10 minutes ago, Last Lion said:

Thank-you for the info. Yes flight leaves at 3 pm so if provided at the terminal they best be bloody quick!

May I suggest that you join the FB group Grandeur of the Seas (insert which ever date you're on).  I joined Jan 2 and Jan 9 group.  Really helpful.

3 hours ago, Last Lion said:

Hey Jansplan,

how did you get the required PCR a test to enter Canada from Barbados?

 

 

 

 

 

I lucked out as Royal Caribbean provided it on board.  I believe as of Jan 6, the tests were going to be available at the terminal but at the customer's expense.  This would make it difficult if one is planning on getting on a plane to Canada immediately.  

On 12/30/2021 at 7:21 AM, Chmusar said:

So this is the first ever that my bid actually worked .

I originally had a ocean view (grandeur of the seas) on deck 3 , now have a spacious ocean view 7588 deck 7 (only bidded $200) but it is next to atrium we are not light sleepers but wondering how noisy it may be

 

Well I hope you aren't too noisy because I am right next door!  LOL.  It will be fine.  The 7th floor is apparently the best!

4 hours ago, Zurc said:

@rjweber3, where did you find the correct PCR test that Barbados requires for entry (not a nasal swab?). Either throat swab or the invasive Sinus scraping PCR test?   Have not found testing locations around me that do the original PCR testing.   Trying to find The 2 allowed types listed in the Barbados website. 

Thanks for any help. 
 

In British Columbia Life Labs.  It wasn't the deep nasal, but a mouth swab followed by a mid nasal cavity swab.  As I said earlier, if they don't accept what you have they will give you one in Barbados.  Tourism is their industry.... they want your money and will hope that you are healthy and can spend it there.  Good luck!

Arrived today and after joining FB group Grandeur of the Seas, December 26 I found out about FAST TRACK Barbados.  We signed up and wow!  what a breeze.  Someone met us when we got to the terminal and we bi-passed all the lines.  Well worth it.  Don't wait too long to book though.  

5 hours ago, Edmund said:

Barbados will require a negative molecular PCR test 72 hours.   I dont understand this post?

Where are you getting this information?  I don't understand either.

On 12/15/2021 at 10:26 PM, jansplan said:

I would say that you have a within 72 hours of your cruise a current PCR test.  

 

I just found out from Face Book group Grandeur of the Seas, December 26 that we will not have to show the PCR when embarking even if your 3 day window has expired because of arriving in barbados earlier!  Yay!

Here's the latest that I've read.  Sounds like RCCL are still on top of things! Yay!

https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/12/26/covid-19-outbreak-on-cruise-ship-docked-in-barbados-poses-no-threat-cummins/

On 12/26/2021 at 7:09 AM, Ed MacLean said:

We are scheduled to cruise on Grandeur OTS on February 6,2022 but will be cancelling due to Covid counts. Looking for some feedback for those who have experienced this cruise. Any island port cancelations?

Thanks Ed

 

I am sailing on the Grandeur Sunday (Jan 2) and plan to keep posts on the experience.  I'm sure it will be an adventure.  We've been hit with major snow....Vancouver Island, BC...  and won't be making it home (we're 4 hours away) until the day before we fly out on Thursday...we've been advised not to travel the roads.  Just in time to throw stuff in a suitcase and do the paperwork everyone requires.  Going into this with a good frame of mind no matter what happens along the way!  

16 hours ago, TXCoastPatriot said:

Of any that probably should be canceled is the Grandeur of the Seas sailing out of Barbados.
As of today…According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for…
Barbados, Tobago, Trinidad, St Vincent, St Lucia, Dominica, Grenada.

Every port of call location is at a Level 4 Travel Health Notice (Do Not Travel) due to COVID-19 including Barbados.

Aww.  Don't say that!  I just got my link from RC for my pre-embarkation antigen test.  Barbados officials won't be denying international travel anytime soon.  I trust that they have things under control.

1 hour ago, smokeybandit said:

This too shall pass. Even the Biden admin has hinted this could be a quick surge, at least for vaccinated people.

In particular, I am impressed with this link and has given me confidence in cruising.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/medical-center

48 passengers test positive for COVID-19 on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

On 12/15/2021 at 4:37 PM, CruisingOz said:

That was also our concern as we hold an Australian passport but we are not flying home, just back into the US for more cruises. Royal in Australia have no clue, and I can not talk to Royal in the US as they do not recognise my International booking number, so I am relying on the great information the message boards provide. What a great community, thank you

On 12/16/2021 at 6:24 AM, Matt said:

Yes, they already offer Canadians free PCR tests

As seen on Harmony a couple weeks ago:

 

YaY!  Now, I just have to decide if this trip is essential or not as we Canadians have been advised to avoid non-essential travel.  At least their wording allows us to interpret what non-essential means.  I really wouldn't want to get stuck in Barbados for an undetermined amount of time if Canada decides to cancel  all international flights coming into Canada.  Two weeks to go before I have to commit. 

17 minutes ago, CruisingOz said:

I just received an email from Royal, so assuming you will receive the same. Part of the email is about testing. My interpretation is we will not need a test within a time frame as we enter Barbados with a PCR test and present that at the terminal whee will will need to take the antigen test at the terminal. Would you agree that if we are in Barbados for five dosed then I simply present the PCR test from entry on Tuesday and so no need to book a test within three days of boarding. would you read it this way? I wish I could call someone. 

• Testing Requirements

Required Pre-Arrival and Pre-Cruise Testing

Testing is required to enter Barbados and to board the ship. These requirements vary depending on guests’ age and vaccination status.

PCR Testing

• • All travelers age 5 and older require a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to fly into Barbados regardless of vaccination status. The test must be taken within the 3 days before the day you fly into the country. You must upload the result to Barbados’ online Immigration/Customs Form, and show it to authorities upon arriving. Learn more about island entry requirements at Visit Barbados
  • Unvaccinated guests age 2 to 11 must show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result at the cruise terminal for a test taken no more than 3 days before the day you board the ship. If timed properly, the same PCR test result provided for entry into Barbados can satisfy this requirement.

Additional Antigen Testing

• • All Royal Caribbean guests age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will take an COVID-19 antigen test at the terminal prior to boarding the ship. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.

Guests under 2 years of age do not have any testing requirements to board the ship.

—————————————————————–
Required Testing to Debark in Barbados

All Royal Caribbean guests age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will require a complimentary COVID-19 antigen test provided by Royal Caribbean’s test provider to re-enter Barbados. In most cases, this test could also satisfy re-entry requirements into guests’ home country. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your country’s specific requirements prior to traveling. More information on this test will be provided once onboard.

 

I would say that you have a within 72 hours of your cruise a current PCR test.  

7 minutes ago, CruisingOz said:

@jansplanWe love Canada, such a beautiful country but I can not imagine the cold and so fully understand your need to thaw out. We have flown into JFK in late January one year totally unprepared. If you have ever watched the movie Cool Running with the Jamacian bobsled team scene when they arrived at the Canadian Winter Olympics, we were those people, at the terminal doors with our luggage bags open throwing on random clothes to layer up, lol.  Thanks for the sales at Macy's where we bought coats which we can only wear overseas, Australia never gets that cold.    

Come on.....people go skiing there when it is Canada's summer!

https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/covid-19-update-for-tuesday-december-14/

I found the above link useful.  Canada doesn't want us going to Barbados; it doesn't look too bad to me.  Keep a strong immune system, social distance as much as possible and wash your hands!  I really want to go!

I will.  We are supposed to leave on Grandeur of the Seas, January 2.  We have booked a PCR test the day before we embark as we will not be within the 72 hour window.  We have connecting flights AND are arriving early as you never know what the weather brings.  I'm from Canada.  To enter Canada you need to have a negative PCR; an antigen test does not cut it.  A new advisory came out today......Avoid all non- essential travel.  What that means is up to the individual.  I need sunshine and warmth!  Did I fail to tell you that I am from Canada?  Keep well.

22 hours ago, Eggbert said:

I have already written Doug Ford's office and the Office of the P.M. People have had enough, it is time to live our lives again and vacations are an important part of that especially after the past two years.

I agree.  What I like is that "avoiding non essential travel" is a personal interpretation. 

Still doesn't sit right with me today's update.

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

32 minutes ago, twangster said:

Ship labs carry both.  Ship crew use PCR to fly home themselves when their contracts ends.

Before there were any international guests on board any ship, Royal had PCR tests on board.  Crew are tested every week.  If a crew tests positive for an antigen test they next get a PCR test.  It a guest reports symptoms the first test for them and close contacts is antigen.  If any antigen is positive they next do a PCR test since they are more reliable.  That has been standard operating procedure since the restart.  This is required by the CDC.  They have to have PCR tests on board.  

Since the restart antigen was used for all consecutive cruisers.  Once international guests started sailing any ship, they started using PCR to fulfil their needs.  I personally received a PCR test for flying to Canada in October before the border was officially open.  There were very few PCR tests being given back then, yet they had no issue giving me one.

I see no reason to assume Grandeur wouldn't do the same for international guests that every other ship has been doing for international guests.  

I understand you may want that in writing but there is nothing unique about Grandeur.  She absolutely has PCR test kits on board.  

 

Thank you very much for this information.  I am still waiting for a response from RC.  

On 12/9/2021 at 7:58 PM, CruisingOz said:

We would also love to hear as we a due to board January 9th. The airfare from Miami was expensive but we were lucky and locked in a rate with Air2Sea, so glad we did as they are so expensive now and we would not have booked the cruise with current airfare prices. 

The Barbados protocols are simplified now. As we are coming out of Australia, we are fully vaccinated, so only researched vaccinated protocols. The for all passengers flying in must have had a RT-PCR test within 72 hours prior and may be selected upon arrival for a rapid antigen test.  Also this 72 hour window will allow you to board the ship. This is an extra day to US based cruises. We are flying in five days earlier, just in case and so we have booked a local test rapid antigen test, $44 USD pp, a couple days prior to boarding. All passengers will be tested at the port by Royal, complimentary, prior to boarding. The Barbados government has an optional app to upload all your test results and details, which you can start 72 hours prior ro entry.   

 Yes, everyone will get a free antigen test before embarking.  It is still my understanding that you still need a PCR test before getting on the ship...the antigen is not accepted.  

Antigen tests are not acceptable to get back into Canada.  Still waiting to hear whether Grandeur of the Seas (out of Barbados) will be administering PCR testing for us Canadians.  Any insight would be appreciated.  

4 hours ago, Chmusar said:

The protocols have changed again as it seems no PCR test needed ( if vaccinated) to board ship just the additional antigen testing done at port .

Which is good for us as we where flying in 4 days before so now we don't need to arrange another PCR test while we are in Barbados 

 

PCR Testing

• All travelers age 5 and older require a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to fly into Barbados regardless of vaccination status. The test must be taken within the 3 days before the day you fly into the country. You must upload the result to Barbados’ online Immigration/Customs Form, and show it to authorities upon arriving. Learn more about island entry requirements at Visit Barbados
• Unvaccinated guests age 2 to 11 must show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result at the cruise terminal for a test taken no more than 3 days before the day you board the ship. If timed properly, the same PCR test result provided for entry into Barbados can satisfy this requirement.

Additional Antigen Testing

• All Royal Caribbean guests age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will take a COVID-19 antigen test at the terminal prior to boarding the ship. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.

Sorry, but I think you are mistaken.  I am also going to arrive in Barbados early, but my Covid test will have expired before I embark.  The blurb says, "If timed properly, the same PCR test result provided for entry into Barbados can satisfy this requirement."  I've got appointments set up at the Crane Resort.  I'm more concerned with the testing before I get back to Canada.  The antigen test on board is not acceptable for Canada.....at this point in time.  I am still waiting to hear back from RC.