John H announced masks and Mandatory testing,

[BlerkOne]

I'm going to start looking for bargains and early saver price drops!

[imola]

4 minutes ago, helene109 said:

So we fly out on the 13th Cruise leaves the 14th. Just called Walgreens their free testing takes 2-24 hours to get back. What day Wednesday I can get tested? Thanks 

Our local Walgreens says 2-5 business days for results.  May I ask what your embarkation city is?  

[WhaleTailFlCruiser]

1 minute ago, helene109 said:

Just called Walgreens insurance covers the test but results take 2-24 hours!

You have 72 hours I don’t see the issue there

[helene109]

1 minute ago, imola said:

Our local Walgreens says 2-5 business days for results.  May I ask what your embarkation city is?  

Port canaveral flying from Chicago she says that every Walgreens is different 

[BTromboneFrack]

OK, we will be driving to the cruise across parts of the country we are unfamiliar with.   How does one get a COVID test when they won't be staying in any one place for more than one night?   

 

[Jelly_Toast]

So I was thisclose to deciding I would make a final payment and get excited about my November cruise. I'm sure there is a chance that conditions improve by November but I don't want to be masked on my vacation.  If you are okay with that, I hope you have a brilliant time on your trip and I am envious, but it's not the way I want to vacation.  I'm a little sad. I mean, I'm a lot sad.

 

[helene109]

1 minute ago, WhaleTailFlCruiser said:

You have 72 hours I don’t see the issue there

So I am thinking make the appointment for Wednesday morning to make sure we have the results back 

[LHARTWICK]

7 minutes ago, Capn12 said:

Man, am I glad that COVID19 isn't smart enough to invade your body while masks are off and eating/drinking, and only tries when you're in public places!

 

So dumb.

EXACTLY!!!  Oh I can't even begin to tell you how high my BP is right now!  I don't mind the testing, but this mask business is well.......you know.....a load of something!  And I'm sure I'm not allowed to say who we all can thank for this surge........ 😡

[NC_Cruisin]

1 minute ago, BTromboneFrack said:

OK, we will be driving to the cruise across parts of the country we are unfamiliar with.   How does one get a COVID test when they won't be staying in any one place for more than one night?   

 

If you are planning to stay in a hotel, I would find one along your route that has a Walgreens or CVS pharmacy nearby and make an appointment online ahead of time to get tested. They both offer a phone app and will send the results to the app and also to your email address. I have personally used both pharmacies and did not have an issue receiving the results within 3 days.

[imola]

2 minutes ago, helene109 said:

Port canaveral flying from Chicago she says that every Walgreens is different 

We are out of New Orleans and there is a Walgreens two blocks from our ore-cruise hotel.  I will call them  Thank you.  I am from Illinois but now live in California.  Hope all is well there. 

[Saint Greg]

This is not going to be fun. I have had mask requirements at resorts in Mexico but all of their entertainment is outside. You just put it on going into the restaurants and gift shops. The ship is mostly indoors. Crazy. I'll be using the outdoor areas a lot if this is the deal.

[IntrepidFromDC]

View Online http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/60bffcb2-0550-4c34-9717-ae4801c365f8.jpg IMPORTANT UPDATE ON TESTING AND MASK REQUIREMENTS   August 4, 2021 We look forward to welcoming you on board your upcoming cruise.  Carnival’s restart of cruising from the U.S. last month has been successful, our guests and crew are excited to be sailing again, and more ships are returning to service over the coming weeks!   As always, our primary commitment is to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities where we bring our ships.  We will continue to operate vaccinated cruises as defined by the CDC, including having our crew fully vaccinated.  In an abundance of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. caused by the Delta variant, we are updating our protocols and requirements.  We expect these measures will be temporary and we will adjust our protocols based on the advice of our medical and public health advisors.     Please carefully review the information below regarding new, temporary testing requirements: Effective with cruises departing on Saturday, August 14, 2021, we will require ALL fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 3 days of their embarkation on all Carnival Cruise Line sailings. Guests who are unvaccinated will continue to follow the requirements already communicated (and as detailed below).  Fully vaccinated guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test along with proof of full vaccination upon arrival in the terminal and can then proceed on board. Please note that testing in the terminal will not be available for vaccinated guests so it’s critical that you have your negative test results with you upon your arrival.  We will not be able to accommodate guests without proof of a negative test.  Please check our Have Fun. Be Safe.  protocols at Carnival.com for further details on testing requirements.     Guests who are not fully vaccinated are still required to show the negative results of a PCR test taken between 72 and 24 hours prior to the sailing date, and will be tested again in the terminal prior to boarding the ship and again within 24 hours of debarkation (for itineraries five days or longer).  Unvaccinated guests approved for an exemption will continue to be charged US$150, per person, for testing, reporting and health safety screenings, and also must provide proof of travel insurance if departing from the states of Florida or Texas.  Children under two are exempt from testing requirements.   In addition to testing requirements, we are also making adjustments to our onboard mask policy effective with cruises beginning this Saturday, August 7, 2021, as follows: First, we strongly encourage all guests to wear face masks when indoors, particularly guests who are unvaccinated including children under the age of 12 who should wear masks in public areas, except when eating or drinking. All guests age 2 and older will be required to wear face masks in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino, except when eating or drinking. Guests will be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the Lido Buffet area and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate.   As a reminder, masks are required during embark and debark in the terminal, and masks should also be worn during the debarkation process on board. These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while on board.  Several destinations have implemented their own requirements and all guests will be required to follow the protocols in each destination we visit. As stated above, we expect these requirements will be temporary and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard. Sincerely, http://image.carnivalcruiselineemail.com/lib/fe9513727761047c7c/m/16/bd3f70f3-0423-4959-8e06-f79b51e6b9d9.jpg Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line

[AtSeaWithChris]

34 minutes ago, LHARTWICK said:

Yes - please post if anyone finds out if we can cancel or reschedule w/no penalty.  If masks are required, we are out.  This is NO surprise at all but VERY disappointing and VERY aggravating, as we booked under a no mask policy.  😡😡😡

[redsox1584]

Just now, AtSeaWithChris said:

 

they should at least let us cancel with no penalty 

[GaHawkeye]

2 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

This is not going to be fun. I have had mask requirements at resorts in Mexico but all of their entertainment is outside. You just put it on going into the restaurants and gift shops. The ship is mostly indoors. Crazy. I'll be using the outdoor areas a lot if this is the deal.

Not sure they’ll move Alchemy out there for you. But you never know in these unprecedented times. 
Hank

[ScottsSweetie]

So, I thought I'd pop over to community posts on JH facebook page and see what is being asked and answered. Here's one:

 

"Will Carnival over full refunds to guests that do not wish not to sail with masks or to getting tested? The only reason I got vaccinated was to get away from the mask and testing."

 

Answer from JH: No, I’m afraid not and if he were to ask for a refund that would be the usual penalties that apply. Thank you so much, we really do hope to see you soon and the fun will be waiting for you

 

 

[Tyro1]

Antigen test is also accepted, as PCR tests can take up to 3 days to get results, Antigen tests are what 90% of us will be taking, as results come back within an hour. 

[TNcruising02]

49 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

Listening to John Heald announcing new protocols on Masking and Testing

As of Aug 7th all cruises masks will be required age 2 and up in all indoor areas

As of Aug 14th Covid test provided at checkin taken within 3 days of sailing for all guests

Yeah, the test wasn't a deal breaker, but the mask requirement is.  I am going to have to cancel

 

[Brew12]

I could see requiring the testing OR the masks. I would have preferred a more measured response than this.

I was really looking forward to this October cruise, but I think I'll see if I can get a FCC without penalties. 

[helene109]

2 minutes ago, Tyro1 said:

Antigen test is also accepted, as PCR tests can take up to 3 days to get results, Antigen tests are what 90% of us will be taking, as results come back within an hour. 

No idea where to get the rapid test. Wouldn’t you think Walgreens 2-24 hours would be ok?

[tallnthensome]

What will the penalty be? The cruise cost itself? What is refundable ? 

[parachutes63]

What kind of test do you need. Rapid antigen or Rapid PCR? My state offers free testing for both with results in less than 24 hours via email.

[shof515]

this was bound to happen sooner or later considering the covid cases on Advantage of Seas and new Bahama requirements

[BlerkOne]

54 minutes ago, Prismism said:

I'll sport the coolest chin diaper on the ship.

You can be runner up.

[LHARTWICK]

18 minutes ago, helene109 said:

Just called Walgreens insurance covers the test but results take 2-24 hours!

And that's probably if you're lucky!