Dr. Michael Olympio, an anesthesiologist in Winston-Salem, N.C., said he waited about an hour for rapid PCR results before his week-long Carnival cruise from Port Canaveral earlier this month. This had caused some confusion in recent days, as other cruise lines have not required testing on shorter cruises with Bahamian ports of call, but Carnival still mandated tests for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status or cruise length, if visiting The Bahamas. Carnival Cruise Line Updates Testing Protocols for The Bahamas By doing so, Carnival said its able to provide the optimal guest experience while at the same time protecting the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities they visit. The cruise line is operating vaccinated voyages for ages 12 and up. Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises ease covid testing rules - The Landon joined News 6 in 2017. Guests can currently make an appointment at the pier to get a test prior to embarkation for a charge of $100 per test. We are working to set up mobile testing sites at all our embarkation homeports to conduct a rapid test the day before or day of your departure, the company said on its website. Carnivals Brand Ambassador John Heald used a Facebook posting to explain the home-testing process and link to two home-testing brands of which the line will now accept the results. DocGo recently announced that it entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Motion Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: MOTN), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. If the trip is longer than four days, theyre tested again. "With the increase in vaccinations and people prepared to begin a return to normal life, DocGo is partnering with Carnival Corporation to prepare for the restart of cruising as one of the world's most popular vacation options," said Anthony Capone, president of DocGo. This is the link: Carnival Cruise Line Cancels More Australian Sailings, Cruise News Today September 9, 2021 [VIDEO], Cruise News Recap | Week of February 5, 2023, Philippines Welcomes First International Cruise Ship in Three Years, Pre-Cruise Entertainment Reservations Now Available on Norwegian Cruise Line, https://cruiseradio.net/carnival-cruise-line-now-accepting-at-home-covid-19-test-results/. MORE: Next Carnival Cruise Ship Receives New Paint Job, These testing protocols are part of our layered approach to safeguarding the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.. Carnival Cruise Line Now Accepting At-Home COVID-19 Test Results Be Safe. protocols and procedures have been developed in consultation with medical experts and are designed to be effective and adaptable as the current public health situation evolves. Carnival Makes Pre-Cruise COVID Testing More Accessible Guests can schedule testing at more than 1,500 locations, including patient service centers, and select. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. This is the first Carnival Pride cruise to leave the Port of Baltimore's South Locust Point Cruise Terminal since the pandemic began. DocGo's innovative technology and dedicated field staff of certified health professionals elevate the quality of patient care and drive business efficiencies for facilities, hospital networks and health insurance providers. Carnival Cruise Line is informing guests and travel agents of additional updates to its pre-cruise testing protocols for unvaccinated guests for voyages departing September 6, 2022, and later. Holy Cross says antigen results are available in 15 minutes and PCR results take up to 24 hours. Those sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral can reserve their spot here.. Currently, all guests, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than three days before embarkation. How can travelers find out about COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships? Tests can be ordered from one of the approved providers and guests can then visit the companys website to set up a virtual visit. This is the first Carnival Pride cruise to leave the Port of Baltimore's South Locust Point Cruise Terminal since the pandemic began. Its such a huge task. As a result of the roadblocks, he added that he didnt want you to think that this is going to be your rescue.. Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 Many are thrilled to finally travel but worried that test results wont come back in time. Guests sailing from Baltimore, Galveston, Long Beach, and New. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. New policy takes effect Sept. 13. On cruises 5 nights or less, vaccinated passengers do not need to present a pre-cruise COVID-19 test result of any kind. Cruise travelers have the option of contacting their cruise line directly regarding outbreaks occurring on board their ship. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED; however, those with proof of travel will be accepted without an appointment. Some tests are available only to airport employees and ticketed passengers. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. LEARN MORE ; 2-5 DAY CRUISES Get big savings! For example, if the sailing is on Saturday, the test may be taken any time from Wednesday through Friday, but not on the morning of embarkation. This is a change from the clarification Carnival Cruise Line provided just three days ago. There are numerous places throughout South Florida offering rapid antigen testing with results that arrive within an hour. Carl and Joyce Reininger, of York, PA, wait with other passengers to get their boarding passes scanned before boarding a Carnival Pride cruise to the Bahamas. From Masks to Testing, Carnival Officially Details New Cruise Rules All guests age 2 and older regardless of vaccination status must present a negative test result for any Carnival cruise, to The Bahamas or any other destination, if the sailing is 6 nights or longer. A Quest spokeswoman said the turnaround time is currently within one day for most PCR tests, and labs will remain open throughout the coming winter holidays. - On Paul Gauguin Cruises sailings departing from Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Noumea and Auckland to French Polynesia, COVID-19 tests for vaccinated travelers are no longer required, but vaccines and a booster (in some cases) are still required for guests 12 and older. Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.seabourn.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.costacruise.com, www.aida.de, www.pocruises.com and www.cunard.com. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. If your results dont arrive in time, many cruise lines now perform rapid testing at check-in. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. More information is available. On Friday, the operator updated the Return to Service FAQ on its website saying, We are also working to expand our testing capabilities at the terminal for vaccinated guests, specifically for our short itineraries (3- and 4-day voyages)., It went on to say, Vaccinated guests will be able to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement as part of the embarkation process for a cost of US$10 per test.. These 3 major cruise lines are set to lift mask mandates as COVID cases drop Bailey Schulz USA TODAY 0:00 2:21 Two major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. As this situation remains ever fluid, cruise passengers should stay in close contact with their cruise line about all updated protocols and requirements for upcoming sailings. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com, P&O Cruises (UK) is Britains favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. On paper the policy looks easy, however, the recent omicron surge has made it nearly impossible to get a test online or a testing appointment that aligns with the two-day embarkation requirement. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Check whether your cruise line requires a rapid MAAT or PCR test or will accept a rapid antigen test, which usually comes back quicker but with a lower rate of reliability. Private islands were never exempt from The Bahamas protocols, but as of June 19, there has been no testing mandate to visit these tropical destinations. AnyLabTestNow! Those leaving from Fort. Why was the cruise ship color-coding system removed? (Amy Davis). The department has placed many countries in the "Do Not Travel" or "Reconsider Travel" categories due to COVID-19, including Hungary, Canada, Croatia, Israel and Jamaica. Since November 5, 2021, the option has been in place and has . Results are typically available within 48 hours via email or mobile application*. In addition to lab administered tests, self-testing is accepted for unvaccinated guests on cruises 15 nights and shorter. We will be processing specimens on all holidays.. Carnival Cruise Line Rolls Out Limited Pre-Cruise Testing - Cruise Radio Airlines, airports, hotels and event venues are aware theres lots of confusion and have been posting regular updates about new travel mandates. Which company you go with essentially depends on how many tests you need. Guests of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn can now book an appointment for required pre-cruise testing at more than 1,500 Quest Diagnostics. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting peopleespecially those who are up to datefrom getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. While originally guests could provide a negative test taken within three days of embarkation, the CDC recently updated its guidance, reducing that period to two days. Vaccine exemptions for cruises to the Caribbean are limited to a very small number of children under 12, and teens and adults with a medical condition who can provide written confirmation from their medical provider that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Guests visiting Cartagena or Santa Marta, Colombia, may present either proof of vaccination or the negative result of a test (PCR taken within 72 hours or Antigen within 48 hours prior to embarkation). While the test is the same Abbott's BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen test there are two companies that Carnival will accept, eMed and Optum. *Turnaround time can fluctuate with demand, supplies and other factors, and vary by region. There are two types of permitted tests: the rapid antigen test and the NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. [RELATED: Families scramble for at-home COVID tests], Sandy and Robert Silver from Davie were the first in line to board their cruise on Saturday June 26, 2021. webpage. CDC will continue to provide testing recommendations for cruise ship operators to follow and cruise ships will continue to report COVID-19 cases to CDC. You will need to know the entry and exit requirements, vaccine requirements and safety protocols for every country or state you are visiting, said Michelle Fee, CEO of Cruise Planners in Coral Springs. Carnival Corporation announced a new initiative today making it easier for guests to get pre-cruise testing. "Our reporting is fully integrated with SeaCare the cruise industry's leading emergency medical records system to ensure a seamless experience.". Cruises | Carnival Cruise Deals: Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Mexico DESTINATION REQUIREMENTS In most cases, unvaccinated guests are free to disembark and enjoy their time ashore. COVID-19 vaccine . Carnival Cruise Line will allow unvaccinated guests to self-test themselves for Covid-19 on most cruises beginning Sept. 6.. Royal Caribbean also allows guests to do the same type of at-home testing. Our labs run 24/7/365, spokeswoman Kimberly Gorode said. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Carnival Makes Pre-Cruise COVID Testing More Accessible. But beginning September 13, the testing window will tighten to two days before embarkation, following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Certain destinations do not accept unsupervised pre-cruise self-testing, including Bermuda, Canada, Greece, and Spain. RRT has administered over 1.2 million COVID-19 tests in markets across the U.S. and it is testing tens of thousands of peopleper week at municipal and corporate testing sites across the country using a combination of PCR nasal swabs, saliva tests and on-site rapid antigen tests. You can review and change the way we collect information below. The effort will facilitate access to pre-cruise COVID-19 viral testing for guests of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn at more than 1,500 convenient Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) patient service centers and retail pharmacy testing locations throughout the U.S. If your test result is positive, contact your state, territorial, local or tribal health department to tell them you have COVID-19 and recently traveled on a cruise ship. Im getting skittish, said Pearce, whose New Years cruise includes stops in Aruba and Curacao. Check the rules for the country youre about to enter. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. When cruise lines are still requiring testing - USA TODAY A pack of six tests from eMed costs $150, while two tests from Optum run $69.99. Carnival Cruise Line Implements Digital Passport App to - Travel I am sick with COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days. The company said effective Sept. 13., vaccinated guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 within two days prior to the sailing date. The new partnership with 1,500 convenient Quest Diagnostics centers and retail pharmacy testing locations throughout the U.S. will improve access for guests cruising on Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and . It was very easy to find a safe space outside in the breeze to relax with or without your mask.. Carnival Cruise Line said its Have Fun. After a negative result is verified by the eMed guide, you will receive a digital certificate on the NAVICA app within 15 minutes. Carnival Cruise Line Decides Not to Move Forward With On-Site Testing She said Carnivals on-site testing is only for vaccinated guests who have tried unsuccessfully to get their results before they arrived at the port. While the test is the same Abbotts BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen test there are two companies that Carnival will accept, eMed and Optum. Hi, this may be of interest to you: Carnival Cruise Line Now Accepting At-Home COVID-19 Test Results. Have Fun. Be Safe. Guidelines | Carnival Cruise Line We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Unvaccinated passengers, however, must still show a negative test result to be permitted to sail, even on shorter sailings. Carnival Corporation has worked closely with health and medical experts globally and nationally, as well as with authorities in destination countries, to put in place comprehensive health and safety protocols for protection and mitigation across the entire cruise experience for all of the company's nine brands. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! The tests must take a specimen from your nose or mouth. They also require that all guests, regardless of vaccination status, present the required negative tests. "These testing protocols are part of our layered approach to safeguarding the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.". Rapid antigen testing is an option for anyone 12 and older prior to embarking on a cruise, so theres no need to worry about missing a cruise over the testing requirements, spokesman Field Sutton said. Carnival Corporation Improves Pre-Cruise Testing Access Carnival Cruise Line Provides Limited Testing at Terminals If the virus is spreading on board a cruise ship, passengers and crew are at risk for infection. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until SUN 4:00 AM EST, Coastal Volusia County, Original vaccination record issued by the countrys health authority that administered the vaccination, A digital COVID-19 Certificate (QR code acceptable), a record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider (original digital email accepted), a personal electronic health record or government Immunization Information System record is also acceptable. An employee will talk guests through the testing process. Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge out of Port Everglades was the first ship to sail from the United States with passengers after a 15-month national hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Carnival Corporation media inquiries and editorial photo requests, please contact: Jody Venturoni, Chief Communications Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc. He grew up in Southern Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelors degree in TV and digital media. FILE - The Carnival Cruise Ship "Carnival Vista" heads out to sea in the Miami harbor entrance known as Government Cut in Miami, Florida, on June 2, 2018. There's COVID-19 on nearly every cruise ship right now: Here's what Sign up to receive email alerts whenever Carnival Corporation & plc posts new information to the site. Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, tested positive for COVID-19 less than 10 days ago, recommendations for wearing masks in travel and public transportation settings, recommendations for protecting yourself and others, state, territorial, local or tribal health department, State & Territorial Health Department Websites, Guidance for Maritime Vessels on the Mitigation and Management of COVID-19, Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Travelers, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), International Travel to and from the United States, Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers, Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for Air Passengers Traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Guests ages 2 and older must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test, taken within 72 and 24 hours prior to the sailing date at check-in. You're in luck as Carnival has now officially expanded the pre-cruise testing option for vaccinated guests through December 31, 2021. Here are the rules about testing for COVID-19: If youre vaccinated: You have to show a negative test result taken within three days of boarding your return flight to the United States. If the sailing is on Saturday, the test may be taken on Thursday or Friday, and as late as Saturday, if you are guaranteed to receive your results in time for check-in, the company said. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. I dont want to leave it to chance.. The name and birth date on the vaccination record must match the guests travel documents and show the guest is fully vaccinated. As other cruise lines have ended their own testing mandates for shorter sailings, no other cruise line has continued to require testing for sailings to The Bahamas, in line with the nations own health and safety protocols. We remain, as always, committed to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve, the message concludes. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. This is an encrypted digital pass with a QR code, similar to an airline boarding pass. America's trusted voice on cruise vacations. About Carnival Corporation & plcCarnival Corporation & plc is one of the world's largest leisure travel companies with a portfolio of nine of the world's leading cruise lines. The company said effective Sept. 13 . Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. MSC Cruises accepts the results of either test. Visit: www.cunard.com, Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Its quick and easy to schedule a test or just walk in at many locations during the two days leading up to a sailing. This may be either a supervised PCR or antigen test, and it may be taken up to three days before embarkation. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au, Princess is the worlds leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. While the tests are available over the counter, guests must purchase them through a Carnival-recommended company to cover Carnivals requirements. That requirement was ended in The Bahamas on June 19, 2022. If youre re-entering the United States on a plane, you will have to take a test overseas. Just enter your email address and click Submit. Carnival Offering Limited Affordable Testing Before Short Cruises All guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire beginning 72 hours prior to the date of embarkation to identify any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (or other infectious diseases . Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Therefore, the cruise ship color status webpage has been retired. "If the sailing is on Saturday . Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. This past Friday, Carnival said indoor masks, pre-cruise testing, and vaccinated voyages will be mandatory for the foreseeable future. Get updates on developing stories as they happen with our free breaking news email alerts. Guests will be notified when Carnival extends this period. At-home tests are a no-go: International flights and cruises will not accept the home tests you can buy at your local pharmacy that offer immediate results. Carnival requires all guests to be vaccinated to board, with limited exceptions granted for children and guests who provide a doctor's note verifying they cannot be vaccinated for medical. Many sites send the specimens to Quest Diagnostics to process. Copyright 2021 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. Make sure you get your test results before you board your cruise. ORLANDO, Fla. - Carnival Cruise Lines has released new testing requirements Thursday for fully vaccinated guests. NEW YORK, June 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Rapid Reliable Testing (RRT), a business line of Ambulnz, Inc. d/b/aDocGo, a leading provider of last-mile telehealth and integrated medical mobility services that has entered into an agreement to merge with Motion Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: MOTN), today announced it is working with Carnival Corporation on COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccines for crew members as it prepares for the restart of cruising in the U.S., with plans to also test guests once cruises resume. For trips six nights or. Once you receive the test, you visit the companys website to set up a virtual visit. The effort will facilitate access to pre-cruise COVID-19 viral testing for guests of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn at more than 1,500 convenient Quest . Carnival Corporation to Provide Convenient Access to Pre-Board Testing