Disney embarkation test PCR or Antigen?

[mousefan73]

I know this has been answered in many threads or people have stated that it’s a PCR test given to us at the port not an antigen. I had always assumed it was antigen since the results were so fast. Can anyone confirm how they learned that it was a PCR test? Did you get official confirmation from Disney?
I checked their website and the only thing I find is where they address the children who are not vaccinated were they state about the embarkation test “this will be the second PCR test”

So are people assuming it’s PCR based off of this? Or do they only give the kids the PCR report and the rest of us antigen? Thanks

 

[Freeman867]

I know this has been answered in many threads or people have stated that it’s a PCR test given to us at the port not an antigen. I had always assumed it was antigen since the results were so fast. Can anyone confirm how they learned that it was a PCR test? Did you get official confirmation from Disney?
I checked their website and the only thing I find is where they address the children who are not vaccinated were they state about the embarkation test “this will be the second PCR test”

So are people assuming it’s PCR based off of this? Or do they only give the kids the PCR report and the rest of us antigen? Thanks

There is such a thing as a rapid PCR test. The reason most aren't rapidly available is because the test has to go to a lab to get to the testing equipment. The delay isn't the testing itself. DCL/Inspire just have the testing equipment at the port and there's no delay in getting the sample to the equipment.

 

[mousefan73]

There is such a thing as a rapid PCR test. The reason most aren't rapidly available is because the test has to go to a lab to get to the testing equipment. The delay isn't the testing itself. DCL/Inspire just have the testing equipment at the port and there's no delay in getting the sample to the equipment.

OK that totally makes sense. But how do we know for sure this is the set up they have, PCR? I’m just trying to find official information.

I’m so stupid I should’ve asked back in December when I was getting tested.

 

[Freeman867]

OK that totally makes sense. But how do we know for sure this is the set up they have, PCR? I’m just trying to find official information.

I’m so stupid I should’ve asked back in December when I was getting tested.

Here's a snip from the website:

 

[sab53085]

From the Know Before You Go section on DCL:

Embarkation COVID-19 Testing: All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Inspire Diagnostics) at the terminal before boarding. This will be the second of two COVID-19 PCR tests required for unvaccinated Guests. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results—as well as those sharing the same stateroom and their close contacts—will be denied boarding.

 

[mousefan73]

Yeah I saw that too and I was thinking maybe just for the non-vaxxed they do PCR? Since the statement is referring to the little ones.

 

[Freeman867]

Yeah I saw that too and I was thinking maybe just for the non-vaxxed they do PCR? Since the statement is referring to the little ones.

Yeah, I don't know of anywhere specifically on the DCL site, but I know reports from cruisers on this board have confirmed it's a PCR test and not an antigen test.

 

[sab53085]

Yeah I saw that too and I was thinking maybe just for the non-vaxxed they do PCR? Since the statement is referring to the little ones.

How I read it as that the kids will get two PCR and the vaccinated adults will get one

 

[Intr3pid]

It's a rapid PCR test with a 30-45 minute turnaround time. Did two of them earlier this month. The test done on-board is antigen. Plenty of threads too on this topic.

 

[mousefan73]

It's a rapid PCR test with a 30-45 minute turnaround time. Did two of them earlier this month. The test done on-board is antigen. Plenty of threads too on this topic.

Yeah I know it’s been answered in other threads but I have been looking for official infos from DCL all I find except the vage statement on the unvaxxed. KWIM?

 

[Intr3pid]

Yeah I know it’s been answered in other threads but I have been looking for official infos from DCL all I find except the vage statement on the unvaxxed. KWIM?

You are looking for a copy/paste from website versus someone's actual experience?

 

[mousefan73]

You are looking for a copy/paste from website versus someone's actual experience?

I’m asking here if anyone asked themselves. With typical web forums a lot of information is hersay that gets passed on. I was just curious since I was really trying to find out 100% today and their website is very unclear

 

[Kwami]

Well, the unvaccinated kids get the same test as everyone else at the port. There's really nothing else to say. If you want something more official for some reason, then contact DCL.

 

[Freeman867]

I’m asking here if anyone asked themselves. With typical web forums a lot of information is hersay that gets passed on. I was just curious since I was really trying to find out 100% today and their website is very unclear

Suppose if you want to get 100% you can chat with a Disney rep or call Safe Passage who administers the tests.

 

[BruinEd03]

I’m asking here if anyone asked themselves. With typical web forums a lot of information is hersay that gets passed on. I was just curious since I was really trying to find out 100% today and their website is very unclear

This is directly from my safe passage account for the embarkation testing:


2Embarkation Screening
Verify documents from Pre-Sail Screening are complete, and/or completion of an approved, rapid-result COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT).

 

[lanejudy]

Yeah I saw that too and I was thinking maybe just for the non-vaxxed they do PCR? Since the statement is referring to the little ones.

Everybody gets the same test at embarkation. So if the embarkation test is PCR for the unvaxxed little ones, it is also PCR for the adults and older kids.

Inspire Diagnostics runs the lab tests; they have the machines set-up right there at the port.

 

[Starwind]

On this DCL webpage: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/embarkation-day-us/

It states [red colour added for emphasis]:

Embarkation COVID-19 Testing
When arriving at the terminal, check in your luggage with a porter and head to the COVID-19 PCR testing location.

Testing Locations at Each Port

• Cape Canaveral: Testing is conducted at the parking garage. Guests who drove to the terminal will stay inside their cars until their testing is completed and they are cleared to park their car and board the ship. A testing site at the garage is available for Guests who have been dropped off at the terminal.
• San Diego: Testing is conducted in the terminal; however, should there be 2 or more ships in port, Guests will be shuttled to and from another site nearby.
• Miami: Testing is conducted inside the terminal.
  

All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding.

The COVID-19 test is a self-swab test. A parent or guardian should assist children who cannot perform this function on their own. Professionals will be on hand to help guide you through the process.

Test results typically take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete but could take longer. We recommend that you plan accordingly and consider bringing snacks, water or activities to make your wait more comfortable. A Cast Member will provide you with a telephone number to call should you have any questions while awaiting test results.

When test results are available, you will be notified by email. Next, log in to the Safe Passage website to determine whether your party is clear to embark. Once cleared, Guests should make their way to the cruise terminal. Guests receiving positive COVID-19 test results, including all members in their travel party, will not be permitted to board the ship.

 

[nu2dvc]

So in thinking about the logistics of this process, if we have a hotel that is 5 minutes from the NOLA port which our Wonder sailing departs next month, would it make more sense to leave our bags with bell services, head over to swab and then await the email giving us the green light to head to terminal. (would then backtrack to retrieve bags prior)?

I've read so many reports of guests waiting hours in a tent while their bags were retrieved from DCL and want to ensure that if we happen to test positive that I am not stuck there like in that situation.

So to clarify my question - at the NOLA port is it possible to check in for the testing without dropping our bags off first?

Is this a strange question? It doesn't seem like anyone has done it this way but with the proximity to the hotel it seems easy enough to go retrieve the bags from bell services once given the all-clear.

 

[mousefan73]

On this DCL webpage: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/embarkation-day-us/

It states [red colour added for emphasis]:

Embarkation COVID-19 Testing
When arriving at the terminal, check in your luggage with a porter and head to the COVID-19 PCR testing location.

Testing Locations at Each Port

• Cape Canaveral: Testing is conducted at the parking garage. Guests who drove to the terminal will stay inside their cars until their testing is completed and they are cleared to park their car and board the ship. A testing site at the garage is available for Guests who have been dropped off at the terminal.
• San Diego: Testing is conducted in the terminal; however, should there be 2 or more ships in port, Guests will be shuttled to and from another site nearby.
• Miami: Testing is conducted inside the terminal.

All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding.

The COVID-19 test is a self-swab test. A parent or guardian should assist children who cannot perform this function on their own. Professionals will be on hand to help guide you through the process.

Test results typically take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete but could take longer. We recommend that you plan accordingly and consider bringing snacks, water or activities to make your wait more comfortable. A Cast Member will provide you with a telephone number to call should you have any questions while awaiting test results.

When test results are available, you will be notified by email. Next, log in to the Safe Passage website to determine whether your party is clear to embark. Once cleared, Guests should make their way to the cruise terminal. Guests receiving positive COVID-19 test results, including all members in their travel party, will not be permitted to board the ship.

thanks I missed that.

 

[mousefan73]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I hope I didn’t come across annoying but it was odd that when I actually went to the website I couldn’t find clarity( Thanks for the person who posted when I couldn’t find) I was gonna call them today but calling from overseas is kind of a pain and expensive.
All I can say is it most people assume it’s a Antigen, at least based off of my cruise groups. I think people assume if you self swab it’s antigen.
I have to say though they have a great system then. Maybe Disney should be running/ outsourcing PCR testing for the general public, LOL