New Covid Policy - Some of you will be forfeiting your $$$

[Itchy&Scratchy]

1 hour ago, Nessa1dc said:

Ok...I'm so confused...

 

We are sailing out of Bayonne, NJ on the Oasis on October 24.  We are vaccinated and have had 2 cruises cancelled in 2020.  Needless to say...we are super excited to go.  However, we are so unsure of everything, I have made reservations for Vegas as well.

 

Anyhoo...here are my questions:

 

1.  Should I just go to Vegas?

something tells me cruise ships are safer in terms of Covid than Las Vegas. My BFF is in Las Vegas right now - lots of videos and pics, and hardly anyone is wearing masks.

[Nessa1dc]

8 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

something tells me cruise ships are safer in terms of Covid than Las Vegas. My BFF is in Las Vegas right now - lots of videos and pics, and hardly anyone is wearing masks.

Excellent point...but we most certainly would be masked, even though we are vaccinated.  Vegas is appealing, only because...well, we love Vegas, and we don't need a test to get there AND....our vacation can't be cancelled 2 days before because we get a false positive....I just don't know.

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

1 minute ago, Nessa1dc said:

Excellent point...but we most certainly would be masked, even though we are vaccinated.  Vegas is appealing, only because...well, we love Vegas, and we don't need a test to get there AND....our vacation can't be cancelled 2 days before because we get a false positive....I just don't know.

 

I understand. But we are cruising with a kid, and Las Vegas with its smoky casinos no longer appeals to us. We'd been about 4 times pre-kid.

And yes, we are still masking religiously, despite being vaccinated. I don't trust other people, now that I've seen them in action during the pandemic. But if nobody else is wearing them, yours is less effective 😞

[Nessa1dc]

3 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I understand. But we are cruising with a kid, and Las Vegas with its smoky casinos no longer appeals to us. We'd been about 4 times pre-kid.

And yes, we are still masking religiously, despite being vaccinated. I don't trust other people, now that I've seen them in action during the pandemic. But if nobody else is wearing them, yours is less effective 😞

Point well taken...just fyi, we are smokers (workin on it though)....we have set August 30th as our final decision date.  My H is leaning towards Vegas...he is totally over the not knowing the rules and regulations.  Me and my BIL want to cruise, but we are a bit nervous about the variant and not knowing what will be expected.  They need a rule set....but I get that its hard....

 

[SRF]

On 8/3/2021 at 12:34 AM, BirdTravels said:

Because it takes infrastructure set up to handle testing at check-in. The cruise line knows approximately how many unvaxxed passengers they have on each cruise and can schedule nurses and lab techs to do the on-site testing. 

 

If you now add in the vaccinated passengers who "didn't get their test results back" (i.e., couldn't be bothered to follow the protocol and get a test done), there will be an unknown number (hundreds of more people) that need to be tested. The goal is to get people in and out without causing social distancing problems. 

 

Agreed, but require proof that you did the test, to weed out those who did not even try.

[SRF]

On 8/3/2021 at 8:19 AM, Shippy said:

  I find this Royal Caribbean discussion interesting. We cruise with RC next January.

HOWEVER,  we have an MSC cruise out of Miami next month.

They will NOT accept any tests in advance. You get tested at the pier. unvaccinated pay for it, vaccinated do not but all get the test.

Very nerve wracking !

 

Might be a good idea to get a test a week before.  Just to see the results

[pcur]

I've been looking at home testing.  RCCL requires a "COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) with an accredited test provider, such as a drugstore chain or diagnostic lab"

within 3 days of sailing.  Since that would require me to be tested on Thanksgiving Day, I figured I had zero chance of that happening.  So, I started looking at home testing.  It was the "diagnostic" lab that caught my eye.

 

I found BinaxNOW COVID19 Ag Card home testing kit.  It's different from the one shown on CVS, Amazon, etc. websites, because this uses a mobile app interface, and you have an online appointment with emed.com supervising you giving yourself the test.  The results are then reported in the free app, Navica, and you store them in your phone, ipad, etc.  You buy a six-pack of these tests for $150, which I like, because then you can take extras with you for mid-cruise, end of cruise, airport, etc. testing.  Results are in 25 minutes.

 

[luckyfincruiser]

2 hours ago, pcur said:

I've been looking at home testing.  RCCL requires a "COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) with an accredited test provider, such as a drugstore chain or diagnostic lab"

within 3 days of sailing.  Since that would require me to be tested on Thanksgiving Day, I figured I had zero chance of that happening.  So, I started looking at home testing.  It was the "diagnostic" lab that caught my eye.

 

I found BinaxNOW COVID19 Ag Card home testing kit.  It's different from the one shown on CVS, Amazon, etc. websites, because this uses a mobile app interface, and you have an online appointment with emed.com supervising you giving yourself the test.  The results are then reported in the free app, Navica, and you store them in your phone, ipad, etc.  You buy a six-pack of these tests for $150, which I like, because then you can take extras with you for mid-cruise, end of cruise, airport, etc. testing.  Results are in 25 minutes.

 

Where to get?

[pcur]

28 minutes ago, luckyfincruiser said:

Where to get?

From emed.com or through the Navica app through to emed to order.  Once you set up an account, you can go online through a browser, or through the app.  The certification comes from emed.com into the app.

[LidoBoy]

On 8/3/2021 at 10:51 AM, WisconsinFan said:

I have already booked my COVID test for our Oct. 2, 2021 cruise. How'd I do this? I live in a pretty small town and called my locally owned pharmacy (not Walgreen's) when I saw the sign yesterday. I took the 12:15 PM first slot (as the lab guy can pick it up at anytime in the afternoon). I then put a bring up on my calendar to register the day before with the county health department, which will give me a code to have the test done. My pharmacy told me DON'T WAIT to get the code, as their slots had been filling up. So, you may want to check if your local pharmacy is offering COVID tests and what do they recommend you do if you have some time. One perk of living in a small town. I am a bit worried that we don't get the test results back before Saturday morning, but then we punt and try and find a rapid-antigen place in Miami. Crossing my fingers having the first slot available will make a big difference.

We are also in Wisconsin and will be following the same process as you describe.  The pharmacist said the tests are picked up between 2-4pm.  Over 90% of PCR tests are resulted the next morning.  We will get swabbed at noon on Wednesday and if the results get held up the pharmacist suggested testing again on Thursday.  As a backup I can drive an hour to a CVS near MKE for an antigen test.  I feel pretty good about the process.  It's nice to work with a local small town pharmacy.  The pharmacist was super helpful.  One thing he mentioned is they have experienced if you get the code too early, it might be purged from the system before your test.  As I understand, that code is used to connect your WI Health Dept survey with your test results.  I don't think the survey asked for the testing date.  I don't think there is a way to tell if the code is purged.

 

We will be cruising at the end of Aug on the Celebrity Edge.  

 

Good luck.

[WisconsinFan]

2 hours ago, LidoBoy said:

We are also in Wisconsin and will be following the same process as you describe.  The pharmacist said the tests are picked up between 2-4pm.  Over 90% of PCR tests are resulted the next morning.  We will get swabbed at noon on Wednesday and if the results get held up the pharmacist suggested testing again on Thursday.  As a backup I can drive an hour to a CVS near MKE for an antigen test.  I feel pretty good about the process.  It's nice to work with a local small town pharmacy.  The pharmacist was super helpful.  One thing he mentioned is they have experienced if you get the code too early, it might be purged from the system before your test.  As I understand, that code is used to connect your WI Health Dept survey with your test results.  I don't think the survey asked for the testing date.  I don't think there is a way to tell if the code is purged.

 

We will be cruising at the end of Aug on the Celebrity Edge.  

 

Good luck.

Yes. Our pharmacy said that the code is only good for 72 hours so I plan on registering for it on Tuesday. As another backup my doctor gave approval (they got back to me after the pharmacy) so I plan on calling the clinic I go to and get an appointment there too. They use the spit in a tube antigen test. 

[LidoBoy]

On 8/5/2021 at 9:36 PM, WisconsinFan said:

Yes. Our pharmacy said that the code is only good for 72 hours so I plan on registering for it on Tuesday. As another backup my doctor gave approval (they got back to me after the pharmacy) so I plan on calling the clinic I go to and get an appointment there too. They use the spit in a tube antigen test. 

I'll have to check with UW Health clinic about a test alternative.   Would be easier than driving to Milwaukee for an antigen test at a CVS.  That was helpful info.  Thanks WiscFan.

[LidoBoy]

On 8/5/2021 at 9:36 PM, WisconsinFan said:

Yes. Our pharmacy said that the code is only good for 72 hours so I plan on registering for it on Tuesday. As another backup my doctor gave approval (they got back to me after the pharmacy) so I plan on calling the clinic I go to and get an appointment there too. They use the spit in a tube antigen test. 

I'll have to check with UW Health clinic about a test alternative.   Would be easier than driving to Milwaukee for an antigen test at a CVS.  That was helpful info.  Thanks WiscFan.

[WisconsinFan]

55 minutes ago, LidoBoy said:

I'll have to check with UW Health clinic about a test alternative.   Would be easier than driving to Milwaukee for an antigen test at a CVS.  That was helpful info.  Thanks WiscFan.

My doctor gave me permission and a phone number to schedule- my husband's provider said no (both UW Health), go to Walgreens, CVS....so, I don't want to just get mine and have him waiting on the PCR. Might still be making a trip to Waukesha (I am presuming that's the one you are talking about). But I have bought two cars in Waukesha...so what's a COVID test 😉 except timing. I can see working only 1/2 day on Wednesday just because I will be running around getting tests done.

Edited August 10, 2021 by WisconsinFan

[RumJunkie]

Tests and finding tests and grapevine:

 

The reason they do not accept "at home" test is those are designed for YOU to have an easy/cheap way to test for your knowledge.  A third party has no way to know if "you" took the test, did it properly, etc..  A testing center will verify your identity (photo ID, for example) as part of the testing, and are trained to properly test.

 

Rapid testing - you should have results in 30 minutes or less.  If you don't, I would go right back to the testing center to work it out.  At least you can sail (clear test) or get a refund (positive test).  Or you could even retest in case of false positive.  And hopefully you know whats going on before you board a flight!

If you do a longer test, the saw a web page on "chain store" testing (CVS/Walgreens/Walmart) that said normal times, 85% of the tests are completed within 48 hours.  There is a small risk your test could go past sailing time, and then Royal keeps your money and you don't cruise.  Royal "could" test you at the port, but they want/require a pre-test.  Note:  Unvaccinated get the 3 day test AND a day of sailing test.

 

As far as finding testing (especially if you will test away from home), make sure you fully check where you will test.  Some locations only do certain kinds of tests.  Some only do tests on certain days of the week - sometimes only 1 day!  And some have limited hours (I mean like 8AM to 10AM!)  I am guessing its a mobile staff that goes to a different "chain store" each day.   I was very surprised when, in my case, I had to narrow my check to rapid tests that RCCL allows and on a Friday in the afternoon.

 

A person familiar with Royal Cruise industry told me the reason that people have not been notified directly of the changes is the likelihood the policy will change.  Maybe it really was a knee-jerk or "get something out there" response and they will work out a smarted policy soon, and as more ships sail. I am sure the cancellation will be a factor!

[JsMom2]

On 8/2/2021 at 8:22 PM, RumJunkie said:

TSERFACE

Maybe?  But this is not about a positive test.  Its about not having test results.  Are they going to lean toward "give them their money back even if they don't provide a positive test"?   In my call to RCCL, this is what we discussed.  RCCL (maybe wrongly) said...  we keep the money, you get out of our port. 

 

If you check the new "before I cruise" FAQ (put up yesterday) there is a new pre-cruise tests for vaccinated travelers over 5 day cruise that has no such language. 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/will-i-have-to-take-a-test-before-i-cruise

 

In my case, I am on a RCCL ship at CoCoCay 3-day prior to my "test required" cruise.  But in my barely 48 hour gap, I now (without a car) need to get a test and be 100% sure I have results or I am out thousands of dollars, at a cruise port, with no ride and no hotel until my flight back. Because, as Royal told me... my fault..?  

 

But your post give me hope.  If they decide "no test results" will be treated as a positive test result...  then I am just one a ruined vacation, with no place to stay, no transportation... BUT... I get my money back.  🙂

Ask about getting tested onboard the previous cruise.  Talk to a resolutions agent who can email the ship for confirmation 

[forgotmyCCname]

9 hours ago, RumJunkie said:

Tests and finding tests and grapevine:

 

The reason they do not accept "at home" test is those are designed for YOU to have an easy/cheap way to test for your knowledge.  A third party has no way to know if "you" took the test, did it properly, etc..  A testing center will verify your identity (photo ID, for example) as part of the testing, and are trained to properly test.

 

Rapid testing - you should have results in 30 minutes or less.  If you don't, I would go right back to the testing center to work it out.  At least you can sail (clear test) or get a refund (positive test).  Or you could even retest in case of false positive.  And hopefully you know whats going on before you board a flight!

If you do a longer test, the saw a web page on "chain store" testing (CVS/Walgreens/Walmart) that said normal times, 85% of the tests are completed within 48 hours.  There is a small risk your test could go past sailing time, and then Royal keeps your money and you don't cruise.  Royal "could" test you at the port, but they want/require a pre-test.  Note:  Unvaccinated get the 3 day test AND a day of sailing test.

 

As far as finding testing (especially if you will test away from home), make sure you fully check where you will test.  Some locations only do certain kinds of tests.  Some only do tests on certain days of the week - sometimes only 1 day!  And some have limited hours (I mean like 8AM to 10AM!)  I am guessing its a mobile staff that goes to a different "chain store" each day.   I was very surprised when, in my case, I had to narrow my check to rapid tests that RCCL allows and on a Friday in the afternoon.

 

A person familiar with Royal Cruise industry told me the reason that people have not been notified directly of the changes is the likelihood the policy will change.  Maybe it really was a knee-jerk or "get something out there" response and they will work out a smarted policy soon, and as more ships sail. I am sure the cancellation will be a factor!

The at home test referenced a few posts back does require you show ID and it is verified. 

[not-enough-cruising]

9 hours ago, RumJunkie said:

Tests and finding tests and grapevine:

 

The reason they do not accept "at home" test is those are designed for YOU to have an easy/cheap way to test for your knowledge.  A third party has no way to know if "you" took the test, did it properly, etc..  A testing center will verify your identity (photo ID, for example) as part of the testing, and are trained to properly test.

 

Rapid testing - you should have results in 30 minutes or less.  If you don't, I would go right back to the testing center to work it out.  At least you can sail (clear test) or get a refund (positive test).  Or you could even retest in case of false positive.  And hopefully you know whats going on before you board a flight!

If you do a longer test, the saw a web page on "chain store" testing (CVS/Walgreens/Walmart) that said normal times, 85% of the tests are completed within 48 hours.  There is a small risk your test could go past sailing time, and then Royal keeps your money and you don't cruise.  Royal "could" test you at the port, but they want/require a pre-test.  Note:  Unvaccinated get the 3 day test AND a day of sailing test.

 

As far as finding testing (especially if you will test away from home), make sure you fully check where you will test.  Some locations only do certain kinds of tests.  Some only do tests on certain days of the week - sometimes only 1 day!  And some have limited hours (I mean like 8AM to 10AM!)  I am guessing its a mobile staff that goes to a different "chain store" each day.   I was very surprised when, in my case, I had to narrow my check to rapid tests that RCCL allows and on a Friday in the afternoon.

 

A person familiar with Royal Cruise industry told me the reason that people have not been notified directly of the changes is the likelihood the policy will change.  Maybe it really was a knee-jerk or "get something out there" response and they will work out a smarted policy soon, and as more ships sail. I am sure the cancellation will be a factor!

Proctored at home testing is acceptable 

[LidoBoy]

On 8/10/2021 at 2:21 PM, WisconsinFan said:

My doctor gave me permission and a phone number to schedule- my husband's provider said no (both UW Health), go to Walgreens, CVS....so, I don't want to just get mine and have him waiting on the PCR. Might still be making a trip to Waukesha (I am presuming that's the one you are talking about). But I have bought two cars in Waukesha...so what's a COVID test 😉 except timing. I can see working only 1/2 day on Wednesday just because I will be running around getting tests done.

You called it... No testing at UW Health unless you have symptoms.  

[gerelmx]

On 8/5/2021 at 2:52 PM, pcur said:

I found BinaxNOW COVID19 Ag Card home testing kit. 

 

Home testing it's not accepted, RCI will deny you to board the ship

[not-enough-cruising]

Just now, gerelmx said:

 

Home testing it's not accepted, RCI will deny you to board the ship

Incorrect information 

 

Royal does accept, in home tests that are proctored via a tele health video call. 
 

Abbott  Binax now AG Card test is one that is accepted. It is not available in satires and must be orders online. Test results in 15 minutes, and accepted by everyone. 

[gerelmx]

The MIA and FLL airport offer the test for travelers,

You  can also use https://fasttestnow.com/ this laboratory  several CCs have confirmed that the test has been accepted at the time of check in.

[gerelmx]

14 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Incorrect information 

 

Royal does accept, in home tests that are proctored via a tele health video call. 
 

Abbott  Binax now AG Card test is one that is accepted. It is not available in satires and must be orders online. Test results in 15 minutes, and accepted by everyone. 

You will need the original letter signed by the the doctor that supervised the test

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go

 

Q

If I need to take an antigen or PCR COVID-19 test before my cruise where should I go? Are there any considerations I need to take when finding the right test provider? How soon do I need results back and where do I submit the results?

A

 

 

Should you be required to bring a negative test result to the terminal on boarding day, the COVID-19 test must be a viral test as viral tests are used to look for current infection. Two types of viral tests are accepted: NAAT tests (PCR is a common type of NAAT test) and antigen tests.

Antibody tests will not be accepted. Additionally, home/self-tests will not be accepted unless documentation from a medical professional that they were supervised can be provided.

See a list of the currently accepted tests.

Most local pharmacies offer viral COVID-19 tests and states typically have websites to help you find a convenient testing site.

Some additional things to keep in mind when scheduling your test:

• Make sure that your selected provider is able to provide your results in time for your travel. 
• For sailings that require a pre-cruise test, you will be asked to take the test no more than 3 days before your sail date. How to calculate “3 days before”: The day you set sail is not included as one of the days. So for example, if you are setting sail on a Saturday, you can take your test on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday before. 
• Print out your test results if possible to facilitate easy access, as you may need to present them at various points. At the terminal, we will also accept test results presented on your phone, like the results email from your testing provider. It should include your name, the date the test was taken, type of test, and your negative result.

Edited August 11, 2021 by gerelmx

[not-enough-cruising]

38 minutes ago, gerelmx said:

You will need the original letter signed by the the doctor that supervised the test

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go

 

Q

If I need to take an antigen or PCR COVID-19 test before my cruise where should I go? Are there any considerations I need to take when finding the right test provider? How soon do I need results back and where do I submit the results?

A

 

 

Should you be required to bring a negative test result to the terminal on boarding day, the COVID-19 test must be a viral test as viral tests are used to look for current infection. Two types of viral tests are accepted: NAAT tests (PCR is a common type of NAAT test) and antigen tests.

Antibody tests will not be accepted. Additionally, home/self-tests will not be accepted unless documentation from a medical professional that they were supervised can be provided.

See a list of the currently accepted tests.

Most local pharmacies offer viral COVID-19 tests and states typically have websites to help you find a convenient testing site.

Some additional things to keep in mind when scheduling your test:

• Make sure that your selected provider is able to provide your results in time for your travel. 
• For sailings that require a pre-cruise test, you will be asked to take the test no more than 3 days before your sail date. How to calculate “3 days before”: The day you set sail is not included as one of the days. So for example, if you are setting sail on a Saturday, you can take your test on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday before. 
• Print out your test results if possible to facilitate easy access, as you may need to present them at various points. At the terminal, we will also accept test results presented on your phone, like the results email from your testing provider. It should include your name, the date the test was taken, type of test, and your negative result.

Did you even read the part you yourself put in RED?

 

The Abbott product is a supervised test, and you receive a signed letter of attestation of negative results. 
 

Time to give it up, you are wrong. Many of us have used these tests for re entry post international travel, and they Royal website links to this very test in their testing requirement document. You even included that link in your post. 

Edited August 11, 2021 by not-enough-cruising

[deliver42]

Antigen tests are readily accepted in addition to the PCR.