Port COVID Testing

[hnthomps]

Yeah again I get that it makes people worry because it's the one thing with a big trip like this that you can't control, but statistically it's just extremely unlikely that you'd randomly test positive for COVID asymptomatically, ESPECIALLY if you're vaxxed and boosted, and take precautions like wearing a mask. Is it possible? Absolutely. But my guess is on the list of things that could happen to mess up a cruise trip that's out of your control (e.g. car accident, lost luggage, flight delays, etc.), asymptomatically testing positive for COVID the morning of your cruise is way way way down the list of likeliness.

Ok, but on our last cruise we got rear-ended on the way from the port, the airline lost our luggage, and we had a long flight delay.

(I totally get your point, and I understand how statistics and anecdotes work, I just thought it was funny that literally all three things you mention had happened to us following our last cruise.)

Also, unfortunately, the odds just went WAY up due to the way omicron is infecting folks who are vaccinated. I'm crossing our fingers that by the time we take our March 2020 cruise (3/12/22), it'll be on the downslope again. But I would be very worried about a December or January cruise -- I know 19 vaccinated people who've tested positive this week. All have mild symptoms, which is great, but this is after months and months of not knowing anyone to test positive.

 

[soniam]

Ok, but on our last cruise we got rear-ended on the way from the port, the airline lost our luggage, and we had a long flight delay.

(I totally get your point, and I understand how statistics and anecdotes work, I just thought it was funny that literally all three things you mention had happened to us following our last cruise.)

We definitely won't go on the same cruise as you, especially if it's a Med. We have had fabulous luck on our European trips. Was supposed to flight out to Germany on 9/12, the day after 9/11. Spent the next 2 weeks trying to find a flight home once we could fly to Germany. We were in Rome when the Pope died. We experienced a Tube strike in London with a 3 year old while trying to get to the train station for the Chunnel to Paris. We have always had a good time though. Just gotta flow with the punches, right Hope your next cruise goes off without a hitch.

 

[Hadley23]

My family of 3...husband, myself and 8 yr old son were set to board the Magic on Monday 12/20.....we tested with Binax antigen tests before leaving for the port and were all of course negative. Went through testing and when our reservation number popped up on the screen it had the message see Inspire Consult instead of saying proceed to check in. We were ushered away to a private room and told my completely asymptomatic, fully vaccinated and boosted husband tested positive. We then sat in a quarantine room for over 4 hrs while they located our luggage. Disney provided transportation for each positive party to wherever they needed to go so we were told to make our plans and let them know where we needed to get to. We were put in a van and given a ride back to FLL airport to pick up a rental car. It was one of the most shocking and disappointing moments of my life. The only advice I can give to anyone preparing to cruise is to manage expectations and to have some kind of a rough back up plan if something is to happen. The gentleman who was coordinating getting all the positive people out of the port was completely frazzled and overwhelmed with the number of parties that could not sail. It took hours to get everyone on their way and they actually had to call in back up transport vehicles b/c the ten or so vans lined up outside could not handle all the people who were leaving the port! If you have any questions about our experience I would be happy to answer them.

 

[Ngambill]

Yes, I know exactly how you feel! We are all fully vaccinated and DH and me boosted, but we are still trying to curb enthusiasm. We are scheduled to board on 12/26. We tested on 12/14 (to start the 10 day clock if needed) and all were “undetected” and will test again on 12/24 before leaving home. We have been avoiding optional crowds, but the kids are still in school. Our family keeps using the phrases “if we get on the boat” and “I hope we get on the boat.” It is definitely different planning without the fabulous anticipation that normally happens with a Disney cruise.

We tested yesterday to start our 10 day clock if needed, all negative. It's going to be a stressful wait at the port for our results!

 

[DMickey]

My family of 3...husband, myself and 8 yr old son were set to board the Magic on Monday 12/20.....we tested with Binax antigen tests before leaving for the port and were all of course negative. Went through testing and when our reservation number popped up on the screen it had the message see Inspire Consult instead of saying proceed to check in. We were ushered away to a private room and told my completely asymptomatic, fully vaccinated and boosted husband tested positive. We then sat in a quarantine room for over 4 hrs while they located our luggage. Disney provided transportation for each positive party to wherever they needed to go so we were told to make our plans and let them know where we needed to get to. We were put in a van and given a ride back to FLL airport to pick up a rental car. It was one of the most shocking and disappointing moments of my life. The only advice I can give to anyone preparing to cruise is to manage expectations and to have some kind of a rough back up plan if something is to happen. The gentleman who was coordinating getting all the positive people out of the port was completely frazzled and overwhelmed with the number of parties that could not sail. It took hours to get everyone on their way and they actually had to call in back up transport vehicles b/c the ten or so vans lined up outside could not handle all the people who were leaving the port! If you have any questions about our experience I would be happy to answer them.

Oh my goodness! It seems like the percentage of people being denied boarding is increasing. So sorry for your family. We have a party of 8 adults middle of January and I'm afraid it is only getting worse.

 

[Freya424]

So nervous about our Jan cruise. Even though we live in Florida and can just drive back home. I’m already preparing for one of us to come up positive. I was thinking about just planning to carry on our suitcases ourselves that way if we get denied we won’t have to wait there sadly for our luggage to come back!

 

[Kwami]

So nervous about our Jan cruise. Even though we live in Florida and can just drive back home. I’m already preparing for one of us to come up positive. I was thinking about just planning to carry on our suitcases ourselves that way if we get denied we won’t have to wait there sadly for our luggage to come back!

Unfortunately, I don't think it works that way unless you're only taking a small carry-on bag. Usually, DCL will collect your luggage before you go to testing. Maybe it's different at other ports, though?

 

[disneynerd30]

My family of 3...husband, myself and 8 yr old son were set to board the Magic on Monday 12/20.....we tested with Binax antigen tests before leaving for the port and were all of course negative. Went through testing and when our reservation number popped up on the screen it had the message see Inspire Consult instead of saying proceed to check in. We were ushered away to a private room and told my completely asymptomatic, fully vaccinated and boosted husband tested positive. We then sat in a quarantine room for over 4 hrs while they located our luggage. Disney provided transportation for each positive party to wherever they needed to go so we were told to make our plans and let them know where we needed to get to. We were put in a van and given a ride back to FLL airport to pick up a rental car. It was one of the most shocking and disappointing moments of my life. The only advice I can give to anyone preparing to cruise is to manage expectations and to have some kind of a rough back up plan if something is to happen. The gentleman who was coordinating getting all the positive people out of the port was completely frazzled and overwhelmed with the number of parties that could not sail. It took hours to get everyone on their way and they actually had to call in back up transport vehicles b/c the ten or so vans lined up outside could not handle all the people who were leaving the port! If you have any questions about our experience I would be happy to answer them.

We are leaving in 2 weeks and I am worried about this happening to us. Was the refund process easy for you and were you flying to/from?

 

[Hadley23]

We are leaving in 2 weeks and I am worried about this happening to us. Was the refund process easy for you and were you flying to/from?

The refund process was incredibly easy. The man who was coordinating the positive groups just asked if we wanted a refund or a future cruise credit. We chose the credit and were given a form letter that stated we were unable to complete our trip and therefore will receive a cruise credit in the amount we originally paid. We were here from the Northeast so have been in self quarantine and adjusted our flights and lodging to allow us to go home when my husband's quarantine period is over. Thankfully we have trip insurance and the claims department has instructed us how to keep track and document our expenses so we can submit it all when we return home.

 

[Freya424]

Unfortunately, I don't think it works that way unless you're only taking a small carry-on bag. Usually, DCL will collect your luggage before you go to testing. Maybe it's different at other ports, though?

Maybe they’ve changed the rules, but we’ve definitely taken a small rolling suitcase on by ourselves at Port Canaveral before. It’s only 3 of us on a 3-night cruise so I’m sure we could get by with two small (airline carry on size) rolling suitcases and two backpacks. I’ll have to see if I can find the current rules for carry on.

 

[Hadley23]

Unfortunately, I don't think it works that way unless you're only taking a small carry-on bag. Usually, DCL will collect your luggage before you go to testing. Maybe it's different at other ports, though?

I think you are correct. If it doesn't fit through a normal airport type scanner I dont think you can carry it on. I did not see any full size suitcases during embarkation, only carry on type roller bags.

 

[Hadley23]

Maybe they’ve changed the rules, but we’ve definitely taken a small rolling suitcase on by ourselves at Port Canaveral before. It’s only 3 of us on a 3-night cruise so I’m sure we could get by with two small (airline carry on size) rolling suitcases and two backpacks. I’ll have to see if I can find the current rules for carry on.

I absolutely saw passengers with rolling hardside carry on suitcases through security waiting to board. Anything bigger than that would not be allowed if I understand correctly.

 

[Brittany Fata]

The refund process was incredibly easy. The man who was coordinating the positive groups just asked if we wanted a refund or a future cruise credit. We chose the credit and were given a form letter that stated we were unable to complete our trip and therefore will receive a cruise credit in the amount we originally paid. We were here from the Northeast so have been in self quarantine and adjusted our flights and lodging to allow us to go home when my husband's quarantine period is over. Thankfully we have trip insurance and the claims department has instructed us how to keep track and document our expenses so we can submit it all when we return home.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry that happened.
Where are you quarantining for the time being?
Did you have difficulty finding a hotel since their was a positive case in your group?

 

[Hadley23]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry that happened.
Where are you quarantining for the time being?
Did you have difficulty finding a hotel since their was a positive case in your group?

The only difficulty we ran in to was finding availability for an extended stay. We ended up driving to Kissimmee and getting a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo type unit at a timeshare resort. This allows us a kitchen for meals and for my (still completely asymptomatic) husband to isolate himself. They do not ask anything about Covid at the time of check in. Since we have stayed here before I know there is no daily housekeeping and I have plenty of clorox wipes and cleaning supplies to spray everything down as we are leaving. I also booked our room 1 day longer than we need it to allow an extra day to air out when we leave. I am familiar with the area so I knew I could do Target drive up for groceries etc.

I know everyone has different opinions on this subject but when you are in this situation you have no other choice but to find a place to stay. We are taking all the precautions possible and being very aware not to put staff or other guests in harms way.

 

[TestingH2O]

The only difficulty we ran in to was finding availability for an extended stay. We ended up driving to Kissimmee and getting a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo type unit at a timeshare resort. This allows us a kitchen for meals and for my (still completely asymptomatic) husband to isolate himself. They do not ask anything about Covid at the time of check in. Since we have stayed here before I know there is no daily housekeeping and I have plenty of clorox wipes and cleaning supplies to spray everything down as we are leaving. I also booked our room 1 day longer than we need it to allow an extra day to air out when we leave. I am familiar with the area so I knew I could do Target drive up for groceries etc.

I know everyone has different opinions on this subject but when you are in this situation you have no other choice but to find a place to stay. We are taking all the precautions possible and being very aware not to put staff or other guests in harms way.

It really does sound like you are doing everything you can to be responsible for yourself and others. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

 

[Brittany Fata]

The only difficulty we ran in to was finding availability for an extended stay. We ended up driving to Kissimmee and getting a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo type unit at a timeshare resort. This allows us a kitchen for meals and for my (still completely asymptomatic) husband to isolate himself. They do not ask anything about Covid at the time of check in. Since we have stayed here before I know there is no daily housekeeping and I have plenty of clorox wipes and cleaning supplies to spray everything down as we are leaving. I also booked our room 1 day longer than we need it to allow an extra day to air out when we leave. I am familiar with the area so I knew I could do Target drive up for groceries etc.

I know everyone has different opinions on this subject but when you are in this situation you have no other choice but to find a place to stay. We are taking all the precautions possible and being very aware not to put staff or other guests in harms way.

Thank you again for sharing, it is really helpful as it seems the chance of testing positive at the port is rising as cases rise. This is definitely a concern of mine, so it’s good to hear about these experiences to try to come up with back up plans.

It really does sound like you are doing everything you can to be responsible for yourself and others. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

I agree!

 

[dwg]

We are cruising next spring but I am always watching these boards for great information and reading the experiences of others. Always learning from their experiences. It is scary to know that you can test the morning of the cruise and be negative and then test positive at the port. I didn't see any comments from someone who tested at home a couple of days before leaving for the cruise and tested positive. Were you able to contact Disney and cancel the trip for a full refund/credit or did you still have to show up at the port and be tested and wait for a positive result to get the refund/credit? I do realize just as you can test negative with a rapid test the morning of the cruise and test positive at the port the it is possible to test positive a few days before and negative at the port so I am envisioning Disney saying you have to test positive at the port.

 

[lanejudy]

Were you able to contact Disney and cancel the trip for a full refund/credit or did you still have to show up at the port and be tested and wait for a positive result to get the refund/credit?

No need to show up - that might often require travel and exposing others. DCL is allowing COVID-related cancellations within 14 days, no questions, full refund.

 

[axfather]

Update: Just tested negative at home…..all 6 of us …. Fingers crossed for negative test a port tomorrow!

 

[BruinEd03]

Update: Just tested negative at home…..all 6 of us …. Fingers crossed for negative test a port tomorrow!

Good luck!