Positive for Covid at check-in

[Laszlo]

3 hours ago, Norway97 said:

We are just back from the 9/26 Breakaway from NY and husband had a false positive on the antigen test at the pier. As he had not left the house for over a week other than taking the Bermuda required 96 hour negative PCR test, we were not stressed and assumed throughout the retesting process that we would be cleared with a negative rapid PCR test. NCL staff at the pier who notified us and literally walked us through the retesting process couldn’t have been more supportive and kind. As we waited for test results which took about 40 minutes (conducted by CVS in a private large room) someone checked in with us at least every 5 minutes. We were asked for detailed bag descriptions and our bags which had been checked in about 3 hours before, were found and pulled. They assured us that if the PCR was in fact positive, we would be allowed to drive the 2 hours home vs NYC quarantine.  Once the negative PCR result came in, we were assured that our bags were headed back on the ship and we were personally escorted from Pier 90 to checkin at Pier 88. A nice touch of extra support that wasn’t needed but appreciated. There was one other couple impacted and cleared in the same room when we arrived, not sure if others.

Thats Great to hear everything went well

[cusematt4]

Does anyone know what would happen if we have family in multiple cabins and one vaccinated family member tests positive?  Would ncl let everyone in the traveling party get a credit (whether positive prior to arrival or at arrival) if this is meant to be a family trip?

[greatestvalue]

On 10/1/2021 at 4:51 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Does somebody at the airport ask about Covid? 

Ive flown twice - Once to Wyoming in June and just this weekend to the East Coast and I have not been asked anything, by anyone or by any of the airlines about Covid. 

[ChiefMateJRK]

10 minutes ago, greatestvalue said:

Ive flown twice - Once to Wyoming in June and just this weekend to the East Coast and I have not been asked anything, by anyone or by any of the airlines about Covid. 

Thanks.  DW flew twice in June. Nobody asked nothing. I think folks just make some of this crap up. 

[zerooveride]

10 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Thanks.  DW flew twice in June. Nobody asked nothing. I think folks just make some of this crap up. 

I know when I did my check in 24-hours before my flight on United to Seattle in August, the check-in process did ask COVID questions. As for our horrid American flight back home, I don't know as PortValet did the check-in for us.

[mpk]

On 9/29/2021 at 7:15 PM, realtorgranny said:

Update to my original post: COVID POSITIVE AT PIER

[ ... ]

After they tested positive they were provided a hotel room for quarantine. NCL said they would cover the costs after their insurance. They were allowed to walk around the grounds but were told they must stay away from other guests. They ordered Uber Eats which was delivered to the reception area and then the front desk left it outside their room.

Everyday they received a phone call from an NCL Rep, their insurance provider and (I think the name was ) Medco, to check on them and ask if they were ok. Aside from too much togetherness, they felt they received excellent treatment.

[ ... ]

We promised each other we will plan a new Alaska Cruise for next year so they get to see beautiful Alaska and we get a “do over”.

Thank you NCL for taking excellent care of our family.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your first hand experience.  Glad that your DD and SIL fully recovered.  You four sound like a hoot, and must be a fun group to bump into during an excursion or at dinner time  😀

 

 

I know many on here have axes to grind for NCL and other travel providers.  We've all been bumped and bruised because of the virus.  NCL has stated a certain level of support in writing, but based on 1st hand reports from realtorgranny, NCL is going well above and beyond that level in practice.

 

This reminds me of an honest contractor I used.  Same thing- a certain level of warranty in writing, but actually a very generous and long lived warranty not in writing.  Long story short, the contractor did in fact deliver on the generous handshake warranty, and is known in town for doing just that.

 

Why would a cruise line and contractor do that?  In my opinion, they cannot bet the business on things they can't control.  What if there was a weird 500-year hailstorm that took out all the roofs and windows in town.  The contractor couldn't, and I wouldn't expect, cover everyone's roofs and windows in town.  What if there was a new Variant X from left field that turns everything upside down.  100% of passengers test positive at the port.  Do we realistically expect NCL to be able to cover 3,500 people with that high level of financial support?

 

So what we have is this: under the current conditions, there is a (very small?) risk of something happening during the 72 hour period before embark.  If this were to happen, this first hand account demonstrates that NCL takes very good care of the affected passengers.

 

If those that need this guaranteed in writing, maybe this is not the right time for them to travel.

 

Edited October 4, 2021 by mpk

[ChiefMateJRK]

1 hour ago, mpk said:

So what we have is this: under the current conditions, there is a (very small?) risk of something happening during the 72 hour period before embark.  If this were to happen, this first hand account demonstrates that NCL takes very good care of the affected passengers.

 

If those that need this guaranteed in writing, maybe this is not the right time for them to travel.

Bingo!!!

[phillygwm]

4 hours ago, mpk said:

So what we have is this: under the current conditions, there is a (very small?) risk of something happening during the 72 hour period before embark.  If this were to happen, this first hand account demonstrates that NCL takes very good care of the affected passengers.

 

If those that need this guaranteed in writing, maybe this is not the right time for them to travel.

 

And that's a good business practice.  I know a number of people who are unwilling to sail, some because of this very scenario.  When word gets out (and a small subset of cruisers are reading this thread) people might be that much more willing to risk it.  That, in turn, is going to be good for NCL.

 

[cpmken]

On 10/3/2021 at 7:33 PM, cusematt4 said:

Does anyone know what would happen if we have family in multiple cabins and one vaccinated family member tests positive?  Would ncl let everyone in the traveling party get a credit (whether positive prior to arrival or at arrival) if this is meant to be a family trip?

My fears also… we booked a large group (about 20 people) next summer on the breakaway. The thoughts of a couple people missing out due to this is awful. 

[realtorgranny]

For those of you asking about multiple cabins and only one couple in one cabin testing positive. We were not offered the option to not travel on the cruise and receive anything in exchange. It was explained that they will only provide for members traveling in the same cabin. We did fly to Seattle together and stayed in the same hotel room with our daughter and SIL, but that did not matter.

UPDATE: Since our return on 9/28 both my husband and I have tested positive. So far we have mild symptoms, we thought it was a cold from all the rain in Alaska. Hopefully it stays that way.

[Baxter68]

We are so sorry that your family has gone thru all of this. You seem to have such a positive attitude and we hope you are both all better soon.

[JamieLogical]

I did not realize you had stayed in the same hotel room as your daughter and SIL the night before the cruise. It's nuts that not only did NCL not allow you to opt the quarantine, but they basically forced you to go on the cruise and expose everyone onboard. I can't imagine what their logic was!

[Joanne G.]

On 10/4/2021 at 11:07 AM, mpk said:

 

 . . . So what we have is this: under the current conditions, there is a (very small?) risk of something happening during the 72 hour period before embark.  If this were to happen, this first hand account demonstrates that NCL takes very good care of the affected passengers.

 

If those that need this guaranteed in writing, maybe this is not the right time for them to travel.

 

I have an NCL British Isles cruise booked for next May.   If NCL is still testing at the pier at the time the final payment is due, I will cancel   It's good to hear that NCL treats passengers well after a positive result at the pier, but the passenger's vacation is still ruined.  I won't fly to Europe with the risk of that happening to me, no matter how small the risk.   I can deal with testing before leaving home, but not at the pier.   And the quote above applies to me for sure - under these conditions this is not the right time for me to travel.   At least not to cruise.   I have a fixed number of vacation days, and I don't want to risk wasting any of them in quarantine, no matter how nice the hotel, how good the food, or how well NCL handles it. 

 

 Everyone had his or her own tolerance for risk.    Happy travels to all, however and wherever you go!

Edited October 7, 2021 by Joanne G.

[cruising sister]

2 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

I did not realize you had stayed in the same hotel room as your daughter and SIL the night before the cruise. It's nuts that not only did NCL not allow you to opt the quarantine, but they basically forced you to go on the cruise and expose everyone onboard. I can't imagine what their logic was!

I agree. NCL put everyone on that cruise at risk. No logic at all. I am glad everyone’s illness was mild and I pray no long term effects. 

[SoDonewithitAll]

On 10/7/2021 at 10:17 AM, cruising sister said:

I agree. NCL put everyone on that cruise at risk. No logic at all. I am glad everyone’s illness was mild and I pray no long term effects. 

How NCL handled this follows the CDC guidelines for close contact to the letter. According to CDC guidelines, if you are vaccinated you do not need to quarantine if you are not showing symptoms even if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. This is how any business following CDC recommendations is handling quarantine, including schools.

[cruising sister]

As a physician I am very aware of CDC guidelines. We can return to work but must wear a mask and advised to do so around others outside of work until incubation period passes for the very reason that they too had breakthrough cases. More data is coming on rate of breakthrough, ability to pass on disease but it is difficult as they are not being reported consistently. Unfortunately we have had an uptick in breakthrough cases at work as most of us received Pfizer 8 months ago and people are getting sick from their school aged kids. 

[DAVLIB007]

On 9/20/2021 at 1:08 PM, justletmecruise said:

 

Wow, thank you for the link on doing a home test.  I had no idea that there are 2 different at home tests.  I purchased the OTC instead of the RX kit.  

It really seems silly to have to take a test and then another one at the dock.

I just spoke to NCL and they said you did not have to have a test done before, but it is recommended. 

for people flying in from other states i think it would be smart to test before you arrive in another city and then you test positive at the pier. you would be stuck in anther city away from home so i will test before i leave home

[BirdTravels]

41 minutes ago, DAVLIB007 said:

for people flying in from other states i think it would be smart to test before you arrive in another city and then you test positive at the pier. you would be stuck in anther city away from home so i will test before i leave home

Well, i hope you know that if you want NCL to assist you should you test positive at the pier, you must test 72 hours before cruise at your own expense. So most people are doing a test at home. 
 

Your recommendation is a cruise line requirement. 

[NW Pacific]

  What exactly are the rules, other than being fully vaccinated, to be in compliance with NCL policy about refund if you test positive at the Pier.  NOT concerned about assistance getting home.    Know I've asked before, but sure cannot get a clear answer on this. 

MPK/  did you daughter and SIL get their full cruise cost refunded

 

[ChiefMateJRK]

6 hours ago, DAVLIB007 said:

for people flying in from other states i think it would be smart to test before you arrive in another city and then you test positive at the pier. you would be stuck in anther city away from home so i will test before i leave home

Yep.  That’s what 99% of us are planning.  The other 1% don’t understand the question. 

[ChiefMateJRK]

21 minutes ago, NW Pacific said:

  What exactly are the rules, other than being fully vaccinated, to be in compliance with NCL policy about refund if you test positive at the Pier.  NOT concerned about assistance getting home.    Know I've asked before, but sure cannot get a clear answer on this. 

MPK/  did you daughter and SIL get their full cruise cost refunded

 

I don’t think there’s been any question about cruise refund for all booked in the same stateroom. 

[JamieLogical]

On 10/7/2021 at 8:26 AM, Joanne G. said:

I have an NCL British Isles cruise booked for next May.   If NCL is still testing at the pier at the time the final payment is due, I will cancel   It's good to hear that NCL treats passengers well after a positive result at the pier, but the passenger's vacation is still ruined.  I won't fly to Europe with the risk of that happening to me, no matter how small the risk.   I can deal with testing before leaving home, but not at the pier.   And the quote above applies to me for sure - under these conditions this is not the right time for me to travel.   At least not to cruise.   I have a fixed number of vacation days, and I don't want to risk wasting any of them in quarantine, no matter how nice the hotel, how good the food, or how well NCL handles it. 

 

 Everyone had his or her own tolerance for risk.    Happy travels to all, however and wherever you go!

 

Wait, so you would rather just get on the cruise COVID positive? Testing at the pier doesn't GIVE you COVID. Testing at the pier helps mitigate the risk of COVID-positive people boarding. Basically, you are saying "ignorance is bliss". You'd rather get on a ship full of people who tested negative 3 days ago than on a ship full of people who tested negative TODAY?

[Oakman58]

16 hours ago, NW Pacific said:

  What exactly are the rules, other than being fully vaccinated, to be in compliance with NCL policy about refund if you test positive at the Pier.  NOT concerned about assistance getting home.    Know I've asked before, but sure cannot get a clear answer on this. 

MPK/  did you daughter and SIL get their full cruise cost refunded

 

 

From the NCL website;

 

Cruise Cancelled by Norwegian

• If your cruise is cancelled by Norwegian or boarding is delayed by twenty-four (24) hours or more due to government order or declaration of Public Health Emergency, you are entitled to a refund of the amount paid to Norwegian within 180 days, or an optional Future Cruise Credit (“FCC”). This policy also applies if you already cancelled the same cruise within 60 days prior to the scheduled sailing date.

And this too is from the NCL website.

If one person in our party tests positive, will we be denied boarding?  Will the Company assist with travel arrangements?

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 and those travelling in the same stateroom, will be denied boarding.

If you are denied boarding due to a positive COVID-19 test at embarkation, the cruise line will coordinate and cover costs for travel arrangements for you, and those traveling in the same stateroom, if they are also denied boarding. Norwegian Cruise Line will assist with applicable expenses related to any mandatory quarantine that are not covered by a guests travel insurance only if the guest provides proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours prior to their sail date. Proof of negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72-hours of sail date must show guest name, date of birth and date the test was taken in order to be eligible.

The cruise line will not be able to assist with travel arrangements if a guest is denied boarding as a result of a violating the cruise line’s health and safety protocols.

[victory2020]

On 10/3/2021 at 8:26 PM, ChiefMateJRK said:

Thanks.  DW flew twice in June. Nobody asked nothing. I think folks just make some of this crap up. 

You need negative test to fly to Italy

[steveknj]

This has been concerning me so much lately and the thought of having to be quarantined in a room for even a few days is making me consider changing my cruise to one that leaves out of NY which is close to home.   We are vaccinated and I know the odds are slim we'll test positive bu why risk flying to a location and then be denied going on the cruise.  I think NCL is doing the right thing, but I'm just trying to minimize my own risk.