mturvey

Yes that’s right about your help with speaking to our hotel re the Covid test.  That turned out to be a mistake booking for us.  Apparently two days before our test the State decided to charge for all Covid tests for travel at 99 dollars each.  They kept pointing to a letter when we queried we had booked for 25 dollars. We had not received any notification from them otherwise.  It was in a tent down a dodgy looking back street and hard to find.  The taxi driver didn’t know where it was either so we were dropped off in the street walking up and down trying to find it.  We were not happy and would not recommend City Health as we paid 25 dollars at home in a lovely new building for the same thing.  May as well use the ship test at that price. I felt ripped off being told one thing and encountering a charge four times higher.

Obviously you were extremely helpful so I thank you for that as it wasn’t your fault or the hotels.  We should have checked the rules again before we travelled there as would have booked something else if we had been informed beforehand nearer to the port.

DH is suffering from heavy cold symptoms but so far nothing worse than that.

We were also in that fiasco disembarkation on Monday from the Ruby then waited in line for over an hour for a taxi.  Ludicrous situation.  All the taxis must have gone to the Majestic terminal.  Made embarkation a breeze which it obviously wasn’t.

DH felt oncoming cold like symptoms half way home on plane to London, so did a test when we arrived home.  It was positive.  I am negative so far! I’m wondering if half the cruise ship has now got Covid.  We masked everywhere, washed hands twenty times a day and are both fully boosted.  Obviously all that made no difference.  We are just thankful we are home and can quarantine here.

6 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

So great!

i would get the rapid antigen, as you want the fast results and this is acceptable for Princess.  PCR takes too long.

 

You don’t have to have it documented with your passport number or documented Hawaii for Princess.

They offer different documentation because of the other 

companies, airlines etc that might require it.

Just check the Princess website frequently to see if there are any changes you may need to know.

Best of luck to you.

 

Is this free?

 

Tonna

 

Here’s a clip from their website:

 

The negative COVID-19 test result must include:

• Where the test was administered, including information such as the name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test
• Type of test (indicating it is a NAAT or antigen test)
• A specimen collection date 2 days or less before cruise departure
• Guest’s name and either date of birth, age, or passport number
• A negative test result using words or phrases including: 
  • Negative
  • Undetectable
  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA not detected
  • SARS-CoV-2 antigen not detected
  • COVID-19 not detected
  • Not reactive

They said it was free if they can’t claim from our insurance (we don’t have US healthcare) but reading bullet no. four we may need to pay $25  to include our passport number on the documentation but more than happy to do that, so a result. 

On 2/3/2022 at 12:51 AM, PacnGoNow said:

Does anyone have a suggestion for a UK cruiser to get their rapid antigen next month before their Hawaii cruise?

 

Urgent clinics extremely expensive.

 

BinaxNOW ag card only US credit cards

and US address can order them.

 

DocGo sign up on Princess.com is for US based guests.

 

Surely, there is a lab that is reasonable in SFO near the Mark Hopkins hotel?

 

TIA

 

I contacted City Health as recommended by our hotel in SF.  We have booked our tests for March.  They also do medically supervised antigen which I believe is what we need to provide and results are quicker.  Just need to bring our passports.  Do we need to document our passports and pay the $25 fee for boarding?  Do we need the Hawaii documentation or is that covered by the tests on the cruise? 
 

Testing is covered by insurance, if you do not have insurance testing is covered by the CARES ACT and is free to you with a U.S.-issued valid ID or a valid foreign passport. If you are testing for travel to Hawaii, there is a $20 documentation fee. 

There is a $25 document fee for International travelers who need their passport number on their results. Results for the PCR test will be back within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any additional questions please let me know.

10 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

That’s great!  I knew they could find something for you.  I would email them and see if they take appointments and closer to sailing.  The DocGO will take appointments 10 days ahead and right now port testing through Feb 28. 
Would be great if you wouldn’t need it at all!  Lol

If you could post this on the forum

Covid Test UK SFO and other forums you have been following, that would be great!

Take care.

Thank you I have emailed asking if we can make an appointment in advance  or just drop in. Once they get back to me I will post.  

2 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

I called DocGo for you, customer service

this morning.  Their headquarters is in NY.

She said use the Port Address in place of your own address.  

 

James R. Herman Cruise Terminal

Princess Cruises Pier 27, Embarcadero

San Francisco, CA 94133
 

Also, the phone information does allow you to use your

UK phone number.  You’ll see a drop down menu to add the country code, etc.

 

Some of the ports you use a credit card to pay ahead of time and she said you should be able to enter that if needed.  Other ports you will have it added to your folio onboard.

 

This is the way I would go, if you still need a covid test.  Reserve it ahead of time.  Not likely it will change in March, but who knows?

 

Tonna

 

 

We understand that it may be difficult for some of our guests to find testing that can provide results within a 2-day turnaround. Another testing option may be available for fully vaccinated guests on select voyages who are having trouble getting a pre-cruise testing appointment. For voyages departing from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles or San Francisco through February 28, 2022 we will be able to provide a limited number of antigen tests for fully vaccinated guests only at a cost of $100 per person. Reservations are required and may be made up to 10 days in advance. Testing will take place on embarkation day at the cruise terminal. Test appointments are subject to capacity restrictions and reservations are required. Visit the DocGo website for more information^.

 

That is so helpful.  Thank-you so much.

I have also had another email today from our hotel in SFO providing me with an email from City Health - support@cityhealth.com - and they sent the following info pasted below.  They also confirmed they do the antigen test.

I am delighted as we now have two options. I love Cruise Critic!

Testing is covered by insurance, if you do not have insurance testing is covered by the CARES ACT and is free to you with a U.S.-issued valid ID or a valid foreign passport. If you are testing for travel to Hawaii, there is a $20 documentation fee. 

There is a $25 document fee for International travelers who need their passport number on their results. Results for the PCR test will be back within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any additional questions please let me know.

7 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

Here is the link for cruise testing DocGo.

You have to sign up for an account.

Let me know if it works for you.

 

https://docgo.com/cruiseguests/

 

 

Thank you so much for all your help. 
We tried to sign up for this previously but needed to enter a US address.  We will contact Princess again and ask for their advice on how to sign up for this and at the same keep our fingers crossed the rules may change before we go.

1 minute ago, PacnGoNow said:

I know and the same for traveling to Europe for us.  I’m trying to see what Italy, Spain, Portugal and the other countries in the Med are doing?  Many changes going on.

March is getting close.  There are quite a few testing places in the SFO area, I’m sure you’ll find one that works.  Did you find anyone on your roll call that might be in your predicament?

Did you speak with Princess in the UK?

 

It is now getting much easier to travel in Europe.  We no longer need tests to get in the UK.  Six weeks to go so not sure there will be a change by then.

I asked the question on the roll call but didn’t get a response apart from ordering online.  Yes we have spoken to Princess but they just recommended DocGo.  We will try them again. 
thank you for your help.

1 hour ago, PacnGoNow said:

That’s possible, but there are a lot of CVS locations, even an Uber ride might work.

You do have to test within 2 days before the cruise in ADDITION to the same day port test.  As of right now.  Things change quickly.  What month are you cruising?  Are you staying at the Mark Hopkins?  Think we chatted before. 😊

We cruise in March and you kindly suggested I contact the Mark Hopkins hotel which I have done today.  
I’m hoping it will change as it’s getting quite complicated to travel to the US and cruise.

Yes flying from Vegas to SFO but too early before cruising to do the test there.

CVS won’t let us access the website from the UK to make an appointment but perhaps we could book the test when we arrive in SF but worried there won’t be any availability left three days beforehand.  

The hotel where I’m staying recommended the below link for Covid testing in SF.  When trying to make an appointment the site is requesting us to log into our health account.  Being a UK citizen we don’t have one.  The cost also seems to be $125 with no insurance which seems a lot when we pay £25 for a test in the UK.  I guess we will have to ask Princess their recommendation for us but last time that was DocGo which also doesn’t seem to apply for UK residents.  That is also the test at the pier during embarkation which I understand we will have for free now as going to Hawaii but they are still requesting the 2 day test, so it makes no sense to pay $100 for something everyone will have for free.
 

Has any UK or other non US residents booked a 2 day test for their upcoming cruise yet that can point us in the right direction for a reasonable cost in SF please?
 

City Health on Jessie Street, a short taxi ride from the hotel.

https://covidtesting.cityhealthuc.com/

The CVS sites come up with an error if not based in the US.  The message says this is for US residents only.  
I will wait until next month and contact the hotel and Princess again.
We no longer need PCR tests to get back into the UK so one less test to worry about.

Thank you.  I will definitely try that route.

We are staying at the Mark Hopkins.  Nob Hill.  
 

8 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

As far as the UK proctored test, I would call Princess and ask.  From what I read, it said for US based guests.  Good question.

 

Are you flying from Las Vegas to Sfo?  If so, you could check airport testing on arrival.

 

As far as testing 3-5 days after arrival in SFO, that is recommended by the Dept if health, not required.  You do need to be tested already to come into the US 1 day before.  AND within 2 days before your cruise.

 

I have a link below that lists walk ups or drive ups and also clinics in SFO.  You would need to email them or call.  i checked in Florida and a lot of clinics said International customers were welcome. Their prices varied at the clinics.

 

Also reach out to those on the UK CC site.  Canadians also have some of these issues.  Wish PCL would just test before departure like in the UK.  They have not said about pier testing beyond Jan 9th, so far.

 

Anyone out there find a SFO that takes

International guests?
 

 

https://sf.gov/get-tested-appointment

 

Let us know on here if you find a place and if I can help you further?

Tonna

Thank you for your help Tonna.  We called Princess last week who recommended DocGo at the port but without us realising that we could not enter a UK address.  If things don’t change nearer to the time then we will call them again.  To be honest I can’t see the tests before cruising being scrapped anytime soon.

We are travelling to the airport but it is 3 days beforehand, so too early for the cruise test.  
We have found a couple of places for international tourists in SFO but they seem to be extremely expensive at over $250 each.  The UK is only about $25 for the same test in a clinic!

I will check out your link and keep researching.

I appreciate any advice provided.
 

Thank you but when checking the CVS site it says only available for U S citizens which seems to be the case for all of the other sites we have checked.  
 

We are from the UK and finding it difficult to find somewhere in San Francisco to get a Covid test for the cruise.  We are fully vaccinated and have boosters.  Princess recommended the DocGo site but it only allows US addresses when trying to book, although it did allow us to put in a UK phone number.

Therefore, does anyone know if we can bring UK antigen tests with us and video to the health centre in the UK via our phones and submit that result?  Is that acceptable or will they only accept US results?  
We also read something about requiring a 3-5 day test if arriving internationally in California and we are hoping the one for the cruise will be sufficient as we are three days in Vegas followed by three days in SF? We have to have a test 1day before we leave UK already.  
I do hope our cruise on the Ruby in March will be worth it as it has been postponed for a couple of years now!

So do we for UK but hoping the rules will change by then.

Mike

Thanks for the reply.  We are sailing 27 March on The Ruby.

We phoned Princess today and they suggested trying their link to a third party website and they charge to our stateroom but it isn’t working at the moment.  It’s minimum 110 dollars per person so seems expensive.

Drew, did you find somewhere as we are coming from the UK and need to find the same thing.  We have no car.

Of course, I might have borrowed the wife and cruise ship...

Well, I put together some proof, a set of digital photos and links to the 2005 roll call. The photos showed me in various Caribbean locations with the Summit in the background, plus pictures of us on a formal night in the MDR. I couldn't find one with the ship's name anywhere, so we'll see how well they know their vessels. As I said to the lady, at least she'll have the thrill of seeing me in holiday mode, albeit 9years younger! The posts I think should clinch it, as they one of them includes our stateroom no. as well as other details.

I sent them by email and got an automated reply, saying that they would try to reply within 21 days, or longer at busy times. A bit worrying as we leave in 4 weeks! Now we just have to wait. I tell you, that dollop of gelato had better be worth it! :)

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm going to search for an official photo we had taken and boot up my old PC for digitals. Good idea to use Cruise Critic postings too - we joined the roll call and posted several comments at the time, so I'll dig those out and see how it goes.

Thanks again!

We have sailed once before with Celebrity in 2005 and our second cruise with them departs in August. When completing online check-in, I was unable to trace the previous cruise via their search facility, so that I could get a Captain's Club number.

I phoned Celebrities Captain's Club dept and was told that they no longer have records for that far back and that I'd have to produce proof that I sailed with them in 2005. The lady suggested old pass keys, news sheets or photos, none of which I can readily produce after 9 years. I would like to register and begin the long process of getting loyalty benefits - has anyone else had to do this?

Thanks for your help.

You are joking ,going to a private plot owned and guarded by the cruiseline that got you there sounds like prison to me its hardly a destination experience.

Yes, there is an element of that. It's a strange situation - a wonderful beach resort that's cut off from the rest of the country, with limited access for the locals. When we were there, we saw people handing food through the security fence to locals. I remember a passenger saying "They need it more than us."

It was a sobering moment, I have to say. Of course, tourism creates employment and brings money into these areas. How much locals benefit is a whole other discussion!