Unvaccinated child - pre-cruise check

[zimmerman]

My 10yo isn’t vaccinated. I know we need a PCR check and then there is an antigen check on boarding day.

 

I’ve just received a second email from RC saying “This is a reminder to schedule your boarding day antigen test for COVID-19”

 

but I can’t see where/how I ‘schedule’ it. After the first email, I presumed that we just show up at the location.  This second email has me concerned I should be formally booking something. No links in the email(s) and can’t see anywhere in the app.

 

Alaska cruise from Vancouver (testing at the Fairmont). We have an 11:30 boarding time. Was just planning on turning up at the Fairmont at say 10:00.

[Marie51]

When is your cruise? We are also traveling with an unvaccinated person but I have not received any emails about it yet. Our cruise is August 29.

[zimmerman]

We cruise 7th August (next Sunday).

 

got one last Sunday and the other today.

[Ferry_Watcher]

At least in Seattle, the unvaccinated kids under 12 yrs old are taken to the testing area at check-in.  The vaccinated members of the traveling group are check-in as usual, but the kids are checked-in after they receive the negative test result.

(All passengers still need to arrive at the pier with a negative test result.  The unvaccinated kids under the age of 12 still need to test at the pier before being embarked and receive a negative test result).

 

It looks like you may be sailing out of Vancouver, but this is how it is done in Seattle.

[zimmerman]

Do they have to pre-book it though, or just turn up?

[ssb]

Royal Caribbean 
Updated Guidance for Cruises Departing the U.S.

We are currently developing updated protocols that provide for the continued safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, better align with the travel and hospitality sector, and meet destination regulations. This means we’re transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us. 

Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, our protocols will include:
 

• • Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer.
• • Maintaining a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all our sailings, far above the general population.
• • All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, and tested regularly.

Details on the above protocols, as well as any other guidelines for your vacation, will be provided to booked guests the week of August 1, 2022. Current protocols remain in place for any cruises departing before August 8. See current protocols.

[zimmerman]

We’re going on the 7th from Canada 👍

[topnole]

1 hour ago, zimmerman said:

Do they have to pre-book it though, or just turn up?

You pre book it.   It should come from an email and you follow the link.  Something like bio lab is the third party company.  

[exm]

3 hours ago, zimmerman said:

My 10yo isn’t vaccinated. I know we need a PCR check and then there is an antigen check on boarding day.

 

I’ve just received a second email from RC saying “This is a reminder to schedule your boarding day antigen test for COVID-19”

 

but I can’t see where/how I ‘schedule’ it. After the first email, I presumed that we just show up at the location.  This second email has me concerned I should be formally booking something. No links in the email(s) and can’t see anywhere in the app.

 

Alaska cruise from Vancouver (testing at the Fairmont). We have an 11:30 boarding time. Was just planning on turning up at the Fairmont at say 10:00.

 

I have done two of those, and I always seem to have problems with registering. But no worries, when you board they'll test you. I think this is more a thing for Royal to see how many people will need to get tested, and how much staff they need that day. It doesn't impact your boarding.

[zimmerman]

How/where do I register though?

[futureAG]

23 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

At least in Seattle, the unvaccinated kids under 12 yrs old are taken to the testing area at check-in.  The vaccinated members of the traveling group are check-in as usual, but the kids are checked-in after they receive the negative test result.

(All passengers still need to arrive at the pier with a negative test result.  The unvaccinated kids under the age of 12 still need to test at the pier before being embarked and receive a negative test result).

 

It looks like you may be sailing out of Vancouver, but this is how it is done in Seattle.

We are traveling Aug 19th from Seattle on Ovation with an 11am check in time and we are in a Jr Family Suite. Do we need to register the kids for testing or just show up at our selected time, hop in the suite line and go from there?  Also, have you ever seen anyone politely refuse the test for their children?  Of course will be coming with their PCR test results. The PCR will be the first time 2 of 3 have ever tested. Will they allow Parents to swab the kids or does staff do the swab?   

 

One more question, have you seen any unvax Adults cruise from Seattle?  We have a few in our group (some medical reasons, some religious reasons) They got an email back from Canada saying something like "this is not an approval, you do not need one....  but any unvax persons may cruise if they do not disembark into Canada" which they all will 100% abide by!  We have send that email onto RC and are waiting to hear if accepted.  Just wondering what you have seen regarding this. 

 

Thank you @Ferry_Watcherfor all your info on Seattle, you have helped me so much in planning! 🥰

[PSU]

I don’t think you can refuse the test. Isn’t that a requirement of boarding?

 

[Melcatfish]

On 8/1/2022 at 2:40 PM, zimmerman said:

How/where do I register though?

Did we get an answer on this?

 

Thanks

Mel

[Ferry_Watcher]

On 8/1/2022 at 11:36 AM, futureAG said:

Do we need to register the kids for testing or just show up at our selected time, hop in the suite line and go from there?  Also, have you ever seen anyone politely refuse the test for their children? 

As of today (8/9/22), kids sailing on RCI and X are tested after the vaccinated family members are checked-in.  The kids 2-11 who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated and need a 'day of sailing' test at the pier are escorted to the special testing area adjacent to the check-in counter.  Kids who are tested there will be formally checked-in once the negative test result is registered.

 

If a parent declines a required 'day of sailing' Covid test for their child 2-11 who is unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated, they will be told that their child will be denied boarding.  More than half the kids arriving at Pier 91 are vaccinated.  It's probably closer to 60-70% of kids fully vaccinated.  Vaccination cards are closely checked.

 

The testing is done by an outside medical tech agency..  They have tested hundreds of kids, so I imagine that they have techniques and strategies to deal with all kinds of situations.

 

That said, Pier staff have ben told to expect changes to Royal's and Celebrity's Covid protocol beginning this Friday.  Not sure exactly what it will be, but remember the cruise lines still have to respect and work with the Canadian Gov't requirements.

 

On 8/1/2022 at 11:36 AM, futureAG said:

One more question, have you seen any unvax Adults cruise from Seattle?

Very, very few.  There are all-staff meeting every day before embarkation and the amazing managers are very forthcoming with what is expected for the day.  Most sailing will have zero (0) unvaxed adults, occasionally 1-2.  It's still pretty rare.

Edited August 10, 2022 by Ferry_Watcher