John H announced masks and Mandatory testing,

[kdr69]

6 minutes ago, mommyof3texans said:

Just read the new protocols on carnival.com and it states that masks are "strongly encouraged", not mandatory except as before which was during embarkation, debarkation, transportation, etc

Maybe yours wasnt updated yet.

 

We strongly encourage all guests to wear face masks when indoors, particularly guests who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of 12 who should wear masks in public areas, except when eating or drinking. All guests age 2 and older will be required to wear face masks in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino, except when eating or drinking. Guests will be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the Lido Buffet area and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate (signs will be posted). Additionally, masks are required at any indoor activity with children under 12 years, (i.e., Build-A-Bear®, Family Harbor, Sky Zone®).

[firefly333]

I take it back how glad I am to be cruising on carnival and not rcl. Now the same, doesnt matter.

[amypintx]

3 minutes ago, imola said:

So does boarding day count as one of the three days?  Example...arrive into embarkation port on Friday and board ship on Sunday.   Do we have to get tested on Friday OR can we be tested on Thursday before we leave for our overnight flight?  Just trying to figure out when the 3 days start.  TIA for any help offered.  

 

When we traveled to Aruba this summer and had to get tested before returning I found this snippet on the CDC website that I thought was helpful in regards to what 3 days meant. So if this is the same as what Carnival is going for, you should be able to test on Wednesday for a Saturday departure or Thursday for a Sunday departure.

 

 

Why does the Order specify 3 days rather than 72 hours? What is considered 3 days?

The 3-day period is the 3 days before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 3-day timeframe instead of 72 hours to provide more flexibility to the traveler. By using a 3-day window, test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test was administered.

For example, if a passenger’s flight is at 1pm on a Friday, the passenger could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.

[helene109]

If we get tested Thursday as almost everyone is flying out Friday 

[ColeThornton]

Already a thread going, probably should just stick to one.   🙂

[MT_Sea_Cruisers]

"Vaccinated cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation day and have proof of vaccination. Additionally, effective August 14, 2021, fully vaccinated guests must present the negative results of a COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days prior to embarkation."

 

. . .  So it looks like I'd have to take my test and have results the day before I fly out since we are flying in the day before we board. (i.e., take and get Covid PCR test results on Thursday, for Saturday Cruise Departure)??

 

 

Edited August 4, 2021 by MT_Sea_Cruisers
Correction

[firefly333]

14 minutes ago, MT_Sea_Cruisers said:

Negative antigen test may be tricky for those who fly into port a day ahead of time.  Last test I took, it took 3 days to get the results.

 

 

You can book the test 2 weeks prior. Yes going to get harder to get tested. P cr test or the other.

 

Big sigh here. Not what I signed up for.

[kdr69]

3 minutes ago, amypintx said:

 

When we traveled to Aruba this summer and had to get tested before returning I found this snippet on the CDC website that I thought was helpful in regards to what 3 days meant. So if this is the same as what Carnival is going for, you should be able to test on Wednesday for a Saturday departure or Thursday for a Sunday departure.

 

 

Why does the Order specify 3 days rather than 72 hours? What is considered 3 days?

The 3-day period is the 3 days before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 3-day timeframe instead of 72 hours to provide more flexibility to the traveler. By using a 3-day window, test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test was administered.

For example, if a passenger’s flight is at 1pm on a Friday, the passenger could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.

So if im flying in on the Sunday i can take my flight test on the friday before the flight and it should still be valid for boarding the ship on the Monday.  

[Jdfireman]

Saw this coming.    

[kdr69]

1 minute ago, Jdfireman said:

Saw this coming.    

me too but i was praying mighty hard it wouldnt

[crewsweeper]

Look for these to change down the road, once the "mini-panic" over breakthroughs and unvaccinated with D-Variants fades.

 

And if you've had COVID and recovered and doctor not recommending vaccine for a while, you may show some antigens depending upon sensitivity and quality of tests.   But getting results back quickly will be a problem for many.

[ScottsSweetie]

13 minutes ago, imola said:

Trying to find out if boarding day counts as one of the three? 

Testing day is 0. If sailing on a Saturday, test on Wednesday. If sailing on Sunday, test on Thursday.

[MT_Sea_Cruisers]

I am so sad right now!  Looks like we will have to cancel our B2B . . . AND speaking of B2B's, I wonder how this affects those on B2B's?

 

Anyway - Just looked up on how fast test results are currently being provided in my local area:

"When will I receive my test results?

Return of test results varies greatly by the company/provider performing the COVID-19 test and the laboratory used to analyze and confirm the results. On average, you can expect your test results within 4-7 business days"

[WhaleTailFlCruiser]

So do you need a PCR test or the rapid test? Because the turnaround time on those is different.

[magictam]

20 minutes ago, mommyof3texans said:

Just read the new protocols on carnival.com and it states that masks are "strongly encouraged", not mandatory except as before which was during embarkation, debarkation, transportation, etc

You might want to reread that. And I’m quoting, All guest age 2 and older will be required to wear facemask in elevator and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops and in the casino except when eating or drinking guess will be required to wear facemask party been sitting in our main dining rooms and in the little Buffay area and occasionally and other designated area were larger number of guest me conjugate signs will be posted additionally mask are required in any indoor activity for children under 12 build a bear family harbor sky zone etc.  And I’m quoting August 8 to an older will be required to wear facemask in elevator and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops and in the casino except when eating or drinking guess will be required to wear facemask party been sitting in our main dining rooms and in the little Buffay area and occasionally and other designated area were larger number of guest me conjugate signs will be posted additionally mask are required in any indoor activity for children under 12 build a bear family harbor sky zone). 

[LHARTWICK]

4 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

Vaccinated cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation day and have proof of vaccination. Additionally, effective August 14, 2021, fully vaccinated guests must present the negative results of a COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days prior to embarkation.

 

We strongly encourage all guests to wear face masks when indoors, particularly guests who are unvaccinated, including children under the age of 12 who should wear masks in public areas, except when eating or drinking. All guests age 2 and older will be required to wear face masks in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino, except when eating or drinking. Guests will be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the Lido Buffet area and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate (signs will be posted). Additionally, masks are required at any indoor activity with children under 12 years, (i.e., Build-A-Bear®, Family Harbor, Sky Zone®).

This is conflicting info IMHO.  First they say "strongly encourage", then they say everyone age 2 and older "will be required to wear face masks......." at basically all indoor areas.  They should just say:  ALL passengers, regardless of age, are required to wear a mask in all indoor areas on the ship except for your personal cabin.  We'll be cancelling.  I'm not  hanging out by the pool 24/7 just so I don't have to wear a mask.  And getting tested before we drive 8 hours will be hard.  Lines are already long here. May as well cancel our DEC cruise, too.  It will be the same.  And now why even bother with the 95/5 policy.  I just don't appreciate all of these changes so close to a sail date for us.  SO frustrated with this whole mess!  Sorry - I just need to vent.  

[BlerkOne]

19 minutes ago, surfone said:

If anyone finds out if they can cancel with full refund due to mandated mask indoors prior to sailing Aug, 7th please post.  i've been on hold so not sure when I will get through to a rep to ask.  ty

I think the answer is No. I think you could cancel for a FCC for a future cruise. Might look for future cruises while on hold.

 

https://www.carnival.com/Legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-refund-cancellation-policy

[sanger727]

5 minutes ago, MT_Sea_Cruisers said:

I am so sad right now!  Looks like we will have to cancel our B2B . . . AND speaking of B2B's, I wonder how this affects those on B2B's?

 

Anyway - Just looked up on how fast test results are currently being provided in my local area:

"When will I receive my test results?

Return of test results varies greatly by the company/provider performing the COVID-19 test and the laboratory used to analyze and confirm the results. On average, you can expect your test results within 4-7 business days"

 

Antigen tests typically have very fast turn arounds (Walgreens quotes within an hour). If those aren't available in your area you may try getting one enrt to the port city. 4-7 business days seems excessive in 2021. I haven't seen PCR results take more than 24 hours in quite awhile. 

[helene109]

So we fly out on the 13th Cruise leaves the 14th. Just called Walgreens their free testing takes 2-24 hours to get back. What day Wednesday I can get tested? Thanks 

[tallnthensome]

I am cancelling as well. No way am I playing these games . 

[Capn12]

Man, am I glad that COVID19 isn't smart enough to invade your body while masks are off and eating/drinking, and only tries when you're in public places!

 

So dumb.

[mredandchis]

I have 4 cruises scheduled before end of year.  Just told the wife about this thread and she is cancelling all 4 as we cannot get the test and still make it to the boat.  We dont have smart phones so I would have to have the results in 48 hours and there is just no way the labs can do that.  

[BlerkOne]

32 minutes ago, firedisney97 said:

you are responsible for your own test and everyone, vax or not has to present a test

I think insurance covers. I know my insurance covers tests and treatments.

[ScottsSweetie]

People commenting on JH's announcement that if cruisers don't want to wear a mask, then fine - just cancel and don't go.

 

They don't seem to understand that if Carnival can't sail at a particular percentage of occupancy then they won't sail. They've already severely limited families with young children. Now they are reducing their pool of available cruisers again. I believe there is some pent up demand for cruising right now, and I know that there are die hard cruisers who will go whatever the policies are - but can they go enough to keep Carnival (and the other lines) afloat??

Edited August 4, 2021 by ScottsSweetie
spelling

[helene109]

Just called Walgreens insurance covers the test but results take 2-24 hours!