Self testing okay after September 5.

[NutsAboutGolf]

2 minutes ago, Luvcrusn said:

However it has taken a while for them to validate vaccination uploads pre boarding.

 

Vax cards cannot fully be validated for a variety of reasons but they could ensure the names match and its not an obvious fake by checking for typos.  Test results, which are not uploaded, can be fully validated.

[NutsAboutGolf]

12 hours ago, Luvcrusn said:

However it has taken a while for them to validate vaccination uploads pre boarding.

 

Except they aren't validating the vax cards because they can't...lol

 

In the US we have HIPAA laws and we have to remember passengers come from all over the world; each country with its own health privacy laws and potential language barriers.

 

Vax Cards...For a variety of reasons cruise lines cannot validate/confirm its passengers have received the vaccine.  All they can do is check that the names match, the dates seem to be in order and there aren't any obviously typos/errors.

 

Covid Tests...As designed, supervised tests can be fully validated yet they aren't as all we get is a quick glance.

 

Like it or not, and this does make some unconformable, it only takes seconds on a smartphone to edit any document including vax cards or Covid tests, results.  For example, have a negative test from a year ago, simply overlay a current date over the old date.  VBlogger Tony had a heated debate on his FB group to whether it was the cruise lines responsibility to actively look faked vax cards and test results after some spring breakers bragged and mocked terminal employees on social media they were able to board a ship with fake vax cards and edited tests.

[curtsfan]

On 8/22/2022 at 3:36 PM, Turquoise Girl said:

I received this email from Celebrity today.  I think it is saying that an observed test will no longer be required on most sailings from the US.  Does anyone else interpret it this way?

 

Starting with September 5th departures:

All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can cruise with us on sailings departing from U.S. and Europe ports (excluding sailings that visit Canada). We will begin accepting self-tests on sailings from U.S. ports that don’t visit Canada and Bermuda, and on many Europe sailings. We’re easing testing protocols for U.S. cruises that don’t visit Canada or Bermuda: For sailings 9 nights or less, vaccinated guests will no longer need to test to board one of our ships, where destinations allow; and will have 3 days prior to boarding to test for sailings 10 nights or more. Unvaccinated guests ages 5 and older will need to test 3 days prior to boarding U.S. sailings (excluding Canada and Bermuda); and ages 12 and older for select Europe sailings. The current testing protocol for cruises to Canada and Bermuda will remain in place until further notice, as well as the requirement that guests age 12 and up be fully vaccinated. Some testing protocols in Europe are also easing.

We are sailing on the Equinox in about 4 weeks.  I called Celebrity twice to verify if I could use a home Covid test & was told that they can now be done at home unsupervised!  You will need a clear screenshot of the negative results, or a printout or the actual test in hand.  Can’t believe it, but it’s true.  

[curtsfan]

On 8/22/2022 at 4:20 PM, colliercruiser said:

Agreed… it doesn’t make sense.  Self tests don’t have a time stamp, so they’re meaningless in this context.

I think it’s ridiculous!  If you test positive, you could have someone else take the test for you.  Plus they aren’t requiring any testing on cruises 9 days or less.  Makes no sense.