Jadn13

Just read this, unfortunately it explains that  unless you have a US phone you won't be able to ship to administer a test at the hotel.

Another wrench for international travelers in the US

1 hour ago, Honolulu Blue said:

 

I'm pretty sure I understand Sea Day Cruiser's concerns and their timeline.  Let's say they're cruising on a Saturday.  They stated that they would be traveling to their cruise at 7 AM on a Thursday, two days before.  And let's further say it takes two hours to get to the airport plus time at the airport to get through security, etc.  That means they would have to take the home test at home sometime between midnight and 5 AM.  I've actually done the home test at 2 AM two days before, so it's not impossible, but the window is awfully narrow.

 

Of course, they could take a home test with them and test wherever they end up, but that would involve issues and stresses of its own.

The proctors are available for all time zones so it could be done at any point and a proctor would be reached.

Like you said, you did it. 
The home test was easy and stress free it’s worth looking into for anyone who is stressing about getting a test.

It’s also cost efficient 

3 hours ago, fabby50 said:

My understanding from the website is they expiration dates were extended by the CDC for an extra year (started out at 3 months).  We have called and emailed to try and get written confirmation of that from eMed, but haven't heard back yet.  We're going to keep trying.  You can also buy the tests one at a time, which is probably what we'll do next time (we got the 6 pack).

Only till early 2021

Mine expire the first week of January and those are some of the later expirations. They should be making new batches due to supply and demand

You can always ask your pre cruise hotel if they will accept a package  for you and have your tests shipped there. I would have a back up plan just in case something goes wrong  but it’s worth the ask. 
 

7 minutes ago, Italy52 said:

Do you know if you can use a tablet instead of a smart phone or desktop for the test?

As long as your tablet has a camera and audio input/output (Meaning that you can hear and talk back to the proctor)  you should be good.  You can use a phone as well but if you are using a tablet or a phone make sure you have a stand/tripod or a set up that allows you to  angle your camera to capture your hands and face at the same time. 

On 9/25/2021 at 5:01 PM, MsSoCalCruiser said:

Can you pick them up at a pharmacy near you? I just checked and our CVS pharmacy has them in stock.

Make sure it’s the correct version at CVS…multiple binax now tests exist but the AG card 19 is the only one accepted because it comes with an RX

On 9/29/2021 at 3:14 PM, cltnccruisers said:

So I downloaded the app and set up my account.  If I understand this correctly, when I am ready to do the test I can scan the QR code on the test box then I can log into emed.com on my laptop using the creds I created on the app.   Once a proctor comes on he/she will walk me through opening the package and taking the test.  Once test results are available I will receive an email.

 

What am I missing?  BTW, this is why I ordered a 3-pack - so I wouldn't have to stumble around when crunch time rolls around.

That’s it.

You will have someone proctor the test and then wait 15 mins and someone else will go over the results with you.

Very Easy

11 minutes ago, Over Land & Sea said:

Despite there being no cinemas open due to the pandemic there has been plenty of major movies released albeit direct to the Film companies' own streaming sites. 

Disney+ , Warner Brothers' HBO Max & Netflix have premiered films which should have been in cinemas, many of these could have been shown onboard as I can't see film companies turning down an additional revenue stream.

It would be interesting to know what other cruise lines are showing at the moment.

If flying recently on Delta is any indication of what’s out there for licensing, it’s not much. 
https://www.delta.com/us/en/onboard/inflight-entertainment/current-movies

Remember very few movies have been released in the past year so you will encounter less New Releases because they don’t exist.

5 hours ago, maritzarogerp said:

I agree, never have bought anything at any store on board, they are overpriced so the 10% discount is worthless. Our free internet minutes were the favorite and best used perk. We never used all of the minutes but it was great for the days at sea to connect with family. VERY SAD

For me in the past the 10% elite benefit  plus duty free was a good deal for Make up purchases. I saved a decent amount compared to the cost at my Macys/Sephora.

The internet was a great benefit and I’ll miss it but I’m going to make the most out of what is being offered. 
Happy Cruising! 

It’s strange that you weren’t alerted we are on the TA following your cruise and were alerted MONTHS ago. Seems the ball was dropped somewhere 

19 minutes ago, cltnccruisers said:

You might think that, but it's a national holiday so with the proctors be available?

It needs to work from all countries and time zones so it would still be a viable option even on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. 

25 minutes ago, Tedferg said:

I am surprised no one has mentioned the swab insertion is only 3/4 inch on Home Test. Our clinic tests went way up the nostril. That 3/4 inch makes Home Testing much easier.

Yes, No Brain Swab! 

3 hours ago, Ombud said:

Did you find a way to order less than 6? I will need just 1 (solo cruiser)

Yes, Optum- same test smaller quantities

I think someone shared   the link for you Happy Cruising  

10 hours ago, cltnccruisers said:

Our next cruise leaves Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday as our test days.  At port testing is the only plan.

Home test is an option 

1 hour ago, coo359a2 said:

 

 

While we had previously raised the possibility of more on-site testing at our terminals, the logistics of making this service widely available to a large number of guests does not make this a viable option. Nevertheless, we did want to provide these additional suggestions for our guests.

If used as intended as a back up plan it would work but if people intended to use it as their only testing plan that is where it would cause issues.  Perhaps I need to open a Covid testing site close to the ports 🙂 

2 minutes ago, foodcruiser said:

Question about the eMed package. Can the 6 tests be split between me and my wife or do I have order two packages?  Do we have to set up a login for each of us?

The 6 can be split up to 3 ways,  you  will just add both of your names and DOB when ordering.

9 hours ago, mellon1 said:

I did the same thing, $1,300 later a new phone I didn't need or want!

On the positive side  you can also use your phone to DL the At Home Testing App as well and any other Travel Apps.  This is the direction the world is moving in so you will be better off for the phone purchase in the long run. 

48 minutes ago, cltnccruisers said:

I'm not sure what the governing body is, but does the fact that Royal accepts the test automatically mean that Princess would/should?

Princess Does Accept It,  I'm not sure if all cruise lines are following the same procedures  for vaccinated passengers but Carnival, Royal, Princess and Holland all accept these tests for vaccinated passengers. 

12 hours ago, CalLuvsCrusingToo said:

Jadn13, Thanks for sharing.

Wondering, after you swab your nose while being supervised, online I'm assuming....

does the swab kit need to be Sent somewhere?  

Or is it like a pregnancy test where you get results after XX minutes?

How long is the wait?  Thanks again

Just in case you didn't see the answer you don't mail it in and it's able to be disposed of in a regular garbage can/bin 

14 minutes ago, Roberto256 said:

 

I watched the emed video.

 

How do they ensure that the person taking the test is the person who registered to take the test?

 

You create a log in through the app and then log into the site. You show them ID before  you start.

If you are asking if they monitor who exactly the RX was for, I did have to include proper names and birth dates when I purchased the tests.

8 hours ago, Jadn13 said:

Here are the options for at home monitored testing

i bought the 6 pack this week and it does expire 1/5/22 so I wouldn’t  purchase them too far out (the dates will change as time passes, these are just the batches that are currently shipping latest expiration date I have seen for those being shipped now is early february)

binaxnow ag card test (Royal  Caribbean is recommending this brand to passengers so it definitely meets all the requirements)!

They come in different packs 2,3,6
 

https://www.emed.com

 

https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack

 

Ellume is also an option

https://www.azova.com/testing/ellume/delta/
 

*Tests need to have monitoring and be approved by the FDA for emergency use, both of the options above meet those requirements. 

Updated Testing Kit Expiration Extension info extends test kits by 3 months from what is listed on the kit.

It seems what’s shipping currently can either expire in Jan/Feb 22 so don’t order too far in advance

46 minutes ago, mellon1 said:

I looked on line for the test kit.  Someone did a video here and they said it has to say RX on it.  The one I saw just said OTC.  Where did you get your kit if you don't mind me asking please?  Also, someone said the tests expire in January 2022.

Here are the options for at home monitored testing

i bought the 6 pack this week and it does expire 1/5/22 so I wouldn’t  purchase them too far out (the dates will change as time passes, these are just the batches that are currently shipping latest expiration date I have seen for those being shipped now is early february)

binaxnow ag card test (Royal  Caribbean is recommending this brand to passengers so it definitely meets all the requirements)!

They come in different packs 2,3,6
 

https://www.emed.com

https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack

Ellume is also an option

https://www.azova.com/testing/ellume/delta/
 

*Tests need to have monitoring and be approved by the FDA for emergency use, both of the options above meet those requirements. 

11 minutes ago, johnmik1 said:

We are doing back to back going from Princess to HAL and will need a test on the morning of the change over.It should be interesting getting either PCL or HAL to commit to the testing.

You could bring your own and do it the day before, removes all the stress. 

Royal is helping passengers take the guess work out of home tests and offering them through their site (it’s the same tests we all have been chatting about on this board) 

https://store.optum.com/royal-caribbean/