral medication considered effective if taken within 72h of symptom onset). The answer was a simple "no". Ships' he was told, identify the illness, evaluate severity over the course of the illness/cruise (and Equinox's medical staff was very thorough in that regard) and act accordingly based on that (immediate transport to a shore based hospital if required treatment exceed what's available on the ship is an option)

The general approach by the medical community is that due to limited availability of the drug and questions about it's efficacy in the clinical setting (as opposed to lab testing of the drug done by Pfizer), the drug is being reserved for hospitalized patients and after that those hospitalized patients that are high risk for serious COVID complications.

On the sewer testing. I've read that the CDC may be doing this selectively aboard cruise ships but it is not a protocol being widely pursued. Why not? First, it's purpose to identify community presence as early as possible and prevent outbreaks. Second, a recognized alternative to sewer testing for the presence of COVID viruses which can be complicated is lots of AG testing followed by confirmatory NAAT (PCR) or PCR testing. The cruise lines are very heavily invested in this. That approach fits perfectly in the congregate setting that cruise ships offer. Guests do-pre cruise testing and they are encouraged to get tested at no charge on board if they develop COVID symptoms. Vaccinated crew members, upon joining ship's company, are quarantined for 7d, tested on day 7 and all crew are tested at 7d intervals and also encouraged to report COVID or flu like symptoms. 

Just a point of clarification ...... A  polymerase chain reaction test (PCR test) uses the process of Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) to detect SARS2 viral particles. The test Walgreens uses is machine processed in the store using NAAT technology; results within 2h - 1 hour is common). Its not sent out to a lab (2-3d is common). Accordingly, these are called "rapid" PCR tests. PCR tests are also known as molecular tests A PCR or molecular test is highly accurate and has a 1% false negative rate.  

Rapid Antigen (AG) tests take 15 minutes to process using a card with a control line on it. These tests detect antibodies to the SARS2 virus. They have a 3-10% false negative rate depending on the product - still pretty accurate. Abbot Binax/Now claims a 3% false negative rate.

Unless you're pre-boarding testing requires a PCR test, I'd recommend against getting one of these. It is not rare for your body to harbor SARS2 viral particles long after you caught and recovered from COVID. You are not infectious under this circumstance but if you pop positive on a PCR test, you'll be denied boarding. 

A driving factor for which test you get could be the lessened availability of clinic based AG testing. CVS in South FL where I live no longer offers the AG tests, only PCR (drive through). You may also find your health insurance won't cover a clinic based (monitored) test. Do your research. Check with the pharmacy at which you plan to get your pre-boarding testing done and make sure they have and will administer the test you need/want. AbbotBinax/Now monitored home test remain, IMO, the best option for pre-board  testing.  

Hello from aboard (again) Celebrity Equinox. This is a 9n ABC cruise from Fort Lauderdale. This is day 3 and we're in the Caymans. Some interesting developments. First, there are around 2100 passengers - up from under 1000 on our previous cruise since June, 5 of them on Equinox. You can feel the difference. At certain times the Ocean View Cafe is unusually crowded and table space in short supply. Seats at the Martini Bar? Forget it. It is my understanding that a large crew change-over occurred just before the preceding cruise. You can feel this too ..... things just don't seem to run as smoothly. The combination of new supervisors, new dinning and bar staff, many of the new crew still in quarantine, shows up in the level of service. That feeling seems limited to food and beverage operations. Hotel operations seem unaffected and maybe this department  didn't have any crews changeover.  

We ate in Murano on day 1 - It's a good idea. First, it's discounted. Second, on the first night, select dining is chaotic. You can avoid this by dining in a specialty restaurant on evening 1. I had a short talk with the matre'de about how supply chains disruptions might be affecting food services. He said the impact it's massive. He orders, say coffee, and the truck doesn't show up. He actually went to every grocery store he could find and bought as much coffee as he could. Wine availability of popular wineries is also a problem. You can ask but they don't have it. Suppliers can't get it let alone get it delivered in quantity. Beef prices are off the page as are fresh vegetables.  

I think it's well known among posters in this forum that COVID protocols for crew have an impact on staffing. IF - frequently a big IF - Celebrity can manage to re-hire previously laid off crew members and get them aboard (varying vaccination and COVID country requirements) they still have to follow Celebrity's ship board policies for new crew. They are now down to 7d, from 14, for testing and quarantine. Anyway it's a big deal. Depending on when you board in this crew cycling schedule, you may notice long waits to find a bar server and long waits to get served. Patience is the by-word. A complete generalization from one experience, not the best situation to draw a conclusion from, but I'd offer that the cruise lines are - at least in Celebrity's case - bringing passenger load factors up faster than staffing can provide the level of service that I probably became used to up to around March 2020.  

Now the big news: All our pre-cruise testing worked smoothly. One exception - one of the Abbot BinaxNow test kits we planned on using was defective and could not be used. It's a good thing we have extras. Two lessons learned (1) buy back-up test kits. (2) have a back-up clinic based test plan. Because we had extra tests to replace the defective one, we didn't need the back-up Walgreen's Clinic test I'd scheduled and cancelled but it was there if I needed it. I got an email from Abbot saying a replacement kit for the defective one was on the way, That was nice.

Also, on the morning of Day 2, I awoke with mild URI symptoms.  I've preached here that if you develop URI symptoms during a cruise, go get tested. Another option - and I thought of it but forgot to pack them, bring self test kits. So, I donned a mask and went to medical. I announced that I had URI symptoms and was placed in a back room. There was only one other person in the clinic at the time I presented. Overhearing the nurses and MD, I deduced he had intractable diarrhea and had become dehydrated.

If you seek COVID testing for URI symptoms, your evaluation and care, if needed, are at Celebrity's expense. The clinic does Rapid PCR tests. They are more accurate (less false negatives) and there is some basis in using these instead of bringing your own AG tests that have higher false negative results and you are potentially walking around aboard ship spreading the more transmissible Omicron variants.

After checking in and having my vitals taken (about 20 minutes), I got the brain swab of the PCR tests, then waited in the clinic for exactly one hour to get a negative result. Medical also called my wife, advised her to isolate, then went to our cabin and tested her with a PCR brain swab. She was also negative. So, great, we're free, right? Not so fast. Ship's protocol requires isolation and retest in 24h. So, as I write this, I'm in my cabin , with my wife, isolated until, I am told, medical will come to our cabin around 2:30 (24h after the PCR test was started) today to retest both of us. BTW, room service for last evening's dinner and this morning's breakfast was great.

We're traveling with friends and we had plans today in Grand Cayman. So, we'll miss that. We also missed a production show last night - one of our favorite events on a cruise. Being honest about recognizing my URI symptoms could be COVID and getting tested was disruptive but, you don't want to be "that person" who was person #1 starting an outbreak on a cruise ship. SARS2 in it's more infectious variants is still out there, if not producing much less illness - which is one of the reasons if you get even mild URI symptoms on a cruise, assume that you have COVID until proven otherwise.

To be clear, for US citizens wishing to enter Europe from the US,  there is no simple, one answer fits all European countries wrt applications to enter, what will work for proof of vaccination, time limits for vaccination and COVID mitigation measures in place. The rule is, things change constantly and rapidly.

There are a bunch of web sites that track this stuff for US citizens wanting to travel to Europe. The one below is pretty good. For each country being listed here, you'll get a summary of "what's new" with COVID related travel and a link to a country web site where more detail is available. DOn't miss this. It is intended to inform and encourage travel into and within the country you choose.

The EU has done a decent job of creating a single mechanism - the EU digital COVID pass that's an App on your phone. It contains a QR code with your COVID/Vax status that is kept updated by you as you receive COVID vaccines or recover from COVID. Problem for US citizens wanting to travel freely within the EU and European Common Market region is that you can't get one.

Because of that, US citizens have extra hurdles to cross when entering Europe and crossing boarders within it on your way to your cruise port. Not insurmountable. Workable if you're paying attention.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/04/14/what-s-the-latest-on-european-travel-restrictions

Pattycruise makes a good point regarding the availability of rapid antigen (ag) tests at CVS. Many CVS pharmacies in my area (Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek) no longer do the rapid ag test. The still do a drive up PCR test and these are covered by most insurance - no clinic visit. In our area, Walgreens clinics are connected to the University of Miami Health System. I'm a patient in that system by virtue of several visits for testing and that makes it supper easy to book an appointment about as far out as I want. So, far, my ag hasn't been billed as a clinic visit but this is going to vary as state funding (from federal programs) of testing is different everywhere (confusing). So, what works for me in FL may not work for cruisers seeking testing in Illinois. 

It also pays to call the Walgreen's pharmacy you plan on visiting for a clinic or drive through test and verify that they have and are administering the ag tests. I've found that the testing process varies and some pharmacies aren't doing or are out of ag tests.

I've used the Abbot BinaxNow monitored home test 9x for required pre-boarding COVID testing since June, 2021. I use the NAVICA App that you can download to your phone at Google Play (Andorid) or the Apple Store (iPhone). I've done the tests on-line via the web site and using my android phone via the NAVICA App. I prefer the later.

There's already been a comment that Abbot Labs makes a home self test (2 tests in each kit) and a monitored home test (one test in each kit). The test you need to clear the bar for COVID screening is a MONITORED test either at home/via your phone, on-line at the web site or in a clinic by a HC Pro.

There was also a testing related post a while back where a poster claimed all you had to do was use the free tests you can get through the USPS service. To my knowledge the USPS testing service ONLY PROVIDES AN UNMONITORED SELF TEST - these won't clear the bar for pre-cruise COVID testing.

I've never had a problem doing the test on my phone via the NAVICA App, getting it resulted, printing a copy of the results (everything needed is on it) and having it accepted by Celebrity both in Europe (Athens and Barcelona) and Port Everglades. I recommend, as have others, that you have a digital copy of the resulted ag test test on your phone and a hard copy that you've placed in an accessible location for check-in.

I put the date I need to do the monitored home test on my Google Calendar (2d before the cruise) and schedule a back-up test at my local Walgreens the day after (1d before the cruise). If everything goes smoothly with the Abbot Home test, I canel the Walgreen's appointment. I've used the back-up once because I took the test inadvertently 3d before my cruise.