Port testing changing to antigen-3/26

[kps7795]

The PCR tests can show positive for months because they are so sensitive. I think the antigen tests may reflect if the person is actively shedding the virus, which is what they are most concerned about.

As I stated above, I was definitively shedding virus and my antigen test came back negative.

 

[dreynolds1982]

As I stated above, I was definitively shedding virus and my antigen test came back negative.

Honestly most likely the main reasons they are doing this are 1) cost (antigens are far less expensive), and 2) time (must faster to get results). Rapid antigens are more prone to false negatives, but they are still fairly rare (something like 3% of total tests).

We sail on the Dream Monday so I'm curious to see the time difference. I've heard people say the PCRs took 30-40 minutes. I'm guessing antigens will be done in 10-20, so should cut the nervous-in-the-car wait time in half I hope!

 

[BadPinkTink]

My theory as to why they have changed from PCR to Antigen is because they are working on The Magics summer European season. Last summer, when The Magic did the UK Staycation cruises it was Antigen testing before boarding.

Changing the USA based cruises to Antigen makes sense, so that they have have the same system for both the USA based cruises and the European based cruises.

 

[JWelch62]

Honestly most likely the main reasons they are doing this are 1) cost (antigens are far less expensive), and 2) time (must faster to get results). Rapid antigens are more prone to false negatives, but they are still fairly rare (something like 3% of total tests).

We sail on the Dream Monday so I'm curious to see the time difference. I've heard people say the PCRs took 30-40 minutes. I'm guessing antigens will be done in 10-20, so should cut the nervous-in-the-car wait time in half I hope!

Our PCR tests took just over 30 minutes on our B2B in October

 

[mousefan73]

I also think the omicron cases are so highly unaccounted that so many were testing positive at port for past infections. I wish we were able to have the stats on how many positives there were. I’m also thinking that many are moving past the pandemic and seeing that from a risk management and cost point of view and what passengers wants, maybe it’s better to allow a few positives to slip through versus denying many false positives. This is why my gut feeling is the vaxxed mandates gonna stay for a while. And if you think about it cruising is the last entity that requires such testing. I don’t wanna beat a dead horse but people don’t seem to have issues sitting next to a stranger in a packed stadium. whois not testet, masked, vaxxed.

And I believe Disney was one of the last cruise lines that actually did require PCR. Just based on what I read on other cruise sites the pendulum has shifted a bit where now most want ease of travel vs”safety”.

 

[lanejudy]

I think it's somewhat of the natural progression, a step in the process of shifting from pandemic to endemic. The U.S. in general is moving towards antigen testing except for certain circumstances. My state is closing all the state-run PCR testing sites that have been in place for nearly 2 years and directing everyone to buy antigen tests, with PCR tests only available through pharmacies and healthcare providers for those who need really one.

 

[atoz786]

So do we have to test before we go to port or do they do the testing there? I realize we should test to make sure we are not positive ahead of time, but where is the official testing done as i imagine you do not upload any results ahead of time. Sorry trying to navigate all of this stuff between Disney and Royal.

 

[Calantha]

So do we have to test before we go to port or do they do the testing there?

As of today, you still will be tested at port. If you have un-vaccinated children, they must also test in advance.

 

[atoz786]

As of today, you still will be tested at port. If you have un-vaccinated children, they must also test in advance.

Thanks, we have a 2 year old and 1 year old at time of sailing in September. For kids is it PCR then?

 

[Calantha]

Thanks, we have a 2 year old and 1 year old at time of sailing in September. For kids is it PCR then?

From Know before you go:
Guests who are not vaccine-eligible because of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date. Guests ages 4 and under must complete the testing requirements. The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.


BUT, people have been saying Safe Passage is changing things this week. so who knows what it will be by September.

 

[Kwami]

As I stated above, I was definitively shedding virus and my antigen test came back negative.

The instructions on every antigen test that I've seen say that you should perform two tests approximately 36 hours apart because one negative test isn't sufficient. Antigen tests work best when you have obvious symptoms, too.

 

[dreynolds1982]

I think it's somewhat of the natural progression, a step in the process of shifting from pandemic to endemic. The U.S. in general is moving towards antigen testing except for certain circumstances. My state is closing all the state-run PCR testing sites that have been in place for nearly 2 years and directing everyone to buy antigen tests, with PCR tests only available through pharmacies and healthcare providers for those who need really one.

I was going for a little "peace of mind" testing today in advance of my Monday cruise. Went to CVS and noticed they are no longer doing drive-thru. Had to go to the Minute Clinic. The doctor there said that they moved all tests there as they are "slowly phasing out" the free testing at their locations. I know the DHEC in South Carolina has gone to weekly case reporting instead of daily, and is shutting down most of their government run free public testing sites. Think things are certainly shifting that direction.

 

[JWelch62]

It's worth noting that US federal funding for things like testing and vaccines is running out, and congress does not seem to be interested in providing any further funding. This will drive many testing clinics to close.

Report from CNN

 

[Stinasmom]

Sailing out of Miami mid-April... (next month)
The minute someone finds out if this location is changing to Antigen tests, please post!!
Thanks!

 

[mousefan73]

Sailing out of Miami mid-April... (next month)
The minute someone finds out if this location is changing to Antigen tests, please post!!
Thanks!

Same with Vancouver. Where even Canada only requires Antigen day of

 

[JAM9842]

Scott from DisneyCruiseLineBlog pointed out that on the Know Before You Go page today DCL has removed the word "PCR" when saying everyone has to be tested at the port. It does not specify that the antigen test will be done but it does not say PCR anymore.

 

[mousefan73]

I wonder if legally since it’s technically a medical test if they have to be specific what they’re doing correct?

 

[lanejudy]

I wonder if legally since it’s technically a medical test if they have to be specific what they’re doing correct?

As long as the individual is informed at the time of testing, it doesn't need to be any more specific on the website. Even then, it's more of a release that you understand what the test is for, not as much the specifics of how the test is performed. As a patient in the US, I am largely unaware of specifically how any lab test is performed to say nothing of whether there might be a different option.

 

[anricat]

I also think the omicron cases are so highly unaccounted that so many were testing positive at port for past infections.

I think this is likely. I'm part of a study that tests antibody levels (University of Texas, Texas CARES Study). I had a blood draw after my second dose, one after my booster and then three months after that. It tells me how many vaccine antibodies and natural antibodies I have. I test with a rapid test 1-2 times a week for my job (medical facility) and have never tested positive. I had my latest blood draw Monday and yesterday I learned I have antibodies from a natural infection. I've never tested positive. I had no idea I had Covid. I'm stunned. I'm going to go ahead and get a PCR test today to see if I'm still testing positive. My cruise isn't until June but if we were sailing soon and I was testing positive. Yikes!

 

[mousefan73]

I think this is likely. I'm part of a study that tests antibody levels (University of Texas, Texas CARES Study). I had a blood draw after my second dose, one after my booster and then three months after that. It tells me how many vaccine antibodies and natural antibodies I have. I test with a rapid test 1-2 times a week for my job (medical facility) and have never tested positive. I had my latest blood draw Monday and yesterday I learned I have antibodies from a natural infection. I've never tested positive. I had no idea I had Covid. I'm stunned. I'm going to go ahead and get a PCR test today to see if I'm still testing positive. My cruise isn't until June but if we were sailing soon and I was testing positive. Yikes!

Oh how interesting. Glad they are doing studies so we learn more about Covid. Curious what the PCR says