Updated FAQ - Covid Test Required eff 8/15

[cr8tiv1]

And everyone was complaining about the app.  This takes the pressure off of Medallion Class for a few days.  Princess needs to get their act together.  I am affected by this new policy, but not immediately.  I, too, would prefer that Princess had a way of administering the test at the port.  On my sailing, the Majestic and the Grand will be leaving on the same day.  That's at least 5000 - 6000 passengers to process making the terminals very crowded.  Not defending Princess.  I read what NCL was doing.  That makes a lot of sense to have a partnership with CVS.  

 

Good luck all.  Each of you needs to do what is best for you.

[Kay S]

2 hours ago, TrailerNV said:

 

 

The Customer service person I talked to...

Call customer service three times get four different answers.  Princess' call board is the worst, IMO.  Princess is doing a bad job with the restart of cruising.  It's not like they had 17 months to figure this all out before they released that app and this knee-jerk response to current circumstances.  *eyes rolling right out of my head*

[donswife]

This is what my PVP sent me when I emailed her about the changes.  She also told me there were only 2 unvaccinated passengers on the current Majestic sailing (she has been helping with boarding).

 

[lbfluffy]

I’ve been searching for the answer to my question, but can’t find it. We are going on the Majestic 3 day west coast getaway. I understand we have to take the covid test before we leave, but how about at the end? Our cruise includes Ensenada. I know we had to test on the return on our Puerto Vallarta land vacation. 

[DUCHESSRN]

2 hours ago, beaglesandducks said:

Are you in Reno, NV?  You can schedule the antigen test with CVS for aug 19, aug 20 and get result in less than a day   Princess says PCR or Antigen test but PCR takes couple days to get results

We sail 9/12 as of today Walgreens have run out of tests and the CVS near us has very few and holding them for those with symptoms.

[suekel]

What I haven't seen addressed on the website or here..What if one gets Covid in late October or early November?  You have a mild case and feel better quickly or are asymptomatic....One can test positive for weeks after getting covid which is why you can't get retested within 90 days since its worthless.  

[Steelers36]

3 hours ago, spunks said:

Damned test has to be done within 72 hours....not less or more....kinda tough...

No, this is not correct (and I feel like some other posts have implied the same).  Within 3 days (or 72 hrs, but Princess is 3 days) means just that... 3 days prior OR LESS.  IOW, not more than 3 days.  You can do it as late as you can get results back prior to check-in.

 

[mthomp5]

23 hours ago, johnasmith99 said:

We chose this because it was to be an all vaccinated cruise. Now we have to get the Covid test, on our own, even though we are vaccinated!  Masks will also be required in many indoor areas!  Can we say no, we no longer want to cruise, please give us a refund?  I know they are in a difficult position but that is not how we want to celebrate our 51st anniversary.  We completely missed our 50th because of the lockdown.  This is our first Princess cruise since 1972.  We normally cruise Royal Caribbean where we are Diamond.  We were looking forward to a different experience but not like this. 

 

5 hours ago, johnasmith99 said:

Strange, I can't find my post from yesterday.  If you can find it please send me a link.  Thanks. 

Is this the post you were looking for from yesterday?

[P.A.]

3 hours ago, 007colocruz said:

That is not what Sabrina said. No memo. Regular cancellation applies. This is typical to get different answers. We are ok keeping this cruise. The worse customer service experience I have ever had with Princess was this call. 

I do not know the answer to your question but I can tell you that information from Princess is depending on who you talk to. I called one day for info on the MedallionNet and one rep told me I could not buy it prior to cruise. She was "absolutely sure" about this. Next day I call and buy the MedallionNet. So I honestly don't think the reps are well trained and it just depends on who you speak with. Crazy and very frustrating.😡

[P.A.]

So I was going to see if I could book an appt at Walgreens and got to the questionnaire and came to this question. I'm confused so didn't finish filling it out.

 

"Live in or have visited an area where there has been community spread of COVID-19*"

 

How am I suppose to answer this? Isn't there Covid everywhere? I don't know the answer to this question. I know I do leave my house and am in public, and I see new cases in my area everyday on TV. I really don't know how to answer it and am afraid if I answer it wrong, I could either get denied a test or denied boarding if they see my answers. 🤔

 

How is everyone else answering this that has made their appt?

[cr8tiv1]

24 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

No, this is not correct (and I feel like some other posts have implied the same).  Within 3 days (or 72 hrs, but Princess is 3 days) means just that... 3 days prior OR LESS.  IOW, not more than 3 days.  You can do it as late as you can get results back prior to check-in.

 

 

I am not disagreeing with @Steelers36.  It is true, you need to test "within" three days of your cruise.  That gives you a few extra hours (not like Hawaii's 72 hour rule).  Here is my disagreement.  Yes, you can test later (closer to cruise) but what if your results do not arrive in time.  What will Princess do with you?  My recommendation is that if you choose to test later, you find a rapid test (generally not covered by insurance).  I don't trust Walgreens/CVS to return a test in the needed time, let alone within 48 hours.  But that's just me and my paranoia.  

[Steelers36]

12 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I am not disagreeing with @Steelers36.  It is true, you need to test "within" three days of your cruise.  That gives you a few extra hours (not like Hawaii's 72 hour rule).  Here is my disagreement.  Yes, you can test later (closer to cruise) but what if your results do not arrive in time.  What will Princess do with you?  My recommendation is that if you choose to test later, you find a rapid test (generally not covered by insurance).  I don't trust Walgreens/CVS to return a test in the needed time, let alone within 48 hours.  But that's just me and my paranoia.  

My presumption - unstated I admit - was the rapid antigen test.  Might be risky to do the PCR and get it back in time, especially if a weekend involved.  Princess accepts the rapid antigen, so why not go that route?  Results are quick and then you know you have it.  Even leaves time for a re-test if there was a problem.

 

Also, several posts have implied/stated there are test providers who do not charge a fee.  If Walgreens has it, I think it is free. 

 

Last winter, we needed tests (PCR) before returning from FL to Ontario.  CVS would have charged, but Walgreens was free and we are not American citizens.

 

[Shelly97060]

1 hour ago, lbfluffy said:

I’ve been searching for the answer to my question, but can’t find it. We are going on the Majestic 3 day west coast getaway. I understand we have to take the covid test before we leave, but how about at the end? Our cruise includes Ensenada. I know we had to test on the return on our Puerto Vallarta land vacation. 

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/
 

hopefully this link works and it will take you to the Princes FAQ on post cruise.   It states that if a negative test is required for reentry into your home country the test will be administered onboard and Princess will cover cost.  ( I am paraphrasing so please check out the FAQ for exact wording).

 

edit:  I just noticed the you are in USA.  I have not seen anything to indicate that anyone vaccinated taking a round trip cruise from a US port needs a Covid test for reentry to USA.  But based on the FAQ if  it’s determined one is needed it looks like Princess has you covered.

Edited August 6, 2021 by Shelly97060

[trey420]

41 minutes ago, P.A. said:

So I was going to see if I could book an appt at Walgreens and got to the questionnaire and came to this question. I'm confused so didn't finish filling it out.

 

"Live in or have visited an area where there has been community spread of COVID-19*"

 

How am I suppose to answer this? Isn't there Covid everywhere? I don't know the answer to this question. I know I do leave my house and am in public, and I see new cases in my area everyday on TV. I really don't know how to answer it and am afraid if I answer it wrong, I could either get denied a test or denied boarding if they see my answers. 🤔

 

How is everyone else answering this that has made their appt?

Don't stress out.  The answers are only for Walgreens or cvs.  You answer them to get what you want.  You need a test.  Tell them yes you've been around people with covid.  Like you said it's everywhere.  And yep your community has been affected.  

[happycruiserco]

11 hours ago, CeCe_ said:

 

That was before today.  

 

There is no penalty to cancel now.

Has anyone tried cancelling for 8/8?  Really feeling uncomfortable but hate throwing 100% down the drain.

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

9 hours ago, Eaglecw said:

We are going on 8-22-21 and I'm going to have to look into this and see if we can cancel our cruise without incurring a huge 75% penalty.

 

The testing upsets me, but having to wear a mask almost everywhere on the ship is a little over the top. Look at flying on an airplane you don't see a requirement for everyone on an airplane to be tested and thy are crammed in the plane like cord wood. A filmy mask isn't going to stop much.

 

9 hours ago, pris993 said:

I would be no more concerned getting covid being vaccinated then I would about getting a cold or the flu.   If get a cold or the flu I stay home or if I am traveling I stay in my cabin on a ship.   Let's not over react, lets encourage folks to get vaccinated and then no one really needs to be concerned.   The vaccination is the way to go.

 

7 hours ago, wrongwaywatson said:

This is stupid.  You get vaccinated AND get a negative test, you shouldn't have to wear a mask.  There will not be asymptomatic spread because NO ONE WILL HAVE IT!   We are scheduled to cruise in November and I'm not sure I want to go now.

 

4 hours ago, auburn77 said:

My wife said "why cancel?". It's rampant in our state because of Knucklehead anti vaxxers. We'll be safer on the ship. We wear a mask, anyway, when we go out. Masks don't really bother either of us.

If we don't go on the cruise, we'll just sit around here (retired).

We'll get the test. We're going on this cruise!

 

But, I do think it's stupid to require masks when everyone is not only vaccinated, but also tested.

People just don't get it and I don't know why...

You can still catch covid when vaccinated and if you catch it then you could then pass it on. That is why masks are required even though we are fully vaccinated and this is particularly true with the delta variant. Don't people believe that or something?

 

Testing is needed so often because a test only clears you at the time of the test. You could have caught it 10 mins after taking a test and you wouldn't know. Testing at the airport, then at the pier makes a whole lot of sense but then wearing masks when mixing with others helps prevent you passing it on if you are still positive. Yes, you could still be positive after several tests... that is just how it is.

 

 

[wowzz]

2 hours ago, Snaxmuppet said:

Testing is needed so often because a test only clears you at the time of the test. You could have caught it 10 mins after taking a test and you wouldn't know. Testing at the airport, then at the pier makes a whole lot of sense but then wearing masks when mixing with others helps prevent you passing it on if you are still positive. Yes, you could still be positive after several tests... that is just how it is.

To be fair, much of the criticism is that Princess (and others) have suddenly (less than two weeks notice)  introduced the need for a negative test result within 3 days of embarkation.  Given that the majority of cruisers are flying into Seattle,  often 2 or 3 days before the cruise starts, this causes major problems.  There is no facility to be tested at the pier. 

So, whilst I agree with much of what you say,  and I'm sure most other US cruisers would as well,  the overall concern is about the implementation and practicality of the new testing regime,  not about the actual test itself.  

[trey420]

5 days would really help get tests in on time.  I see no difference either from 3 to five days.  

[Ombud]

On 8/4/2021 at 3:35 PM, EDDY0827 said:

Yes, I did. Titled "Emergency notification".

Here it is:

Thank you for your attention to this notification.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

UPDATED COVID-19 TESTING AND MASK PROTOCOLS FOR YOUR CRUISE

We look forward to welcoming you on board for your cruise. In an abundance of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant, we are updating our protocols and requirements. Effective with cruises departing on Sunday, August 15, 2021, all fully vaccinated guests must produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (medically supervised PCR or antigen test) taken within 3 days of their embarkation on all Princess Cruises sailings. Testing will not be available at the terminal so it is critical that you bring your negative test results to cruise check-in.

We have also updated our onboard mask policy, and all guests must wear face masks in elevators, entertainment venues, retail shops, the casino, and in other designated areas except while eating and drinking. Masks are also required during embarkation and disembarkation in the cruise terminal.

Please view our letter with full details at https://*****/3AfAJYj.

Well guess who's going to be drinking a lot!! 

 

For those who need a rapid antigen test in Seattle. Try Minute Clinic and UW. Several sites. They told me results in 15 minutes. I'm doing it before leaving SF. No sense flying up there just to get a false positive & fly back

 

 

Edited August 6, 2021 by Ombud

[wowzz]

26 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Well guess who's going to be drinking a lot!! 

 

For those who need a rapid antigen test in Seattle. Try Minute Clinic and UW. Several sites. They told me results in 15 minutes. I'm doing it before leaving SF. No sense flying up there just to get a false positive & fly back

 

 

The rapid tests are notorious for giving false negatives, but false positives are virtually unknown, but I understand your caution.

[Ombud]

Now that I've read most of the pages, testing at the pier would be a deal breaker for me. I want to know before I spend $$s on flights & hotel if I'm going to board.  Great that PCL will give me FCC for the funds I've given to them, but what am I to do with a canceled cruise & booking a same day flight? Think of those who would up overseas or on the other side of this country only to be turned back. Nope. Let me know when I can still cancel & not pay hotel / get flight credit. 

 

3 minutes ago, wowzz said:

The rapid tests are notorious for giving false negatives, but false positives are virtually unknown, but I understand your caution.

Fantastic!! I'm fully vaxed, feel fine, and not going anywhere (other than the hills behind my house) until my test & flight. 

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

47 minutes ago, wowzz said:

To be fair, much of the criticism is that Princess (and others) have suddenly (less than two weeks notice)  introduced the need for a negative test result within 3 days of embarkation.  Given that the majority of cruisers are flying into Seattle,  often 2 or 3 days before the cruise starts, this causes major problems.  There is no facility to be tested at the pier. 

So, whilst I agree with much of what you say,  and I'm sure most other US cruisers would as well,  the overall concern is about the implementation and practicality of the new testing regime,  not about the actual test itself.  

Sure. I do understand... and although it might sound like I am unsympathetic I truly am not... I really do feel for those affected. Although I haven't cruised much I am an avid cruise fan now and people put a lot of money into it and a lot of emotion, time and effort into getting a cruise holiday and for it to all be thrown up in the air like this at such short notice is absolute pants. I get that.

 

We seem to be getting it a lot easier here in the UK with testing provided at the pier free of charge. It would be hugely more difficult if we needed to source our own test... not to mention more expensive too.

 

Thanks for taking the time to keep me honest 🙂  

[Cornteen]

I called my PVP to cancel my November 16th Panama Canal cruise as I'm not happy with wearing a mask in the casino, which is where i spend most of my evenings, but i digress. 

She informed me that this requirement is (for now) only for cruises departing through the end of October due to the delta variant. It could be lifted earlier or extended. 

 

I seen the other thread on this topic but couldn't read over 400 replies to see if this was mentioned. 

 

Happy cruising. 

 

[trey420]

Yes it was.  

[007colocruz]

5 hours ago, happycruiserco said:

Has anyone tried cancelling for 8/8?  Really feeling uncomfortable but hate throwing 100% down the drain.

We are getting different answers to cancellation penalties. 
I am not going to cancel, but wouldn’t be surprised if Princess eventually does. 
 

some say they are getting 100 percent refund to credit card

 

a

Rep Sabrina told me Regular cancellation penalty applies 

Sabrina said Book with Confidence only applies when Princess cancels & you get FCC

. Clearly Sabrina at Princess  needs further training. 

 

worth calling a couple of times.