Pre-Cruise Covid Test, Again?

[mcbury1]

We are scheduled on a HA cruise in Japan April 10th, and they are currently requiring a pre-cruise covid test 1 to 2 days before embarkation, even if you have been fully vaccinated.  We are planning to be in Japan the week before touring around and are having anxieties about finding a place in Tokyo for a test.  We are also considering the eMed tests.  Any thoughts?

[SilvertoGold]

HAL requires testing for Australia and NZ, too.  Home test is acceptable and certainly easy to do.

[lissie]

Probably a country requirement rather than a cruise line requirement - we had to do it in SF last year as per CDC rules at the time. 

 

Whether or not home tests are acceptable will come down to the actual rules - what have HAL said?

[Gigi1977]

1 minute ago, SilvertoGold said:

HAL requires testing for Australia and NZ, too.  Home test is acceptable and certainly easy to do.

We sail this week from NZ to Australia and are doing the ‘home’ tests which seems the easiest.   
 

I would check on the HAL site and see what is acceptable for Japan.  The home test we have to do does not have to be medically observed but we have done the emed test which fits that requirement.  If Japan requires the medically observed test, I would opt for emed. 

[skurvish]

I am on an upcoming HAL cruise to Japan. The testing requirements is a HAL requirement in an effort to keep the total number of infected passengers and crew below 10% (not exactly sure of the % but in this area) as Japan will deny a ship to dock if it meets or exceeds this threshold.

 

HAL does however allow you to take a self administered antigen test. See the health protocols for details,

[mcbury1]

Thanks for the responses.  We will likely try the eMed, self-administered test antigen test, but medically supervised over the internet.  For HAL, when they say 1 day in advance, does that mean you can take the test Sunday morning, and go on the ship Monday afternoon, more than 24 hours later?

[skurvish]

Check your online checkin through the HAL website, It will advise the date and time you can submit your results. Verify has the same info.

[Cruiz'nBaers]

12 hours ago, mcbury1 said:

Thanks for the responses.  We will likely try the eMed, self-administered test antigen test, but medically supervised over the internet.  For HAL, when they say 1 day in advance, does that mean you can take the test Sunday morning, and go on the ship Monday afternoon, more than 24 hours later?

We have used the emed test several times pre cruise.  We watched a couple of instructional videos on YouTube to help us figure it all out, I would recommend you do this as well.

[SFO Peter]

You can do self administered test.   It is simpler and convenient to do self administered non-supervised  test.  The test does not need to be medically supervised.   

 

Embarkation day is day = 0.   One day before embarkation day at any time of day is day = 1 etc.

Peter

[Kamfish642]

Just read online that WHO is looking to end COVID public health emergency declaration will end in 2023.  Hopefully, this will end testing requirements.

[avalon1025]

I am sailing Yokohama to Seattle, same self administered test required.  I am just bringing a few boxes of tests from my local CVS and will take a photo of the test to board.   I have already cleared Japan entry requirements via their website by uploading my vaccine documentation.  Should be easy.

[Arizona Wildcat]

Self administered tests are also required on longer cruises on Celebrity.  Test and then take a picture or bring the test stickcin a baggie 

It easy.  Maybe too easy but trying to keep case  count down.

[lyndarra]

On my Westerdam cruise in January all pax also had to do a RAT during several days into the cruise. I don't remember how many days.

[SFO Peter]

It is in HAL's interest to get the percentage of Covid below 10 percent on its >>reporting<<.

It is also in  HAL's interest to protect passengers from not fully vaccinated passengers to keep infection low.

I have read between the lines and do not have an issue with HAL's boarding requirements.

Peter