DanielB Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise We all knew it was coming....here it is. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielB Posted September 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Looks like they will be be selling the Emed tests from a RCL online store starting on Sept 8. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Since I've been testing for cruising I've accidentally on purpose fallen within a 2 day window. I've been doing PCR at T-3 days and rapid at T-2 days. Guess I can drop the PCR test now. Seriously though this really has zero impact for me. It's what I have been doing for a number of cruises. WAAAYTOOO, teddy, cruisellama and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Glad they made it clear the PCR requirement for 11 and under. Required Pre-Cruise Testing for Cruises Departing September 13, 2021 or Later Guests departing on or after September 13, 2021 will need to meet the new requirements recently issued by the U.S. CDC. Vaccinated guests age 12 and older must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding. Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test taken no more than 3 days before boarding. Antigen tests will not be accepted. Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested. The cost of pre-cruise testing is the guest’s responsibility. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Glad I got me some home kits. If we sail on a Sun, that means test no later than a Fri and I don't want try to do anything that close to sailing. cruisellama and twangster 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjpoe Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Just scheduled my appts. this morning. Well, I'll cancel those that I made for the 16th and rebook tomorrow for the 17th. Drats! That's cutting the window close, as we fly out on the 18th, the day before the cruise. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Q. Is there a telemedicine or telehealth test option that is recommended for my pre-cruise COVID-19 test? A. For fully vaccinated guests only, we accept self-administered, FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests taken under live video supervision by a telehealth representative. Coming Soon: Purchase Your At-Home Test Kit Starting September 8th, fully vaccinated guests can order at-home test kits, shipped right to your door (anywhere in the U.S.) in two business days or less. Complete your pre-cruise test at home, with live video supervised by a Certified Guide. Get your results in 15 minutes. More About the Test Kit The Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is an FDA-authorized rapid antigen home test that, when combined with eMed Telehealth Service, can be used by fully vaccinated guests to fulfill their pre-cruise test requirement. Your test kit includes a personal virtual visit with an eMed Certified Guide who will help you properly administer the test and verify the result. Your eMed Labs result report is provided via email and can be printed or displayed on your mobile device on boarding day. How It Works ORDER YOUR TEST KIT ONLINE: Visit Royal Caribbean’s online storefront, powered by Optum, to order your kit. The test kit ships within the U.S. and arrives in two days or less. TEST FROM HOME: Scan the QR code on your test kit box to start your video visit with a Certified Guide. GET YOUR RESULT: In 15 minutes, you’ll have a verified test result that you can use to board the ship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Well done RC helping to procure the Binax test to abide with these draconian CDC changes. I still can't believe unvaccinated have to get a PCR test. How many families are going to get bit because their kid's test doesn't come back in time? cruisellama and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursfreak21 Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 21 minutes ago, twangster said: Q. Is there a telemedicine or telehealth test option that is recommended for my pre-cruise COVID-19 test? A. For fully vaccinated guests only, we accept self-administered, FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests taken under live video supervision by a telehealth representative. Coming Soon: Purchase Your At-Home Test Kit Starting September 8th, fully vaccinated guests can order at-home test kits, shipped right to your door (anywhere in the U.S.) in two business days or less. Complete your pre-cruise test at home, with live video supervised by a Certified Guide. Get your results in 15 minutes. More About the Test Kit The Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is an FDA-authorized rapid antigen home test that, when combined with eMed Telehealth Service, can be used by fully vaccinated guests to fulfill their pre-cruise test requirement. Your test kit includes a personal virtual visit with an eMed Certified Guide who will help you properly administer the test and verify the result. Your eMed Labs result report is provided via email and can be printed or displayed on your mobile device on boarding day. How It Works ORDER YOUR TEST KIT ONLINE: Visit Royal Caribbean’s online storefront, powered by Optum, to order your kit. The test kit ships within the U.S. and arrives in two days or less. TEST FROM HOME: Scan the QR code on your test kit box to start your video visit with a Certified Guide. GET YOUR RESULT: In 15 minutes, you’ll have a verified test result that you can use to board the ship. I’m assuming the traveler pays? It doesn’t say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 4 minutes ago, spursfreak21 said: I’m assuming the traveler pays? It doesn’t say. It kind of does... Purchase Your At-Home Test Kit I just bought some of the same tests that Royal will soon be selling. It will be interesting to see if they subsidize the cost or negotiate a bulk rate. SpeedNoodles, cruisellama, Neesa and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursfreak21 Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 Ahh I missed that. I almost bought some last week. I’ll wait for the 8th to see if it’s subsided at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griffinjam22 Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 29 minutes ago, barjpoe said: Just scheduled my appts. this morning. Well, I'll cancel those that I made for the 16th and rebook tomorrow for the 17th. Drats! That's cutting the window close, as we fly out on the 18th, the day before the cruise. I know how you feel. On top of it my hotel has cancellation policy of 48 hrs prior to stay so if by chance my test comes back positive then out the hotel $$. Also dealing with airlines. Ugh. This will be cutting it close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 I would think RC would have to subsidize. It'd be a lot cheaper than having people cancel out of concern of the new timelines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LonB Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 I just updated my testing date to Sept 11 (sailing on the 13th). AND I ordered home tests. I'm NOT going to miss this cruise!! Just wish they'd get me that RoyalUp for the same cruise!!! twangster, Linda R, Neesa and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 30 minutes ago, twangster said: It kind of does... Purchase Your At-Home Test Kit I just bought some of the same tests that Royal will soon be selling. It will be interesting to see if they subsidize the cost or negotiate a bulk rate. Well considering I just purchased a 6 pack there’s a big possibility Royal will subsidize the cost for the rest of you…..because that’s my luck! Lol then again, why would Royal not make a buck off this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurdueFlyer Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 it's the CDC ... next, you'll have to board the ship with the swab jammed up your nostril and hand it to an officer at the end of the gangway. because, science. cruisellama, Neesa, Pattycruise and 3 others 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 3 minutes ago, Pattycruise said: Well considering I just purchased a 6 pack there’s a big possibility Royal will subsidize the cost for the rest of you…..because that’s my luck! Lol then again, why would Royal not make a buck off this? Looks like RC isn't even really selling them. They're being sold through Optum (which I assume is Optum Health Care) ORDER YOUR TEST KIT ONLINE: Visit Royal Caribbean’s online storefront, powered by Optum, to order your kit. The test kit ships within the U.S. and arrives in two days or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 US only customer....darn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JC Pats Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 40 minutes ago, PurdueFlyer said: it's the CDC ... next, you'll have to board the ship with the swab jammed up your nostril and hand it to an officer at the end of the gangway. because, science. If that's what it takes to keep cruising. I'll do it. DanielB, SpeedNoodles, Yo2slick and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 I did a PCR test yesterday morning at CVS and I just got the result. Basically next day. That's in Florida where cases have been skyrocketing. Looks like cases are starting to come down so testing is becoming faster. I have the home tests for a backup but if CVS can keep this up I've got a solid plan A with them even under a 2 day testing requirement. SpeedNoodles, BrianB, cruisellama and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 I bought the BinaxNow six pack already…and I’m also looking to book an antigen test near me. CVS, Walgreens, walk-in…whatever. I’ve heard of BinaxNow users sometimes having long waits for a telehealth monitor to become available. Or a problem with their hardware, or WiFi speed, or other connection disruptions mid-test which would invalidate that test and force them to start over with a new one. But I knew when I booked my cruises during the re-start that there would be rocks and shoals to navigate…hoops to jump through…balls to juggle. But I am determined to do whatever it takes to get aboard that ship! The sooner the cruise lines can show that cruising is consistently safe with flexible protocols, the better. I’ll gladly be a part of that…even with the inconvenience. Linda R 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkaczano Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 1 hour ago, Pattycruise said: Well considering I just purchased a 6 pack there’s a big possibility Royal will subsidize the cost for the rest of you…..because that’s my luck! Lol then again, why would Royal not make a buck off this? So Optum was selling 2 kits for $70, 3 for $100, no charge for shipping. Ironically, Optum was the company who was sold out last week. My guess is Royal doesn’t subsidize, but Optum may start selling bigger packages (6packs) for a similar cost to EMed and call it a discount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 3, 2021 Report Share Posted September 3, 2021 3 hours ago, twangster said: Since I've been testing for cruising I've accidentally on purpose fallen within a 2 day window. Same here. At first I was paranoid about being out of the 3 day window, so I did 2 to be safe. So no real change in how I've going going about it. The change is a bigger deal for my kids, who now have to get a PCR test WAAAYTOOO and cruisellama 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 4 hours ago, DanielB said: Looks like they will be be selling the Emed tests from a RCL online store starting on Sept 8. Via the cruise planner? Will there be a Labor day sale? Jill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 RC's "online storefront" will just be the same Optum website selling these tests now. Maybe they'll slap the crown and anchor on there for effect cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 JMHO But let's make it more complicated for those of us that received to vaccine, in my opinion Royal should just test every one when boarding and consider it a cost of doing business. Those that are unVaxed and show up for a test more that 3 days before boarding or test positive at boarding should then be denied boarding. Really what it delay boarding, 15 minutes and what is the,real cost, if the kit only cost me, retail $25. 79% of all hospitalizations in my area are from those darn unVaxed and that includes those poor children which are about 20% of the that number and Can't get the vaccine yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimnKathy Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 4 hours ago, griffinjam22 said: I know how you feel. On top of it my hotel has cancellation policy of 48 hrs prior to stay so if by chance my test comes back positive then out the hotel $$. Also dealing with airlines. Ugh. This will be cutting it close. Travel insurance is your friend in this type of situation. Check out Allianz if you haven't already done so. Jill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuttMutt Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 4 hours ago, griffinjam22 said: I know how you feel. On top of it my hotel has cancellation policy of 48 hrs prior to stay so if by chance my test comes back positive then out the hotel $$. Also dealing with airlines. Ugh. This will be cutting it close. That is why I bought the 6 tests. We are driving down a few days before and have a room booked. We will test a few days before we leave out and basically avoid going out and dealing with people. Then when we are at the room we can test again the day before the ship leaves out to have our result to cruise. That gives us a couple to use before or after the trip as we see fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 18 minutes ago, CruiseGus said: Really what it delay boarding, 15 minutes and what is the,real cost, if the kit only cost me, retail $25. I can't imagine the logistics of testing an Oasis-class capacity ship at the port. There isn't enough space to mass test like that. barbeyg 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 39 minutes ago, CruiseGus said: JMHO But let's make it more complicated for those of us that received to vaccine, in my opinion Royal should just test every one when boarding and consider it a cost of doing business. Those that are unVaxed and show up for a test more that 3 days before boarding or test positive at boarding should then be denied boarding. Really what it delay boarding, 15 minutes and what is the,real cost, if the kit only cost me, retail $25. 79% of all hospitalizations in my area are from those darn unVaxed and that includes those poor children which are about 20% of the that number and Can't get the vaccine yet. To assemble or contract a team of health care qualified individuals to mass test a thousand or several thousand plus guests in a 3 or 4 hour window at a cruise terminal is a very different model than a $25 home test over video. It doesn't scale in cruise terminals that were never built with this in mind. You can't just hand out 1,000 or more self tests and tell every guest to use their cell phone to do a proctored test with Navica. Then there is the matter of setting up several sets of lab testing equipment stations remotely in the terminal, in a lab environment with isolation and all that goes along with this type of setup. That can't be cheap. Cruise lines are not making money right now. They are simply losing less. Add the costs to contract a healthcare workforce which are already in short supply and pay them more to work on weekends then setup laboratory testing in the terminals for mass testing in each and every terminal and the cruise lines just might as well shutdown again. SpeedNoodles, Neesa and Ampurp85 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 9 minutes ago, MuttMutt said: That is why I bought the 6 tests. We are driving down a few days before and have a room booked. We will test a few days before we leave out and basically avoid going out and dealing with people. Then when we are at the room we can test again the day before the ship leaves out to have our result to cruise. That gives us a couple to use before or after the trip as we see fit. Remember you don't *have* to do the telehealth call to take the test. So that first test could just privately done, then the day before the cruise do the telehealth call to get the paperwork to board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 52 minutes ago, twangster said: To assemble or contract a team of health care qualified individuals to mass test a thousand or several thousand plus guests in a 3 or 4 hour window at a cruise terminal is a very different model than a $25 home test over video. It doesn't scale in cruise terminals that were never built with this in mind. You can't just hand out 1,000 or more self tests and tell every guest to use their cell phone to do a proctored test with Navica. Then there is the matter of setting up several sets of lab testing equipment stations remotely in the terminal, in a lab environment with isolation and all that goes along with this type of setup. That can't be cheap. Cruise lines are not making money right now. They are simply losing less. Add the costs to contract a healthcare workforce which are already in short supply and pay them more to work on weekends then setup laboratory testing in the terminals for mass testing in each and every terminal and the cruise lines just might as well shutdown again. seriously, how trained do you think those tele-med employees that proctor the tests are? miles4us2go 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogilthorpe Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 25 minutes ago, CruiseGus said: seriously, how trained do you think those tele-med employees that proctor the tests are? Training? We don't need no stinkin' Training... WAAAYTOOO, Neesa, miles4us2go and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 How easy / difficult will it be for non US citizens to get tests done 2 days prior to cruise if flying into NYC on wed then down to PR on the Friday for Sunday Cruise! Presuming tests would need to be done on the Friday in PR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielB Posted September 4, 2021 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 10 hours ago, cruisellama said: Via the cruise planner? Will there be a Labor day sale? No and won't open until 9/8. I also assume it will go to Optum or eMed website for ordering, but who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 I’m glad I’ve got several of you ahead of me to iron out the kinks in this new requirement. However by the time I sail in late October I’m sure it will change again. I do feel testing will still be required at least through the holiday season and possibly into early spring. SpeedNoodles and columbus_cruiser 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 8 hours ago, CruiseGus said: seriously, how trained do you think those tele-med employees that proctor the tests are? Completely irrelevant. The onus is on Navica to provide the service. Once Royal offers testing at the port they are responsible for it. The CDC will hold them accountable. columbus_cruiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 13 hours ago, smokeybandit said: RC's "online storefront" will just be the same Optum website selling these tests now. Maybe they'll slap the crown and anchor on there for effect So no 30% or BOGO -- JimnKathy, barbeyg, Neesa and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cakemeister Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 I've got a friend who is vaccinated and totally asymptomatic and her test came back positive. It might have been a false positive, but she should be covered if it wasn't. COVID-19 Cancellations and Refunds Policy | Royal Caribbean International cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted September 4, 2021 Report Share Posted September 4, 2021 Any folks from the toasty south have any issues with receiving this test in our seasonal above 90 weather? Our mail always is pretty warm when we get it. Would hate to have this thing damaged from heat soak per the warning below. Important Note to Purchaser: The manufacturer of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test Kit recommends test kits be stored at temperatures between 2 and 30°C (35.6 - 86°F). Any extended exposure of the test kit to temperatures beyond this range may effect quality of test results. If you have ordered home delivery of the test kit and expect temperatures in your area to be outside of this range at time of delivery, it is recommended that you arrange for someone to be home at or near time of delivery to receive the test kit or, alternatively, select a convenient pick-up location. Should you have any further questions, please contact eMed Customer Service at (866)-955-1173. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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