Analise

Great news! We are leaving for a two-week cruise on the Royal Princess tomorrow (RT from Vancouver).  I've been concerned due to reports of poor Internet connection on ship.  I bought the Binax observed online tests recommended by Princess. Wonder if Princess will still reimburse us...

6 hours ago, PhotoGal07 said:

If anyone does this please let us know how this goes.  I imagine the tests have specialized forms that they deliver upon completion, I'm concerned that the medical personnel on the ship won't be able to produce the same documentation.  A letter that just says "hey this person doesn't have covid, signed ship doctor", doesn't feel like it's going to have the same weight, as something that's coming through Abbot Binax Now system.   

I would also appreciate knowing if anyone has success being tested in the Medical Center with the Abbot BinaxNOW Covid test. If you plan to use these tests and have functioning Internet, no need to go through the Medical Center. I simply relayed information given to me by a Princess agent and her supervisor in response to my concerns about sporadic Internet on the Royal and what we could do if we encounter this problem. I was assured  1) we would be able to test in Medical Center and 2) receive appropriate confirmation for boarding our flight to the USA. It would be great if we could just test in our staterooms prior to disembarking... that is our Plan A. Once we are in Vancouver, if the Internet is still spotty, an option is to tether our laptop to one of our phones and that should hopefully work. Just passing along info about options in case it can help someone.

COVID TESTING INFORMATION

Just spoke to a Princess rep who, at my request, confirmed the following information with her supervisor:

1) The email sent informing travelers Princess will no longer give Covid tests to disembarking passengers did not mention reimbursement; however, the website does. Princess has left passengers to fend for themselves regarding how to get tested but they are trying to help as much as possible. To be reimbursed for Covid testing needed to fly back to USA, go to princess.com/refund-request  You will need to upload a pdf or jpeg of the receipt. (Take a photo of receipt with your phone and send as jpeg or save emailed receipt as pdf)

2) It has been frequently reported that Internet is slow or not working on the Royal Princess. So, if you have brought with you the Covid tests that need to be observed online, make an appointment at the ship's Health Center and a medical employee will be the "observer" and will give you written proof needed to board your flight to USA.

We will be on the June 11-25 voyage, RT from Vancouver so I needed to get clear information. I appreciate the insights and details of the challenges and highlights from fellow cruisers.