madcat207

We just did that cruise on the first of Aug, and like you had a blast! We actually had the berth closest, and the Wish pulled up next to us (holy cow what a big ship!)

Dustin was funny (Dustin coming at you from the speakers!), and everyone overall was great! It was our first cruise experience,  but ensured it won't be our last!

On 8/16/2022 at 8:36 AM, boogity said:

I just saw a youtube about someone getting scammed by onpoint testing and they didn't get the service so they ended up at CVS.  So now that it not an option which was cheaper.  Insurance does not cover testing for travel so that is $$$ out of our pockets.  I just think it's ridiculous to even test for vaccinated guest for a 6 day cruise leaving 9/4 when the testing guidelines change on 9/6.  There is no rhyme or reason to choose a random date of 9/6 to make a switch knowing full well that you have all these cruises heading out labor day weekend for their 6 or 7 day cruise.  

Why do you say it's not an option? One person can claim being scammed,  when it may have been a schedule mistake, or a problem on their side. Many of us, including myself, have used Onpoint with no issues at all (family of three handled easily in 15 min).. no reason to call it a scam. 

21 minutes ago, bettyboop16 said:

Last time we ordered test from postal service/gov. We were sent "Clinitest" by Siemens. Does anyone know if the test is acceptable?

If it's on this list:

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list

It is FDA approved at valid for a proctored test with Onpoint. We used them July with no issues at all.

4 hours ago, Rassilon said:

no issues with Carnival accepting results from them? 

Nope, the test results were official  and no problem at all. 

For what it's worth, my wife had more scrutiny on her Onpoint Testing, having to show ID, and took longer to validate the results.  I think it varies between the proctor really.

Let's be honest though... the test is just for show, and they (and carnival) knows that. (Personally, I am fine with that, as I too am long past this theater...)

Our Onpoint Testing didn't ask about the expiration of the tests,  only the brand. Then again,  they didn't check our ID so we could have been anyone, and they checked the test results within about 2 minutes,  so......

Figures… we cruise on the first..

”Missed it by that much…”

Real fast dumb question- 

We sail on Liberty on the Aug 1, we all have the regular shots, but no booster, so I know the rule is "48 hours". 

We wound up scheduling our tests for 8am Sat (so we could have the rest of the weekend free). Is that technically too early, or is it really just "2 days", and anytime during those days is hood?

I can't say i have an answer for you, but the system still seems screwed up (researching past message board comments).  We got an email yesterday asking us to fill it in, even though it was literally the first thing we did. 

Best i can say, see if a different browser gives the same result.. if it does, probably worth a call to CS. 

2 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

 

It's not really "buried in the FAQ's" though.   Took me all of ten seconds to find it.   😉

 

Enjoy your cruise.

True enough, I found it as well.. but only after being made aware of its existence.  Sure, still probably an oversight on my end, but hard to look for things I don't know about. 😕

(Despite having had custody since she was 3, this is the first trip like this, so there is alot of learning the hard way)

6 minutes ago, klfrodo said:

Is it NEEDED? I don't know

 

However, let's look at why it is a good idea and in fact in some instances is required. Real quick story. A few years back my daughter came out to Seattle for a visit. I thought a quick trip to Canada would be a perfect get away. Was denied entry into Canada because I did not have a letter from mom.

 

So why would it be a requirement. Trafficking of children. Too many children are trafficked and too many children are kidnapped by a non-custodial parent and taken out of the country.

 

Where this is not the situation in your case, just 1 person questioning the motive could bring your daughter/daddy time to a screeching halt.

 

Get the letter please.

I get what you are saying, but would we expect the same problem on a closed loop trip? 

I am asking her to get it (we surprised my daughter with the trip, and mom knew ahead of time), so it's not really consenting.. just getting it squared before the 1st. 

Anyway. Appreciate all the insight.  This experience has been an eye opener (already mentally juggling how we will get the covid tests, etc); it would be nice for things like this to not be buried in the FAQ (though i guess since it's not "required", no mention...)

So, it's been a whirlwind, as my Girlfriend and I decided to splurge on a cruise, somewhat last minute.  We had to rush and get my daughter's vaccine in order (thankfully had time there), and though her passport won't arrive on time,  being closed loop we should be fine with her birth certificate (I do have my passport). 

But in talking to a friend about the upcoming cruise, they asked if we had a notarized letter from mom giving her permission,  and I was taken back... guess I missed another thing? 

Mom is in the loop, and is excited for her to go. But she lives across the country from us, so it is more work to coordinate things like this (she also works nights, so mundane things for most can be a bigger chore for her). 

Realistically, I like to plan for worst case that can normally happen (I know there is risk already without her passport), so I wanted to find out how common it is to NEED a letter, and what happens without it? I am traveling with her (no flight, we live in FL and departing Canaveral), and our last names match (and she is 9 and plenty articulate.. hah), but I would hate to lose our cruise if we didn't get it on time..

(And man, so much effort to spend 5 days on a boat... sheesh!)

Huge thanks on this! We have a cruise next month, so obviously we have been getting ready for it. Thanks to this thread, i checked, and both my Chase cards (Saph and SW) had the offer; purchased two gift cards now!  Will likely use them on excursions, but the gift cards keep it open..