Earthworm Jim

Almost every ship is in the orange category on the CDC's color status board. I think it's safe to say Covid is currently widespread on cruise ships: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/cruise-ship-color-status.html

Everyone agrees that is true, but it doesn't say "Molecular Test" in the Princess rules on the timing. It just says 3 days (US) or 72 hours (Canada) for a PCR test. 2 days antigen test. The Princess rules do say the NAAT test is accepted. They just don't say which category it falls in for the timing. Presumably the same as PCR as you say, but why not make that clear in the guidance?

Not clear at all, because a Rapid NAAT technically is neither a PCR nor an antigen test. Assumption seems to be it is treated as a PCR though.

Yeah, but that doesn't clear up anything because Princess' guidance says PCR and antigen for Canada departures, not molecular test like the Canadian requirement says. Everyone, most recently Buckeye10640, says NAAT is accepted as PCR. But it would clarify things much better if Princess just said "molecular test" as Canada does.

Nah. Unless it differs by state, which I guess it might. Here are the questions: 1. In the last 14 days, have you experienced any of these symptoms? Select all that apply You can answer whatever is accurate, including "None of the above" 2. In the last 14 days, have you had contact with someone who has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19? Count any contact that lasted longer than 15 minutes, closer than 6 feet away. You can answer either yes or no, as appropriate. 3. Are you seeking a COVID-19 test because you have either recently returned from travel or are planning on traveling soon? This one is answered Yes, and that qualifies you for a free test. (Edit: Actually, I just made a test appointment and got approved for a free test even answering no to everything. So maybe it's free no matter what you answer.) Then there are questions about pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, vaccination status, and whether you've ever had Covid. Maybe it differs by state, if the testing is state funded. But, aside from the free Walgreens Rapid NAAT travel tests I've gotten in New York state, I've gotten a free Walgreens Rapid NAAT test for travel in Florida too. And Florida is about the most Covid-skeptic state there is.

A PCR test (including a rapid PCR test) is a type of NAAT test, but not all NAAT tests are PCR tests. It's like saying a Chevy is a car, but not all cars are Chevys. The Walgreens version is a NAAT test but not a PCR test. But it's a moot point because the real question is whether the Walgreens Rapid NAAT test is acceptable, and many people here have reported they have used it and it is acceptable. Myself included. That really what the OP was asking.

What lab? My understanding is the Rapid NAAT tests are done in the store, not a lab. They aren't sending them out to a lab and getting results in an hour or so. You must be talking about something different than the OP. Presumably a PCR test. OP was asking about their Rapid NAAT test, not a PCR.

Well, you'd get the port fees/taxes back either way, no show or canceling as Covid positive, so that's not the difference. What I was missing is that the entire booking would be canceled, not just the positive person's portion of it.