VoidoftheSeas Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 Edit 8/19: Royal Caribbean has updated its FAQs to confirm that the Abbot BinaxNow Home Test can be accepted as proof of a negative Covid-19 test as long as the test is proctored via a digital telehealth visit. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go ----------- Last week, @Matt posted this up on the Blog: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2021/08/09/royal-caribbean-now-accepts-cdc-approved-home-covid-19-tests I spoke to an RCCL rep today (via Twitter DM), who stated that the BinaxNow Ag Home Test is only accepted by RCCL if physically administered by a lab, and that results from the Zoom proctored version of the test will not be accepted at the port. I have appointments scheduled already for PCR tests on Thursday, but I'm increasingly concerned about delays with processing PCR tests. I have purchased a set of these tests, but now it seems like Royal won't actually accept them. Does anyone have positive confirmation of RCCL accepting this test at the port for proof of recent negative test? Or do I need to take my chances with the PCR tests on Thursday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristiZ Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 Wow, looks like Royal just updated their FAQ specifically disallowing the proctored home test. That's bad news Odd that the CDC will accept the proctored test but Royal won't. Hopefully this will be a short-lived prohibition! https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark_A Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 wow - following this one - I just bought a few of the at home kits with zoom supervision... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovetoCruise87 Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 We decided to get appointments at CVS for the rapid antigen test. Want to make sure there are not delays what so ever in getting the results. Don't want not having the results in time to keep us from getting on the ship Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 So you can only use an at-home test if it's not done at home? WAAAYTOOO, sk8erguy1978, jticarruthers and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 I've reached out to Royal to get clarification. The wording still isn't clear if the supervised version is okay or not., No offense to @VoidoftheSeas at all, but the social media team is not always 100% accurate about things they tell guests. Regardless, I'm equally curious to ensure we're all clear on what is and is not acceptable. Mark_A, sk8erguy1978, CruiseGus and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoidoftheSeas Posted August 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 @Matt - Absolutely agree that the Social Media folks are not always perfect. I'm just trying to make sure I cover all my bases so I don't have a pair of disappointed kids on Sunday! Appreciate you reaching out as well, you almost certainly have better access than I do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 I for one am glad Matt will follow up on this, but from the Royal web site "The Abbot BinaxNow Rapid Antigen test, if self-administered at home, is not accepted – it is only acceptable if administered by a medical provider with proper documentation provided." The Zoom call that accompanies the test being questioned is no different from any other "Telimed" appointment. The medical provider will still email you results that say they administered the test. Seems Clear to me. But, will watch for Matt to verify. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 While I wait for a response.... 22 minutes ago, CruiseGus said: it is only acceptable if administered by a medical provider with proper documentation provided." This quote to me says it would be accepted, but I guess it depends on your definition of "administered". WAAAYTOOO, barbeyg and VoidoftheSeas 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 23 minutes ago, Matt said: While I wait for a response.... This quote to me says it would be accepted, but I guess it depends on your definition of "administered". my thoughts also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoidoftheSeas Posted August 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 30 minutes ago, Matt said: I guess it depends on your definition of "administered" This is the exact piece that I believe Royal needs to clarify more precisely in their FAQs. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 Not the first time RC has issued very vague guidance on covid-related measures. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12thman Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 Looks like we'll be the guinea pigs. Just did a PCR test at CVS today but we are also doing the Binax test proctor administered. We board Friday I'll show the Binax first and see what happens. If it's rejected we should have our PCR as back up. I'll post here our experience. Pattycruise, WAAAYTOOO, Matt and 8 others 4 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 31 minutes ago, 12thman said: Looks like we'll be the guinea pigs. Just did a PCR test at CVS today but we are also doing the Binax test proctor administered. We board Friday I'll show the Binax first and see what happens. If it's rejected we should have our PCR as back up. I'll post here our experience. AWESOME ! Thanks for doing this. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoidoftheSeas Posted August 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 @Matt: Did you ever get a response back from Royal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynda Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 On 8/17/2021 at 2:57 PM, 12thman said: Looks like we'll be the guinea pigs. Just did a PCR test at CVS today but we are also doing the Binax test proctor administered. We board Friday I'll show the Binax first and see what happens. If it's rejected we should have our PCR as back up. I'll post here our experience. Thank you so much! We will keep our fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 2 hours ago, VoidoftheSeas said: @Matt: Did you ever get a response back from Royal? Nope. Sent a follow up email and no response. VoidoftheSeas 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Celebrity has updated/clarified their rules, maybe RCI is not far behind: https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/faqs#testing-and-screening-faqs KristiZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 YIPPEE ! Great clarification. Hopefully Royal will make that same clarification. barbeyg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbeyg Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 12 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: YIPPEE ! Great clarification. Hopefully Royal will make that same clarification. I agree. I'd much prefer to do the testing at home with a tele-medicine professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Great find @barbeyg! I strongly suspect if Celebrity says it is ok, Royal will too VoidoftheSeas, barbeyg and WAAAYTOOO 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoidoftheSeas Posted August 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 58 minutes ago, barbeyg said: Celebrity has updated/clarified their rules, maybe RCI is not far behind: https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/faqs#testing-and-screening-faqs This is well written and clear - I wish more of Royal's FAQs were written this way. barbeyg and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12thman Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Have our PCR results will do the Abbotts test tonight see what happens tomorrow. I'll write a new thread about our experience. VoidoftheSeas, WAAAYTOOO and RWDW1204 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoidoftheSeas Posted August 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Royal has updated their FAQs in the last few minutes: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go cc: @Matt More on Telehealth Testing Telehealth self-tests taken at home under live supervision must meet these requirements: The test must have Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. FDA. The self-test process must happen under live supervision on a video call with a telehealth representative. The telehealth provider must issue you a result document that includes all the necessary information. An example of one test that meets these parameters is the supervised Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Test available through the Abbott Navica app or eMed.com. Note that this test kit must be shipped to your home in most cases and may take up to 5 business days to arrive (in the U.S.) after you order. RWDW1204, CruiseGus, Matt and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12thman Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 22 minutes ago, VoidoftheSeas said: Royal has updated their FAQs in the last few minutes: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-need-an-rt-pcr-test-before-i-cruise-where-should-i-go cc: @Matt More on Telehealth Testing Telehealth self-tests taken at home under live supervision must meet these requirements: The test must have Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. FDA. The self-test process must happen under live supervision on a video call with a telehealth representative. The telehealth provider must issue you a result document that includes all the necessary information. An example of one test that meets these parameters is the supervised Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Test available through the Abbott Navica app or eMed.com. Note that this test kit must be shipped to your home in most cases and may take up to 5 business days to arrive (in the U.S.) after you order. Excellent then we'll save that test for another cruise. Hopefully we'll still be able to use it then, ever changing rules who knows? WAAAYTOOO, VoidoftheSeas and barbeyg 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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