Shirpa

4 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said:

MSC paid for start cruise Antigen, they paid for a mid-cruise Antigen and then offered either a free Antigen or PCR at the end of the cruise.

That sounds like good news but the new requirements also present a nice 'earning' opportunity for MSC!

1 minute ago, kernow said:

Not sure whether it's a PCR or lateral flow that is needed but either way it will have to be paid for.

Lateral flow test is needed but we will take some NHS ones with us for self testing anyway. I beleive that we need 'proof' of the test and I wonder what form that will take to be compliant with UK Gov requirements. At least we are all in the same boat (no pun intended).

17 minutes ago, kernow said:

The antigenic test is always available for 25 euros. These tests do not substitute the complimentary covid tests performed on board to comply with our comprehensive health and safety protocol.

So that sounds like we all have to stump up the 25 euros or they might even provide a complimentary one on the day cruising back to Southampton - I know what my money is on but let's wait and see!

It would be good to hear from those currently on board as to how they intend to meet the new requirements and at what cost, given that they are due to dock in Southampton after the 4am deadline set for Tuesday. We are due to board on Tuesday, so will report on what we get from MSC / Travel Agent , if anything!

Two status matches submitted based on NCL Platinum. First one took 3 submissions and emails over 10 days. Second one took 10 hours. Mine came back as Gold, my other half was only worthy of Silver apparently. Can't beat a bit of consistency, can you? More emails to follow (may contain a little sarcasm for fun).

1 hour ago, Shirpa said:

any child aged over 2  and under 17 years 9 months

TYPO : should be ' any UK child aged over 12 and under ....'

What a mess! I just wonder how many UK people do not know that they need the PCR test to board as the info has been well hidden and not very well disclosed by several Travel Agents.

As it stands, my understanding is that any child aged over 2  and under 17 years 9 months will NOT be able to board (unless they are exempt for medical reasons) as they can currently not be fully vaccinated as no second jabs will be administered, a single jab is not a full vaccination. Should MSC change their mind on this issue (first cruise on 16 November is fast approaching!) then we enter a new can of worms as there are many who have booked based on the basis that they understood that full vaccination was a requirement for all UK boarders!