Europe Cruises after July 30th 2022, Covid tests are on the passenger's dime

[jeffporfirio]

Recently got this email from DCL. Covid tests are on the passengers dime after July 30th:
"
Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing – Fully Vaccinated Guests

Fully vaccinated guests on sailings departing from a European port on or after July 30, 2022, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken 1 to 2 days before their sail date.
"

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Still waiting for information about testing for back-to-back cruisers for these European sailings. For sailings from US ports, b2b testing at the terminal between cruises has been at DCL expense. No mention of this in the letter or in the Know Before You Go section of ths DCL website for cruises from European ports.

 

[Karin1984]

I am just happy that we can test before the cruise. The stress of travelling to Dover and then testing in port was going to kill me with anxiety. During Covid I have paid so often for covid tests to travel abroad, it's not a big deal to me anymore. Happy the tests are not as expensive anymore as they were in 2020.

 

[insureman]

We got this also. Not sure what we are going to do since we will be in London 3 dats before the Transatlantic. Email below

07/13/2022 Reservation #: xxxxxxxxxx Dear xxxxxxx, All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to our Pre-Trip and Embarkation COVID-19 testing requirements for your sailing. Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing – Guests not Fully Vaccinated Guests 4 years of age and under who are not fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 3 days before their sail date. Test Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day. This will be the first of two tests required for Guests ages 4 and under; the second test will be conducted at the terminal prior to embarkation. The test should be a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing – Fully Vaccinated Guests Fully vaccinated guests on sailings departing from a European port on or after July 30, 2022, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken 1 to 2 days before their sail date. Test Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Antigen tests must be completed using a professionally proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with digital results that can be uploaded to the Project Screen website. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or PCR test also is acceptable. Completing pre-trip testing prior to embarkation day enhances the efficiency of boarding and confirms you are negative for COVID-19 prior to traveling to the terminal. Guests can purchase COVID-19 tests through our third-party vendor, Project Screen by Prenetics for $32 (USD) or £30 (GBP). Guests may also obtain a test from any independent testing supplier. Embarkation COVID-19 Testing Guests who are not vaccine-eligible because of age are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Prenetics) at the terminal before boarding. This will be the second test required for Guests ages 4 and under. Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload the required pre-trip test results on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal before boarding and will be charged. The cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be £60 (GBP), or 550kr (DKK) for the initial antigen test, and, if needed, £105 (GBP), or 927kr (DKK) for a confirmatory PCR test, charged at the time of service. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and their close contacts—will be denied boarding. As a reminder, please keep in mind the following Disney Cruise Line health and safety protocols. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements Disney Cruise Line requires all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and over to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the World Health Organization, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell), Sinovac-CoronaVac and Covavaxin (Bharat Biotech). The CDC defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving: A single dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine The second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine The full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials The second dose of any “mix and match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart) Sail Screen App available on Project Screen by Prenetics Website In order to sail, Guests (adults and children, regardless of age) must upload their proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test results on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website no later than midnight prior to embarkation day. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go. After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Prenetics, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their account before arriving at the port. It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 PCR test result with them to the port. If you have any questions about your Sail Screen app registration or status, please contact Prenetics at +44 1234 676684. Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19 In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.” With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Debarkation phases of their voyage. For details on what documentation is required, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go. Debarkation Day COVID-19 Antigen Testing All unvaccinated Guests on 5-night and longer sailings are required to take a COVID-19 antigen test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line) on the ship the day before debarking. Country-Specific Government Entry Requirements Certain European countries may have COVID-19 vaccination, testing and documentation requirements for entry that are independent of and in addition to Disney Cruise Line’s health and safety protocols. Guests should review and stay up to date with any requirements or restrictions that may be in place for travel to the countries their cruise itinerary visits. Some countries require a COVID-19 booster dose to enter the destination or port of call if your final COVID-19 vaccine was administered more than 270 days before arrival. In these instances, guests should consider completing a booster dose at least 14 days before arrival into the country. Guests who do not meet country-specific entry requirements for their sailing may be unable reach their point of embarkation or unable to debark at certain ports of call or their final destination. In some cases, Guests who are not considered fully vaccinated with the final dose or a booster administered within 270 days prior to entry, must undergo a COVID-19 test before debarking the ship in each port-of-call. This testing service will be provided aboard the ship, paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing in Europe. More information about this process will be provided onboard. Guests are responsible for checking and meeting all requirements or restrictions that may be in place for travel to any homeport or port of call that is part of their cruise itinerary. Guests can find links to all of the European ports Disney Cruise Line visits on our website. Country-specific government entry requirements may change at any time, without notice. We strongly recommend that guests frequently check the entry requirements for each country they plan to visit, especially as they approach their sail date. Face Coverings Government regulations may require travelers, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings while ashore, including in the cruise terminal, COVID-19 testing areas, airports and aircraft. Online Check-in: You must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time, and Guests arriving after their scheduled time may be delayed and asked to wait behind those arriving at their scheduled time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival. As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions. Guests booked on the Disney Magic July 30, 2022 through September 18, 2022 may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting our reservations team at 1-866-325-6685 or 407-566-7797 by July 27, 2022. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after July 28, 2022. We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. Sincerely, The Cast and Crew Disney Cruise Line

 

[BadPinkTink]

@insureman
thats the email we all got. The DCL website has also been updated. You will need to find a testing place in London, the airports also have testing centres

 

[brentm77]

We got this also. Not sure what we are going to do since we will be in London 3 dats before the Transatlantic. Email below

​

07/13/2022 Reservation #: xxxxxxxxxx Dear xxxxxxx, All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to our Pre-Trip and Embarkation COVID-19 testing requirements for your sailing. Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing – Guests not Fully Vaccinated Guests 4 years of age and under who are not fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 3 days before their sail date. Test Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day. This will be the first of two tests required for Guests ages 4 and under; the second test will be conducted at the terminal prior to embarkation. The test should be a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing – Fully Vaccinated Guests Fully vaccinated guests on sailings departing from a European port on or after July 30, 2022, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken 1 to 2 days before their sail date. Test Results must be uploaded on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Antigen tests must be completed using a professionally proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with digital results that can be uploaded to the Project Screen website. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or PCR test also is acceptable. Completing pre-trip testing prior to embarkation day enhances the efficiency of boarding and confirms you are negative for COVID-19 prior to traveling to the terminal. Guests can purchase COVID-19 tests through our third-party vendor, Project Screen by Prenetics for $32 (USD) or £30 (GBP). Guests may also obtain a test from any independent testing supplier. Embarkation COVID-19 Testing Guests who are not vaccine-eligible because of age are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Prenetics) at the terminal before boarding. This will be the second test required for Guests ages 4 and under. Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload the required pre-trip test results on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal before boarding and will be charged. The cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be £60 (GBP), or 550kr (DKK) for the initial antigen test, and, if needed, £105 (GBP), or 927kr (DKK) for a confirmatory PCR test, charged at the time of service. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and their close contacts—will be denied boarding. As a reminder, please keep in mind the following Disney Cruise Line health and safety protocols. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements Disney Cruise Line requires all Guests (U.S. and international) ages 5 and over to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the World Health Organization, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Novavax, Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell), Sinovac-CoronaVac and Covavaxin (Bharat Biotech). The CDC defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving: A single dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine The second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine The full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials The second dose of any “mix and match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart) Sail Screen App available on Project Screen by Prenetics Website In order to sail, Guests (adults and children, regardless of age) must upload their proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test results on the Sail Screen app available on the Project Screen by Prenetics website no later than midnight prior to embarkation day. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go. After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Prenetics, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their account before arriving at the port. It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 PCR test result with them to the port. If you have any questions about your Sail Screen app registration or status, please contact Prenetics at +44 1234 676684. Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19 In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.” With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Debarkation phases of their voyage. For details on what documentation is required, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go. Debarkation Day COVID-19 Antigen Testing All unvaccinated Guests on 5-night and longer sailings are required to take a COVID-19 antigen test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line) on the ship the day before debarking. Country-Specific Government Entry Requirements Certain European countries may have COVID-19 vaccination, testing and documentation requirements for entry that are independent of and in addition to Disney Cruise Line’s health and safety protocols. Guests should review and stay up to date with any requirements or restrictions that may be in place for travel to the countries their cruise itinerary visits. Some countries require a COVID-19 booster dose to enter the destination or port of call if your final COVID-19 vaccine was administered more than 270 days before arrival. In these instances, guests should consider completing a booster dose at least 14 days before arrival into the country. Guests who do not meet country-specific entry requirements for their sailing may be unable reach their point of embarkation or unable to debark at certain ports of call or their final destination. In some cases, Guests who are not considered fully vaccinated with the final dose or a booster administered within 270 days prior to entry, must undergo a COVID-19 test before debarking the ship in each port-of-call. This testing service will be provided aboard the ship, paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing in Europe. More information about this process will be provided onboard. Guests are responsible for checking and meeting all requirements or restrictions that may be in place for travel to any homeport or port of call that is part of their cruise itinerary. Guests can find links to all of the European ports Disney Cruise Line visits on our website. Country-specific government entry requirements may change at any time, without notice. We strongly recommend that guests frequently check the entry requirements for each country they plan to visit, especially as they approach their sail date. Face Coverings Government regulations may require travelers, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings while ashore, including in the cruise terminal, COVID-19 testing areas, airports and aircraft. Online Check-in: You must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time, and Guests arriving after their scheduled time may be delayed and asked to wait behind those arriving at their scheduled time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival. As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions. Guests booked on the Disney Magic July 30, 2022 through September 18, 2022 may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting our reservations team at 1-866-325-6685 or 407-566-7797 by July 27, 2022. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after July 28, 2022. We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. Sincerely, The Cast and Crew Disney Cruise Line

Are you saying it would be too hard to test while in London? If so, you can just test and the port still, but pay for it.

I know many disagree with the change because of the increased risk, but I personally would have really appreciated testing before going to the port while in Rome. It would have made the whole embarkation process part of the fun and excitement, instead of a long stressful process. Even though we all self-tested negative before going, there was still the thought of "what if" the official test comes back positive in the back of our minds and we couldn't really enjoy the excitement of arriving at the port. I know the counter to my opinion is, "how exciting would it have been to catch COVID on board?" But I am still not sold that the antigen testing at port significantly reduces that risk for various reasons.

This will also give some the option of testing before they even fly to Europe - probably cutting it a bit close for my taste, but certainly possible.

 

[jeffporfirio]

I found a observed testing service that uses the Canadian Government provided Covid Tests (Green Boxes), and charges CAD 20 per, but will look into the airports.
We are flying into COP the day before departure.

And...agree, I prefer this rather than testing at port

 

[insureman]

Are you saying it would be too hard to test while in London? If so, you can just test and the port still, but pay for it.

I know many disagree with the change because of the increased risk, but I personally would have really appreciated testing before going to the port while in Rome. It would have made the whole embarkation process part of the fun and excitement, instead of a long stressful process. Even though we all self-tested negative before going, there was still the thought of "what if" the official test comes back positive in the back of our minds and we couldn't really enjoy the excitement of arriving at the port. I know the counter to my opinion is, "how exciting would it have been to catch COVID on board?" But I am still not sold that the antigen testing at port significantly reduces that risk for various reasons.

This will also give some the option of testing before they even fly to Europe - probably cutting it a bit close for my taste, but certainly possible.

So I'm planning on doing the 1 to 2 day test before while in London which I like better than getting it done at the port. I just don't know how easy it will be since we are Americans and don't really know if we will have any hiccups accessing whatever testing website in the US or UK from the hotel using my phone or tablet. We will also test before we get on our flight to the UK.

 

[mousefan73]

I like this option better too as long as they always give us the opportunity to test at port even if it costs an arm and a leg. That’s worst-case scenario if you can’t get a test on your own.

 

[DCLMP]

@insureman
thats the email we all got. The DCL website has also been updated. You will need to find a testing place in London, the airports also have testing centres

Do you know where to test in LHR.

 

[Intr3pid]

We prefer the free testing at port. Logistics is one issue, but, more importantly, there is a reason why COVID cases on board are now going through the roof. The "anxiety" does its job. It keeps everyone disciplined in the days leading to embarkation.

If they want to remove port testing, they should just get rid of testing altogether. I don't know how much an antigen test from two days back helps.

Mind you - ever since major countries dropped pre-arrival testing, many centers have shuttered this service or reduced their hours of operations. The eMed-style kits are probably the best option.

 

[Twinkbelle]

I also agree that this is realistically better. As others have said it made the embarkation a lot more nerve wracking than it would of otherwise been. The waiting in the tent for the result email to come through felt like it lasted for a month. I remember one family high-fiving each other when they got their negative email, and I was sat there thinking I hope that's me soon (thankfully it was!)

Taking the test beforehand can save you having to travel to the port and depeding on your pre-cruise plans you may not have travelled at all, in which case you are no longer stuck at the port and not able to get onboard and then having to figure out what you're going to do next.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

We're doing the 11 day Iceland cruise from Copenhagen next month and I'm definitely happier with this option, even though it's going to be a bit of a hassle to get tested while on vacation. I agree, though, that they might as well get rid of testing at this point, if this is the way it's going. An antigen test that I took 24 hours after an international flight, before spending the next 48 hour sightseeing, is of questionable value.

 

[jeffporfirio]

We're thinking of doing the telehealth/observed tests the day before. I was wondering, was is best practice, the night before or the morning before (24 hrs prior to boarding) ?

Or does it even matter? If Prenectis is reasonable in approving, will probably test the night prior.

 

[xiphoid76]

I thought European ports removed the pre-cruise testing requirements as of August 1. Is this just a DCL thing that they are still requiring testing?

 

[Mommb]

I thought European ports removed the pre-cruise testing requirements as of August 1. Is this just a DCL thing that they are still requiring testing?

Yes. DCL still requires pre-cruise testing for departures in the US, even though it is not legally required. They are using the same policies in Europe.

 

[Trisaratops]

We're thinking of doing the telehealth/observed tests the day before. I was wondering, was is best practice, the night before or the morning before (24 hrs prior to boarding) ?

Or does it even matter? If Prenectis is reasonable in approving, will probably test the night prior.

So this is available in England? Do you have a link to a service that provides it for non-uk citizens?

 

[lollidrop]

It sounds like you can't/shouldn't upload a 90 day letter ahead of time, which is kind of a bummer- you won't know until the port if it's enough to be accepted.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I am on the 11 night European cruise out of Copenhagen. I just booked through OnPoint Testing for 2 telehealth proctored antigen tests. They were $14.99 each. We will supply our own tests. We won't get into Copenhagen until 2 in the morning, so I set it up the next morning, which is the day before we embark. I booked 2 tests, that can be taken with 1 appointment.

 

[lollidrop]

I am on the 11 night European cruise out of Copenhagen. I just booked through OnPoint Testing for 2 telehealth proctored antigen tests. They were $14.99 each. We will supply our own tests. We won't get into Copenhagen until 2 in the morning, so I set it up the next morning, which is the day before we embark. I booked 2 tests, that can be taken with 1 appointment.

You will need to book using Pacific Time Zone, so figure out your correct time conversion!

That sounds great, where are you able to get non rapid antigen tests?