Australia Pre-Cruise COVID Testing

[Kamfish642]

We are on a February 2023 cruise out of Sydney to the Fiji Islands.  Has anyone heard any word on Princess possibly eliminating pre-cruise COVID test requirement?  No sure why they still require testing since Australia has eliminated testing requirement.

 

We are planning to spend a week in Brisbane prior to cruise.  Does anyone have an idea where we can get a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of cruise, since we plan to arrive in Sydney the day prior to cruise?

[LACruiser88]

There is a lot of time before your trip and I'm sure there will be many changes to protocols between now and then.

[jwattle]

Based on current Australian requirements for cruising, all guests will require a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken before boarding:

• Within 24 hours for Rapid-Antigen Test (RAT)
• Within 72 hours for PCR

Guests who have been approved for a vaccination exemption will also be advised of additional protocols upon arrival at the cruise terminal.

Guests who travel internationally should ensure they understand all entry and airline requirements to travel from their home country and the destinations they plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing.

[jwattle]

What is acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test result?

We require all guests to complete the OceanReady steps via the MedallionClass App to simplify the pre-travel process of completing COVID-19 requirements and documentation. You will need to attest you have received a negative COVID-19 test result, provide proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status and to complete the health declaration. Once complete and all details & documents have been verified, you will receive 'Green Lane Ready’ status on the app, which you will need to present at the cruise terminal.

[jwattle]

UPDATED: Will I be able to book multiple cruises, back-to-back?

Yes, guests can book back-to-back voyages, subject to availability.

Guests on back-to-back voyages will receive a complimentary viral COVID-19 test to be completed on their final day before the ship arrives at the terminal. If the returning voyage has visited an international port, then guests will need to disembark the ship at the end of the voyage until approval is given from the local authorities to reboard. If the returning voyage has only visited domestic ports, then guests may remain on board. Guests who are remaining in the same stateroom may leave their luggage on board in either scenario. Guests who are changing stateroom will need to pack their luggage and store with Guest Services to allow for deep cleaning of both staterooms.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19, together with their family members and close contacts who are not fully vaccinated, will either need to serve their 7-day isolation period on board (if the following voyage length allows them to re-join previously planned cruises), or disembark and complete quarantine shoreside either at their own home or at designated onshore hotel quarantine. Guests, their family members, travel companions or other close contacts who are suspected of having COVID-19, are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

Please note, unvaccinated guests will need to apply for an exemption for each voyage they book back-to-back. Exemptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests who can provide medical proof of a contraindication to the COVID-19 vaccine.

We will closely monitor guidance from government and health authorities and will adapt and evolve this policy accordingly.

[Bizziecruzer]

Things may change by the time you cruise. RAT are readily available for purchase at pharmacies and supermarkets.

[Tripmode33]

Australia has set these pre-testing requirements rather than Princess. I suspect also that they will relax rules by the time you cruise. 

In the meantime, most Australians are simply doing a self test at home the day before, or morning of cruise. Very easy to purchase from any pharmacy or supermarket. About $8 to $10 each AUD. We uploaded a photo of the negative RAT into the app a day before cruise as app seemed to require that but many did not at embarkation as you only need to attest you did test and negative. They simply ask you if you did and ask to see a copy of your vaccination proof.

The back to back cruisers on our recent cruise weren't tested on board or asked to self test.

It may be worth you jumping forum to Australia and New Zealand cruising as much more local information on that cc board with very helpful users giving advice promptly.

[Muffinz]

We're also doing a cruise from Sydney in Feb 2023... and post #3 sums up the requirements as they stand at the moment... but as others have said that can all change between now and Feb 2023