AandBmom

10 minutes ago, Barb1963 said:

As I needed the PCR test I have no idea about the Antigen test. Yes the RT Lamp test is suffice for flying back to Canada.

My total test took less then 45 mins from start to finish. They watch you swab, you put on a 30 min timer,  once you see the result , you take a picture,  upload to your account and then they email you the official results

 

Going forward I will just get the Antigen test at the airport so less things to pack and results are quick and easy

That's helpful. Thank you. 

9 minutes ago, DHP1 said:

Where does it say the first test is unsupervised?

On their instructions here... https://www.azova.com/rapidresponsevideo/?primary_resource_url_id=49510

Note is says you have to schedule an observation for the 2nd test.

STEP 1

You must take two tests over 2 (or 3) days with at least 24 hours (and no more than 36 hours) between tests. You must schedule video observation for when you take your second test. Schedule your video observation call within the timeframe that you need to take your test. Schedule a separate appointment for each person who will be taking a test. All members of your group can join the call together, but each person must have their own appointment registration.

Just now, DHP1 said:

"You must take two tests over 2 (or 3) days with at least 24 hours (and no more than 36 hours) between tests".

Each test cost $20 per person.

yes I read that.  The first one each is unsupervised.  The 2nd one they supervise and it's $20 pp.  Good option I think but I'd love to know if someone has tried it. 

6 minutes ago, Barb1963 said:

I bought my test prior to going on the ship and brought it with me. In Canada we buy from Switch Health PCR RT Lamp test for people who travel 

i'm from Canada too. Does this suffice for crossing back in to Canada? Starting March 1 we only need an antigen test.  So you get the test from switch health, then bring it, then what? is is a rapid test? Do they supervise your test via screen time?  Do they confirm your results?

17 minutes ago, Barb1963 said:

I did my PCR test (canadian traveller which is required) on the Mardi Gras on Friday on the premium internet and had no issues connecting.

curious what you mean? How did you test from the ship?

2 hours ago, Fouremco said:

What's the name of the company?

https://www.azova.com/rapidresponsevideo/before_you_get_started.html

Has anyone tried using your own antigen tests (the free ones from the schools) and used an online lab to "proctor" or "supervise/validate" your test?  

I found a company that will do this for $20 per person.  

This seems like our easiest and cheapest option but I'd like to hear if others have done this.

For clarity, driving to Buffalo (so no test required), flying BUF-LAX, then getting on Carnival.  Test needed within 3 days of Carnival boarding. 

15 hours ago, 1kaper said:

 

I am also from Canada. Home tests like the ones the schools give won’t work, especially to get back to Canada. 
you have to buy tests that offer a telehealth service to proctor it. I ordered mine through AirCanada Aeroplan ( you can just make a few account), through SwitchHealth. The offered RT Lamp which is similar to a PCR test. Or the antigen tests. The antigen kit comes with two tests for $79. They came super fast when I ordered. 
You create an account with them and when you want to do the test, you log in through the app and a nurse observes you and provides the paperwork you need. 
 

im planning to use the SwitchHealth test to fly down, get on the cruise. And bringing them to use for our trip home. 
 

ps there is a Canadian section here that has some really great info on all the ins and outs we have to face travelling. Especially with the ever changing rules. 

Thanks for the helpful info. That lab company that I put a link to will supervise the ones the school gives out. I'm hoping these will be accepted for the cruise ship testing requirement.  It's by far the cheapest and most convenient option I've seen.  

When the border crossing rules change in March I'll have to see what type of antigen test passes. It looks like it has to be "lab administered" not just "proctored".  Ugh. 

1 hour ago, EllieinNJ said:

Off topic somewhat but can we use the $600 OBC we received from a cancelled cruise in the casino and is there a way to download it onto a machine then cash out?  

I looked in to this. You can use it in the casino but you can only cash out winnings, not the original balance. So if you put $100 in and it turned in to $130, you can cash out $30 and the remaining $100 goes back on your OBC

I think I figured out a solution.....

We have loads of tests as we get them free.'

I found a lab that supervises tests online.  Anyone used https://www.azova.com/rapidresponsevideo/?primary_resource_url_id=49510?

Carnival policy..

Is a self-test acceptable?

Fully vaccinated guests may consider using self-administered telehealth COVID-19 tests, which have been approved by the CDC to satisfy the pre-cruise testing requirement. The test must be a COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The self-test process must happen under live supervision on a video call with a telehealth representative who must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The telehealth provider must issue a result document that includes all the necessary information which must be presented at the time of check-in.

2 hours ago, J41DP said:

So what's the pre cruise testing updates?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Effective March 1, guests who are up to date with their vaccines, i.e., received a booster if eligible, may take their test within three days prior to sailing.

4 minutes ago, famof4togo said:

These is a live video chat with a representative who will check id and report date and results accordingly.

Well that seems way easier than going somewhere to do it.   Is this a Carnival rep that I do it through?  How do I set that up?  I can't seem to get the info on their website. 

Sorry for all the questions..... I'm super overwhelmed with testing for cruise, getting back in to Canada, etc.  

6 minutes ago, Jelly_Toast said:

You don’t. If you do an at home test it has to be proctored. You cannot take a test at home and just say it was negative. 

How does one get it "proctored"?  

1 hour ago, J41DP said:

So what's the pre cruise testing updates?

wondering same.

2 hours ago, 1kaper said:

If you are vaccinated, the time is now 3 days before. there is another thread on this. 
 

Many people are ordering self test kits that are proctored online, myself included.  
it eliminates the need to find somewhere local to test and stress about time to get it back. And isn’t very expensive. 

Can you give me more info on this? We have lots of rapid tests here b/c our children get them free at school.    How do I do the test myself and show proof?

On 2/11/2022 at 6:04 PM, monykalyn said:

We are going over son's spring break-week of March 12 for us. It is generally a week earlier than most. Unless they ae holding a bunch of cabins back for isolation purposes or still have a % blocked out for capacity concerns that week looks like it will be pretty full. Suites are gone

That's the Canadian spring break too. 

We now need lab administered Rapid tests to get back in to Canada.  We arrive off our cruise in Long Beach, then have 1.5 days to kill around Santa Monica. Flying out of LAX.  Can anyone recommend a testing site near those areas that isn't crazy expensive (like under $75 if possible) ? We have 6 ppl needing tests. 

On 2/15/2022 at 10:07 PM, Gregoryfo said:

Looks like if you book through a travel agent you can still use the OBC for excursions and things, you just can't see it as easily.  If you are unsure of how much OBC you have just add a bunch of excursions to your cart and go to check out.  Before you pay it will say how much OBC you have that can be applied to the purchase.    

you can't use OBC ahead of time until cruises after either march 15 or april 15, I've heard both. 

On 2/14/2022 at 2:44 PM, famof4togo said:

I'll assume you haven't been to the American South in a while LOL

 

Growing up in SoCAL and then going back East or to the South, I used to say the same thing "Mom someone is smoking INSIDE this restaurant!!!!"....

here in my area (Ontario Canada), we go months without seeing a cigarette.  My kids have almost never seen anyone smoke one.  People vape but it's much more subtle. 

On 2/14/2022 at 5:44 PM, Viajera7 said:

Thanks for explaining this. I am in the same situation and I have tried all the instructions in this post and other posts to see my  Booking Details but I can’t see them.  I think you’re right and It’s because I used an agent to book. I don’t like that. I can see my payment details even If I have booked with an agent with NCL.

it's annoying. Fortunately i know the amount b/c it's on my confirmation email. 

I answered my own question....

You can use your Carnival onboard credit in the casino, but you won’t be able to cash it out: you can only cash out your winnings. There is a 3% fee to withdraw your funds at a table game, but no fee to withdraw at the slot machines.

Some people wonder if they load $500 from their onboard credit into the casino, spin the slots a few times and then cash out, thereby converting their onboard credit into cash…

The answer is that no, you can’t do this. Only the amount that you win can be cashed out, the rest would go back onto your account as onboard credit.

Let’s say you load $100 of onboard credit onto your casino account. You play and win $10. You cannot cash out $110. You can only cash out your $10 winnings and the $100 will go back onto your account as onboard credit.

So, while you can use your Carnival onboard credit in the casino, it’s not a shortcut to converting your credit into cash.

1 minute ago, famof4togo said:

It was a while ago and I did hear it was hit or miss, but some were saying you could go to the candy store and purchase "Carnival" gift cards with your OBC.

 

I do wish I had your problem...lol...in your shoes I'd just live like a rock star as much as possible...lets the kids go crazy in the arcade, build a bear, room service etc...and at the end I'd purchase a piece of jewelry with whatever is left on the balance...yes probably an overpriced piece of jewelry but better than nothing if you'd be losing it anyway.

likely the best plan.  Thanks. 

8 minutes ago, BigAfts said:

Buy up alcohol and cartons of cigarettes from the Fun Shops and sell them back on land for huge markups...

people still smoke?

found this... https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/carnival-onboard-credit/

2 minutes ago, Brkintx said:

Go into casino, select "charge my sail and sign account" to download funds to the machine, play through the OBC, cash out the winnings / balance at the end.

thanks.  Is the cashout just American money?