Covid test requirement

[Loyal2Royal]

When will RCCL stop requiring proof of negative Covid tests prior to sailing?  The rapid tests required for travel are no longer free via insurance and cost upward of $140 per person.  

[Ampurp85]

1 hour ago, Loyal2Royal said:

When will RCCL stop requiring proof of negative Covid tests prior to sailing?  The rapid tests required for travel are no longer free via insurance and cost upward of $140 per person.  

No one knows

But expect it to continue until maybe next year. I believe they will get rid of vax requirements before testing

[JasonL]

get the Abbott at home test recommended by RC and Matt. Just bought a 3 pack from Optum for $99 to cover me and the wife plus one extra in case of an inconclusive. Free shipping

[Matt]

There's absolutely no reason to be paying $140 per test.

Get the at-home test from emed.com

[JasonL]

10 hours ago, Matt said:

There's absolutely no reason to be paying $140 per test.

Get the at-home test from emed.com

Just an FYI for anyone looking for tests

emed currently has a 6pack for $150 + $20 next day shipping(approximately)

optum has a 2 pack for $70 + free shipping or a 3 pack for $99 + free shipping

[greenline627]

On 4/20/2022 at 9:25 AM, Matt said:

There's absolutely no reason to be paying $140 per test.

Get the at-home test from emed.com

You have to buy 6 tests if you do that can another couple use three of the test or if you order must you use all of them.

[Bob Johnson]

FYI, I was able to send my receipt from emed to my health insurance and they end up paying for it.
I was only hoping for the $12 per test so that was nice surprise to have it fully paid.

[fa-li]

Emed also offers the option to pay with your hsa card if you have one. All but the shipping qualifies 

[ChessE4]

3 hours ago, greenline627 said:

You have to buy 6 tests if you do that can another couple use three of the test or if you order must you use all of them.

Yes. Each user sets up Navica account regardless of who bought tests originally. 

[Pooch]

On 4/19/2022 at 10:37 PM, Ampurp85 said:

No one knows

But expect it to continue until maybe next year. I believe they will get rid of vax requirements before testing

Funny, my totally unscientific random thought is that they’ll stop testing but keep the vax requirements

[Ampurp85]

2 hours ago, Pooch said:

Funny, my totally unscientific random thought is that they’ll stop testing but keep the vax requirements

Truthfully, I think they will believe having negative test will be better than everyone being vax.......seeing how they like to be known as a family brand. There will always be unvax kids, who will have to test. They may start letting anyone sail if they have to choose one of the other and opt for just testing. 

[twangster]

Walgreens tests are still free for travel.  Did one last week, have another booked this week. 

Bringing eMed as my backup.   

[Pooch]

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

Truthfully, I think they will believe having negative test will be better than everyone being vax.......seeing how they like to be known as a family brand. There will always be unvax kids, who will have to test. They may start letting anyone sail if they have to choose one of the other and opt for just testing. 

And I think just the opposite but nobody at RC is asking my opinion!  

[Caroline M]

Thanks for this thread! The free local testing spot closed near me so I broke down and ordered the emed ones....

[Yanna]

If your unvaccinated but have been tested and the results come back negative, would that not be enough to be able to board?? 

[whitsmom]

All adults must be vaccinated. Only children (ages 11 and under) are allowed to be UN-vaccinated.  Everyone from 12 on must be fully vaccinated with last dose at least 14 days prior to cruising. This is from their website.

[Pooch]

43 minutes ago, Yanna said:

If your unvaccinated but have been tested and the results come back negative, would that not be enough to be able to board?? 

Nope, must be vaccinated

[Leroyr55]

Wife and I just did the emed on line tested so easy and quick. Double boosted Miami and Symphony he we come. 

[OCSC Mike]

Still free if you have Walgreens offering NAAT tests near you.

[recogneyes]

7 hours ago, Yanna said:

If your unvaccinated but have been tested and the results come back negative, would that not be enough to be able to board?? 

Vaccination has been required since RCCL ships started back in service ... along with a negative test in order to board.

[Jessi Patterson]

On 4/19/2022 at 8:31 PM, Loyal2Royal said:

When will RCCL stop requiring proof of negative Covid tests prior to sailing?  The rapid tests required for travel are no longer free via insurance and cost upward of $140 per person.  

Not soon enough... LOL

[Va4fam]

On 4/20/2022 at 7:23 PM, JasonL said:

Just an FYI for anyone looking for tests

emed currently has a 6pack for $150 + $20 next day shipping(approximately)

optum has a 2 pack for $70 + free shipping or a 3 pack for $99 + free shipping

Where can you buy the 6 pack of emed?  I only see the 2 or 3 pack on their site?

 

[RWDW1204]

19 minutes ago, Va4fam said:

Where can you buy the 6 pack of emed?  I only see the 2 or 3 pack on their site?

 

Go to the eMed website. 6 for $150 plus shipping.

[Va4fam]

thank you for the info @RWDW1204.  I ordered the 6 pack.  

There are 4 of us headed to Europe so I plan to order 12 total tests (4 for the embarkation, 4 for returning to the U.S., and 4 extra to be safe)

 

[RWDW1204]

Extras to be safe is good. We haven't had any problems yet but with so many stories here of kit issues it relieves some of the stress with testing. Safe travels.