JULY AND AUGUST ONLY: Unvaccinated ages 2 and up - mandatory covid test ($150 each)

[jimbo5544]

On 7/9/2021 at 8:30 PM, jfunk138 said:

Are you fine with paying $150 to be tested?

 

I think this expert is clear, that everyone, vaccinated or not, needs to be tested.

There are more experts than bottle washers these days.To me it makes total sense to test unvaccinated and zero sene to test vaccinated.  When I see anything ohter than something related to b2b I will get worried.  Carnival seems to agree

 

[Honolulu Blue]

On 7/9/2021 at 3:59 PM, WhaleTailFlCruiser said:

Assuming the Cost is going to be put onto their Sail and Sign accounts? 

 

John Heald said that it would be.

 

On 7/9/2021 at 7:49 PM, TNcruising02 said:

It sure looks like Carnival is trying to do everything possible to get unvaccinated passengers to cancel.

 

They're copying Royal and their "maximum pain" for the unvaccinated.  Will bans from certain venues be next?  Who knows??  It wouldn't surprise me.

 

[lobster1313]

I just went through the boarding process with my daughter who has an exemption. The waived fee for children was $50 and the cost for adults was $150 which wasn't waived.  This is completely different than pulling up to CVS and doing the test yourself.  The check in process is much more involved. There were 3 different check in's, an escort to the testing area, the test itself and then an automated email system that sends the results. The fee is definitely justified for the amount of extra work involved.

Edited July 12, 2021 by lobster1313

[jimbo5544]

7 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

 

John Heald said that it would be.

 

 

They're copying Royal and their "maximum pain" for the unvaccinated.  Will bans from certain venues be next?  Who knows??  It wouldn't surprise me.

 

Seems to be the Royal answer

[embarkation75]

55 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

 

John Heald said that it would be.

 

 

They're copying Royal and their "maximum pain" for the unvaccinated.  Will bans from certain venues be next?  Who knows??  It wouldn't surprise me.

 

Probably the case as I really question why an unvaccinated individual or those with unvaccinated kids would want to cruise into the foreseeable future as the unvaccinated protocols aren't going away and if anything will only get worse in the coming months.

[BrotherCraig]

The cruise line will lose revenue for sure by families going for the refund. Especially on 7 day cruises on newer ships -- like the Mardi Gras.  Families are already paying $5-$6K to cruise on the ship this Fall or Winter.  Now, if they rebook for a later date, you are looking at another $2K added because cruise fare went way up.  That is the boat we are in right now.   If I am going to dish out $8K for a cruise, I am going to get on Disney.  Rather be on Carnival Mardi Gras but taking that refund is best choice for anyone.  Changing a cruise to a later date will be a lot more - no matter what.  

 

Actually, if I moved my cruise to 2022 or 2023, it will over $8K for the 6 of us.  

Edited July 12, 2021 by BrotherCraig

[BrotherCraig]

34 minutes ago, embarkation75 said:

Probably the case as I really question why an unvaccinated individual or those with unvaccinated kids would want to cruise into the foreseeable future as the unvaccinated protocols aren't going away and if anything will only get worse in the coming months.

 

Things are changing from day to day it seems.  People, like my family, are holding out hope.  Not going to react until more info if given.  Already have over $6K wrapped up into this cruise in late November.  We can't rebook because the prices are so dang high to rebook for a later date.  If we don't cruise with this one, then we won't be cruising again until 2023.  Most likely, that will be the end of cruising for us as a family so we are holding out hope.  I don't believe things will get worse in the coming months.  As we see with the UK, they are moving forward with their reopening plans so they don't feel like the coming months is that alarming.  I believe things will continue to get better as more countries get vaccinated.  If we get 70% of American adults vaccinated by the Holidays, then things should be good.  We are at 56% now.  

Edited July 12, 2021 by BrotherCraig

[Babr]

30 minutes ago, BrotherCraig said:

 

Things are changing from day to day it seems.  People, like my family, are holding out hope.  Not going to react until more info if given.  Already have over $6K wrapped up into this cruise in late November.  We can't rebook because the prices are so dang high to rebook for a later date.  If we don't cruise with this one, then we won't be cruising again until 2023.  Most likely, that will be the end of cruising for us as a family so we are holding out hope.  I don't believe things will get worse in the coming months.  As we see with the UK, they are moving forward with their reopening plans so they don't feel like the coming months is that alarming.  I believe things will continue to get better as more countries get vaccinated.  If we get 70% of American adults vaccinated by the Holidays, then things should be good.  We are at 56% now.  

I admire your optimism and certainly hope you are right. I am less sure because it seems we have come up against the truly vaccine hesitant now; and heading into the coming months, we may see more impact of the variants.

 

I have not cancelled my Australia cruise for early 2022 yet, but I know they are seeing some outbreaks and have even less access to vaccines than we do.

[BrotherCraig]

7 minutes ago, Babr said:

I admire your optimism and certainly hope you are right. I am less sure because it seems we have come up against the truly vaccine hesitant now; and heading into the coming months, we may see more impact of the variants.

 

I have not cancelled my Australia cruise for early 2022 yet, but I know they are seeing some outbreaks and have even less access to vaccines than we do.

 

 

Yes.  US us at 56% vaccinated adults so far.  Australia is around 9% or maybe even less.  I am not worried about the variants.  The UK isn't too worried as well and they are being hit with it.  We have 15,000 people here and we are averaging two new cases a week right now.  

[jimbo5544]

On 7/9/2021 at 5:28 PM, TNcruising02 said:

It's definitely a tough one.  I remember when they said there would be no kid's clubs for under 12 after the final payment date.  Carnival keeps changing things and it must be very frustrating for families with young children. Who knows what else they will add to the requirements by the time you cruise.  I feel bad for those families.  I guess Carnival is doing what they can to prevent any positive cases.  It's too bad they didn't figure this stuff out a month ago.  It's not like they didn't have plenty of time.

It is a fluid situation and pretty complex.  Absolutely no history on how to handle these situations, no direction or help from outside agencies and having to build complex matrices and train staff.  They have to work with government agencies who are implementing and changing policies on a daily basis.  They have to build plans and policies for each port that are extremely complex.  They are receiving information from federal agencies that change daily. They are trying to  build this for both vaccinated and unvaccinated clients.    They have to build

this plan for one ship at a time, and are leading the industry in doing all this.  i have friends in mgt team and cal tell you they are pretty much working full out, round the clock.  Oh by the way their very existence depends on them

successfully completing this.  

I think they are doing a remarkable job.  

[TNcruising02]

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

It is a fluid situation and pretty complex.  Absolutely no history on how to handle these situations, no direction or help from outside agencies and having to build complex matrices and train staff.  They have to work with government agencies who are implementing and changing policies on a daily basis.  They have to build plans and policies for each port that are extremely complex.  They are receiving information from federal agencies that change daily. They are trying to  build this for both vaccinated and unvaccinated clients.    They have to build

this plan for one ship at a time, and are leading the industry in doing all this.  i have friends in mgt team and cal tell you they are pretty much working full out, round the clock.  Oh by the way their very existence depends on them

successfully completing this.  

I think they are doing a remarkable job.  

I think they are doing a remarkable job too!  I always knew they would.

[lancerTXST]

21 hours ago, lancerTXST said:

The Have Fun. Be Safe. FAQ page as of this morning still states:

 

All unvaccinated guests who have been pre-approved for a vaccine exemption must show the negative results of a PCR COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation. You will also receive an antigen test at embarkation which Carnival will provide. Guests under two are exempt from these testing requirements.

 

Well now a day later and they have updated the FAQ page to state:

 

All unvaccinated guests who have been pre-approved for a vaccine exemption must show the negative results of a PCR COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation. You will also receive an antigen test at embarkation which Carnival will provide. Guests under two are exempt from these testing requirements. To cover the cost of testing and other health screening measures, we have set a charge of US$150, per person, which will be assessed to your onboard account if you are cleared to sail.

 

Still no email from Carnival though, so this is going to surprise a lot of the exempted families in my opinion.  Perhaps upon check-in (a few days away for us) this will be noted.  But based on this we will have to still do the 72 hour test on our own and then pay their new charge for their test(s).

[Old Fart Cruisers]

23 hours ago, BrotherCraig said:

The cruise line will lose revenue for sure by families going for the refund. Especially on 7 day cruises on newer ships -- like the Mardi Gras.  Families are already paying $5-$6K to cruise on the ship this Fall or Winter.  Now, if they rebook for a later date, you are looking at another $2K added because cruise fare went way up.  That is the boat we are in right now.   If I am going to dish out $8K for a cruise, I am going to get on Disney.  Rather be on Carnival Mardi Gras but taking that refund is best choice for anyone.  Changing a cruise to a later date will be a lot more - no matter what.  

 

Actually, if I moved my cruise to 2022 or 2023, it will over $8K for the 6 of us.  

They may lose a small percentage of revenue from the unvaccinated people, but will probably make up much more by people who will only feel safe booking a cruise that is 100% vaccinated NOT 95%.  Additionally, if all sailings end up getting shut down again due to an outbreak because they made the decision to allow 5% unvaccinated their loss of revenue will be much greater.

[sailingships]

5 hours ago, lancerTXST said:

 

Well now a day later and they have updated the FAQ page to state:

 

All unvaccinated guests who have been pre-approved for a vaccine exemption must show the negative results of a PCR COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation. You will also receive an antigen test at embarkation which Carnival will provide. Guests under two are exempt from these testing requirements. To cover the cost of testing and other health screening measures, we have set a charge of US$150, per person, which will be assessed to your onboard account if you are cleared to sail.

 

Still no email from Carnival though, so this is going to surprise a lot of the exempted families in my opinion.  Perhaps upon check-in (a few days away for us) this will be noted.  But based on this we will have to still do the 72 hour test on our own and then pay their new charge for their test(s).

So the price went from $50 free for two tests to $150 charged to you for two tests to $150 charged to you for only one test ?

[BrotherCraig]

48 minutes ago, Old Fart Cruisers said:

They may lose a small percentage of revenue from the unvaccinated people, but will probably make up much more by people who will only feel safe booking a cruise that is 100% vaccinated NOT 95%.  Additionally, if all sailings end up getting shut down again due to an outbreak because they made the decision to allow 5% unvaccinated their loss of revenue will be much greater.

 

Every single cruise has had outbreaks.  They are germ ships.  Cold and flu run rampant on every cruise just like they do in schools and other places.  Vaccinated people should not have to worry about getting Covid. Yes, vaccinated people can get the sniffles and cold-like symptoms.  That happens without Covid as well.  I hear what you are saying though because the CDC is making the rules and they are watching everything.  

Sad that families won't be able to cruise for a while.  That is lost revenue.  Families pay way more for cruises than Adult couples do.  Average cruise for 4 right now in a balcony is around $4000.  Throw in activities and amenities that families pay for - it adds up to probably $6000 a cruise per family of 4.  At least it does for us.  

[jsglow]

4 minutes ago, BrotherCraig said:

 

Every single cruise has had outbreaks.  They are germ ships.  Cold and flu run rampant on every cruise just like they do in schools and other places.  Vaccinated people should not have to worry about getting Covid. Yes, vaccinated people can get the sniffles and cold-like symptoms.  That happens without Covid as well.  I hear what you are saying though because the CDC is making the rules and they are watching everything.  

Sad that families won't be able to cruise for a while.  That is lost revenue.  Families pay way more for cruises than Adult couples do.  Average cruise for 4 right now in a balcony is around $4000.  Throw in activities and amenities that families pay for - it adds up to probably $6000 a cruise per family of 4.  At least it does for us.  

When we cruised as a family of 4 we were never close to that amount.  Now it's been a few years admittedly but.....

[TNcruising02]

I don't think an outbreak on one ship will close down all US cruising.  That's overkill at its finest.  There may always be variants and people are going to have to learn to live with them.  Shutting down an industry because of one ship would be crazy.  That's like shutting down all airlines if there is a plane crash.

[BrotherCraig]

Just now, jsglow said:

When we cruised as a family of 4 we were never close to that amount.  Now it's been a few years admittedly but.....

 

It was that way from 2016-2019 cruises for us 4.  Our March 2020 cruise fare and taxes were $3600 on the Freedom.  Our Mardi Gras November 2021 cruise is over $6000 for the 6 of us (4 in one cabin and 2 in another).  Switching to March 2022 and it will be slightly over $7000 or we can downgrade to two interior cabins for almost $6700.  Throw in Gratuities, photos, Cheers!, excursions, and other things.  It all adds up. 

[tiffy0428]

On 7/9/2021 at 8:30 PM, jfunk138 said:

Are you fine with paying $150 to be tested?

 

I think this expert is clear, that everyone, vaccinated or not, needs to be tested.

i agree that vaccinated guest should be tested. even my doctor told me just because i’m vaccinated , it doesn’t mean i can’t get the virus and or spread it.

[jsglow]

34 minutes ago, BrotherCraig said:

 

It was that way from 2016-2019 cruises for us 4.  Our March 2020 cruise fare and taxes were $3600 on the Freedom.  Our Mardi Gras November 2021 cruise is over $6000 for the 6 of us (4 in one cabin and 2 in another).  Switching to March 2022 and it will be slightly over $7000 or we can downgrade to two interior cabins for almost $6700.  Throw in Gratuities, photos, Cheers!, excursions, and other things.  It all adds up. 

I'm not doubting you BC.  But back about 10 years ago our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teen kids) would have had airfare of about $800, a Carnival cabin that my wife and I might get charged $550 per and the kids maybe $250 per (not really remembering their 3rd/4th pax rate) for a base fare maybe $1600, plus probably a $750 Sign/sail that included gratuities and roughly $600 for 3 days of excursions.  Throw in a couple hundred more for the pre-cruise hotel and various land transportation requirements.

 

I guess that got us right around $4000 for our clan.  Yep, it adds up.

 

Just wait until college!!!!!

[pc_load_letter]

I guess there are still things to do for the kiddos but I saw a youtube review of a recent sailing and they stated the kids club is closed. Not sure if that is still the case but I would want that open before I take my kids on a cruise.

[Jasonsterling]

On 7/9/2021 at 3:53 PM, JEANMR1 said:

It was in the exemption email. 

Oh boy, I'd be mad too. I think you definitely should push the issue and if they can't arrange it satisfactorily I'd get a refund- not a future cruise, a flat out refund. Yes, rules and policies have been fluid during this period but there comes a point where it's not acceptable and I think this is it. If the policy is just for adults who refuse to get vaccinated, then fine but for children under 12 that have no choice in the matter, not fine and especially with this statement having been made that the cost is waived for July and August. There's other things to go do- other fun to be had. Just go have other fun.  

[Jasonsterling]

2 hours ago, Old Fart Cruisers said:

They may lose a small percentage of revenue from the unvaccinated people, but will probably make up much more by people who will only feel safe booking a cruise that is 100% vaccinated NOT 95%.  Additionally, if all sailings end up getting shut down again due to an outbreak because they made the decision to allow 5% unvaccinated their loss of revenue will be much greater.

I feel safe on the cruise because I'm vaccinated. I could sail with a ship full of unvaccinated people and so what, I have the same chance of catching it as at home at Walmart, which is slim to none. That's why I got vaccinated, so I don't have to worry about what other people do. 

[eclue]

So everyone should just get VACCINATED and put an end to this nonsense/

 

[lobster1313]

54 minutes ago, pc_load_letter said:

I guess there are still things to do for the kiddos but I saw a youtube review of a recent sailing and they stated the kids club is closed. Not sure if that is still the case but I would want that open before I take my kids on a cruise.

Yes. It's still closed and all the Dr. Seuss activities but everything else is open including build a bear.  The only real inconvenience has been the bubble tours. There's only 2 per port and most have sold out. My daughter is still having a blast.