Pre-embarkation Covid test.

[Londonpride]

I am sorry if this question has been posted before.  We are booked on a Princess cruise departing from Southampton on 6th June.  This will be our first cruise since the pandemic. I believe a Covid test is required pre-embarkation, my question is can the test be done a couple of days prior to boarding or is it best to have it at the terminal. Thank you in advance for any replies.

 

[INeedAMaiTai]

Princess has a whole timing table of what type of test and how long before.  They also have a couple of suggestions of where to purchase the tests because you can't just use a regular at home antigen test.  This link helped me answer some of my questions, but it still gives me anxiety pre planning for it (and being responsible for my whole family).

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/us-cruises/

[dides]

2 hours ago, Londonpride said:

I am sorry if this question has been posted before.  We are booked on a Princess cruise departing from Southampton on 6th June.  This will be our first cruise since the pandemic. I believe a Covid test is required pre-embarkation, my question is can the test be done a couple of days prior to boarding or is it best to have it at the terminal. Thank you in advance for any replies.

 

It's all on the Princess site for UK cruises here

 

In summary, you can take a test before you get to the terminal either 2 or 3 days before the cruise depending on your vaccination status.

 

 

These need to be medically supervised so you can book an appointment in your local Boots, for example. Or order from the company Princess recommend which will cost £30 each and a slot needs to pre-booked in advance (done via your phone).

Princess will offering testing at the terminal,  if you cannot do this in advance,  but it will be more expensive at $60 per person which will be charged to your onboard account.

 

Edited April 19, 2022 by dides

[minikiss]

we are booked on the Enchanted in July and this will be our 3rd post covid cruise. 

The 2 last year Princess did the tests and we were happy with the way it was handled. 

This year as shown above the type of test needed depends on your vaccine status and we have to pay for the test ourselves. 

For us we are classed as up to date so we just need to take an observed LFT within 3 days of sailing. the cost of that option is between £20 and £30. 

Or option B which will involve us take a LFT at home in the lead up to know we are clear and then pay Princess to do the test at the port, cost about £45. 

At the moment we are planning on option B. 

Enjoy your cruise x 

 

[Londonpride]

Thank you very much for your helpful replies.  

[Jimmys Chippy]

On 4/19/2022 at 4:50 PM, Londonpride said:

I am sorry if this question has been posted before.  We are booked on a Princess cruise departing from Southampton on 6th June.  This will be our first cruise since the pandemic. I believe a Covid test is required pre-embarkation, my question is can the test be done a couple of days prior to boarding or is it best to have it at the terminal. Thank you in advance for any replies.

 

Lloyd’s Chemists do a pre-travel covid test by appointment, results take half an hour and you’re provided with a certificate to say you’re fit to travel. We’re taking ours the day before we cruise, at least that way if we fail we’ll not have made the 250 mile journey down to Southampton for nothing.

[londondesigner_uk]

Looks like Boots also do a In-Store COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Service... Boots service Link

[wcflats]

We used the princess approved Covid test purchased through optum. Proctored on zoom at home and was quite simple and easy to do.  

[travelhound]

19 minutes ago, wcflats said:

We used the princess approved Covid test purchased through optum. Proctored on zoom at home and was quite simple and easy to do.  

We used the proctored tests.  They were easy, but you have to make sure that you have adequate bandwidth.  Due to the two day timing requirement, we had to take the tests from our pre-cruise hotel room and we did experience connection problems.  It was very frustrating 🙃

[wcflats]

Good to know..haven’t had to do from a hotel yet. I suppose worst case scenario can get that stuff done at the terminal.

[Daniel A]

Here is a link to a video showing how to take the Medically Observed Home Covid test from Princess.

21 minute video: