carolinablue704

Carnival Elation tomorrow (8/4). Good thing is we all tested negative today, so one less thing to worry about now. Will be doing a later than normal check in time, so hopefully we miss most of the um “festivities”.

I think that most of the disappointment, at least from my view, is not so much in the testing, because I get it, things are fluid and you have to roll with the punches, but moreso in the lack of consistent communication. When the original change in policy was announced, I received an email about it right away, but for some reason, with this revision, the email didn't come until this morning, even though the website had been updated some time on August 1st. I am not a dialed in facebook or social media person, so the only reason I happened to find out about the revision was because I am a logistics nerd who is "borderline OCD" about this type of stuff, but no one else I talked to knew anything about it until I told them. In fact, they thought I was joking around as they said "no way it changed as we didn't get any email from Carnival, so whatever". Thankfully, I was able to convince them and everyone got their previously canceled tests rescheduled for today, but am wondering how many will not be so lucky...

I am on the Elation sailing out tomorrow, and I just received this email at 10am this morning August 3, 2022 Dear Carnival Guest, While we have previously communicated our plans to no longer require pre-cruise COVID testing for fully vaccinated guests on itineraries 5 days or shorter, this policy is subject to local destination requirements. Since the resumption of cruising, The Bahamas has required pre-cruise testing for all guests on ships calling in The Bahamas, regardless of itinerary length or a guest’s vaccination status. While we are hopeful that the Bahamas will continue to evolve its policies, pre-cruise testing requirements remain in effect. Therefore, in order to comply with destination requirements in The Bahamas, all guests (irrespective of vaccination status), age 2 and older, must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen COVID test taken within three (3) days prior to embarkation. Please make every attempt to get tested prior to arrival at the cruise terminal. Considering you will be departing for your cruise shortly, in the event you are unable to get the test done ahead of time, we have made arrangements for a limited number of tests to be taken at the pier for a reduced fee of US$30, per person, to be applied to your Sail & Sign account. Testing availability may be limited for each specific port, so you are strongly encouraged to complete the testing before your arrival. CARNIVAL ELATION AUGUST 4, 2022, ONLY If you are unable to get a test done externally, you may pre-register for a “in-car/drive through” test here. Testing will be conducted at the pier from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and pre-registration is mandatory. We look forward to welcoming you on board your Carnival cruise vacation shortly. Sincerely, Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line

Just received this a few minutes ago, right after I completed my drive-thru test at Walgreens... August 3, 2022 Dear Carnival Guest, While we have previously communicated our plans to no longer require pre-cruise COVID testing for fully vaccinated guests on itineraries 5 days or shorter, this policy is subject to local destination requirements. Since the resumption of cruising, The Bahamas has required pre-cruise testing for all guests on ships calling in The Bahamas, regardless of itinerary length or a guest’s vaccination status. While we are hopeful that the Bahamas will continue to evolve its policies, pre-cruise testing requirements remain in effect. Therefore, in order to comply with destination requirements in The Bahamas, all guests (irrespective of vaccination status), age 2 and older, must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen COVID test taken within three (3) days prior to embarkation. Please make every attempt to get tested prior to arrival at the cruise terminal. Considering you will be departing for your cruise shortly, in the event you are unable to get the test done ahead of time, we have made arrangements for a limited number of tests to be taken at the pier for a reduced fee of US$30, per person, to be applied to your Sail & Sign account. Testing availability may be limited for each specific port, so you are strongly encouraged to complete the testing before your arrival. CARNIVAL ELATION AUGUST 4, 2022, ONLY If you are unable to get a test done externally, you may pre-register for a “in-car/drive through” test here. Testing will be conducted at the pier from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and pre-registration is mandatory. We look forward to welcoming you on board your Carnival cruise vacation shortly. Sincerely, Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line

Appreciate the response and totally agree with people directing their anger at those who have nothing to do with the situation, as that is both unfair and unfortunate. We plan to arrive later than normal this time around since we aren't going the suite route, so hoping by 1pm we will avoid all the craziness and walk right onboard with our room ready to go, but if not, all good, as I know all the bar locations by heart!

It's so weird because our cruise leaves in 48 hours (this Thursday) and we still haven't received any communication via email or otherwise about this, even though it is clearly posted as an update on the website. Kinda surprised they didn't push out an email especially for those sailing out on Day 1 of the previously announced policy change, as this could lead to a lot of confusion on Thursday as many may be completely unaware that they need a test since the announcement that no test was needed came via email blast, but the change has not been communicated as of yet via that same method. I am thankful that I am such a logistics nerd that I check various sites every day, but can't imagine most are like me haha.

Can't imagine what the confusion in line is going to be like for our Bahamas cruise on Thursday as I would not be surprised if some people don't get the message between now and then, as I haven't received an email, just happened to see it randomly online while checking out the carnival website a few minutes ago.

I just happened to jump online during a break at work and noticed that the rules had just changed for Bahamas itineraries (we leave for a 4 day this Thursday 8/4 and had already canceled our tests that were originally scheduled for yesterday). Now trying to get everyone in our party scheduled for a rapid test before we hit the road at 5:30am on Thursday morning. The way I look at it, it will just make us appreciate this trip that much more LOL.