RCL Denies vaccinated and negative tested couple boarding

[Joseph2017China]

So in the last year, rules for different countries have changed multiple times.  It's also very clear what the cruise line requires, and posted on their website, and everyone is told to verify the current rules for your sailing.  One week noticed given for the Bahamas as an example.  

 

Not being computer savvy, reading emails, or even paying attention the news is not an excuse.  

 

Now yes we have some issues in areas with testing.  The common places are running out of test kits because some people, like thousands feel the need to be tested weekly and what promotes all this testing is both the news, and that the federal government is paying for the test so it's free.  

 

For those that think the cruise lines can get enough test kits when major pharmacy stores can't is a solution, than you will find many more stranded.  

 

There are solutions to where to get tested.  Sometimes, you might just need to pay for it, and consider it part of the trip like the prepaid tips.  

 

I'm getting mine at a lab.  Before noon gets you same day results since they complete those before the daily shipments come in.  I never have a worry about getting my results.  

[PolytheneGirl]

10 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

I find it hard to believe, the cruise line has their bags  on the ship, they arrive at 4:30pm with correct documentations and ship still at the dock and tell them  they shut the door  15minutes ago and don't allow them to board the ship. I mean really under these times with test and everything there should be a little kindness and leeway................this was for 20 some people that were right at the dock with negative test results.

 

If its anything like flying they have to have the doors closed by X time in order to make their slot to leave. So most likely it would impact more than just having the doors open a few mins longer or re open them

[Jimbo]

1 minute ago, Joseph2017China said:

So in the last year, rules for different countries have changed multiple times.  It's also very clear what the cruise line requires, and posted on their website, and everyone is told to verify the current rules for your sailing.  One week noticed given for the Bahamas as an example.  

 

Not being computer savvy, reading emails, or even paying attention the news is not an excuse.  

 

Now yes we have some issues in areas with testing.  The common places are running out of test kits because some people, like thousands feel the need to be tested weekly and what promotes all this testing is both the news, and that the federal government is paying for the test so it's free.  

 

For those that think the cruise lines can get enough test kits when major pharmacy stores can't is a solution, than you will find many more stranded.  

 

There are solutions to where to get tested.  Sometimes, you might just need to pay for it, and consider it part of the trip like the prepaid tips.  

 

I'm getting mine at a lab.  Before noon gets you same day results since they complete those before the daily shipments come in.  I never have a worry about getting my results.  

sounds like you have a plan, but with more and more people getting tested , delays in getting results are bound to happen, Do you have aback-up plan in place if your results are delayed?

[Jimbo]

2 minutes ago, PolytheneGirl said:

 

If its anything like flying they have to have the doors closed by X time in order to make their slot to leave. So most likely it would impact more than just having the doors open a few mins longer or re open them

If there was a weather delay in Galveston , they would find a opening for them to leave. Galveston isn't exactly the shipping capitol of the world.............They could  have gotten out.

[reallyitsmema]

7 minutes ago, MikeBayAreaCa said:

If the cruise lines are asking for flexibility from their passengers they need to show some flexibility toward them if it not a health risk.  

 

 

 

I agree with you but sometimes there just isn't any flexibility in when the ship has to leave port.  They have a scheduled time, when a pilot is assigned to them, longshoremen, and all the other port operations.  If there are lots of ships leaving, cruise and cargo, there might not be another open window for the ship to leave for many hours.

[FamilyCruiserUK]

Not sure how rcl are doing it in the US but here in the UK your bags do not go on board untill you have a negative test result for any unvacc traveling with you. For example, children. 

 

Secondly i have hardly been on a ship when we have left on time, usually we are slightly delayed up to 45 mins to get people back on board. Now this maybe different to the start of the sailing. 

 

I feel for the couple, and we will never know what happened unless you were there. So just worry about your own cruises and not the issue with others.

[Moltar]

I also saw the story and the news video with it I definitely feel for the couple and from what I can see it looks like they tried to do everything right I hope royal does the right thing for them.

[Jkaczanowski]

9 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

sounds like you have a plan, but with more and more people getting tested , delays in getting results are bound to happen, Do you have aback-up plan in place if your results are delayed?

I’m not who you asked but we’re cruising Sept 26.  I have a plan, a backup to the plan, and a backup to the back up.  They progressively get more expensive and more timely/convenient.  I’d hate to have to go with option 3 because it’s expensive for a family of 4, but will do it if necessary.  

[sara mom]

We were on the August 8th sailing of Allure.  (first revenue cruise on the ship).  We week prior we were in Disney when the new rules were announced that we needed a Covid test. RC sent text and email reminders multiple times a day to let us know.  We were in 'Covid central' (Florida) and were able to get our tests done very easily at CVS and had the results 28 hours later.  Our insurance covered it.  There were laces that offered the 15 minute results that insurance would not cover and that was our plan B.  

 

So even with the surge of Delta, getting the test done in time is very possible.

[Tree_skier]

I’d be more sympathetic if they hadn’t misled the the reporter that they had two days notice. We all know they had a minimum of two weeks notice. 
 

Contacting the media and then misrepresenting the facts to present yourself in a more favorable light only makes you look ridiculous to those of us in the know. 

[wolfcathorse]

With Royal sailing at a reduced capacity, you'd think they'd bend over backwards to make sure everyone that is booked is on board. Denying guests reduces RCG's ability to make money (drinks, casino, bingo, shops). You'd think they'd contract with a lab to have rapid tests available at the port for those who's results haven't come back yet. Even if a small fee was charged, it'd be a lot less stressful for the guest.

[kochleffel]

1 hour ago, ArthurUSCG said:

I don't understand why it's so hard to get a PCR test? In Maryland, testing is everywhere. Most physicians have PCR and rapid antigen testing  in house, same with most CVS or Walgreens that have the clinics, along with the urgent care facilities.

What I'm seeing here: PCR tests are readily available but the results don't necessarily come back in time. I don't yet have a report from a test drawn 69 hours ago.* Rapid tests are not available AT ALL -- no one has test kits.

 

I have a Bermuda cruise booked for this fall but I don't see how I'll meet Bermuda's testing requirement, since I'd drive to the port the day before embarkation and the cruise begins with two sea days. In addition, some countries, and Hawaii, accept only certain tests performed by certain labs.

 

*Drugstore test using a private lab. Tests here using the state lab come back in 36 hours but only by phone, no email.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

2 minutes ago, sara mom said:

We were on the August 8th sailing of Allure. 

our tests done very easily at CVS and had the results 28 hours later.

So even with the surge of Delta, getting the test done in time is very possible.

there may be a big difference between the availability of testing and the speed of getting its results between August 6 and August 23.

 

For example, masks were widely available on August 8 before the school started in our area, and now you would have a hard time finding them. Unless you settle for one-ply, ill-fitting, hastily made ones for $$$ (which I don't).

[ryano]

 

6 minutes ago, wolfcathorse said:

With Royal sailing at a reduced capacity, you'd think they'd bend over backwards to make sure everyone that is booked is on board. Denying guests reduces RCG's ability to make money (drinks, casino, bingo, shops). You'd think they'd contract with a lab to have rapid tests available at the port for those who's results haven't come back yet. Even if a small fee was charged, it'd be a lot less stressful for the guest.

 

That would solve all of this 100%.

 

5 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

there may be a big difference between the availability of testing and the speed of getting its results between August 6 and August 23.

 

 

 

Exactly, and just imagine as time goes on from here.  I cant even schedule my test with CVS until this Thursday the 25th for a Tuesday September the 7th test which is three days before my cruise.  Luckily I have found three different locations within a reasonable distance that can do the Rapid test.   

Edited August 23, 2021 by ryano

[Jimbo]

16 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I’d be more sympathetic if they hadn’t misled the the reporter that they had two days notice. We all know they had a minimum of two weeks notice. 
 

Contacting the media and then misrepresenting the facts to present yourself in a more favorable light only makes you look ridiculous to those of us in the know. 

How do we all know whether or not there was an issue with the IT system not sending them emails or texts about the notice you said everyone was given a 2 week notice.................Royal's IT system as we all know is not  stellar for their performance? In less you are actually them and know what they encountered as far as notices it's just purely speculation by everyone on this thread.

Edited August 23, 2021 by Jimbo

[Jimbo]

Thankfully for all of us  on this thread  it will go "poof" soon. Purely just speculation by everyone that has posted on this thread.

[footzz]

37 minutes ago, PolytheneGirl said:

 

If its anything like flying they have to have the doors closed by X time in order to make their slot to leave. So most likely it would impact more than just having the doors open a few mins longer or re open them

 

36 minutes ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

Not sure how rcl are doing it in the US but here in the UK your bags do not go on board untill you have a negative test result for any unvacc traveling with you. For example, children. 

 

Secondly i have hardly been on a ship when we have left on time, usually we are slightly delayed up to 45 mins to get people back on board. Now this maybe different to the start of the sailing. 

 

I feel for the couple, and we will never know what happened unless you were there. So just worry about your own cruises and not the issue with others.

In the US, you can drop off your bags as soon as check-in begins and sometimes sooner. There is the possibility that the bags will be onboard the ship before the passenger is. My understanding is they arrived before 4:30, but scrambled to get another test when their home test was denied and didn't make it back to the pier before the required check-in time.

[Tree_skier]

11 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

How do we all know whether or not there was an issue with the IT system not sending them emails or texts about the notice you said everyone was given a 2 week notice.................Royal's IT system as we all know is not  stellar for their performance? In less you are actually them and know what they encountered as far as notices it's just purely speculation by everyone on this thread.

The facts we know to be true are that Royal posted on their website the requirements 2 weeks in advance of their cruise. We know from first hand experience that Royal communicated with all kinds of folks who got on that ship without any problem.  We know they received the email advising them that they must test so we can conclude that Royal's ability to communicate with them was unencumbered.

 

What we are left to speculate on is the veracity of their claim that they received this notice with only two days notice.  When 99.8 percent of people were able to avoid being turned away the preponderance of evidence suggests they have misrepresented their story in order to garner some kind of sympathy and benefit for their mistake.

 

I have watched years of Judge Judy.  I am qualified to make this judgement.  🙂 

 

 

[tserface]

I thought the home tests with video monitoring were acceptable now.  They mentioned that the couple also had a home test, but didn't mention anything about the video monitoring.

 

I don't know all of the circumstances, but I sure feel sorry for the couple.

 

We bought the home kits (with monitoring) to have as a backup, but if they are not accepting those any longer, they should sure say so on their website.  Right now it clearly says they are OK.

[forgotmyCCname]

1 hour ago, Georgeny said:

I don't recall if you can post a link to interview but I'll try. This story also shows the receipts for test and notice.

 

 

The website clearly states that you may use only a home test that is approved and  proctored , they even list  Abbott.  You receive a QR code from the lab verifying the results which is presented to the cruise line/airline.

We can all agree that  RCL has no way to verify who had the swab in their nose or if they swabbed the bottom of their kitchen chair or if they performed the test 3 months ago. 

.
The accepted test uses the same card shown above but is monitored and requires ID. 
 

It is a good investment. And it's easy. We did it two days ago.

[tserface]

2 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

The facts we know to be true are that Royal posted on their website the requirements 2 weeks in advance of their cruise. We know from first hand experience that Royal communicated with all kinds of folks who got on that ship without any problem.  We know they received the email advising them that they must test so we can conclude that Royal's ability to communicate with them was unencumbered.

 

What we are left to speculate on is the veracity of their claim that they received this notice with only two days notice.  When 99.8 percent of people were able to avoid being turned away the preponderance of evidence suggests they have misrepresented their story in order to garner some kind of sympathy and benefit for their mistake.

 

I have watched years of Judge Judy.  I am qualified to make this judgement.  🙂 

 

 

 

I am not qualified to judge.  I feel sorry for this couple. They look and sound like reasonable people.  Obviously, some communication was missed somewhere.

 

I'm surprised they could get the home test so quickly.  When we ordered ours we were told to expect 5 days for delivery and the package is supposed to arrive today.  If they only had two days notice how did they get the home test so quickly?

 

No one has said, and I don't know, but I'm starting to wonder if they  just did an off the shelf test with no monitoring involved and that's why RCCL wouldn't take it.  RCCL is *very* clear with the testing rules on their website and the rules have been there for over a couple of weeks now (online).  I check daily to see if anything has changed.  It's easy to bookmark the links.

 

It would make sense if they didn't have the video or personal monitoring version.  I mean, how could the cruise line know their test was valid if they have no validation from a medical official.  But, I'd sure like to know if they are rejecting all of the home tests now regardless of monitoring.

[forgotmyCCname]

3 minutes ago, tserface said:

I thought the home tests with video monitoring were acceptable now.  They mentioned that the couple also had a home test, but didn't mention anything about the video monitoring.

 

I don't know all of the circumstances, but I sure feel sorry for the couple.

 

We bought the home kits (with monitoring) to have as a backup, but if they are not accepting those any longer, they should sure say so on their website.  Right now it clearly says they are OK.

If they had done the monitored test we would be seeing the App and the QR code showing that they are negative. What is pictured is just a test card that could have been done on anyone. I'm not disbelieving that the couple did a home test; they unfortunately did the wrong one.

the CDC accepts the monitored Abbott test for re-entry to the States. 

[tserface]

2 minutes ago, forgotmyCCname said:

The website clearly states that you may use only a home test that is approved and  proctored , they even list  Abbott.  You receive a QR code from the lab verifying the results which is presented to the cruise line/airline.

We can all agree that  RCL has no way to verify who had the swab in their nose or if they swabbed the bottom of their kitchen chair or if they performed the test 3 months ago. 

.
The accepted test uses the same card shown above but is monitored and requires ID. 
 

It is a good investment. And it's easy. We did it two days ago.

 

I didn't see anywhere in the interview where they talked about whether they were monitored or not.  Maybe I missed that?  Did they say it was no monitored?

[Jkaczanowski]

2 minutes ago, tserface said:

 

I didn't see anywhere in the interview where they talked about whether they were monitored or not.  Maybe I missed that?  Did they say it was no monitored?

There’s no way they could have gotten the monitored test in 2 days. I ordered Friday and estimated delivery is Tuesday. 

[tserface]

5 minutes ago, forgotmyCCname said:

If they had done the monitored test we would be seeing the App and the QR code showing that they are negative. What is pictured is just a test card that could have been done on anyone. I'm not disbelieving that the couple did a home test; they unfortunately did the wrong one.

the CDC accepts the monitored Abbott test for re-entry to the States. 

 

Ah, that makes sense.  It's odd that the news doesn't mention that they did the unmonitored test, but your observation makes sense.  I remember, back in the day, when a friend asked me to pee in a small bottle for them. I was in high school and didn't know anything.  Turns out they were going for a drug test and needed a clean sample and they knew just the square to ask 🙂  It would be easy to fake a home COVID test and, although I think it would be a heinous thing to do, it's starting to sound like some people would do it.