Pre-Cruise Covid Testing

[SandyinMonterey]

Been checking out PCR (Lab) testing for our upcoming cruise. Walgreens and CVS are charging $139 per person. Are you being charged where you are for the Covid PCR test?

 

[erionm]

Been checking out PCR (Lab) testing for our upcoming cruise. Walgreens and CVS are charging $139 per person. Are you being charged where you are for the Covid PCR test?

Previously, the Federal Government covered the cost of COVID testing even if for the purpose of travel. That changed recently and now the Fed will no longer will cover travel testing. Not sure about the cost of PCR testing, but antigen testing at Walgreens & CVS in Central FL is around $125 per person.

 

[lanejudy]

You don’t need a PCR test unless you have an unvaccinated child. An antigen test is fine. You can even use an at-home test with a proctored (online) service. Could be as low as $10-$15.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

You don’t need a PCR test unless you have an unvaccinated child. An antigen test is fine. You can even use an at-home test with a proctored (online) service. Could be as low as $10-$15.

I booked a Disney cruise the other day. I got thru pretty quickly and had lots of questions. Spoke to someone probably at 30-40 minutes. He went step by step with me and gave me dates to remember as to what to do and when. When we got to the Covid testing he said we should do a PCR test, that a rapid antigen test is more so for those waiting last minute to upload.

 

[nancipants]

I booked a Disney cruise the other day. I got thru pretty quickly and had lots of questions. Spoke to someone probably at 30-40 minutes. He went step by step with me and gave me dates to remember as to what to do and when. When we got to the Covid testing he said we should do a PCR test, that a rapid antigen test is more so for those waiting last minute to upload.

That doesn’t make any sense. Vaccinated passengers are able to do pre-embarkation tests 1-2 days before sailing. Antigen tests are much cheaper and easier to obtain (you can do a proctored test with a telehealth appointment on sites like OnPoint or eMed, or order one directly from Safe Passage).

 

[SandyinMonterey]

That doesn’t make any sense. Vaccinated passengers are able to do pre-embarkation tests 1-2 days before sailing. Antigen tests are much cheaper and easier to obtain (you can do a proctored test with a telehealth appointment on sites like OnPoint or eMed, or order one directly from Safe Passage).

Our cruise departs on a Saturday. He told me (giving specific dates on the calendar) that we can test on that Wednesday before we sail. I told him that the PCR tests get sent to lab, so that left Thursday and Friday before we cruise on Saturday and that there's always a chance of not getting results by then. He was just so adamant about the PCR test. The more I think about it, the more I question it.

 

[nancipants]

Yeah, that’s not accurate. This is directly from Disney’s website.

“COVID-19 Testing For Guests Fully Vaccinated: Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken one to 2 days before setting sail to be exempt from embarkation testing at the terminal. Completing pre-trip testing prior to embarkation day enhances the efficiency of boarding and confirms that you are negative for COVID-19 prior to traveling to the terminal. Pre-trip test results must be uploaded into the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day.

Antigen tests must be completed using a proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with digital results that can be uploaded to the Safe Passage website. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or PCR test also is acceptable. Guests can purchase COVID-19 tests through the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website, or obtain a test from any independent online testing supplier or pharmacy.”

 

[RML18]

Use the Safe passage test. $45 each and done through zoom. We decided to go this route to avoid any unintended problems.