What happens with the Azamara help if one tests positive before cruise?

[travelberlin]

Now that we are responsible for bringing our own covid tests, what happens if we test positive within the day of the embarkation? Up to now if we could show that we were COVID free before flying to the country of  embarkation,  in the case that at the port terminal we tested positive with the test previously paid by Azamara, we were entitled to Azamara providing different types of help. 
Now, assuming we test positive with a test before arriving to the ship, what are we supposed to do? Will Azamara refund us for our cruise? Will we receive any type of help from Azamara?

Ivi

[andrcan]

I just checked their FAQs page https://www.azamara.com/booked-guests/before-you-board/explore-well-at-sea/explore-well-faq

They still have the following:

 

"If I test positive for SARS-COV-2 right before my cruise, at the terminal, or on the cruise, what is your compensation policy and what associated costs are covered?

* A 100% Future Cruise Credit will be provided for any guest who tests positive within two weeks of their sail date, as well as any members of their immediate traveling party who choose to cancel.

* If you test positive for COVID-19 at the terminal, Azamara will cover travel change fees and accommodation expenses not covered by travel insurance, upon presentation of proof of a negative antigen or PCR COVID test prior to travel"

 

My take is, a 100%FCC is still a given but the rest needs to be clarified with AZ management.

[uktog]

BUT they look after you without charge only if you have a previous negative test before starting your journey and only if your insurance will not pay 

 

 

The following is secondhand information not verified as some of it Is bizarre. 
 

There was a post on a closed Facebook page from someone who tested positive at the pier on Saturday in Barcelona Bizarrely the response was they could fly home that day or have a night in the hotel then fly home.  Didn’t seem correct. Going on a plane back to the UK knowing you have covid. (They’d actually had it before cruising but had had negative recovery tests from what I understood but may have travelled too soon after recovery ). 
 

 

[radarcruiser]

Actually, this is one possible reason for the testing policy change.  Previously, Azamara would cover your quarantine expenses (after insurance) if you tested positive at the pier -after testing negative prior to travel.  Now with most everyone meeting testing requirements to board prior to coming to the pier it’s less likely Azamara would have to foot the bill for positives at the pier.

[curmudgeon98]

This question I'm curious about as well.  We have lots of home antigen tests available now, but getting official documented test results is not so convenient - you can pay specialist providers $125-200 for rapid results, or you can get general PCR test results that may take up to three days for results.  The video proctored emed tests seem to be the most convenient option as long as you have good internet connectivity.    

 

We fly out on Tuesday morning for a Saturday cruise.  I'm planning to do a home antigen test just before we leave in any case.  If it provides some meaningful level of additional coverage in case of need to quarantine in pre-boarding testing, we can also get a PCR test a day or two earlier (though the relevance when boarding a cruise 7 days later seems dubious).  

[kbcruiser10]

1 hour ago, radarcruiser said:

Actually, this is one possible reason for the testing policy change.  Previously, Azamara would cover your quarantine expenses (after insurance) if you tested positive at the pier -after testing negative prior to travel.  Now with most everyone meeting testing requirements to board prior to coming to the pier it’s less likely Azamara would have to foot the bill for positives at the pier.

But they aren't testing at the pier at all so they wont have any positives.  So I think their whole blurb about covering anything is now null and void.  

 

[kbcruiser10]

4 hours ago, travelberlin said:

Now that we are responsible for bringing our own covid tests, what happens if we test positive within the day of the embarkation? Up to now if we could show that we were COVID free before flying to the country of  embarkation,  in the case that at the port terminal we tested positive with the test previously paid by Azamara, we were entitled to Azamara providing different types of help. 
Now, assuming we test positive with a test before arriving to the ship, what are we supposed to do? Will Azamara refund us for our cruise? Will we receive any type of help from Azamara?

Ivi

I am flying to Istanbul from Australia and staying in Istanbul for three nights before the cruise.  It is at least a 24 hour flight.  I too thought the Azamara coverage would apply if I tested negative before leaving Australia.  I contacted Azamara regarding the timing of first test to show you were negative to find out how long before you sail that negative had to be.  I was told no more than 72 hours.  That meant I have to have the test on the day I arrive in Istanbul.  Which is fine. I knew then that if I tested positive at that test I would not be covered by Azamara at all.  But if it was negative I would go to the ship and be tested again before boarding.  It was all about passenger safety and I understood that.   Now that whole thing is null and void because if I test negative on arrival in Istanbul,  I will be walking around Istanbul for three days and then boarding with NO test on boarding so i may well be positive then. Azamara must be happy for me to board under those circumstances, and possibly infect everybody, but they won't need to pay for any costs for me.  The whole idea to test people on boarding is to avoid this situation and have passengers feel safe when boarding.  As it stands there is no cover anymore for anybody at all because there is no testing done by azamara.  

Edited April 21, 2022 by kbcruiser10
addition

[mdpa]

If the cost of putting people up in a hotel is borne by the cruise line it will increase costs for everyone. Ultimately the best way to solve this issue is to eliminate testing, then there will be no issues.

 

Edit: Unfortunately, the current climate and CDC guidelines make this not feasible today, so I don’t blame Azamara, but the general lack of common sense based on the risks today. I don’t need to test every day I show up to work.

Edited April 21, 2022 by mdpa

[kbcruiser10]

6 hours ago, andrcan said:

I just checked their FAQs page https://www.azamara.com/booked-guests/before-you-board/explore-well-at-sea/explore-well-faq

They still have the following:

 

"If I test positive for SARS-COV-2 right before my cruise, at the terminal, or on the cruise, what is your compensation policy and what associated costs are covered?

* A 100% Future Cruise Credit will be provided for any guest who tests positive within two weeks of their sail date, as well as any members of their immediate traveling party who choose to cancel.

* If you test positive for COVID-19 at the terminal, Azamara will cover travel change fees and accommodation expenses not covered by travel insurance, upon presentation of proof of a negative antigen or PCR COVID test prior to travel"

 

My take is, a 100%FCC is still a given but the rest needs to be clarified with AZ management.

I checked with Azamara.  I called the call centre and was advised they have no information that the testing arrangements have changed, ie, they haven't been told Azamara won't be testing at the pier.  Therefore they can't provide any information about what it means for the protection Azamara said they would provide.

Also the website is conflicting with two different lots of info regarding screening before boarding.

• What health screening measures are being taken at the terminal on boarding day? 

  Screening begins with a request to present proof of vaccination, visual check, and health questionnaire. If you show signs of a fever, cough, or fatigue, you’ll be directed to a secondary screening. An antigen test that will be administered at the terminal is required for boarding for all guests, regardless of vaccination status. Prior to embarkation, check azamara.com/explorewell and government sites for specifics as the requirements vary by port and continue to evolve.

• Will I have to take a SARS-CoV-2 test before or during my cruise? 

  Guests will no longer be required to undergo a COVID-19 antigen test while checking in at the terminal for voyages starting May 1, 2022. However, to strive for a COVID-19 free environment, guests will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test upon embarkation. However, antigen COVID-19 testing is available for $59 USD in the terminal or on the boarding deck. Guests who are required to take a COVID-19 test before returning home can do so onboard for $59 USD for Antigen and $85 USD for PCR. Please contact Guest Relations while onboard for further information. Please note some governments and certain airlines require proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test no more than three days before entry or flight departure

 

The least they could do is get their information correct on the website and brief their call centre operators on the new arrangements and provide them with the scripts to answer questions BEFORE they send emails telling people of the new arrangements.  

Very unprofessional.  

Edited April 22, 2022 by kbcruiser10

[andrcan]

6 minutes ago, kbcruiser10 said:

I checked with Azamara.  I called the call centre and was advised they have no information that the testing arrangements have changed, ie, they haven't been told Azamara won't be testing at the pier.  Therefore they can't provide any information about what it means for the protection Azamara said they would provide.

 

Very unprofessional.  

Wow, didn't see that coming...

[laurieb]

I am dismayed with all the negativity regarding this change.  The Covid world has changed, but the cruise world has not.  How tight to expect all of your testing to be taken care of anymore.  I’m sorry, just my opinion, but if we all can afford to cruise, we can afford to pay for our own tests.  If you cannot fit these into your pre cruise schedule, you can still test at the pier, you just need to pay for your own test.  We may well do this still as we have pre cruise days in Barcelona.  I am more than happy to pay for a test!  
The world has changed, cruising has changed and travel will continue to change.  Welcome to the new world 

[annapolitan369]

The new changing world of Covid has nothing to do with expecting a company to comply with the terms of their own contract.  While Azamara did not have to provide free testing, or pay for expenses for someone who tested negative at the pier, they agreed to do so when customers fulfilled their contractual duty to pay them in full.  Shouldn't Azamara have to do what they promised they would do?  Would you feel any different if they decided not to honor the included internet, perhaps in order to allow additional bandwidth to those paying to use it?  Complying with a contract should go both ways.

[kbcruiser10]

2 hours ago, laurieb said:

I am dismayed with all the negativity regarding this change.  The Covid world has changed, but the cruise world has not.  How tight to expect all of your testing to be taken care of anymore.  I’m sorry, just my opinion, but if we all can afford to cruise, we can afford to pay for our own tests.  If you cannot fit these into your pre cruise schedule, you can still test at the pier, you just need to pay for your own test.  We may well do this still as we have pre cruise days in Barcelona.  I am more than happy to pay for a test!  
The world has changed, cruising has changed and travel will continue to change.  Welcome to the new world 

I don't care about having to pay for my test.  I was going to have to pay to be tested 72 hours before travel to be able to take advantage of their offer to cover expenses if I was tested positive at the pier.  The issue is that the new policy is that anybody boarding who didn't have covid 3 days ago is fine to travel on sailing day.  How does that protect anybody on the ship which is the entire point of the testing.  It doesn't so even the testing 72 hours before is unnecessary because it doesn't stop passengers with covid boarding on sailing day. Also Azamara will not have to cover expenses now because nobody will be testing positive on the day of sailing because they won't be tested at all.

 

 

Edited April 22, 2022 by kbcruiser10

[Grandma Cruising]

9 hours ago, kbcruiser10 said:

But they aren't testing at the pier at all so they wont have any positives.  So I think their whole blurb about covering anything is now null and void.  

 

They are testing, but you have to pay for it if you want it. 

[uktog]

4 hours ago, laurieb said:

I am dismayed with all the negativity regarding this change.  The Covid world has changed, but the cruise world has not.  How tight to expect all of your testing to be taken care of anymore.  I’m sorry, just my opinion, but if we all can afford to cruise, we can afford to pay for our own tests.  If you cannot fit these into your pre cruise schedule, you can still test at the pier, you just need to pay for your own test.  We may well do this still as we have pre cruise days in Barcelona.  I am more than happy to pay for a test!  
The world has changed, cruising has changed and travel will continue to change.  Welcome to the new world 

Yes welcome to the new world of illogical thinking re timing and excessive charging. That’s the issue  If Azamara are so cash strapped they cannot afford the cost of the tests (which is not $59 to them) it is a big concern.  They could easily recover the cost in other ways.  Increase fares in their next round of revisions, roll the test cost into the increase.  That way testing is kept and of course when it’s scrapped as it will be in the coming time, Azamara keeps the hidden increase.

 

The negativity has been fuelled by the short notice and the absolutely stupid wording in the communication trying to have us all believe the reason was to speed up boarding.  I’m surprised anyone bought that line and I’m more disappointed anyone in Azamara thought we would.  

[Riocca]

Probably one of the drivers is the increase in passenger numbers, testing 200 - 400 passengers has been manageable but when you start having to test 600+ there are likely to be delays that passengers will find unacceptable. Especially with the enhanced cleaning restricting boarding to afternoons.

That said I’m very disappointed with the way it’s been introduced, we have only had 10 days notice and have received two contradictory emails adding confusion to the extra stress.

Once again it’s been very U.S. centric with no regards to the availability of testing in other countries, from a U.K. point of view we’ve been nannied with free testing provided by the NHS so private testing has not flourish as it has in some other countries. Now with the removal of mandatory testing for many countries and airlines it’s unlikely to improve.

Azamara’s requirements for antigen testing is unclear as to what will be acceptable or not so to avoid any problems we’ve booked a PCR test the day before flying but it’s really something we could do without. I’ve looked at Marella and they are specific about what’s required recommending two providers and offering a discount on the test kit.

 

[roberts2005]

4 hours ago, Grandma Cruising said:

They are testing, but you have to pay for it if you want it. 

No testing on pier for May 2nd Onward.  I don’t care about the cost, just finding a place to be tested.  Lots of places are closed May 1 and 2.   For me to go back to Nice airport is 200 euros round trip.

[Riocca]

12 minutes ago, roberts2005 said:

No testing on pier for May 2nd Onward.  I don’t care about the cost, just finding a place to be tested.  Lots of places are closed May 1 and 2.   For me to go back to Nice airport is 200 euros round trip.

I’m led to believe there should be 2 pharmacies open in Monaco on the 1st & 2nd no idea which ones but I doubt they’re prepared for the number of people who may require testing.

[lisaten98]

Early May is the end-date many governments chose for mandates. I'm hoping futile testing is one of them.  We did everything so far that has been recommended, and honestly can't do more except stay home another year.  We'll wear masks still and avoid crowds when possible.  Go.  And enjoy your life. 

 

P.S. Azamara's PR staff should all be fired. It's been poorly handled.

[travelberlin]

6 hours ago, Riocca said:

Probably one of the drivers is the increase in passenger numbers, testing 200 - 400 passengers has been manageable but when you start having to test 600+ there are likely to be delays that passengers will find unacceptable. Especially with the enhanced cleaning restricting boarding to afternoons.

That said I’m very disappointed with the way it’s been introduced, we have only had 10 days notice and have received two contradictory emails adding confusion to the extra stress.

Once again it’s been very U.S. centric with no regards to the availability of testing in other countries, from a U.K. point of view we’ve been nannied with free testing provided by the NHS so private testing has not flourish as it has in some other countries. Now with the removal of mandatory testing for many countries and airlines it’s unlikely to improve.

Azamara’s requirements for antigen testing is unclear as to what will be acceptable or not so to avoid any problems we’ve booked a PCR test the day before flying but it’s really something we could do without. I’ve looked at Marella and they are specific about what’s required recommending two providers and offering a discount on the test kit.

 

Mein Schiff has tested 1200 passengers easily and without delay on embarkation day.

I agree that it is inconvenient now to have to look for a place for the test in a foreign country.

Ivi

[travelberlin]

I think we are confused with last minutes changes which have not been thought to the end. Contradicting information when we are days from our cruises. 
I feel for those cruisers who  will have to look for a place to test on a holiday in which everything is closed like May 2nd.

I am tired when someone posts “if you can afford a cruise, you can afford X, in this case a test”. I have heard that from trolls and from travel agents quite often. This people are missing the point. Changing terms and conditions on short notice is not good. Those of us who are affected are trying to get help from other cruisers in this forum in order to clarify the confusing information because Azamara is not clarifying. To tell us that Covid has changed everything does not help under this circumstances.
Thanks to all of you who are contributing with additional information and constructive suggestions.

Ivi

[travelberlin]

Has anybody been able to clarify if Azamara will still provide the services it has advertised in case we test positive before boarding? The way it looks now, many of us will have to take an antigen test before going to the port in the country of embarkation already. This test has to be within 24 hours of embarkation. 
How do we proceed in case it turns out positive? Who do we contact? Do we go to the port anyway?

How I miss Bonnie! She would have been able to get the answers from Azamara …

Ivi

[kbcruiser10]

9 hours ago, travelberlin said:

Has anybody been able to clarify if Azamara will still provide the services it has advertised in case we test positive before boarding? The way it looks now, many of us will have to take an antigen test before going to the port in the country of embarkation already. This test has to be within 24 hours of embarkation. 
How do we proceed in case it turns out positive? Who do we contact? Do we go to the port anyway?

How I miss Bonnie! She would have been able to get the answers from Azamara …

Ivi

The only way Azamara would have to provide the services is if you test at 72 hours before sailing and are negative and then test again 24 before or less before sailing and are positive.  But why would you do the 24 hour test?  They will accept your 72 hr negative test.
The website says they will cover you if you test positive at boarding PROVIDED you have a had a negative test before travel. I called weeks ago and asked them the time frame for that first test and was told not more than 72 hours.  

I am traveling from Australia and flying to Istanbul to stay for 3 days (approx 72 hours) before boarding the Pursuit on 5 May. So before this change I intended to be PCR tested on arrival in Istanbul exactly 72 hours before boarding time and hopefully test negative.  Then if I did test positive after 3 days walking around Istanbul I would be covered.  However since Azamara doesn't require another test after the 72 hour PCR test I won't need their cover because I will be boarding the ship and not have to change my travel plans (unless I am symptomatic in which case they would test me at the pier and I would have to pay for the test but they would cover me for my "change in travel plans" - whatever that means). 

With this change they have actually made that coverage null and void unless you are obviously symptomatic on boarding day.  The issue is that it has also taken away the safety aspect because they are saying as long as you didn't definitely have covid 3 days ago you are ok to board.  Its ridiculous.

 

Edited April 23, 2022 by kbcruiser10

[uktog]

I see on a UK Facebook page four people tested positive on boarding today and are now I quote "in a hotel in the middle of nowhere" They were asking for advice as they have no idea what happens next.  Will be interesting to watch how that one develops

[Baynanno1]

1 hour ago, uktog said:

I see on a UK Facebook page four people tested positive on boarding today and are now I quote "in a hotel in the middle of nowhere" They were asking for advice as they have no idea what happens next.  Will be interesting to watch how that one develops

 

Sad to hear that, both for those who tested positive and the absolute shambles that has become apparent from posts in recent days.

 

Although we are really missing cruising with Azamara, given the distance we have to travel and the volumes of uncertainty posted recently, we are becoming less keen to continue with our bookings in current circumstances. 🤔