Miami Taxi Service

  We just returned from a week long cruise on Carnival Celebration. While the cruise itself was fantastic our trip to the airport left us in a bit of a shock. 

  When we arrive in Miami for a cruise we always fly in a day early. We try to stay at a hotel that has a airport shuttle so all we need to worry about it getting to the port in the morning. We usually just order up a Uber. It usually costs around $30 with tip. 

  When we debark the ship we have always found it easy to just walk up to the cabs that are lined up. They have had a flat rate of $27 to Miami International Airport making them about the same as a Uber. It's always been fast and easy. Although the time every light on the dashboard was on was a little concerning but we made it safely with no problems. 

  Once again as we stood in line for the cab it moved fast and soon it was our turn. A van pulled up and knowing that there was families who could maybe use the van over our party of two we asked if he wanted to waste the cab on just us. He said it was ok, we loaded up our bags and we were off. 

  Upon arrival our driver hopped on out and grabbed the bag and I waited to pay. In the past they would change the meter from the total it said, often higher to the $27. I would them slip my card in and pay. To my surprise the total was $50.17! I asked our driver about the fixed rate and he said "No flat rate! 30 percent rate!" and pointed to a sticker on the window with a 30% logo and other writing. With Lori already standing on the curb with out luggage I shook my head, paid the rate and decided I would check into this later.

  Sitting in the airport I did my research to find out that 10 days after out last visit to Miami the Board of County Commissioners revised the maximum taxi cab rates on July 19, 2022. This means all flat rate fares have been eliminated and the meter rate applies to ALL trips. They also added a 30% surcharge above the meter rate for larger vehicles. This includes sport utilities and vans. This charge does not however apply to vans that provide wheelchair services to a wheel chair bound rider. 

  Rates are $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile. $.85 for each additional 1/6 mile until one mile. Then $.55 for each 1/6 mile after that. There is also a $24 per hour wait charge but no extra charges for more passengers or luggage. 

  If you haven't cruised out of Miami in a while you might be in for a shock if you grab a cab. Our little bit of advice is from a Lift or Uber. You will save a few dollars and probably wont see all the warning lights on the dashboard. 

CFO Shaquille O'Neal Officiates Vow Renewals for Valentine's Day

  Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal made an appearance on several Carnival ships via the big screen to officiate the largest ever vow renewal at sea. 

  After the ceremony guests were treated to an onboard reception with all the traditional wedding festivities. Each ceremony was followed with a DJ, dancing, and a champagne toast. 

  In a interview Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said, "We see thousands of beautiful weddings and vow renewals take place on our ships every year, and this year we wanted to mark Valentine's Day with an event that really brings people together. Creating unforgettable moments for our guests is at the heart of everything we do.” 

 

Carnival broke the record for the biggest vow renewal at sea on Valentine’s Day in 2019, with nearly 2,000 across many of it's ships. No word as to how many attended yesterdays ceremonies. 

Carnival Celebration looses power

Monday February 6, Carnival Celebration lost power and approximately 11:00 a.m. ship time. It only lasted about two minutes. We were in the casino at the time. Afterwards the captain came on explained that they lost power and that everything was back up and running and there was no need to worry. 

Carnival Raises Wifi and Gratuities

 

The Carnival Corporation sent out a email on Tuesday outlining new price increases in Wifi and Gratuities. 

Internet prices will increase with sailings starting January 16, 2023 and gratuities increase with sailings starting April 1st. This increases are as follows. 

Internet prices 

Social: 

    Current price $10.20 daily increases to $12.75

Value: 

     Current Price $14.45 daily increases to $17.00

Premium: 

     Current price $17.00 daily increases to $18.70

Gratuity

     Current price for a standard stateroom $14.50 per guest, per day increases to $16.00

     Current price for a suite $16.50 per guest, per day increases to $18.00

  We recommend pre-pay for these items now and secure your rate at the lower cost. We also always suggest pre-paying your gratuities as they automatically added to your onboard Sail & Sign account otherwise. You are however able to make any adjustments to your gratuities while on board. You cannot make any once you leave the ship. Tipping is at your discretion but please consider how hard all the crew members work to give you a unforgettable vacation.

Bermuda To Remove Travel Authorization

     Bermuda has announced that it is going to remove the travel authorization form and fee earlier than previously scheduled. The travel authorization process is being removed three weeks earlier. This will help alleviate stress and expense for those traveling to the country.  

     The travel authorization, $40 fee, and proof of vaccination or medical insurance will end on November 13, 2022.

     Bermuda will reinstate the Bermuda Arrival Card starting Nov 14. In place before the pandemic this digital card gathers data on visitors and complies statistics for the country. It only takes minutes to complete the form and is available online at  BermudaArrivalCard.com

Canada removed COVID-19 border and travel measures

 Effective October 1, 2022 Canada removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering the country. 

Effective October 1, 2022, all travelers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

  - submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;

  - provide proof of vaccination;

  - undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;

  - carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;

  - monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.

Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

Carnival's New Testing Protocols

Carnival has updated their Have Fun, Be Safe Protocols and they take effect on Thursday, August 4, 2022. They are still operating under what they call vaccinated cruises which means cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the sailing day (not counting embarkation day) and have proof of vaccination. Although it is strongly recommended that individuals obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination it is not required at this time. 

Effective with sailings departing August 4, 2022, there will be no pre-cruise testing for fully vaccinated guests booked on cruises with itineraries 5 days or less. Pre-cruise testing for itineraries 6 days or longer can be conducted up to three (3) days before departure. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule and they are for cruises traveling to Bermuda and Canada. These guests including those who are up to date with their vaccines, can take either a PCR test within 72 hours prior to sailing, or an antigen test no earlier than two days prior to sailing, in order to comply with CDC and destination regulations. Prior to traveling to the cruise terminal, guests should review their test results to ensure they include their full legal name, date of birth, type of test, date and time sample was taken, test result stating “NEGATIVE” or “NOT DETECTED” and laboratory, testing site, and/or healthcare provider details. Handwritten test results are not acceptable. 

There are a few vaccine exemptions but they are limited to a small number of guests. Check Carnival's website for those details. 

Guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months of their sailing date do not need the required pre-cruise test if they are at least 10 days past their positive test result date, have no symptoms and produce document of recovery from COVID-19. A Document of Recovery is accepted from both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated guests (with a Carnival-approved exemption) and consists of a paper or electronic copy of the positive viral test result from a certified laboratory (dated no more than 90 days prior to the sailing date).

If you are sailing out of Florida, South Carolina and Virginia unvaccinated guests must show proof of travel insurance coverage during check-in. This requirement is currently being waived for children under 12.

You will have to complete an online health questionnaire within 72 hours prior to sailing and undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screenings, which will include confirmation of their health screening responses, validation of their vaccination documents and any required COVID-19 testing.