Pre Cruise Covid Testing

[HALrunner]

(Maybe we could pin one of these posts?)

 

What is the window for the 48 hours, from boarding time or sailing time? 

 

HAL requires a medically-observed viral COVID-19 test. (PCR or antigen). It sounds like many are using Abbott Binaxnow, although there is some concern about test expiration dates. What other option have other cruisers been relying on? CVS?

 

Has anyone found a testing location near Port Everglades? 

 

If test results are not received by sailing time, can a passenger join the ship at the next port of call as long?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KirkNC]

Please, not another sticky.  Once stuck, they linger forever.

[summer slope]

I think that is an excellent idea.  It's so hard to be running around trying to find the testing site within the required days.  A sticky would be the first place to check.

[mcrcruiser]

We just turned down a offer to do a 7 night Mexican Riviera on Carnival Panorama built in 2019    in a balcony handicap stateroom for $700 .00 including the tips  because of this crazy 48 hour window  for a negative   covid test   .We are on Carnivals   Casino deals . 

 

 At our 82 years   of age  we feel  it is not worth getting  pressured into this 48 hour window along with getting to the port  & the other hassles that comes with cruising . in other words it has become excessive  . 

 

We have 4 cruises booked in the future  early Dec 2 cruises B2B on the new discovery Princess for 14 nights ,then Jan 31,2023 on Koningsdam for 18 night Hawaii sailing  & finally ,7 night sailing on Carnival Panorama April29,2023  

 

 For these sailings if by final payment dates this  48 hour requirement exists it is simple to cancel the cruises 

 

 The way we look at it ,we can more easily take relaxing driving trips in short spurts   &  have a great time seeing the great USA 

Edited September 29, 2021 by mcrcruiser

[AKJonesy]

I will tell you my experience for testing under the new 2 day requirement.  First of all, there was significant chatter from many cruisers regarding the updated testing requirements from 3 days to 2 days.  What I read from other cruisers, the 3 day (vs 72 hours) seemed sufficient to obtain testing.  When the 2 day requirement happened, you could read all of the concerns and people booking several appointments to assure results were received on time for embarkation.  That is what we did.  

 

We booked our appointments Thursday for our Saturday embarkation at Walgreens.  We booked our appointments through their on line portal.  We received confirmation of our appointments and a reminder on the morning of.  When we arrived for our appointments and waiting in the drive through, no one came to the window.  No one answered calls in the pharmacy, so we ended up calling the store.  It was told to us that pharmacists were not there and no one would be available until 4pm which was after our flight departure.  The Walgreens test was the Rapid Test.  We proceeded to the airport where we knew PCR testing was available and that was our second planned test anyway.  However, due to the shortage of Rapid Tests and the raging Delta Variant, we were told there was no guarantee to get the results in 48 hours.  But, this is what we had to work with.  

 

At this point, I started thinking of a 3rd option at SEATAC for the XPress testing and while waiting for our flight to SEATAC.  I also made a call to HAL explaining what happened and was concerned that even booking two testing appointment would not assure our ability to receive a result by embarkation.  At that time I was assured by a MANAGER at HAL, that due to our circumstances and the fact that we could prove we had appointments but no results, we would receive testing at Pier 91.  After that call, and after 4pm, I contacted the pharmacist at Walgreens explaining that Walgreens put us in a bind and could they send an explanation as to why they did not conduct the test even though we had a confirmed test time and a confirmed reminder.  The pharmacist happily did that and we received an email explaining what happened.  With that I felt a little better.  

 

On Friday, I went back to SEATAC to check out XPress testing since we were staying at a SEATAC hotel, I simply walked back to the airport.  Upon our Thursday arrival they were closed.  I was able to talk to XPress testing about booking a time OR we could simply walk up.  From what I witnessed at 8am, there was already about 10 people in line (combined) for testing.  Since my husband was not with me, I booked a noon appointment Saturday figuring we could proceed to the Pier and have results before the ship departed.  Fortunately, both of us received our negative PCR tests.  Mine came first and my husbands came about 12 hours later.  

 

It was nerve wracking to go through this, but in the end it was worth it for us.  I do believe there are testing options.  You just have to be willing to get over the sticker price of that last option.  Hope this helps.  

[AKJonesy]

1 minute ago, mcrcruiser said:

To us older folk ,we are 82  it is too much of a pressure cooker to be placed into   .We give you credit for your fortitude  ;bit ,us no way would I even start . There got to be a easier way .some people can get tested days before the cruise & then tested at the pier & some can opt for pier testing only  .Seems to me   there just got to be flexibility  or we will forget cruises . not that we want to not cruise but the hard line tactics of the CDC are imo over the top .Every one wants to be safe;but ,there are limits of what hoops   one has to  jump through   .Imo ,right now the  entire cruise industry has a major problem  to over come  &  Norwegian  is making it easier for people by testing at the pier . Thus ,if a person is doubtful before flying in of course get tested  for peace of mind  & then take the test at the pier .  I am tired of hearing how difficult it is for any cruise line to do this ;because if they want people  to board their ships they need to bend .if they don't bend they will definitely break  in time /JMVHO

I agree.  We are in our early 60s but I admit, I still felt the pressure.  The hardest part was not really knowing all of the options even though there has been a significant amount of information shared by cruisers.  That is why I went into great detail and hope that my information will help someone else.  IMHO the CDC is against the cruise industry and the cruise industry needs to help out it's cruisers as we have been helping support them.  I also forgot to mention we did not have insurance for our trip, and I will reconsider that for the future and that forced us to jump through hoops to get these tests done.  Two days is cutting it too close IMO.  

[twodjs]

The supervised home tests are very easy. They are shipped overnight from emed and the zoom test takes about 30 minutes. There are many YouTube videos demonstrating how it works. Don't let other people's comments deter you from cruising. Our HAL cruise was fabulous and felt safer than staying home with all the wackos out there.

[Laminator]

4 hours ago, HALrunner said:

(Maybe we could pin one of these posts?)

 

What is the window for the 48 hours, from boarding time or sailing time? 

 

HAL requires a medically-observed viral COVID-19 test. (PCR or antigen). It sounds like many are using Abbott Binaxnow, although there is some concern about test expiration dates. What other option have other cruisers been relying on? CVS?

 

Has anyone found a testing location near Port Everglades? 

 

If test results are not received by sailing time, can a passenger join the ship at the next port of call as long?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The airport offers testing. The rapid antigen test is $59. I have 6 friends coming over from the Netherlands. Due to the 48 hour restriction they will have to test for their flight from the Netherlands and then again for the cruise. We will all being going to the airport the day before the cruise to get tested. A few extra dollars but the peace of mind is more important. 

[Daniel A]

4 hours ago, HALrunner said:

What is the window for the 48 hours, from boarding time or sailing time? 

As this is a HAL board, there is an important distinction that needs to be made.  The testing requirement is not 48 hours, it is two days.  Per HAL web site:

"Negative COVID-19 Test: Cruises departing September 13 through December 31, 2021, ALL fully vaccinated guests will be required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 2 days of their embarkation."

 

FAQ for Cruises from USA (hollandamerica.com)

 

 

It has been suggested that for a cruise sailing on a Sunday, the test needs to be taken on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday as long as you can get the results in time.

[mcrcruiser]

Norwegian did the smart thing they test at the  pier ,to avoid the conflicts   .The other cruise lines need to do the same  .If people are uncertain then by all means get a personal test before boarding that plane for the long flights to catch that ship 

[cate54]

I agree that HAL should do as Norwegian does and test at the pier. People who fly in early don't always rent cars, making getting to a test site harder.

[idiebabe]

6 hours ago, HALrunner said:

(Maybe we could pin one of these posts?)

 

What is the window for the 48 hours, from boarding time or sailing time? 

 

HAL requires a medically-observed viral COVID-19 test. (PCR or antigen). It sounds like many are using Abbott Binaxnow, although there is some concern about test expiration dates. What other option have other cruisers been relying on? CVS?

 

Has anyone found a testing location near Port Everglades? 

 

If test results are not received by sailing time, can a passenger join the ship at the next port of call as long?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walgreens does a Rapid Diagnostic ID test (NAAT) which is a Molecular Diagnostic Test and on the approved HAL List.  They  schedule  up to 3 days out and results are usually within 1/2 hour.  CVS schedules up to two weeks out for the Rapid Antigen.   There are Walgreens not far from the Port and, IIRC, CVS is also in Ft. Lauderdale.

[rothbury]

Yeah, we're going to have to cancel several cruises because we can't comply withy the 2 day requirement.  We drive to FLL and it takes us 2 days.  DW is not a flyer.  Anyway, our usual schedule is to get into FLL on Saturday afternoon for a Sunday departure.  There is just no time for the test and results in time to cruise.  We haven't cruised since Feb 2020 and had a couple of cruises cancelled by HAL last year.  These next cruises were our attempt to use the credits we had.  First final payment is December so that one is gone for sure.  Not even going to schedule any cruises with HAL until this is over.  WE have accepted the fact we may never be able to cruise again.  Sad but nothing we can do about it.  Money is gone so it is what it is.

[sambamama]

3 days is doable.  2 days without the cruise lines providing testing is very hard unless you live close enough to drive to the port.  Yes, there is testing at the airports, but it can be expensive. I know it is available at the Miami airport, but I think it is $75. I thought of doing that, but I am flying in on Monday, and the cruise doesn't sail to Saturday, so that is no good, either. The airports I checked, it was always $75 and up to $200. Yes, you can get testing at your port, but how many of  us rent a car?  HAL is allowing people to get free testing through Quest, but you have to find a test through them and go to where ever it is.  Yes, you can buy tests through Emed or Optum, BUT Emed only sells in kits in lots of 6 which expire between December and February (haven't heard of anyone getting any that expire later.)  I read of someone whose test kit had no reagent, so the Emed rep failed her when she took the reagent from someone else's kit to use it.  When I went to both Mexico and Belize, the testers came to the hotel and did the test right there and I had my result in 15 minutes.  The one place I found in Miami charges $249 for a test!  The airports have stopped many non stop flights, so it can take 7-10 hours where it used to take 4 hours to get somewhere.  I bought a 6 pack of tests from Emed as I have a cruise in October, and a trip in January and in May/June.  (I am traveling alone.)  But my 6 tests expire January 5-had I known that, I certainly would not have ordered six!

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see the cruise lines to require boosters for vaccinated people soon, either!

[mor mor]

Here in Coronado California we have a mobile unit that comes to your house and tests you outside with quick results. You might have that in your town. I plan to use that before our San Diego cruise October 31. Hope that works out!!!

[sherryf]

7 hours ago, Daniel A said:

As this is a HAL board, there is an important distinction that needs to be made.  The testing requirement is not 48 hours, it is two days.  Per HAL web site:

"Negative COVID-19 Test: Cruises departing September 13 through December 31, 2021, ALL fully vaccinated guests will be required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 2 days of their embarkation."

 

FAQ for Cruises from USA (hollandamerica.com)

 

 

It has been suggested that for a cruise sailing on a Sunday, the test needs to be taken on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday as long as you can get the results in time.

 

Does that mean that you can do the test at ANY TIME on Friday for a Sunday sailing?  

 

We are sailing on Sunday, December 19 and my plan is to go get tested after work on Friday, around 4:30, which would put me within 48 hours of sailing, but it will be more convenient for my husband and other family members to go earlier in the day.  It would be more than 48 hours, but still 2 days before sailing.

 

We are very lucky to have a convenient, well-run site at a local college.  We have been there with and without appointments.  I had to go yesterday morning and there were no appointments available, but I just went and got in line.  (I have a mild cold, but need a negative test to go back to work.)  They say 24-48 hours for results, I got my (negative!) results 26 hours after the test.  We (myself, husband, daughter) have used the site several times and have always gotten results closer to the 24 hour mark, never even close to 48 hours.  I am confident that we will be able to get our testing done and results back on time.

[Laminator]

1 hour ago, sherryf said:

 

Does that mean that you can do the test at ANY TIME on Friday for a Sunday sailing?  

 

We are sailing on Sunday, December 19 and my plan is to go get tested after work on Friday, around 4:30, which would put me within 48 hours of sailing, but it will be more convenient for my husband and other family members to go earlier in the day.  It would be more than 48 hours, but still 2 days before sailing.

 

We are very lucky to have a convenient, well-run site at a local college.  We have been there with and without appointments.  I had to go yesterday morning and there were no appointments available, but I just went and got in line.  (I have a mild cold, but need a negative test to go back to work.)  They say 24-48 hours for results, I got my (negative!) results 26 hours after the test.  We (myself, husband, daughter) have used the site several times and have always gotten results closer to the 24 hour mark, never even close to 48 hours.  I am confident that we will be able to get our testing done and results back on time.

Yes!

[mcrcruiser]

1 hour ago, sherryf said:

 

Does that mean that you can do the test at ANY TIME on Friday for a Sunday sailing?  

 

We are sailing on Sunday, December 19 and my plan is to go get tested after work on Friday, around 4:30, which would put me within 48 hours of sailing, but it will be more convenient for my husband and other family members to go earlier in the day.  It would be more than 48 hours, but still 2 days before sailing.

 

We are very lucky to have a convenient, well-run site at a local college.  We have been there with and without appointments.  I had to go yesterday morning and there were no appointments available, but I just went and got in line.  (I have a mild cold, but need a negative test to go back to work.)  They say 24-48 hours for results, I got my (negative!) results 26 hours after the test.  We (myself, husband, daughter) have used the site several times and have always gotten results closer to the 24 hour mark, never even close to 48 hours.  I am confident that we will be able to get our testing done and results back on time.

 To be safe check the  medical FAQ  on the Holland America web site .Things always keep changing along with this covid virus problem 

[HALrunner]

18 hours ago, Daniel A said:

As this is a HAL board, there is an important distinction that needs to be made.  The testing requirement is not 48 hours, it is two days.  Per HAL web site:

"Negative COVID-19 Test: Cruises departing September 13 through December 31, 2021, ALL fully vaccinated guests will be required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 2 days of their embarkation."

 

FAQ for Cruises from USA (hollandamerica.com)

 

 

It has been suggested that for a cruise sailing on a Sunday, the test needs to be taken on Friday, Saturday or even Sunday as long as you can get the results in time.

Thank you for pointing out it is 2 days and not 48 hours! I'm not sure where I came up with the 48 hour thing. Just having that little bit of wiggle room feels helpful! I was starting to stress about picking flight times when the (mistaken) hour clock was ticking!

[Skipper's Mom]

I just looked at the "Curative" site.  Might work for some of us.  Still investigating.

[Daniel A]

11 hours ago, sherryf said:

 

Does that mean that you can do the test at ANY TIME on Friday for a Sunday sailing?  

I believe so, that is why I indicated that "It has been suggested that for a cruise sailing on a Sunday..."

 

I realize this is a HAL board, but I got that 'suggestion' from the Princess FAQs:

"The 2-day period is 2 days before your cruise’s departure. The 2-day timeframe provides you with more flexibility than a 48-hour timeframe. By using the 2-day window, your test validity does not depend on the time of your embarkation or the time of the day that your test was administered. For example, if sailing on Sunday, the test may be taken on Friday and Saturday, and as late as Sunday, if you are guaranteed to receive your results in time for check-in."

 

CruiseHealth™ FAQ: Sailings from the United States - Princess Cruises

 

I hope this helps.

Edited September 30, 2021 by Daniel A

[Caribbean Chris]

Thanks to all who are offering solid information on how to find testing sites for those of us who DO want to cruise. 

 

[FlaMariner]

For Floridians....Here is a State of Florida link we used to find that we could get a FREE rapid test at our county health department....by appointment.

 

Other places are also available for FREE.

 

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites/

 

God Bless the FREE state of Florida!

 

[Daniel A]

3 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

For Floridians....Here is a State of Florida link we used to find that we could get a FREE rapid test at our county health department....by appointment.

 

Other places are also available for FREE.

 

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites/

 

God Bless the FREE state of Florida!

Great info!  How do you know how fast you can get results?

[FlaMariner]

13 minutes ago, Daniel A said:

Great info!  How do you know how fast you can get results?

 

Good Question:

• Friend went to County Health Dept and said the results were given to him in 20 minutes
• Called Florida County health dept and asked and said for the "rapid test" you get your results right away

No personal experience yet but between this option and our primary care office saying we could come in anytime for a rapid test, I think/hope I've got this covered.

 

Good luck to all and no guarantee implied!