Amanda92 Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Looks like as of January 5th, 2022 Royal Carribean is no longer offering covid tests on board for travelers who need them to return to their home country. Website now says you can get one at the cruise terminal, the airport, or other 3rd party testing sites. Does anyone know if royal carribean will offer any support to customers who test positive after disembarking and therefore cannot board a plane to get back to their home countries? Edit added link to info: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-to-take-a-test-if-traveling-to-us-from-another-country WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggbert Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 1 hour ago, Amanda92 said: Looks like as of January 5th, 2022 Royal Carribean is no longer offering covid tests on board for travelers who need them to return to their home country. Website now says you can get one at the cruise terminal, the airport, or other 3rd party testing sites. Does anyone know if royal carribean will offer any support to customers who test positive after disembarking and therefore cannot board a plane to get back to their home countries? Where is that documented? I spent quite a bit of time on hold with Royal a bit ago and they say as of this point there is no change. Please put up a link if you see something different. That is a good habit in general so people can see things. Too often "rumors" turn into long discussions, but they turn out to have no foundation. CruisingOz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 8 hours ago, Eggbert said: Where is that documented? https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-to-take-a-test-if-traveling-to-us-from-another-country It's in the FAQ. Gears and whitsmom 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gears Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 17 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-to-take-a-test-if-traveling-to-us-from-another-country It's in the FAQ. This is a major change. And a big logistical problem for some...!! WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggbert Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Thank you for posting that - I see it. I guess they need to let their phone reps know. I did talk with one for a 3/4 of an hour last night. I sail on Dec. 30th, so it won't affect me. That is why the link helps - there is a difference between "ends Jan. 5" and "sailing after Jan. 5." Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLA Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 5 minutes ago, Eggbert said: Thank you for posting that - I see it. I guess they need to let their phone reps know. I did talk with one for a 3/4 of an hour last night. I sail on Dec. 30th, so it won't affect me. That is why the link helps - there is a difference between "ends Jan. 5" and "sailing after Jan. 5." Thanks again. I often find advice offered by the phone reps to be varied and contradict the website a bit. For example, I was told that my Covid test needed to be within 48 hours of sail away time, when the policy is clearly posted that it's anytime 2 days before you board. Another case where 1) It helps to review the policies on Royal's website directly (and often, the closer you get to sail away to be familiar with the changing landscape of protocols) and 2) work directly with a trusted travel agent. Sharla, Eggbert and WAAAYTOOO 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 I was advised by TA that this was for bookings after January 5 and if you had booked earlier and were sailing after it would still be provided. This was several weeks ago and this statement clearly states otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-to-take-a-test-if-traveling-to-us-from-another-country International Re-Entry Testing Options Many international travelers will require a negative COVID-19 test result for re-entry into their country of residence. Please see below for options available to you on your sailing. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your country’s specific requirements prior to scheduling your re-entry test. For Guests Sailing before January 5, 2022 You can schedule a COVID-19 test onboard prior to debarkation day to complete your International Re-Entry Testing requirement. Details on scheduling your test will be provided once onboard. For Guests Sailing on or after January 5, 2022 Optional onboard testing to satisfy your International Re-Entry Testing requirement will no longer be available. However, if your country requires a COVID-19 test, you have various ways to complete this testing requirement nearby upon debarking the ship. Note that Royal Caribbean is not affiliated with these providers in any way. Testing costs vary by location and should be paid directly to the provider. These options will be communicated to you once onboard in greater detail. At the Terminal — For your convenience, you can take a rapid PCR or antigen COVID-19 test right at the terminal upon debarking the ship and depart. Results will be emailed to you shortly after. At the Airport — Guests traveling directly to the airport can schedule their rapid PCR or antigen COVID-19 test to be taken on-site with a test provider at the airport. Local Testing Sites — If you’re staying in the area, there are various locations close to the terminal, the airport and hotels in the area where you can complete PCR or antigen COVID-19 testing. Pricing for these tests varies by test type and location. Sharla and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladymis11 Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Well this is a game changer for me. No idea what these tests cost in the USA but as we are driving results back in 72 hours when we have to drive 9-10 hours. Another cruise down the drain. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike.s Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Have to say this is very short sighted, can see an awful lot of overseas travellers cancelling their cruises. As if all the testing involved with cruising wasn't stressful enough we'll now how to source a test and recieve the results in the few hours between leaving the ship and checking in for the flight home. WAAAYTOOO, Pattycruise and Baked Alaska 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob13 Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Definetly adds to the anxiety of cruising. Feels like it’s a money grab from the third party. Now I have to get swabbed twice in one day makes no sense Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WannaCruise Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 The downside is that it will now cost money, but at least they still offer it at the cruise port. Would need to leave time though for your flight home if flying. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 48 minutes ago, Bob13 said: Definetly adds to the anxiety of cruising. Feels like it’s a money grab from the third party. Now I have to get swabbed twice in one day makes no sense I'm not sure I understand the swabbing twice in one day comment. This is only for the requirement that you may need to return home from the US after your cruise is complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyYOW Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Another major change published on the website: unvaccinated kids now require PCR tests, not the rapid ones, before boarding. Another PCR will be taken at the port, same as before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 11 minutes ago, TonyYOW said: Another major change published on the website: unvaccinated kids now require PCR tests, not the rapid ones, before boarding. Another PCR will be taken at the port, same as before. Where do you see this? I know it's changed to require you bring a negative PCR test for unvaccinated passengers that was taken no more than 3 days in advance (that change was effective December 17th), but I still see that they're testing at boarding with antigen. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-travel-with-an-unvaccinated-kid-under-12-how-will-our-experience-be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyYOW Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 17 minutes ago, AshleyDillo said: Where do you see this? I know it's changed to require you bring a negative PCR test for unvaccinated passengers that was taken no more than 3 days in advance (that change was effective December 17th), but I still see that they're testing at boarding with antigen. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/if-travel-with-an-unvaccinated-kid-under-12-how-will-our-experience-be https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-to-take-a-test-if-traveling-to-us-from-another-country Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyYOW Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Also here:https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/will-i-have-to-take-a-test-before-i-cruise Quote Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. Unvaccinated kids’ pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 Not sure the rules but do international visitors need a test to return to US from PR? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Alt Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 42 minutes ago, Ray said: Not sure the rules but do international visitors need a test to return to US from PR? PR is part of the US, so one would assume no. but not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 1 hour ago, TonyYOW said: Another major change published on the website: unvaccinated kids now require PCR tests, not the rapid ones, before boarding. Another PCR will be taken at the port, same as before. That was announced a week or so ago. But antigen tests will now be given at the port (which is why, thanks to the CDC, you need a PCR test beforehand). Not that big of a deal for Americans, but certainly a huge PITA for Canadians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyYOW Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 11 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: Not that big of a deal for Americans, but certainly a huge PITA for Canadians. It is, and it's expensive... Having kids get PCR before, and all family get PCRs after cruise at our own expenses is definitely going to be a huge no-go for Canadians. I'm so happy my wife and my daughter just finished their cruise on Odyssey. With these new measures I'm not sure when the next cruise is going to be for us WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amanda92 Posted December 20, 2021 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 So it seems like now that royal won't test you on board that travelers who test positive when they get off won't have their quarentine expenses covered by royal. Anyone have any idea what the procedure/ cost is to quarentine in Florida for two weeks? Are you able to just rent an air bnb or do you have to go to an official quarentine hotel if such a thing even exists? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggbert Posted December 20, 2021 Report Share Posted December 20, 2021 9 minutes ago, Amanda92 said: So it seems like now that royal won't test you on board that travelers who test positive when they get off won't have their quarentine expenses covered by royal. Anyone have any idea what the procedure/ cost is to quarentine in Florida for two weeks? Are you able to just rent an air bnb or do you have to go to an official quarentine hotel if such a thing even exists? I bought a Manulife policy for two that was pretty cheap. They also have a family option which covers four. It covers Covid expenses and gives a daily per person stipend that would be enough in FL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 4 hours ago, Amanda92 said: So it seems like now that royal won't test you on board that travelers who test positive when they get off won't have their quarentine expenses covered by royal. Anyone have any idea what the procedure/ cost is to quarentine in Florida for two weeks? Are you able to just rent an air bnb or do you have to go to an official quarentine hotel if such a thing even exists? I wasn’t trying to figure out why they changed this policy and I think you hit the nail on the head. This way they avoid any costs associated with a positive test. They also probably don’t want to test any more than they have to in case of positive results on asymtomatic passenger which drives up their numbers, as well as them then having to do contract tracing and more testing. This could be a game changer as the costs keep rising and rising. Anyone know if other lines are offering testing on board for international travellers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 29 minutes ago, Vancity Cruiser said: Anyone know if other lines are offering testing on board for international travellers? NCL currently does. Vancity Cruiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 Of course! I’m on a European Celebrity cruise in July, just booked my airfare this past week. I purposely booked to come home the day I get off the ship, assuming the 24 hour re-entry test for the US remains the same. Venice airport is a few hours from the port. It’ll be a real time squeeze to get things done, plus the added cost. now I wonder if I can get my airfare back as well as cruise fare. I wonder if “I have a headache and other symptoms “ the day before we disembark if I can be tested onboard!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristiZ Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 11 hours ago, Pattycruise said: cruise in July July is a really long time from now. I suspect many things will change, many times over between now and then. Try not to worry about it yet! WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margaritajeff Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 We are on Freedom Jan 10-14. One of us flies back to Canada at 2:00pm the day we arrive back in port. Is it reasonable to get off the ship, get a PCR test (which is required for travel back to Canada) at the port , and get the results before flight check in time which is supposed to be 2-3 hours before departure? Any thoughts? Hopefully the testing process is efficient at the port. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 you can leave the ship early in the morning, ex: 7:30am get the PCR test at the port, wait for the results then head over to the airport. I think there's enough time. I'm sure others with more experience will chime in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 I’m a little worried about testing at the port after watching a recent video on you tube where the port testing for debarkation was in the middle of the parking lot and everyone was testing positive. This person saw what was happening and left the lineup and went to a private clinic where he tested negative. i think I will use testing facility at the airport although it adds about $400CAD to the vacation for my wife and I Tanner, WAAAYTOOO and Baked Alaska 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 9 minutes ago, Vancity Cruiser said: I’m a little worried about testing at the port after watching a recent video on you tube where the port testing for debarkation was in the middle of the parking lot and everyone was testing positive. This person saw what was happening and left the lineup and went to a private clinic where he tested negative. i think I will use testing facility at the airport although it adds about $400CAD to the vacation for my wife and I At both facilities, there is no age requirement but patients under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Discounts for MIA employees who present an airport ID are available. Test costs range from $79 to $179. The Central Terminal facility, operated by Communitel and Family Rehab, Inc. and located at MIA’s Concourse E ground level median in front of Door 11,provides Antigen and Rapid PCR tests with results within 15 minutes and PCR tests with results within 40 minutes. The facility is open daily 24 hours a day for walk-ins and scheduled appointments. For testing costs or to schedule an appointment, call 305-869-1161. Customers will receive a written test result, or results can be emailed upon request. MIA’s South Terminal testing facility, operated by Nomi Health and located near the Concourse H TSA Checkpoint on the departures level at Door 20,provides Antigen, PCR, and Rapid PCR tests daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for walk-ins and scheduled appointments. PCR test results are provided within 24 hours, Rapid PCR test results within one hour with an oral swab, and Antigen results are available within 15 minutes. Notifications and results are provided to customers via text and/or email. For testing costs or to schedule an appointment, visit the Nomi Health website or call (305) 280-0694; toll free at (833) 685-0700. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 I just got off the phone with Naomi Health. A rapid PCR test is $179USD per person and results are within 30 minutes. I am not thrilled about the additional cost but it seems manageable time wise. Tanner 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 12 minutes ago, Vancity Cruiser said: I just got off the phone with Naomi Health. A rapid PCR test is $179USD per person and results are within 30 minutes. I am not thrilled about the additional cost but it seems manageable time wise. Imagine a family of 4..... Pattycruise, canadiancruiser19 and WAAAYTOOO 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ontariocruisers Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 We went ahead with our late Nov cruise once we found out the PCR test was complimentary on board. We were pretty blown away that RC was offering that but also figured it wouldn't last. An extra $450 Canadian dollars isn't worth it for us, we will wait to see what happens until we book another one. Glad we got to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 3 minutes ago, Rene Desmarais said: Imagine a family of 4..... Pretty sure that would be a deal breaker for me..... As if cruising isn’t already expensive enough for Canadians with our air fares. WAAAYTOOO and Tanner 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 true.... USD to CAD conversion 231.00 CAD per I can see alot of international Travel cancelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggbert Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 Don't blame Royal - this is the price of your government "protecting" you. Baked Alaska and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 1 hour ago, Rene Desmarais said: true.... USD to CAD conversion 231.00 CAD per I can see alot of international Travel cancelling Not me !!!! Counting down the days the only thing that will stop me is if US shuts its doors again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rene Desmarais Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 16 minutes ago, Eggbert said: Don't blame Royal - this is the price of your government "protecting" you. Sorry???? I honestly don't understand your comment. I don't know what the reasoning behind RCL's decision to stop offering the PCR testing to return home. But I'm pretty sure it's not our beloved Canadian federal government asking RCL to stop offering free tests for Canadians to return home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted December 21, 2021 Report Share Posted December 21, 2021 4 minutes ago, Rene Desmarais said: Sorry???? I honestly don't understand your comment. I don't know what the reasoning behind RCL's decision to stop offering the PCR testing to return home. But I'm pretty sure it's not our beloved Canadian federal government asking RCL to stop offering free tests for Canadians to return home Some people forget that isn't always Americans all the time Baked Alaska 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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