rbslos18

28 minutes ago, broker1217 said:

 Jan--you did nothing wrong. 

Tipping is one of those topics that can get contentious, kind of like dress codes-lol.

Do what you feel comfortable with.

I hope you enjoy Viking!

33 minutes ago, KBs mum said:

Peregrina651 Fair enough, I accept what you say and that tipping norms in the US have changed since we were last there in 2019. I simply said why we tipped as we did when somebody queried the amounts. 

I wasn't attempting to advise the OP (or anybody else) on tipping in the US, they live there, I don't. I let myself get involved in a side discussion, which, as far as I can work out was an attempt to pick an argument. My mistake. 

 

The point I was making is that tipping norms are different around the world and that there is no need to pay anything on top of the set daily gratuity charge on Viking ships, which, other than the new Mississippi ships, operate outside the US. There is no need to worry about tipping individuals unless you particularly want to for some reason. 

 

Tipping seems to be an emotive subject for people from the US where tipping is normal and expected. In the UK and lots of other countries it is normal not to tip automatically so we try to get it right when in countries where it is, but otherwise don't worry about it. (I work in an environment where in the US tipping is normal, in the UK it is not. We would be surprised if someone tipped, and if they did, the cash would probably be spent on baked goods for the staff break room) 

 

As I said, I'm happy to engage in discussion, or to be corrected as long as it is all done in a civil manner. 

 

Again, apologies to the OP for the side debate. 

 

You question was most appropriate. If you want to wreak havoc just ask about jeans in the Main Dining Room!

43 minutes ago, jmfdr said:

We will not be in Europe on this cruise (Central America/Panama Canal).  I was told by a Viking agent on the phone that NO at-home tests will be accepted on this cruise.  I assume that means even the home proctored one like BinaxNow RX.  Still a month and half away so things could change.🙂

 

Jan

If in a pinch come up to Louisville. The Wild Health PCR test has come back in 24 hours without exception for us. It is at Sullivan College. With home tests the key words are proctored and RX. It is prescribed by an eMed doc and proctored. You receive a print out. Regardless, the Ville has Antigen tests at CVS on Sundays. Walmart M-F has always returned in 24 hours. Th lab is Quest and is local. Best of luck.

On 9/8/2021 at 3:33 PM, slewis7 said:

Early next month we are flying overseas from the US with an airside transit (connection) through London Heathrow.  The UK requires testing within 3 days prior to our flight departure and states that PCR and Antigen tests meeting their required accuracy are accepted.  Does anyone know if this would include the proctored BinaxNow?

Yes per multiple posts on TripAdvisor!

4 hours ago, rbslos18 said:

Jan,

What city do you live in Kentucky? In Louisville, CVS (PCR and Rapid Antigen) and Walmart (PCR) do testing. Wild Health is doing free PCR tests throughout the Commonwealth!

BinaxNow RX proctored text is reported as accepted for Italy and other European countries on TripAdvisor. There are multiple reports.

Good news. There are multiple on TripAdvisor of the Abbott BinaxNow Home Test RX only test (proctored version) being accepted in Europe in August, September and October. The key is to print and bring the email of your results with you.

1 hour ago, jmfdr said:

Well, MC_Reeve---thanks for the detailed covid test description.  Actually I will make a copy of it to keep.  But now, the real problem is what tests will Viking except next month?  (rhetorical)  It seems we do have confusion about the term "rapid" and maybe even "at home".  Will the at-home proctored antigen test be acceptable?  (again rhetorical)  

 

Where does one get an antigen test?  I can not seem to find it offered at any of our usual Walgreen/CVS locations.  

 

I have found one local lab that offers an expedited 24 hour return PCR test for a hefty fee.  I think we might have to do that.  Our cruise departs FLL on Nov. 26 the day after Thanksgiving.  If we get PCR tests on Nov. 24, I don't want to risk getting the results back in 2 days over the Thanksgiving holiday.

I appreciate your detailed info on the "slow Sunday"

Jan

Jan,

What city do you live in Kentucky? In Louisville, CVS (PCR and Rapid Antigen) and Walmart (PCR) do testing. Wild Health is doing free PCR tests throughout the Commonwealth!

13 minutes ago, jmfdr said:

I spoke with a Viking agent yesterday who did some calling to try and answer all my Covid testing questions for our November Central America/Cana cruise.  She confirmed the 2 day window.  However, she said that no home tests or rapid tests were accepted.  I think that would leave out the BinaxNow RX home test.  

She did not know what the NAAT test was and neither do I??  

She did acknowledge that the options list antigen tests.  I thought all antigen tests were rapid tests.  Am I wrong?

 

Can anyone answer my questions about NAAT tests and antigen tests?

 

Thanks,

Jan

Jan, BinaxNow Home Test comes in two versions. There is a regular home test and one that is an RX ordered by one of their physicians after you fill out a questionnaire. The typical home test is not proctored. The RX test must be proctored to be accepted and it enables  you to get a document that meets the Antigen requirements. When I called Viking the agent would not say the proctored test was not allowed. She did refer me to the Italy requirements which is a PCR or Antigen. I'll let you know in December!

7 hours ago, zelker said:

 

Do we know for sure they’ll accept the proctored home test? 

Others on Cruise Critic have claimed to use it. You do receive the necessary time/dated document. When I called tellus and the US Embassy, they referred me to the requirements which states a PCR or Antigen test to enter Italy. As noted, it is hard to get definitive answers with some of these matters. Anyone can guess what the rules will be come November. The test is accepted by the CDC as an Antigen test. Currently, unless the rules are changed, we will have to do three tests—Friday (PCR), Saturday (PCR) and we will try the Antigen test on Sunday. I accidentally uncovered a private lab with a government contract to do free PCR tests. The results have always returned within 24 hours. 

2 hours ago, SantaFe1 said:

Did this.  Got called back.  They aren’t putting anything in writing. I really think it is going to take a few more weeks before Viking has answers.  

This is simply a matter of inadequate training. We all get that the testing and COVID rates are in flux. But our expectation as customers is to have consistent and correct answers. We should not know more about Viking and International country's policies than Viking's staff. This is likely a by-product of a large influx of new staff who have not been fully trained.

7 hours ago, JimmB said:

Anyone else hit by this???  Just received a notice from Viking that they REQUIRE no longer RECOMMEND a negative COVID-19 no more than 2 days prior to boarding the ship. We are leaving our home town at that two day window and will may need to cancel our pre board plans to find a pharmacy close to our hotel and the cruise port.  Any advice  ??

Actually good news. They are now accepting Antigen tests which produces results hours. The prpctpred tests such as Abbott's BinaxNow RX Home Test RX produces results in 15 minutes.

4 hours ago, philw1776 said:

but what happens if it does not

Our approach is three tests. The odds of all three taking longer than 24 hours is zero. The Rapid test is back within an hour. There are also proctored tests like the BinaxNow RX test which is an Antigen test. You have to use the RX. The results take 15 minutes and you receive a document. The test can be done the day before and work IF a PCR test is not mandatory.

6 minutes ago, philw1776 said:

Riddle me this bat persons. Assuming Ihave viking insurance, my PCR test fails to have results before departure. What happens? I assume I'm denied airline boarding. Then what?

This actually happened to me  before Malta cruise but nobody cared.

I would do two PCR tests and pray one arrives before departure. You could also do a Rapid Antigen test. Every PCR test I have done at Walmart drive through has been back in 24 hours and because of work I have to be tested regularly. Many report CVS is 24 hours as well. Best of luck!

35 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

 

One additional item to consider is this statement I'm seeing in MVJ under "COVID-19 Testing" within the "Before You Go" section (emphasis mine).

 

"As you prepare for your voyage, please read the Pre-Cruise Requirements found under the Resources tab of your itinerary page on the Viking website and follow all guidelines that Viking provides via email and on My Viking Journey."

 

As a newbie to Viking, this gives me the impression Viking might not be intending to put all the details about testing requirements into MVJ. For itinerary-specific requirements, we may need to refer to what's found under the resources tab on the main Viking website and can't depend entirely on what's found in MVJ. Does that seem like an accurate interpretation to you Viking regulars?

I think it is sloppy. The MVJ should be the definitive go to place for all. Why expect people to check two separate locations? As it stands the info is the same.

32 minutes ago, Twitchly said:

Yes, our MVJ also tells us to get a PCR test before arrival in Italy, though Italy currently takes both PCR and antigen tests. But it makes sense that Viking would tell us to take the most cautious route and just get the PCR, in case requirements change en route. You can’t go wrong with the PCR test. (Unless of course it comes up positive, but that’s a whole ‘nother kettle of fish.)

The only problem with them requiring a PCR although 72 hours before arrival can be a hardship if the test needs to be done on a weekend.

The problem I have is that lower down it says "Italy Requirement" which is not accurate. This is Viking requiring a PCR test. Italy allows an Antigen.

A better approach would be:

1) PCR 72 hours before flight--easily done 

2) PCR/Antigen or proctored home rapid Antigen test 48 hours before arrival in Italy. (PCR is nearly impossible on weekends and results will possibly be late)

43 minutes ago, rbslos18 said:

There just seems to be confusion on many fronts. Viking states for our December Med cruise that a preflight (72 hours) PCR test is required. Then it states since Italy requires a PCR test, a pre-flight test is not needed. But the Italy Tourism Bureau and US Embassy state a PCR or Antigen test is required. The original 9/17 memo stated either was required. The document was changed to Italy requiring a PCR test.

Viking: "ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL TO ITALY: 1. Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR - If traveling from US/Canada, taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy. - If traveling from UK, taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Italy."

 

US Embassy in Italy:  "Beginning on August 31 and valid until October 25, 2021, travelers from the United States may enter Italy if they present a negative molecular PCR or rapid antigen test result carried out within 72 hours of arrival..."

 

Italy Ministry of Tourism: 3. Present a document certifying that they have performed a molecular or antigenic swab test in the 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy with negative results.

 

My guess is Viking is just overwhelmed....

 

 

To add to the confusion with the 9/17 document for Italy:  "Get a COVID-19 PCR Test (nasopharyngeal/nasal swab) – Italy REQUIREMENT • US/Canadian guests must get a test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy. • UK guests must get a test no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Italy."

As you see above, this is not accurate. The Italy requirement is PCR or Antigen.

2 hours ago, basenji56 said:

 I called Viking about the test requirements.  They are still working on the specifics for my cruise.  San Juan, 12/13/21.

 

As of now, they require the full PCR test (not he rapid or NAAT test).

 

BUT the 72 hours is before my first flight to San Juan (which is part of the United States, my home country).  Since the turnaround is said to be up to 48 hours, I should be able to meet that deadline:

 

" Effective for departures beginning September 23, 2021 through October 31, 2021,Viking will require all guests to take a COVID-19 PCR (nasal swab or saliva) test within 72 hours of boarding their first outbound flight from their home country.

 

"If traveling independently and outside of home country, guests must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to their first Viking activity (embarking ship or joining pre-cruise extension). This may involve arranging a test independently in the country guest is visiting."
 

I think I should be able to get the PCR results within that time frame.

 

So, I feel better for now--until I get the final requirements for this cruise and see if they are any different!  I noted that they are accepting the NAAT testing for some other sailings, but not yet mine.

 

There just seems to be confusion on many fronts. Viking states for our December Med cruise that a preflight (72 hours) PCR test is required. Then it states since Italy requires a PCR test, a pre-flight test is not needed. But the Italy Tourism Bureau and US Embassy state a PCR or Antigen test is required. The original 9/17 memo stated either was required. The document was changed to Italy requiring a PCR test.

Viking: "ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL TO ITALY: 1. Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR - If traveling from US/Canada, taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy. - If traveling from UK, taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival in Italy."

US Embassy in Italy:  "Beginning on August 31 and valid until October 25, 2021, travelers from the United States may enter Italy if they present a negative molecular PCR or rapid antigen test result carried out within 72 hours of arrival..."

Italy Ministry of Tourism: 3. Present a document certifying that they have performed a molecular or antigenic swab test in the 72 hours prior to arrival in Italy with negative results.

My guess is Viking is just overwhelmed....

14 minutes ago, zelker said:

I got the same notification this morning (we board Orion on November 17th) in FLL, going through the Canal to LA.  I am very confused about this too - what shows on MVJ conflicts with this new info dated 10/5/21.  I tried chatting with Viking about it this morning and the person was clueless and was just regurgitating their script and had no idea what I was talking about.  Hoping someone who gets clarification posts back here although I will for sure check again with Viking once we're within 30 days of embarkation and again within 7 days although then it gets a bit dicey being that close and not knowing for sure what is expected when we arrive at the pier.

It appears different cruises have different requirements. The info posted earlier was for a Hawaii cruise. Your Panama Canal cruise may differ. My Med cruise beginning in Italy is a PCR within 72 hours pre-arrival. Since COVID is improving, there is a good chance November and December cruises may still have a different policy. Viking states the PCR requirement is mandated by Italy. Italy tourism websites say PCR or Antigen test. Travel during a pandemic is not for the faint of heart.

I'd follow what is in MVJ.

1 hour ago, LindaS272 said:

MVJ for our Nov. TA—Barcelona to SJ still has the 9/17 pre-cruise requirements.

December Mediterranean cruise with embarkation in Rome has the same 9/17 memo. 

1 hour ago, bluemarble said:

 

I'm on the same Hawaii cruise as @Peregrina651. Under the "Resources" tab for that cruise's description on the main Viking website, there is a link to "United States Pre-Cruise Requirements". That's where the document is found which @Peregrina651 quoted from with the new requirement for testing within two days of boarding our ship.

 

Cruises to some other destinations have links such as "Greek Pre-Cruise Embarkation Requirements" with different testing requirements. Other cruises have no such links to special requirements which I would suppose means they fall under the overall "Updates on Current Sailings" and "Viking Health & Safety Program" requirements at this time.

This underscores checking with MVJ for the proper information.

22 minutes ago, Sunrise305 said:

May I ask who pays for the quarrantine hotel and flights home, the passengers or Viking?  And to what extent, if any, does Viking reimburse or credit lost cruising days?  Thank you!  

We are responsible. The cost should be covered by trip cancellation policy. For most insurance policies, you must have a letter from a doctor requiring the quarantine to be covered and reimbursed. I can't speak for the Viking policy.

10 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

Published today, October 5, this is the most up-to-date information:

 

https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-21005-RestartPreCruiseRequirement-UnitedStates_US_CA_FINAL.pdf

 

Among other things, it says:

 

Where does this appear? My mvj still has the 9/17 edition requiring 72 hours. 

5 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

Published today, October 5, this is the most up-to-date information:

 

https://docs.vikingcruises.com/pdf/14-21005-RestartPreCruiseRequirement-UnitedStates_US_CA_FINAL.pdf

 

Among other things, it says:

 

MVJ for our cruise that embarks in Italy still lists 72 hours and only a PCR test for travel to Italy!

29 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

It is a PCR test. Read the description in the original post:

"At Physicians Immediate Care, we are able to offer the  Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 Rapid Molecular PCR test (This is a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test – NAAT) with results in under 15 minutes."

It's being described as a "rapid test" because they have the lab equipment on site to perform the testing so you get your results back rapidly.

When I contacted Viking I was told it is not a PCR test.

No. They want a PCR test.

I would only go into a medical setting such as an Urgent Care as a last resort, and if necessary with a quality N95 mask. I am with unmasked patients in hospital/healthcare settings every day. There are well known cases of staff wearing traditional blue masks who have gotten COVID.

When I Googled free PCR tests one came up under news that no one I knew had heard of. It is a state government collaboration between a lab and a university. It turned out to be 2 miles away. The state is paying the lab to give free PCR tests statewide. There is no form with questions to fill out. Be safe and best of luck!