PCR-Covid-19 Test for Travelers, Laboratories in Southampton and/or London?

[gerelmx]

We will take the Summit TA Cruise on Sunday August 15 from Southampton. In case the COVID-19 PCR Test is necessary to be able to board the ship (expert panel recommendations), Someone can recommend a Laboratory in Southampton or London to do the test and issue a certificate to be able to travel. We will arrive at LHR on Wednesday the 11th at around 3:30 PM. I don't know if we can do the test the same Wednesday or until Thursday morning, I don't know if it's enough time to get the result.

Edited October 1, 2020 by gerelmx

[phabric]

I am interested also flying August 4 for cruise August 7, 2021.

[CruiserBruce]

That is a long way off. More places might open prior to cruising reopening...particularly near the port. Or at your departing or arriving airport. Many, many many things could easily change before then.

[Cotswold Eagle]

Agree with Cruiser Bruce - any info provided now will be irrelevant in 10 months time! Perhaps just to say the current going rate for travel PCR tests seems to be about £130-£150 and I'd be very sceptical about anyone who claims to turn them round reliably under 48 hours. 

 

You may wish to browse some of the frequent flyer forums (which I don't think I can name) where this is a hot topic, of course, but as I say don't take anything now as representative of next summer. If it becomes a requirement, I expect there will be enterprising clinics open in Southampton prior to cruises! 

 

ETA: Of course, you will not be looking for a laboratory, you will need a clinic offering the test, who will send the swabs to their contracted laboratory. 

Edited October 2, 2020 by Cotswold Eagle

[GrJ Berkshire]

Agree with Cotswold Eagle, impossible to tell where we will be in 10 months time.

However unless the USA gets the virus under control there is no way your timetable will work as you will not be welcome in the UK or will need to quarantine for 14 days prior to cruising. I would be more worried that the flights you mention will not happen?

Its a question of which of the major airlines are the first to 'go under' with the news of severe job losses at AA, United and Delta now that job protection schemes are ending, Virgin is all but bust and BA not healthy. Equally will Airbus, Boeing, Rolls -royce in the aviation sector survive, Boeing was already in trouble following the 737max issues, who is going to buy/ lease new planes in this economic climate. Already many small specialist aero-engine companies which deal with maintenance / spares are in trouble !

Lots more than a covid-19 test: IMHO if there is not a vaccine by summer 2021 the whole aviation/ cruising/ tourism industry is looking at an existential threat.

[gerelmx]

OK thanks everybody for your comments, I will ask again until April next year before my final payment