Ponant has a new COVID-19 protocol, including proof of vaccination & PCR

[AussieBoyTX]

Ponant has updated their Sail With Confidence Page with new COVID-19 protocols. Aside from the PCR test max 48 hours before boarding, this seems relatively simple. The procedures are now:

 

• 45 days: First health questionnaire to be completed by personal doctor
• 14 days: Vaccination certificate must be sent
• 2 days: PCR test must be completed
• Before boarding: Passenger's hand over of the second medical questionnaire "declaration of health"

 

Boarding is denied if: unable to prove full vaccination at least 14 days before boarding, vaccination beyond the period of valid immune protection according to the guidelines defined by the French High Authority of Health and the European authorities (EU HEALTHY GATEWAYS) on the day of boarding, the vaccine does not comply with the recommendations of the French High Authority of Health and the European authorities (EU HEALTHY GATEWAYS), test results are positive, if test > 48 hours, in contact with Covid-19 case in previous 14 days, if temperature > 38°C / 100.4 °F, or symptoms detected.

 

https://us.ponant.com/sail-with-confidence

 

There is also an updated FAQ: https://en.calameo.com/read/0001324237a945b0b4eef?authid=kgBaDKLBcfQW&page=1 

[AussieBoyTX]

The PCR test does create logistics issues that I haven't completely wrapped my head around. We're considering for example: Treasures of the Aegean Sea, leaving Istanbul, July 30 at 1700. To meet the requirement, the earliest the PCR can be taken is July 28 at 0900 our local time -- which, I guess is okay, except the flight leaves on the 28th at 1600, so we'll be boarding before the test results are back. If we somehow have a false positive, that'll wind up being expensive.

Edited April 27, 2021 by AussieBoyTX

[AussieBoyTX]

For more remote destinations (e.g. Seychelles), it seems like you'd either need to arrive a day or two early and get a PCR on arrival, or transit through an airport that offers PCR test.

[HappyInVan]

Here's the important part. From the email notification...

 

"Today, vaccination opens up new opportunities and allows us to calmly plan the resumption of our business. Your trust in our company is vital too. 94% of you told us that you would like to go back to sea with us, if everyone on board is vaccinated.(1)..."

 

That's 94% in the survey!!!👍

[AussieBoyTX]

Just now, HappyInVan said:

Here's the important part. From the email notification...

 

"Today, vaccination opens up new opportunities and allows us to calmly plan the resumption of our business. Your trust in our company is vital too. 94% of you told us that you would like to go back to sea with us, if everyone on board is vaccinated.(1)..."

 

That's 94% in the survey!!!👍

Impressive!

 

In the French language forums, there is some initial concern that sufficient vaccine won't be available by this Summer. Seems pessimistic to me.

[gogo65]

I just received the same email, however slightly different rules for Aust/NZ due to our vaccine roll out:

 

This protocol is activated for all our cruises and expeditions, except for Australia and New Zealand at present. As these voyages are intended for the Australian and New Zealand population only, this new protocol will be applied in accordance with the vaccination schedule for these countries. In the meantime, for these countries only, and in accordance with the local authorities, PONANT’s health protocol requires a negative PCR test at the latest 48 hours before boarding.

[AussieBoyTX]

Ponant updated the PCR requirement to 72 hours before boarding, which is a bit easier to comply with.

[jonikal]

On 4/27/2021 at 8:58 AM, AussieBoyTX said:

 

 

https://us.ponant.com/sail-with-confidence

 

There is also an updated FAQ: https://en.calameo.com/read/0001324237a945b0b4eef?authid=kgBaDKLBcfQW&page=1 

 

The FAQ link doesn't seems  to be working now.

[AussieBoyTX]

On 6/3/2021 at 4:37 AM, jonikal said:

 

The FAQ link doesn't seems  to be working now.

It's broken in French as well. How Ponant.

[jonikal]

Finally called our less-than-stellar Ponant agent who forwarded us the medical questionnaires.  

 

A couple of questions arise:

 

- Is it likely that Ponant is going to require vaccination passports by the time we sail in early August?

If so, that may present a problem since we live in Florida and the Governor is opposed vacc. ppts.

 

- How firm are the deadlines for the submission of this medical info?

Since many other cruises have been canceled with far less notice than 45 days, and final payment is now only due 30 days prior to sailing, will Ponant be more accommodating as to the timeline? 

 

- Where do the completed forms get sent?

Ponant states "HEALTH DATA IS TRANSMITTED IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY.  We would opt for clearer instruction and are not comfortable sending the information to our Ponant contact but prefer to deal directly with the Medical person in charge for whom no email is provided.

 

- Since he CDD currently requires a Covid 19 test prior to returning to the US, can we count on Ponant to give this test within the appropriate time frame, since we fly back to the States on the same day we disembark.

 

Realize that Covid and all the rules involved in getting sailing operations going again is a fluid effort but sincerely hope that Ponant is up to the challenge.  

 

Looks like Dumont is still at anchor in Ouistreham.

 

 

[gogo65]

I think you’ll just need evidence  of vaccination, every state and country will have different forms of evidence.
 

In regards to the medical forms, assume it’s the same as their expedition cruises. When we went to Antarctica we had to complete medical forms, we just forwarded to our TA and she forwarded to Ponant.  There was nothing overly personal in the forms so we had no issue with our TA doing that.