The NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience "Secrets" REVISED for 2022

[Kirk2121]

3 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Just returned from our Doc Ina Box (American Family Care) where we got our virus test done.  Total time from our front door and back again was less than an hour.  Spent may 40 minutes at the test site.  We had printed results in hand when we left.  All four of us tested negative.  So we're good to go.  Leaving tomorrow AM for NOLA.

Always a relief! 

 

My next cruise is a 4 day on Carnival (never done Carnival) out of Mobile Alabama on 10th.  Other cruisers are saying that if i schedule at Walgreens in Mobile the test is free.  But dunno. 

[Kirk2121]

The BLT! 

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Kirk2121 said:

Always a relief! 

 

My next cruise is a 4 day on Carnival (never done Carnival) out of Mobile Alabama on 10th.  Other cruisers are saying that if i schedule at Walgreens in Mobile the test is free.  But dunno. 

American Family Care lists four locations in Mobile or Fairhope.

No appointment necessary at the one in Huntsville.  

Testing was free.

I would call and discuss.

 

https://www.afcurgentcare.com/locations/

[CDR Benson]

The testing, presuming it's still a requirement in September, is the only item of pre-cruise preparation that I am uneasy about.  Not that the Good Mrs. Benson or I might come up positive---the odds of that are remote---and our shot cards are current.

 

It's making sure we undergo a testing with results acceptable to NCL and we get those results in a timely fashion.  I've been so unconcerned about COVID that I don't have a good handle on how any of the tests work.

 

I imagine I'll work it out in time for the sail date.  I always do.

 

 

[RocketMan275]

11 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

The testing, presuming it's still a requirement in September, is the only item of pre-cruise preparation that I am uneasy about.  Not that the Good Mrs. Benson or I might come up positive---the odds of that are remote---and our shot cards are current.

 

It's making sure we undergo a testing with results acceptable to NCL and we get those results in a timely fashion.  I've been so unconcerned about COVID that I don't have a good handle on how any of the tests work.

 

I imagine I'll work it out in time for the sail date.  I always do.

You might want to get one of those do it yourself kits.  Won't get you on the ship but it will do two things.

1. It will familiarize you with the testing proceedures

2. You will know you don't have covid now.

 

[JustSomeLady]

16 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

The testing, presuming it's still a requirement in September, is the only item of pre-cruise preparation that I am uneasy about.  Not that the Good Mrs. Benson or I might come up positive---the odds of that are remote---and our shot cards are current.

 

It's making sure we undergo a testing with results acceptable to NCL and we get those results in a timely fashion.  I've been so unconcerned about COVID that I don't have a good handle on how any of the tests work.

 

I imagine I'll work it out in time for the sail date.  I always do.

 

 

It’s super easy. Put 6 drops of liquid into a little hole in the test kit. Yam a special Q-tip up your nose, swirl it 6 times each side, put it into a little hole in the test kit, and wait a few minutes. 
 

I was scared, too, so I went to CVS and got a practice one. Easier than I thought it would be. 

[karmamule]

We use those proctored home tests from Abbott and they make it so very easy. A bit more expensive than some options but I'll take the convenience.

[CDR Benson]

40 minutes ago, JustSomeLady said:

It’s super easy. Put 6 drops of liquid into a little hole in the test kit. Yam a special Q-tip up your nose, swirl it 6 times each side, put it into a little hole in the test kit, and wait a few minutes. 
 

I was scared, too, so I went to CVS and got a practice one. Easier than I thought it would be. 

 

Thank you, ma'am.  It's not so much the actual procedure, as meeting whatever registration requirements NCL requires.  I figure it won't be good enough to just walk up at embarkation and say, "I came up negative for COVID, honest."

 

That's the part I have to work out, as doing the tests at home seems to be the surest way of doing it and getting the results in that two-days-before-sailing envelope.

 

 

Edited March 4, 2022 by CDR Benson

[luckyinpa]

55 minutes ago, JustSomeLady said:

It’s super easy. Put 6 drops of liquid into a little hole in the test kit. Yam a special Q-tip up your nose, swirl it 6 times each side, put it into a little hole in the test kit, and wait a few minutes. 
 

I was scared, too, so I went to CVS and got a practice one. Easier than I thought it would be. 

 

i literally just did this for sunday. word of warning. dont just spin the qtip in your nose, drag it around the entire inside of the nose. bad me!  also when you break off the cap for the liquid make sure it's facing UP so you dont drip any out. 

[luckyinpa]

2 hours ago, Kirk2121 said:

The BLT! 

 

did you pay 3 bucks for the soda or was the bartender nice to you?

[aubreyc1988]

3 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

 

i literally just did this for sunday. word of warning. dont just spin the qtip in your nose, drag it around the entire inside of the nose. bad me!  also when you break off the cap for the liquid make sure it's facing UP so you dont drip any out. 

(not NCL related)  I've done the binax now at home test and the one the gov sent out a few weeks ago. The one the gov sent out made me feel like a scientist LOL 

[luckyinpa]

1 minute ago, aubreyc1988 said:

(not NCL related)  I've done the binax now at home test and the one the gov sent out a few weeks ago. The one the gov sent out made me feel like a scientist LOL 

 

oh whats different about them? i just assume every test would be virtually the same. at least im passed cause that was stressing me out almost as much as my pending bid.  and now the fun of having to do customs on the way home in norfolk. .fun times!

 

 

[JustSomeLady]

3 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

(not NCL related)  I've done the binax now at home test and the one the gov sent out a few weeks ago. The one the gov sent out made me feel like a scientist LOL 

I have them set aside. There’s so little COVID in Florida now that I haven’t bothered with them. We may take them out for a not so dry run before taking the proctored ones. 

[aubreyc1988]

11 minutes ago, luckyinpa said:

 

oh whats different about them? i just assume every test would be virtually the same. at least im passed cause that was stressing me out almost as much as my pending bid.  and now the fun of having to do customs on the way home in norfolk. .fun times!

 

 

It's hard to explain, but the binax now ones are easier. The ones the gov sent you get this like liquid vial and what not. The binax now one has you put drops of liquid into that card thing. 

[vacation44]

9 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

It's hard to explain, but the binax now ones are easier. The ones the gov sent you get this like liquid vial and what not. The binax now one has you put drops of liquid into that card thing. 

Have an wonderful trip---if memory serves me, you leave tomorrow!   Enjoy that raspberry drink I had on your behalf.

[phissy]

The government test kits have pretty complicated instructions. First tells you how to put liquid in vial. But, vial is ready to go.
Instructions now say skip to step 2 🙄

Swirl Q tip up both nostrils, then remove lower cap of vial and insert swab. Swirl again and squeeze top of vial when removing swap. Shake and remove top cap of vial and put drops on card and wait 15 -30 minutes.

Binax test much easier.

[SplashOfWater]

37 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

It's hard to explain, but the binax now ones are easier. The ones the gov sent you get this like liquid vial and what not. The binax now one has you put drops of liquid into that card thing. 

We received our government tests this week (we ordered in February). They are the BinaxNOW OTC (non-proctored) tests.

[Kirk2121]

1 hour ago, luckyinpa said:

 

did you pay 3 bucks for the soda or was the bartender nice to you?

We've had to pay & tip on all the soda.  Well actually once at Mojito sugar cane bar bar tender gave us a couple. & once at a show but think tgat was our January cruise. 

 

I wondered if Owner's suite had free soda? 

 

& casino we get free drinks.  For me, I sure haven't gambled much on this cruise! 

Edited March 4, 2022 by Kirk2121

[aubreyc1988]

41 minutes ago, SplashOfWater said:

We received our government tests this week (we ordered in February). They are the BinaxNOW OTC (non-proctored) tests.

oh neat, yeah I didn't get those, mine are called "ihealth" 

[aubreyc1988]

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

Have an wonderful trip---if memory serves me, you leave tomorrow!   Enjoy that raspberry drink I had on your behalf.

Yes, sailaway is tomorrow, fingers crossed! I had an excursion cancelled yesterday via email and I almost had a heart attack thinking the cruise was cancelled!  

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, CDR Benson said:

 

Thank you, ma'am.  It's not so much the actual procedure, as meeting whatever registration requirements NCL requires.  I figure it won't be good enough to just walk up at embarkation and say, "I came up negative for COVID, honest."

 

That's the part I have to work out, as doing the tests at home seems to be the surest way of doing it and getting the results in that two-days-before-sailing envelope.

 

 

@CDR BensonHello kind sir.  Allow me to assist.  This information comes from my Cruise in November 2021 on NCL.  It also comes from a cruise I took in August 2021.  I almost made a huge mistake.  I went to my doctor's office which is part of a hospital.  They did the test but when I got the results, it was a phone call.  I said I need the results in writing, so I went back to the Hospital to gain a hard copy.  "Lesson Learned".  My next approach which I highly recommend is to go to a local pharmacy that does the test and sends you the results via Text or Email.  Then when NCL asks for your results, it shows; The type of test done, when it was done, the results.  BINGO.  All you need it a Iphone and you are good.

 

I promise, it was that easy.  All I needed was the link on my phone.  Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well. 

[Sthrngary]

27 minutes ago, Kirk2121 said:

I wondered if Owner's suite had free soda? 

Yes, Three Bottles of Spirits (Your Choice from a List), a bottle of Real Champagne, Water, and mixers.  Except for the spirits, they are replaced upon consumption.  

 

Cruise well.

[RocketMan275]

20 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@CDR BensonHello kind sir.  Allow me to assist.  This information comes from my Cruise in November 2021 on NCL.  It also comes from a cruise I took in August 2021.  I almost made a huge mistake.  I went to my doctor's office which is part of a hospital.  They did the test but when I got the results, it was a phone call.  I said I need the results in writing, so I went back to the Hospital to gain a hard copy.  "Lesson Learned".  My next approach which I highly recommend is to go to a local pharmacy that does the test and sends you the results via Text or Email.  Then when NCL asks for your results, it shows; The type of test done, when it was done, the results.  BINGO.  All you need it a Iphone and you are good.

 

I promise, it was that easy.  All I needed was the link on my phone.  Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well. 

So true.  American Family Care handed me the written results within 20 minutes of administering the test.  And, this test was free.  My local hospital, Huntsville Hospital, wanted $170 per test.  That would have been $680 for the four of us.  I've used AFC several times and have always been satisfied.  

I'm taking a hardcopy of the tests and a photograph in my phone.

[mnpurple]

All the talk of testing made me nervous. I scheduled with out clinic, but called to make sure I would get results in time. Of course, they can't guarantee less than 72 hours.  So now I've scheduled with Walgreens for the Rapid. It is "proctored" and we will receive written proof, so fingers crossed it is acceptable and all negative for six of us!

[Kirk2121]

9 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

So true.  American Family Care handed me the written results within 20 minutes of administering the test.  And, this test was free.  My local hospital, Huntsville Hospital, wanted $170 per test.  That would have been $680 for the four of us.  I've used AFC several times and have always been satisfied.  

I'm taking a hardcopy of the tests and a photograph in my phone.

I really enjoy cruising! I've got 6 or 7 in next 12 months.  It's the little gotchas that get me.  My 4 day in mobile was $300 + tips.  Then found out parking about $100.  Then thought i was gonna get hit with $150 at cvs for covid test.  

 

I about booked two 5 day & a 3 day for 13 day on msc for like $750 to northern Europe.  But then msc was saying i needed 3 $90 insurance policies for $270.  Then guessing another $150 for each covid test.  So $450.  Almost same amount as cruise fare 🙂

 

Having to multiply costs by 7 i look at riding public transportation 🙂 getting on our current cruise, the bus slowed looked at us & our luggage & continued on lol 🙂 uber it is.    Gonna try the free trolley & tri rail when we dock tomorrow.  We've got time in between our 9 am disembarkation & our 2 pm air bnb on sailboat check-in.  They said pool not open in morning.

 

$50 uber from fort Lauderdale to Miami starts adding up.  Neways i digress a bit from secrets of the haven 🙂

 

Cagney's n Elements show tonight.  Gf working this 50th bday for all its worth!  Wants to bring bday card to cagneys.  I'm like I'm not eating cake if they bring it!   She said we'll split a different desert & tell them no cake.