John H announced masks and Mandatory testing,

[SheSailsFL]

1 hour ago, Bases5 said:

It’s my understanding that test day is day zero. 
im trying to verify it with Carnival.  However when we flew out of country test day was day zero

This helped give me clarity. Even though this is applies to air travel, I think the cruise lines will interpret it the same way. 
 

Edited August 4, 2021 by SheSailsFL

[itsshelbytime18]

This might be a silly question but are we allowed to have the Covid test taken before we fly out or does it need to be taken in the port city after we have arrived?

 

For example, we are flying from Denver to Orlando on Friday for the Mardi Gras in January (for a cruise that leaves Saturday). Are we allowed to have a rapid test (we are vaccinated) done in Denver that Thursday before we leave or do we have to wait until we are in Orlando on Friday/Saturday to have it done? Having it done Thursday would still be in the 3 day rule.

[ProgRockCruiser]

Just now, itsshelbytime18 said:

This might be a silly question but are we allowed to have the Covid test taken before we fly out or does it need to be taken in the port city after we have arrived?

 

For example, we are flying from Denver to Orlando on Friday for the Mardi Gras in January (for a cruise that leaves Saturday). Are we allowed to have a rapid test (we are vaccinated) done in Denver that Thursday before we leave or do we have to wait until we are in Orlando on Friday/Saturday to have it done? Having it done Thursday would still be in the 3 day rule.

Carnival doesn't care where the test is taken (assuming somewhere in the US).

 

Also, I wouldn't try to predict whether this will still be an issue in January...

[Bases5]

2 minutes ago, SheSailsFL said:

This helped give me clarity. Even though this is applies to air travel, I think the cruise lines will interpret it the same way. 
 

Yep. Test day is day zero. That’s how it was when we went over seas in June. 

[iamsteph]

Does anyone know if it's worth getting/possible to get both tests? The rapid test in case the PCR turnaround time takes too long, but also the PCR test in case the rapid test comes back a false positive? 

[sanger727]

1 hour ago, deb1eric said:

So it's the rapid covid test that takes 15 min and not the antigen test.  I'm confused, Carnival is calling the rapid test antigen?

rapid test is just a description. Rapid does not equal antigen. Antigen tests are rapid tests, as in you get the results back in 15 min-1 hour. There are other rapid tests that are not antigen tests. You need to find a test that’s labeled as ‘antigen’

[atabs12]

For vaccinated guests ( PCR and antigen test) are accepted. Does that include RT-PCR test? 
does anyone know. Iam so confused 

[snowballs mom]

Just now, atabs12 said:

For vaccinated guests ( PCR and antigen test) are accepted. Does that include RT-PCR test? 
does anyone know. Iam so confused 

The RT-PCR test is a PCR test.

[cbowls30]

24 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

 

That's a long way off but don't you need a test to enter the United States anyway? I needed it returning from Mexico. Same deal within 72 hours.

Currently we can't enter the US at all! 

[Joe817]

The problem that we are having(scheduling a rapid antigen test) is that all the pharmacies we've called(Walgreens, CVS, Kroger pharmacy, Tom Thumb pharmacy), is that they are ALL out of the testing kits. So we are going to wait and try to schedule in a few days, and hope for the best. 

 

I feel like a chicken with my head cut off scrambling around to find out WHO administers the test, AND how far out can we schedule an appointment. We sail on Aug. 21 and the earliest we can go take a test is Wednesday Aug. 18. Very frustrating day. 

[vintagegarage]

Now I have to admit that I was wrong when I said Carnival was better than Royal Caribbean.  Now they both equally stink..

[EngIceDave]

3 hours ago, LHARTWICK said:

I've received nothing from CCL so far.  We sail 9/4/21.  

Same here.

 

To me, it's not that big a thing. You go to a show, you wear a mask. Not that hard.

 

In a bar drinking, no mask...what changed?

Out by pool, no mask....what changed?

In the pool, no mask....what changed?

 

Big deal you wear a mask in the casino, unless you're drinking....everyone is drinking in the casino

 

Does anyone really believe they're going to have mask police yelling at you?

 

Y'all keep saying 99.9999% indoors, but how much is that when you're NOT eating or drinking? When you don't have a plate or a glass in front of you?

 

Also, this is all super fluid, it could change in a couple weeks as this Delta thing fades away.

 

Lastly, I can speak for the Port Canaveral area that there are CVS' and Walgreens' all over. Off top of my head, I can think of three of each within a few mile radius of the port.

 

I don't think this is that bad and likely will change in a few weeks, maybe not for my upcoming, but soon thereafter

[Shayhooper]

37 minutes ago, snowballs mom said:

ID Now is neither an antigen test nor a PCR test. It is a rapid nucleic acid amplification test that is done at a single temperature (PCR tests cycle through different temps to make lots of copies of the template). I do not know if the cruise lines know the difference. I emailed Carnival asking if ID Now was acceptable, but I do not expect a fast response to the question.

 

In my area, we do not have easy access to antigen tests - they are using those for symptomatic individuals. We have a lot of Walgreens stores offering either ID Now for rapid testing or PCRs that take a couple of days.

 

 

 

 

That is what I learned to day and that is also what I am seeing in my area.  I can pay $130 each out of pocket for a rapid antigen test and hope that insurance will reimburse me.

 

Please post if you get a response on the ID Now tests are acceptable.

[atabs12]

9 minutes ago, snowballs mom said:

The RT-PCR test is a PCR test.

Thank you so very much for the info. I was able to schedule RT-PCR with same day results just was not sure if it was the right test. 

[EngIceDave]

BTW, I would STRONGLY suggest that anyone vax'd lay low for a few days before testing and wear a mask everyone to avoid exposure.

 

[Saint Greg]

13 minutes ago, cbowls30 said:

Currently we can't enter the US at all! 

 

Ahhh..Well when you can they're probably going to require a test within 72 hours. My hope would be the same test could be used for the ship.

[melaniesmom]

42 minutes ago, snowballs mom said:

ID Now is neither an antigen test nor a PCR test. It is a rapid nucleic acid amplification test that is done at a single temperature (PCR tests cycle through different temps to make lots of copies of the template). I do not know if the cruise lines know the difference. I emailed Carnival asking if ID Now was acceptable, but I do not expect a fast response to the question.

 

In my area, we do not have easy access to antigen tests - they are using those for symptomatic individuals. We have a lot of Walgreens stores offering either ID Now for rapid testing or PCRs that take a couple of days.

 

 

 

I have found the same as you about Walgreens here in Colorado. CVS does not offer testing in Colorado. I am nervous about getting a PCR test on a Friday and getting the results in time to sail on Monday. We sail on the 16th. How do we get in touch with someone at carnival who can actually answer our questions?

[kdr69]

John Heald's comment from his page....

 

So testing and masks, let me clarify a few things and let me start by saying that we are doing this because we have to, we have no choice because we have to put the safety of our guests and our crew first. We have to and we will do this right. Now it would be easy for me to say again that McDisney and other large companies are doing this. And while that is true we are not doing this because they are, we are doing it to protect you, protect everyone else and to protect the industry from further regulations and restrictions as we continue to head towards the home port of Normality.

And remember , this is not forever, this is for now and things will change again and when they do I will be here to tell you.

For now let me conform this. Testing needs to be either a PCR test if unvaccinated or an antigen or PCR test taken within 3 days of your embarkation if vaccinated. Rapid home tests are not acceptable I am afraid. Look, I know this incurs an extra cost and I truly sympathize with you as I have been doing this myself for many weeks back home. This though is something we need to do now, not forever to keep the cruises safe and fun and yes, they will be fun.

As for masks, well I have explained when you need to wear them but I should also say when you are not wearing them. In the sun, in the pools and hottubs, drinking, relaxing at a bar or eating in the dinning room or on Lido.

You will not be wearing a mask when you are sitting on your own away from people at an activity or in your cabin or balcony. We will ask you to put your mask on when 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.

And here is something I want you to remember to please. There are dozens of people here on Mardi Gras, fully vaccinated and who have been wearing a mask and have had and continue to have a massive dollop of FUN.

This is not forever bit if we do not do this now while Covid numbers rise it would be a really silly and possibly fatal mistake for us to make.

Cheers

[Gregoryfo]

Crap we are going to seaworld/discovery cove the week before we cruise on Mardi Gras on the 21st.  The good news is there is a cvs 1/2 mile from the hotel.  However, it is drive through only, I wonder if the uber driver will get pissed for a family of four to pile into their car to get covid tested.    

[Saint Greg]

Just now, Gregoryfo said:

Crap we are going to seaworld/discovery cove the week before we cruise on Mardi Gras on the 21st.  The good news is there is a cvs 1/2 mile from the hotel.  However, it is drive through only, I wonder if the uber driver will get pissed for a family of four to pile into their car to get covid tested.    

 

I once hired an uber driver to take me through the taco bueno drive thru when the inside was closed and they wouldn't allow a walk up. "where to?" "oh about 10 feet"

[SNJCruisers]

4 hours 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"

No, you will not have to cancel your B2B.  If currently on a B2B, Carnival tests everyone on debarkation day around 830-900 am.

The Antigen tests take awhile for results.  PCR tests take 20 minutes at a local facility near me.

[EngIceDave]

4 minutes ago, Gregoryfo said:

Crap we are going to seaworld/discovery cove the week before we cruise on Mardi Gras on the 21st.  The good news is there is a cvs 1/2 mile from the hotel.  However, it is drive through only, I wonder if the uber driver will get pissed for a family of four to pile into their car to get covid tested.    

Tip well

[snowballs mom]

12 minutes ago, melaniesmom said:

I have found the same as you about Walgreens here in Colorado. CVS does not offer testing in Colorado. I am nervous about getting a PCR test on a Friday and getting the results in time to sail on Monday. We sail on the 16th. How do we get in touch with someone at carnival who can actually answer our questions?

Good question - I wish I knew.

[frito58]

What I find sad an basically unacceptable to this ridiculous change is they have not sent out an email or nothing it’s just like oh everyone follows his  highness or is on cruise critic or keeps up with all the latest info. What happens to a new cruiser or someone that basically just doesn’t understand how all of this stuff works , I have been on 30 something cruises and know to check and re check but I can see someone walk in and be like oh crap and they are SOL . Carnival will be like oh sorry well bye. 

[frito58]

Plus they just sent this to someone on our cruise for the 14th basically have 2 days to get a test they count the day of sailing. Which is stupid that makes it 48 hrs to get tested . Typical right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. 

Edited August 4, 2021 by frito58