Celebrity Moving Testing to Pier After Cruise

[AlbertaCruisers]

Just off the Constellation today. They asked us our flight details early in the cruise, but just a form we filled out and returned and no one asked for proof.  Our flight was today so I didn’t ask on the 24 hour issue. As a note, they are moving the testing off the ship. We were informed about this yesterday. They said this would be for all Celebrity ships as of Jan 5 and it is somehow related to new CDC guidelines but no one could give us details on how CDC guidelines changes how and when they test us. We were tested this morning in the parking lot by a mini van. Test was still free but process was a mess and stressful. 

[Fouremco]

1 minute ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

Just off the Constellation today. They asked us our flight details early in the cruise, but just a form we filled out and returned and no one asked for proof.  Our flight was today so I didn’t ask on the 24 hour issue. As a note, they are moving the testing off the ship. We were informed about this yesterday. They said this would be for all Celebrity ships as of Jan 5 and it is somehow related to new CDC guidelines but no one could give us details on how CDC guidelines changes how and when they test us. We were tested this morning in the parking lot by a mini van. Test was still free but process was a mess and stressful. 

So much for Celebrity's "Safe Passage Home" protection. As they are no longer testing you aboard, they no longer have to provide this protection that had been a key element of their Healthy At Sea program for us. Had we not already cancelled, we would have now.

[K_e_short]

It sounds like the CDC is going to make cruise ships take more responsibility for those that test positive.

Jan 14 is the date the CSO expires? With omicron would it be extended, with even more terms?

 

Sounds like all cruise lines will eventually not test on board, not help with transportation back home, not help with hotels, etc.

[Froufie]

2 hours ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

Just off the Constellation today. They asked us our flight details early in the cruise, but just a form we filled out and returned and no one asked for proof.  Our flight was today so I didn’t ask on the 24 hour issue. As a note, they are moving the testing off the ship. We were informed about this yesterday. They said this would be for all Celebrity ships as of Jan 5 and it is somehow related to new CDC guidelines but no one could give us details on how CDC guidelines changes how and when they test us. We were tested this morning in the parking lot by a mini van. Test was still free but process was a mess and stressful. 

Thanks for the update and that is really bad news - about to cancel my Jan 19 Celebrity cruise and have had no notification about this new 'policy'???  It does change everything here as well - as one of the reasons I initially booked with Celebrity was because of their onboard testing and their 'safety protocol' of getting people home etc.  

 

Sounds like they are washing their hands of this and once off the ship, if anything bad happens, too bad for you? 😞

 

I too am curious about these 'new' CDC guidelines requiring the moving of post cruise testing off the ship?  wondering if we will ever get the real reasons?

 

 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Froufie

[Ginnyfyr]

When I inquired on December 7th, Celebrity told me that as long as the test was administered by one of their representatives, regardless of whether it was done on the ship or shoreside, if someone tests positive they will cover any costs associated with quarantine.

[Britchip]

Given RCCL earlier decision this comes as no surprise that Celebrity is now following suit. I guess international travellers make up such a small percentage of their overall market the bean counters have decided it will not affect their bottom line too drastically.  The ships will be filled almost entirely with US citizens who don’t have to test so no cost to the cruise lines. 

[skatie]

This was a document that a Celebrity Equinox cruiser who caught covid on board was sent this morning as he disembarked.  It does outline what they were willing to cover cost-wise if you had to quarantine in a hotel until you could fly back home -so doesn't sound like they put you in a hotel rather you have to find your own and apply for reimbursement.  Its decently generous in daily costs they will cover, but as soon as you disembark you are on your own.  Not sure how long they will keep this reimbursement up in light of they are already moving end of cruise testing off ship!

[Russ Lomas]

2 hours ago, Ginnyfyr said:

When I inquired on December 7th, Celebrity told me that as long as the test was administered by one of their representatives, regardless of whether it was done on the ship or shoreside, if someone tests positive they will cover any costs associated with quarantine.

I cannot speak for Celebrity, but RCCL has stated that the people who will be administering the test ON the pier (shoreside) will be a private company, so I do not believe that will be "administered by one of their representatives", so that may get them off the hook.

[Froufie]

2 hours ago, Ginnyfyr said:

When I inquired on December 7th, Celebrity told me that as long as the test was administered by one of their representatives, regardless of whether it was done on the ship or shoreside, if someone tests positive they will cover any costs associated with quarantine.

I too would want clarification on the definition of 'representative'  LOL.  Also even though they may be verbally telling you that you are covered,  I would much prefer to see this on their website in writing!   

[Ginnyfyr]

34 minutes ago, Russ Lomas said:

I cannot speak for Celebrity, but RCCL has stated that the people who will be administering the test ON the pier (shoreside) will be a private company, so I do not believe that will be "administered by one of their representatives", so that may get them off the hook.

I would hope that since they are the ones hiring the company to conduct the tests, that makes them Celebrity's representative by extension. 

[Froufie]

9 minutes ago, Ginnyfyr said:

I would hope that since they are the ones hiring the company to conduct the tests, that makes them Celebrity's representative by extension. 

I would hope so too - but would still love more clarify on why this was done and that Celebrity will stand up to their 'promises' and policy.  Still on the website:

 

Currently all fully vaccinated guests requiring a COVID-19 test to return to their home country will be provided the option to receive complimentary testing onboard prior to disembarkation. Proof of return travel scheduled within 24 hours of disembarkation will be required. As of Tuesday, November 16, 2021, for new bookings, home country re-entry testing will be available onboard for a fee of $55 per person for an Antigen test or $95 per person for a PCR test.

 

 

[AlbertaCruisers]

The front desk manager said that if we tested positive this morning at the pier they would pay up to $350 (I believe?) a night for a hotel and up to $100 a day per person for food, but only for the 5 days the CDC requires you to quarantine. So, if you can’t fly home to Canada for 14, the rest is your problem.

 

It is a separate company that Celebrity paid to do the testing. 
 

I specifically showed him the wording above from their website and he just kept saying thinks keep changing and it’s changes in the CDC guidelines, nothing they can do about it, etc. 

[Froufie]

16 minutes ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

The front desk manager said that if we tested positive this morning at the pier they would pay up to $350 (I believe?) a night for a hotel and up to $100 a day per person for food, but only for the 5 days the CDC requires you to quarantine. So, if you can’t fly home to Canada for 14, the rest is your problem.

 

It is a separate company that Celebrity paid to do the testing. 
 

I specifically showed him the wording above from their website and he just kept saying thinks keep changing and it’s changes in the CDC guidelines, nothing they can do about it, etc. 

Why can't you fly home to Canada for 14 days?  Do you have to quarantine elsewhere before coming home?  I know here in Ontario it is now 5 days as well.....

 

I guess it depends on how they define 'required':

 

 

• If you test positive for COVID-19 during the voyage, Celebrity will:

  • cover the cost of necessary COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard the ship;

  • coordinate and cover the costs of any required land-based quarantine for you and members

    of your Traveling Party; and

  • coordinate and cover the costs of travel arrangements to get you and members of your

    Traveling Party back home.

Edited January 4, 2022 by Froufie

[AlbertaCruisers]

5 minutes ago, Froufie said:

Why can't you fly home to Canada for 14 days?  Do you have to quarantine elsewhere before coming home?  I know here in Ontario it is now 5 days as well.....

 

I guess it depends on how they define 'required':

 

 

• If you test positive for COVID-19 during the voyage, Celebrity will:

  • cover the cost of necessary COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard the ship;

  • coordinate and cover the costs of any required land-based quarantine for you and members

    of your Traveling Party; and

  • coordinate and cover the costs of travel arrangements to get you and members of your

    Traveling Party back home.

 

I’m not sure about Canada for 14 days for sure. I would have to look into it. The Canadian website still has the below. I guess if you can get a negative test in less than 14 days that may work but I believe ArriveCAN also asks if you tested positive in the last 14 days? Given that they are trying to deter travel I don’t expect them to shorten anything. 
 

• You must provide proof of a COVID-19 negative molecular test result to enter Canada OR proof of a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days ago (starting January 15, 2022, between 10 and 180 days ago).

[K_e_short]

5 minutes ago, Froufie said:

Why can't you fly home to Canada for 14 days?  Do you have to quarantine elsewhere before coming home?  I know here in Ontario it is now 5 days as well.....

 

I guess it depends on how they define 'required':

 

 

• If you test positive for COVID-19 during the voyage, Celebrity will:

  • cover the cost of necessary COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard the ship;

  • coordinate and cover the costs of any required land-based quarantine for you and members

    of your Traveling Party; and

  • coordinate and cover the costs of travel arrangements to get you and members of your

    Traveling Party back home.

 

You can not fly home into Canada with a positive covid test.

 

You are only allowed on a flight INTO CANADA with a negative covid test.

 

So your options if you test positive on a cruise (either during the cruise or after) are:

 

1 - drive home and cross the border with a positive test - you can do that but need to put that on your ArriveCan App and you better have a quarantine plan in place and be willing to be checked in on (my cousin who was put in quarantine last year had a government official show up at his door

 

2 - fly to the nearest border city and drive across the border

 

[K_e_short]

2 minutes ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

 

I’m not sure about Canada for 14 days for sure. I would have to look into it. The Canadian website still has the below. I guess if you can get a negative test in less than 14 days that may work but I believe ArriveCAN also asks if you tested positive in the last 14 days? Given that they are trying to deter travel I don’t expect them to shorten anything. 
 

• You must provide proof of a COVID-19 negative molecular test result to enter Canada OR proof of a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days ago (starting January 15, 2022, between 10 and 180 days ago).

 

That part of the website only refers to FLYING into Canada.

 

You are correct that if you have a negative Covid test you can then fly INTO Canada. AND you don't have to do an arrival covid test.

 

[A&L_Ont]

12 hours ago, K_e_short said:

 

That part of the website only refers to FLYING into Canada.

 

You are correct that if you have a negative Covid test you can then fly INTO Canada. AND you don't have to do an arrival covid test.

 

Just so there are no surprises, even with a negative result you can still be randomly selected for a further test when flying or driving back.     

Edited January 4, 2022 by A&L_Ont

[K_e_short]

38 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

Just so there are no surprises, even with a negative result you can still be randomly selected for a further test when flying or driving back.     

 

You are exempt from the arrival test if you test positive 10 - 180 days prior to entry into Canada.

[truckswain]

22 hours ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

Just off the Constellation today. They asked us our flight details early in the cruise, but just a form we filled out and returned and no one asked for proof.  Our flight was today so I didn’t ask on the 24 hour issue. As a note, they are moving the testing off the ship. We were informed about this yesterday. They said this would be for all Celebrity ships as of Jan 5 and it is somehow related to new CDC guidelines but no one could give us details on how CDC guidelines changes how and when they test us. We were tested this morning in the parking lot by a mini van. Test was still free but process was a mess and stressful. 

As I recall this was an issue with Celebrity in the fall.  Some cruisers on a couple of Celebrity ships had their testing at the pier and not on the ship.  The Celebrity website did not reflect this change.

 

I don't know if Celebrity reversed their procedures and stopped the testing at the pier or it depended on the ship/port/# of tests needed, but for the majority of cruisers the tests were done on the ship.

 

I know the website is slow to update but until Celebrity notifies of a policy change/updates their website I believe it is premature to assume testing will now be at the pier for all sailings.

 

Having said that, the space/time/people/cost of testing on the ship cannot continue and I fully expect Celebrity to follow the other major lines and move their testing shoreside.

 

It is unfortunate our government still believes that PCR testing to arrive back into Canada has any effect on stopping the spread of Covid.   Omicron has proven that point.

[AlbertaCruisers]

3 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

Just so there are no surprises, even with a negative result you can still be randomly selected for a further test when flying or driving back.     

Yep, we were both selected to be tested yesterday afternoon in Toronto airport (pink sticker placed on our Nexus card), even though our cruise test was only a few hours earlier. The process wasn’t bad and we are now home awaiting the results. No one made it clear whether our cruise was considered being outside the US, so I’m treating it as if we were and following those rules. 

[randomletters]

Can anyone tell me, if you do have to quarantine at a hotel (Ft.Lauderdale), are there specific “quarantine” hotels that one would book? That is, if you test positive and are flying back to Canada, you’re not allowed to enter and must quarantine in place (U.S.). Ive done a search on Google and couldn’t find any hotel addressing this issue. Anyone have concrete information, or experience having done this? 

[lx200gps]

16 hours ago, Ginnyfyr said:

I would hope that since they are the ones hiring the company to conduct the tests, that makes them Celebrity's representative by extension. 

FWIW, we underwent Princess's version of pier-side testing at the end of November in PE. Although the testers were a private contractor, there absolutely was a CCL corporate rep at the testing site running things. Thankfully she was there to keep things moving as the testing company folks weren't particularly impressive in their organizational abilities.

[AlbertaCruisers]

19 minutes ago, randomletters said:

Can anyone tell me, if you do have to quarantine at a hotel (Ft.Lauderdale), are there specific “quarantine” hotels that one would book? That is, if you test positive and are flying back to Canada, you’re not allowed to enter and must quarantine in place (U.S.). Ive done a search on Google and couldn’t find any hotel addressing this issue. Anyone have concrete information, or experience having done this? 

My understanding is there is no required quarantine hotel.  The Celebrity guy told me they would prefer that we pick the hotel we wanted to and then told me the amounts they would reimburse us for. 

 

We know someone that tested positive this past Sunday on the Equinox.  They said they were given a private escort off the ship on Monday and they are now at the Hilton Bentley, Miami Beach quarantining.  I believe they picked that hotel.  I don't know them well enough to ask more questions, but they have said they are happy with how Celebrity is treating them.

[Ginnyfyr]

1 hour ago, lx200gps said:

FWIW, we underwent Princess's version of pier-side testing at the end of November in PE. Although the testers were a private contractor, there absolutely was a CCL corporate rep at the testing site running things. Thankfully she was there to keep things moving as the testing company folks weren't particularly impressive in their organizational abilities.

I had the same experience doing shoreside testing with Princess in September.  It went quite smoothly!

[A&L_Ont]

5 hours ago, K_e_short said:

 

You are exempt from the arrival test if you test positive 10 - 180 days prior to entry into Canada.

Fully understood.  I was referring to those with a negative test for the trip home, like the situation below. 🙂

 

2 hours ago, AlbertaCruisers said:

Yep, we were both selected to be tested yesterday afternoon in Toronto airport (pink sticker placed on our Nexus card), even though our cruise test was only a few hours earlier. The process wasn’t bad and we are now home awaiting the results. No one made it clear whether our cruise was considered being outside the US, so I’m treating it as if we were and following those rules. 

I know a few others that have returned from a cruise and they have not had the random test like you. I’d say it was the “luck” of the draw that you had one. Time for a Lotto Max maybe?😉