pre cruise PCR test

[SJ1_]

40 minutes ago, Smmessineo said:

I found that article, too. It seems panicky of the CDC and others down the line ( like cruise industry) that protocols are being changed for vaccinated people based on a small study that seems to confirm that vaccinations help greatly! Frustrating!

Yes very Frustrating 

[wrk2cruise]

If it's done at the pier  people are going to expect the cruise lines to pay for it which they certainly don't want to do right now.  

 

I've been thinking the ~$60 per test they are charging the unvaccinated passenger seems like a steal.  From what people are reporting the street price is around $99 minimum if the provider doesn't take insurance.  Seems like RCG should be charging way more than that given the mark up of everything else onboard.

[phoenix_dream]

On 8/7/2021 at 11:47 AM, wrk2cruise said:

If it's done at the pier  people are going to expect the cruise lines to pay for it which they certainly don't want to do right now.  

 

I've been thinking the ~$60 per test they are charging the unvaccinated passenger seems like a steal.  From what people are reporting the street price is around $99 minimum if the provider doesn't take insurance.  Seems like RCG should be charging way more than that given the mark up of everything else onboard.

I would be happy to pay a modest sum at the pier.  I would try to get my test done beforehand, but due to traveling in a couple days early that will be challenging.  If I knew there was a reasonably priced back-up option at the pier it would certainly lower my stress, which is considerably high due to this.

 

As to crowds at the pier (mentioned in other posts) and slowing down boarding if they did this - they could set up a central location away from the boarding areas where people could get tested and then head to their pier after results.  This is not rocket science for heavens sake, right.  Many towns in our area set up testing sites just like that - a large tent and in the case of cruising there could be an area with chairs where people wait for their results.  All it would take is several cruise lines cooperating - heaven forbid.  

[wrk2cruise]

Someone used this place in Fort Lauderdale this morning and were very happy.  $99 for Rapid Antigen test with results in 15 minutes.   I wonder how many people they can process per hr?  I believe it's pre-paid when you make an appointment.

 

https://fasttestnow.as.me/fortlauderdale?_gl=1*7ngpo*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2Mjg0NTg4OTAuQ2p3S0NBandnYjZJQmhBUkVpd0FnTVlLUnVVUXFMdWZlMi1Ob2JRZDN3SFlYTlo0SnFRam5zWng5bGlBVnVLRGp1ZEd5RkNHWllwWUJCb0NSMklRQXZEX0J3RQ..&_ga=2.87861201.890951383.1628458890-1254734590.1628011619&_gac=1.155445705.1628458890.CjwKCAjwgb6IBhAREiwAgMYKRuUQqLufe2-NobQd3wHYXNZ4JqQjnsZx9liAVuKDjudGyFCGZYpYBBoCR2IQAvD_BwE

[markeb]

On 8/7/2021 at 9:46 AM, cangelmd said:

Be aware that is a list of NAAT tests from the FDA that got EUAs and includes Abbott IDNow which several have posted is not acceptable to Celebrity. 
I don’t know if IDNow is or isn’t acceptable, it should be and RCL should standardize the policy across brands, especially if it is extended past Sept. Just a heads up. I scrolled through the list from professional curiosity.

 

This can drive you nuts!

 

Royal is saying NAAT or Antigen, actually discusses that PCR is a type of NAAT, and links to the FDA EUA site, which includes the IDNow.

 

So far, Celebrity is stating PCR specifically (whether they mean it or not), which would exclude the IDNow (whether they mean to or not). And is leaving the customer on their own to make sense of it.

 

This really isn't rocket science, and the RCG brands should be using the same standards And get the words right! Like you, I really don't know if the IDNow is acceptable to Celebrity, I just know it isn't a PCR and it certainly isn't an Antigen test! And those are the two types of tests Celebrity calls for.

[LGW59]

9 minutes ago, markeb said:

 

This can drive you nuts!

 

Royal is saying NAAT or Antigen, actually discusses that PCR is a type of NAAT, and links to the FDA EUA site, which includes the IDNow.

 

So far, Celebrity is stating PCR specifically (whether they mean it or not), which would exclude the IDNow (whether they mean to or not). And is leaving the customer on their own to make sense of it.

 

This really isn't rocket science, and the RCG brands should be using the same standards And get the words right! Like you, I really don't know if the IDNow is acceptable to Celebrity, I just know it isn't a PCR and it certainly isn't an Antigen test! And those are the two types of tests Celebrity calls for.

Wow, hat is off to all of you prepping to get on board, for may it seems stressful, others not so much, but either way bon voyage and be safe.  Just back from a few weeks in Scottsdale and 1 week in La Jolla, easy peasy compare to what many of you have to deal with.

[Crism]

What's the verdict? Were they only checking for the day of the test at the pier?

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, Crism said:

What's the verdict? Were they only checking for the day of the test at the pier?

Two reports I read today say they were only checking the date and vaccination type and not the time.  Regardless I'm abiding by the 72 hours from embarkation as I have plenty of time to plan my test and lots availability.

[Crism]

3 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Two reports I read today say they were only checking the date and vaccination type and not the time.  Regardless I'm abiding by the 72 hours from embarkation as I have plenty of time to plan my test and lots availability.

 

Thanks!

[jagoffee]

On 8/6/2021 at 5:48 PM, canderson said:

Walgreens has 3 tests, but which ones are available at a given retail location varies.  Of the three, ONLY the IDNow version test is not accepted. 

The irony of Celebrity’s position is that Hawaii (which had/has a very strict pre test requirement ) accepted only the IDNow and the longer test.  The quick rapid test accepted by Celebrity is not allowed by the state of Hawaii.

 

I personally think it is a sad situation for the CDC to leave it up to individual companies (cruise companies in this case) to decide which tests are acceptable.  One would think that by definition if the FDA issues a EUA for a test that the test would be acceptable.  Is it really too much to ask for the FDA, CDC and/or the Administration to determine which tests are acceptable?

[TeeRick]

15 hours ago, markeb said:

This really isn't rocket science, and the RCG brands should be using the same standards And get the words right! Like you, I really don't know if the IDNow is acceptable to Celebrity, I just know it isn't a PCR and it certainly isn't an Antigen test! And those are the two types of tests Celebrity calls for.

Yes.  Yes. Yes.

[Cg52]

On 8/6/2021 at 9:51 AM, jgmorgan said:

I hope your boarding goes as planned.  You should be in good shape since any test administered on August 5 will be within 72 hours of 12:00 on August 7.  If you tested on August 4 you would need to have the test no earlier than 12:00 (assuming no time zone changes).

 

This would certainly help to clarify and simplify things if Celebrity would do this in the US.  As many others have noted, the science behind 3 days versus 72 hours seems pretty dubious.  Maybe if we all emailed Ms. Lutoff-Perlo to that effect it would help.  I just sent mine.🙂

Do you have an email address for her?

[jgmorgan]

lLutoff-Perlo@celebritycruises.com

 

or 

 

CEO @celebritycruises.com

 

These showed up on a Google search.  I used the second one.  Neither may be good?

[ltcpda]

I just spoke to a person who works in the office of the CEO for Celebrity.  She assured me that if you have a negative pre-Covid test on, for example, a Wednesday for a Saturday sailing, you will be perfect.

There will not be strict adherence to the 72 hours but the three days instead.  I asked if Celebrity could clarify the "72 hour rule" on its website and when they advise cruisers of this requirement when check-in is required. 

[Dorh]

Why can't Celebrity change the protocol to Negative Covid test 3 days before sailing date instead of 72 hours.  I was on a Chat with a X rep and he stated that To Embark means to board,, so hopefully if I board on Sat. 8/28 at 1PM   they will accept my Covid test from 8/25  2 PM. My lab uses the word "not detected".    Hope they recognize that as negative.   Just so confusing and stressful.  

[Fouremco]

4 minutes ago, Dorh said:

Why can't Celebrity change the protocol to Negative Covid test 3 days before sailing date instead of 72 hours.  I was on a Chat with a X rep and he stated that To Embark means to board,, so hopefully if I board on Sat. 8/28 at 1PM   they will accept my Covid test from 8/25  2 PM. My lab uses the word "not detected".    Hope they recognize that as negative.   Just so confusing and stressful.  

You are safe, both from a timing perspective and the wording of the result. 

[graphicguy]

Just a few observations…..

 

If Celebrity tested those embarking at the pier, that means they’d have to have the lab for results, at the pier.  And, let’s say it takes 10 minutes from the time you’re “swabbed” until the time you get results (which I think is way too optimistic).

 

So, for round numbers, even at reduced sailing capacity, let’s say they need to test 1,500 passengers before embarkation.  That’s 15,000 minutes divided by 60 minutes.  That’s 250 hours, or 10 days if they are working 24 hours/day.  Let’s say the have 2 labs working…..125 hours or 5 days for results.  Let’s say they have 3 full labs.  That’s 2.5 days of labs, not including the amount of health care people they’d need to do the testing, running 24 hours/day.  To do that, it would also have to be on-site.

 

Not happening and not a good idea.

 

So far, we haven’t heard of Celebrity rejecting the Antigen nor the PCR tests.  They accept both according to the nearly daily emails I’m getting from them.

 

Options are, get the testing at home, 3 days before embarkation (that means Wednesday for Saturday departure).  Get it along the way if you’re driving in/flying to the port.  Get it at the airport (may have to pay for that one, though).  Point being, there are plenty of options.

 

BTW, this is what my Celebrity email said this a.m.

 

 

HAVE NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS READY TO PRESENT AT TERMINAL

All guests over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, will now be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result at the time of embarkation. This test may be taken as either a PCR test or an Antigen test, conducted within 72 hours of embarkation. Each guest is responsible for making their own arrangements with an accredited testing provider as well as all associated costs.

HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF VACCINATION READY TO SHOW AT THE TERMINAL

Acceptable documentation must be in the form of the original document issued by the country’s health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination. Proof of vaccination will be recorded and reviewed for signs of fraud. Please be aware that falsification of vaccination records is a federal crime subject to prosecution and will result in denial of boarding or removal from the voyage. Additionally, it may:

•Be a violation of state and local laws, exposing you to criminal prosecution in places we visit.

•Expose you to civil liability for costs and damages caused.

ALL UNVACCINATED GUESTS 6 MONTHS TO 11 YEARS OLD WILL REQUIRE A COMPLIMENTARY COVID-19 TEST AT THE TERMINAL

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR UNVACCINATED GUESTS 12 + 

•You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative RT-PCR taken within 3 days in advance of arrival to the terminal.

•You will be required to take a Covid-19 test at the terminal, mid cruise onboard, and again at the end of the cruise.

•Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process.

•The per person costs for these tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio. 

•Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking.

•Unvaccinated guests and families with unvaccinated children may only go ashore if participating in an excursion provided by Celebrity Cruises, and depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be further restricted from going ashore.

•Unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas in some venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.

Guests that do not meet the testing and health screening policy will be denied boarding.

[Arzeena]

50 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Just a few observations…..

 

If Celebrity tested .......

 

Not happening and not a good idea.

 

 

@graphicguy

MSC is doing this at Miami and don't seem to have run into any problems. Royal is managign it at the Hilton for their cruises out of the Bahamas.

I saw a link on CVS website that NCL passengers can book their pre boarding tests through at the pier using "a special booking ID" which I suppose is one's reservation #.  So they plan on implementing pre boarding at pier testing as well.

I think it can be done if other factors are controlled.
Good idea? mmmmmm I don't know, but happening? quite possible.

 

[PBTravelBug]

100% vaccinated.

 

Looking for suggestions for the Covid testing in Palm Beach or Broward County within 72 hours of September 2nd departure date. Not flying in so can not go to the FLL airport.

 

Looking through the Celebrity Web site and they appear to have conflicting information as to the testing requirement. There is a chart which I assume is out of date b/c it only shows Millenium - Alaska and Edge/Equinox US- Florida. In other sections of the site there is information as of August 5, 2021 which indicates all US sailings.

 

 This is stressing me out 😞

[PBTravelBug]

19 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Wow, hat is off to all of you prepping to get on board, for may it seems stressful, others not so much, but either way bon voyage and be safe.  Just back from a few weeks in Scottsdale and 1 week in La Jolla, easy peasy compare to what many of you have to deal with.

Starting to think land based US travel may be the way to go!

Have three cruises book (September, November, and January).

100% vaccinated and 100% stressed out about this Covid test within 72 hours of boarding.

 

 

 

[markeb]

3 hours ago, PBTravelBug said:

100% vaccinated.

 

Looking for suggestions for the Covid testing in Palm Beach or Broward County within 72 hours of September 2nd departure date. Not flying in so can not go to the FLL airport.

 

Looking through the Celebrity Web site and they appear to have conflicting information as to the testing requirement. There is a chart which I assume is out of date b/c it only shows Millenium - Alaska and Edge/Equinox US- Florida. In other sections of the site there is information as of August 5, 2021 which indicates all US sailings.

 

 This is stressing me out 😞

 

Search CVS Minute Clinic locations near Palm Beach. Specifically search under Minute Clinic, and check the box for rapid tests. Several locations come up. I think you're still too far out to book an appointment, but that should work.

[Jeremiah1212]

4 hours ago, Arzeena said:

@graphicguy

MSC is doing this at Miami and don't seem to have run into any problems. Royal is managign it at the Hilton for their cruises out of the Bahamas.

I saw a link on CVS website that NCL passengers can book their pre boarding tests through at the pier using "a special booking ID" which I suppose is one's reservation #.  So they plan on implementing pre boarding at pier testing as well.

I think it can be done if other factors are controlled.
Good idea? mmmmmm I don't know, but happening? quite possible.

 

 

Reports from last week were on the Meraviglia cruises it was taking 3-4 to board. See the thread here about the delayed Equinox boarding. This group would collectively lose their minds 😬 (I'm joking. Sorta. Not really.)

[cltnccruisers]

Deja vu` all over again.  🙂

[deliver42]

The appointments on CVS only go 8 days in advance.

[cltnccruisers]

3 minutes ago, deliver42 said:

The appointments on CVS only go 8 days in advance.

Ours go for 14 days but they may vary state to state and even county to county.