if they require a negative covid test?

[spunks]

We seem to be getting closer to the day we can finally cruise somewhere. Our question is.....if they require a negative covid test, how do we do that? What seems like a simple procedure is not so simple when you break it down. How long does it take to get the results? How long is a negative test valid? If cruises are only allowed from International ports how do you get them? What tests are recognized as legitimate tests?

 

If results come in the same day you take them do you grab that test result and rush to the cruise terminal? Why are the powers that be making this so hard? Supposedly, RCCL was going to cruise out of Nassau. The CDC countered with making the Bahamas a class 4 country to which US citizens are forbidden to fly . Even if you managed to get there you would be quaranteened for 2 weeks upon arrival back in the US....What am I missing?

[Nemomof3]

The CDC had 80% of countries at level 4 including Mexico. Thousand fly there every day there is no forbidden to fly. As of now there is no US requirement to quarantine when returning. They do require another negative covid test. I have not left the country so I have no idea how that works but have many friends who have visited other countries and all report many hotels and resorts are offering the test before you return.

 

[sjb317]

23 minutes ago, Nemomof3 said:

The CDC had 80% of countries at level 4 including Mexico. Thousand fly there every day there is no forbidden to fly. As of now there is no US requirement to quarantine when returning. They do require another negative covid test. I have not left the country so I have no idea how that works but have many friends who have visited other countries and all report many hotels and resorts are offering the test before you return.

 

We just returned from a week at an AI in the Dominican Republic.  They are at level 4 which only means the CDC does not recommend traveling there.   The DR does not require a test to enter the country  but as you said, the US requires one to fly home.  The test has to be done within 72 hours of your flight.  Our resort arranged testing at no charge.  We were given a certificate with results which we had to present to the ticket agent at checkin.  All very easy.

 

Sherri🙂

 

 

[loman]

10 minutes ago, sjb317 said:

We just returned from a week at an AI in the Dominican Republic.  They are at level 4 which only means the CDC does not recommend traveling there.   The DR does not require a test to enter the country  but as you said, the US requires one to fly home.  The test has to be done within 72 hours of your flight.  Our resort arranged testing at no charge.  We were given a certificate with results which we had to present to the ticket agent at checkin.  All very easy.

 

Sherri🙂

 

 

What happens if you are ready to leave and you test positive . 

Do you stay at the resort for another 2 weeks to isolate .

[spunks]

Thanks for the information.  The big question is...how do I get a test to come home if I go on one of the cruises out of Bermuda, Barbados, or Nassau?....Will RCCL do it?

 

Doug

[bouhunter]

57 minutes ago, spunks said:

We seem to be getting closer to the day we can finally cruise somewhere. Our question is.....if they require a negative covid test, how do we do that? What seems like a simple procedure is not so simple when you break it down. How long does it take to get the results? How long is a negative test valid? If cruises are only allowed from International ports how do you get them? What tests are recognized as legitimate tests?

 

If results come in the same day you take them do you grab that test result and rush to the cruise terminal? Why are the powers that be making this so hard? Supposedly, RCCL was going to cruise out of Nassau. The CDC countered with making the Bahamas a class 4 country to which US citizens are forbidden to fly . Even if you managed to get there you would be quaranteened for 2 weeks upon arrival back in the US....What am I missing?

There isn't much point in worrying about all those questions right now.  Ships aren't sailing for months.

[bouhunter]

12 minutes ago, loman said:

What happens if you are ready to leave and you test positive . 

Do you stay at the resort for another 2 weeks to isolate .

Good question.  We had such a good time in Florida for 2+ months last winter we've booked it for next winter.  As much as we love cruising and the Caribbean, we've done it a lot the last 20 years and will wait another year or whatever it takes for things to settle down.

[karena1]

1 hour ago, spunks said:

We seem to be getting closer to the day we can finally cruise somewhere. Our question is.....if they require a negative covid test, how do we do that? What seems like a simple procedure is not so simple when you break it down. How long does it take to get the results? How long is a negative test valid? If cruises are only allowed from International ports how do you get them? What tests are recognized as legitimate tests?

 

If results come in the same day you take them do you grab that test result and rush to the cruise terminal? Why are the powers that be making this so hard? Supposedly, RCCL was going to cruise out of Nassau. The CDC countered with making the Bahamas a class 4 country to which US citizens are forbidden to fly . Even if you managed to get there you would be quaranteened for 2 weeks upon arrival back in the US....What am I missing?

you are not required to guarantee for 2 weeks when you get back.  We have been traveling to the islands since August and have not once guaranteened when we got home.  The Bahamas has almost zero COVID, the CDC is doing this simply b/c they hate that the cruise lines are finding a way to cruise again.  Nassau at this point is saying you do not need a COVID test to come in the country if you have the vaccination.  Royal will handle the test for coming back to the states.  Not concerned about it at all.

 

[spunks]

13 minutes ago, karena1 said:

Royal will handle the test for coming back to the states.  Not concerned about it at all.

 

can you provide a link to that? I dont want to get caught short by just assuming that.

[karena1]

6 minutes ago, spunks said:

 

can you provide a link to that? I dont want to get caught short by just assuming that.

Currently, the U.S. and Canada requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test result for those arriving by international air. Will Royal Caribbean administer the required re-entry test? Who pays for it?

A

 

 

Royal Caribbean will administer an antigen test onboard the ship, and cover the related cost, should it be required for re-entry into the United States and Canada. The test will be administered just before the end of the cruise, and guests will be provided a copy of their test result. Current U.S. and Canada requirements stipulate that returning international travelers must get tested no more than 3 days before re-entering. Therefore, cruise guests should plan to fly home within 24 hours of departing the ship, for the test result to be within the valid window. Otherwise, guests re-entering the U.S. and Canada at a later date will need to secure their own test, at their expense, closer to their re-entry date.

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by karena1

[MiniChunks]

57 minutes ago, loman said:

What happens if you are ready to leave and you test positive . 

Do you stay at the resort for another 2 weeks to isolate .

 

We were in Costa Rica and an AI 2 weeks ago, and they require you have travel insurance with a bed rest add on in case you test positive on your way out. I know the resort we stayed at would put you up in a room there, but i'm not sure what other places do. 

[spunks]

Thank you Karena and others. I believe I have my answers now.

 

Doug

[ace2542]

2 hours ago, spunks said:

We seem to be getting closer to the day we can finally cruise somewhere. Our question is.....if they require a negative covid test, how do we do that? What seems like a simple procedure is not so simple when you break it down. How long does it take to get the results? How long is a negative test valid? If cruises are only allowed from International ports how do you get them? What tests are recognized as legitimate tests

You missed out how much will they cost and will they be covered by health or travel insurance?

Edited April 28, 2021 by ace2542

[harkinmr]

2 hours ago, spunks said:

We seem to be getting closer to the day we can finally cruise somewhere. Our question is.....if they require a negative covid test, how do we do that? What seems like a simple procedure is not so simple when you break it down. How long does it take to get the results? How long is a negative test valid? If cruises are only allowed from International ports how do you get them? What tests are recognized as legitimate tests?

If you are planning on taking a cruise from an international port, you should check the protocols the cruise line has in place.  Royal has provided some details concerning what test is required for entry into the Bahamas, for example, and have provided links to the country's website for further details.  You can search online in your local area for testing centers that will provide you with the test you need within the recommended time period.  Unfortunately, it is a function of traveling outside the country at this time, so test availability, timing and results are at the risk of the cruiser.

Quote

 

If results come in the same day you take them do you grab that test result and rush to the cruise terminal? Why are the powers that be making this so hard? Supposedly, RCCL was going to cruise out of Nassau. The CDC countered with making the Bahamas a class 4 country to which US citizens are forbidden to fly . Even if you managed to get there you would be quaranteened for 2 weeks upon arrival back in the US....What am I missing?

Who are the "powers that be" that you are referring to?  The Bahamas, not the CDC or Royal, makes the rules about entry there.  Just because the CDC has placed a Class 4 advisory for the Bahamas does not mean you are forbidden to travel there.  You can.  Royal will be testing guests at the port.  If you test positive by an antigen test, confirmed by a PCR test, then you will be denied boarding.  

 

You will need to have a negative Covid test to re-enter the US, which has been standard practice since January.  If you test positive before returning to the US, you will not be allowed to travel back until you have tested negative and cleared for travel.  Again, these are risks that every US traveler has to assume before booking a cruise and leaving the country.

 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by harkinmr

[spunks]

according to Karena, RCCL will  conduct the test before you get off the ship and cover the cost....that works for me.

[sjb317]

1 hour ago, loman said:

What happens if you are ready to leave and you test positive . 

Do you stay at the resort for another 2 weeks to isolate .

We were told at the resort that a positive test meant staying and quarantining for up to 14 days.  If we purchased their insurance there would be no charge. Without insurance cost would be $90.00 pp per day.  Since we are both fully vaccinated, we decided it was a good gamble to not buy insurance.  
 

Sherri🙂