Cruise Guy76

On 10/2/2021 at 10:40 AM, shepesh1 said:

It seems , as of October 1st , MSC has changed testing requirements for US residents on Mediterranean cruises again. They no longer accept antigen tests and require PCR tests now within a window of 72 hours. PCR tests often take much longer to get the results and since we will basically spend more than a day in planes and airports to get to Barcelona ,we have to scramble to find ways to meet the criteria. We were planning to do the supervised home rapid antigen test in Barcelona. If we would have known this before final payment, we would have canceled or at least changed flight planning etc.

While we are experienced cruisers, this is our first MSC cruise. With the experience we have had with their constantly changing policies and the joke that they call customer service, I wonder why anyone would book a cruise with this company. I understand the Covid19 situation but all other cruise companies pick a policy and stick to it. It seems like the people at MSC live to complicate things and make the customer service experience so hellish as to discourage people from coming back.

Where do you see 72 hours? I read 3 days for Mediterranean cruises for US guests - which is different than 72 hours. So if you sail on a Sunday - does that mean you can get tested Thursday, Friday or Saturday? https://www.msccruisesusa.com/health-and-safety-measures/mediterranean 

I recently saw that for Mediterranean Cruises (maybe others as well) that you now need an RT-PCR test taken within 3 days of departure - any idea how MSC is counting days? My cruise leaves from Barcelona on a Sunday, I'm flying from Miami on a Friday night (arrives Saturday morning in Barcelona). I was thinking to get the test in the US on Thursday? Thoughts?

26 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

I believe it is known as a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, using saliva inlieu of a nasal swab. 

Right, but what is the name of the actual test?

On 3/10/2021 at 2:45 PM, Cruising in my mind said:

The HEALTH and SAFETY Video provided by the Chairman does in fact indicate that the test lab on the ships are saliva tests.  He also states that the sample will be provided daily prior to any contact with anyone outside of your stateroom for the day and your results will be provided in a timely manner.  I for one am very anxious and ready to provide the tests in that manner, especially if Viking is doing everything in their power to keep their customers and crew safe.  Just my two cents worth.  Thank you.

Does anyone know the name of the Saliva test they are going to run? I'm trying to do some research on it.