It looks like Celebrity is now requiring negative COVID test before boarding

[jbouvier]

I'm very thankful for this new policy, especially with the positive passengers that were on the last/current Edge sailing. I'll feel a lot better getting onboard knowing nobody is carrying it.

[marienbad]

We too sail Sunday on the Equinox.

Spoke with Retreat concierge. The testing policy begins 8/6/21, not that you’d know that from Celebrity’s email.

 

[LUVTRAVEL6]

3 minutes ago, marienbad said:

We too sail Sunday on the Equinox.

Spoke with Retreat concierge. The testing policy begins 8/6/21, not that you’d know that from Celebrity’s email.

 

We are on July 31st Edge.  It specifically says testing is required for our sailing!  So many different answers being given!!  This is crazy!  They need to update passengers/employees with the correct information!

[SWFL Cruisers]

They will provide the test free of charge. No worries. I did a B2B on Millennium last month and the test took minutes to get the results, The ship is the safest place to be! Go cruise and have fun!

 

 

Dear Guest,   We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Equinox® for your 7-Night Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sunday, August 1. Before we depart, we have some important information to share regarding our Health and Safety Protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, Celebrity Cruises will be enhancing COVID-19 testing requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.   All guests, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to take an antigen test at the terminal prior to embarkation. This will be a complimentary rapid test and results will be available within 30 minutes.   If you are able to provide negative test results, from an antigen test taken within 48 hours of embarkation, you will not be required to take an additional test at the pier. Proof of a negative result will significantly expedite your check-in and boarding process. Should you receive a positive test result or be unable to complete the testing requirements, a 100% refund or Future Cruise Credit will be offered.   Celebrity Equinox will sail with a vaccinated crew, and at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated. Guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. Guests who decline or are unable to show proof of vaccination at boarding will be treated as unvaccinated and subject to additional protocols, restrictions, and costs for COVID-19 testing. For details on our current health and safety protocols please visit  https://www.healthyatsea.com. We’re sailing with fewer guests for more space – and more luxury with even more activities to avoid large gatherings in public spaces.   Thank you for your patience and understanding. The health and safety of everyone onboard is our number one priority. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Celebrity Cruises at 1-844-418-6824 in North America or (316) 554-5961 worldwide. We look forward to providing you an amazing Celebrity Cruises vacation.     Sincerely, Celebrity Cruises

Edited July 30, 2021 by SWFL Cruisers

[mac_tlc]

5 minutes ago, LUVTRAVEL6 said:

We are on July 31st Edge.  It specifically says testing is required for our sailing!  So many different answers being given!!  This is crazy!  They need to update passengers/employees with the correct information!

We are on the same sailing tomorrow. You don't have to get the test before you get to the terminal. Great if you can, but you don't need to. They will do it at the terminal free of charge. E-mail is pretty clear.

 

See prior post. Our e-mail for the 7/31 Edge has the exact same wording.

Edited July 30, 2021 by mac_tlc

[mgmigs]

Just got off the phone, everyone needs a test 72 hrs before cruising no matter vaccination status.  
 

Additionally, they said kids 12 and above need vaccination.  Anyone 12 and above who is not vaccinated would have to take the 4 tests and would have to wear masks indoors and outdoors except when eating or drinking 

Edited July 30, 2021 by mgmigs

[LuvCruzn4Evr]

8 minutes ago, jbouvier said:

I'm very thankful for this new policy, especially with the positive passengers that were on the last/current Edge sailing. I'll feel a lot better getting onboard knowing nobody is carrying it.

I thought experts attested to the fact that a negative test today does not guarantee you are not infected.  Can take 2 to 5 days to show up???  One could come in contact with it on the plane to the port.  So can't someone be carrying it based on this?  

[Turtles06]

1 minute ago, mac_tlc said:

We are on the same sailing tomorrow. You don't have to get the test before you get to the terminal. Great if you can, but you don't need to. They will do it at the terminal free of charge. E-mail is pretty clear:

 

"If you are unable to provide negative test results, from an antigen test taken within 48 hours of embarkation, you will not be required to take an additional test at the pier. Proof of a negative result will significantly expedite your check-in and boarding process"

 

 I think you have a major typo in your quote, since it doesn't say what your own text says it does.   The word in bold should be "able" -- not only does the quote make no sense otherwise, but see Celebrity's actual language in comment 81 above.

[jbouvier]

2 minutes ago, LuvCruzn4Evr said:

I thought experts attested to the fact that a negative test today does not guarantee you are not infected.  Can take 2 to 5 days to show up???  One could come in contact with it on the plane to the port.  So can't someone be carrying it based on this?  

OK yes this is true. Technically we will only know that as of boarding nobody's viral load will be detectable. I was trying to keep from using too much technical jargon 😂  So more accurately, I'm happy knowing that on day one everyone had undetectable viral loads.

[cangelmd]

Ok so I have a different problem. I can get a test - waiting for my results as I type - but I can only get a PCR this fast - will a PCR right at 48 hours work?

[mac_tlc]

2 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

 I think you have a major typo in your quote, since it doesn't say what your own text says it does.   The word in bold should be "able" -- not only does the quote make no sense otherwise, but see Celebrity's actual language in comment 81 above.

You are correct. I noticed it and just edited the my original post to just reference the prior post -- posts were appearing fast and  furious.😉

[Bluewake]

22 minutes ago, jbouvier said:

I'm very thankful for this new policy, especially with the positive passengers that were on the last/current Edge sailing. I'll feel a lot better getting onboard knowing nobody is carrying it.

I share your sentiments in applauding the testing.  However, it doesn't necessarily mean no one will "slip through the cracks".   Typically, false negatives occur for a couple of reasons such as the failure to swap the nasal cavity deeply enough when being tested or because the person contracted it on the way to the ship and the test was administered too early in the course of the illness.   

 

EDITED - I just saw that another poster had made the same point above while I was typing. Sorry for the duplication!

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by Bluewake

[jbouvier]

2 minutes ago, Bluewake said:

I share your sentiments in applauding the testing.  However, it doesn't necessarily mean no one will "slip through the cracks".   Typically, false negatives occur for a couple of reasons such as the failure to swap the nasal cavity deeply enough when being tested or because the person contracted it on the way to the ship and the test was administered too early in the course of the illness.   

 

Nothing is certain with covid but I'm glad they're doing everything that's possible, short of not sailing, to make the trip safe and healthy for everyone.

Edited July 30, 2021 by jbouvier
fixed wording

[CroozFanatic]

Check-in tomorrow should be a hoot!

 

 

 

 

[TourDeCruise]

What a fiasco! I just emailed one of my friends who is sailing on the Equinox on Sunday and probably flying tomorrow to Florida. Hopefully she got the email earlier today, but she did not get it this morning when we last emailed each other. Update: Sounds like she can get it at the terminal on Sunday.

Edited July 30, 2021 by TourDeCruise

[goofysmom99]

I checked the app and my Sunday check-in time is now 30 minutes later.

[ipeeinthepool]

21 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

Ok so I have a different problem. I can get a test - waiting for my results as I type - but I can only get a PCR this fast - will a PCR right at 48 hours work?

 

I would think so.  Here's the requirement:

 

"This test may be taken as either a PCR test or an Antigen test, conducted within 72 hours of embarkation. "

 

 

[phoenix_dream]

30 minutes ago, SWFL Cruisers said:

They will provide the test free of charge. No worries. I did a B2B on Millennium last month and the test took minutes to get the results, The ship is the safest place to be! Go cruise and have fun!

 

 

Dear Guest,   We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Equinox® for your 7-Night Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sunday, August 1. Before we depart, we have some important information to share regarding our Health and Safety Protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, Celebrity Cruises will be enhancing COVID-19 testing requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.   All guests, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to take an antigen test at the terminal prior to embarkation. This will be a complimentary rapid test and results will be available within 30 minutes.

Everyone needs to be aware - this free testing does not apply to cruises in the future!  We need to get our own test for the Sept. Millie cruise we are taking.  Not sure what the cut-off date is for complimentary versus on your own.

[mayleeman]

53 minutes ago, imtired1959 said:

Oh... and if you are positive they will refund your money 100%.  How generous.  What about the flights and hotel to get here?

 

............

 

This will be my first and last Celebrity cruise (ha... if I get to cruise at all)!

 

So, they should let you cruise despite testing positive? Or not test so you can cruise because not knowing when someone is positive is better or safer?

 

Or are you saying Celebrity should not adopt new emergency protocols because there are always people who have cruises in the next few days?

 

Do you really think Celebrity should guarantee everyone's hotel and flights when they test positive? International flights, too? Perhaps luxury hotels?

Edited July 30, 2021 by mayleeman

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, kokopelli-az said:

If anyone finds out from Celebrity if they are going to have free testing (for vaxed passengers) available at the port because of the short notice, please post Celebrity's response.  

Haven't read past your post, but thought I would enlighten you. Got the email for this August 1, 2021 sailing on Equinox. Celebrity is providing FREE antigen test at the pier for ALL passengers over 2 years old. Must wait 30 minutes for the result. (How long a line to get to the test is anyones guess). Celebrity will accept a test performed within 48 hours of EMBARKATION., and "you will not be required to take an additional test at the pier. Proof of a negative result will significantly expedite your check-in and boarding process."

Edited July 30, 2021 by morpheusofthesea

[SWFL Cruisers]

1 minute ago, phoenix_dream said:

Everyone needs to be aware - this free testing does not apply to cruises in the future!  We need to get our own test for the Sept. Millie cruise we are taking.  Not sure what the cut-off date is for complimentary versus on your own.

You are correct. I have been watching people in full panic mode on other threads about this weekends cruises. I am sailing Sunday so it should be fine. When we sailed last month on Millennium they did it onboard and it took seconds to perform and minutes for the results. 

Cheers!

[morpheusofthesea]

51 minutes ago, marienbad said:

We too sail Sunday on the Equinox.

Spoke with Retreat concierge. The testing policy begins 8/6/21, not that you’d know that from Celebrity’s email.

 

Funny, but my e-mail July 30, 2021 at 1:17 pm. "Dear Guest, We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Equinox for your 7-night Caribbean sailing from Ft. Lauderdale,Florida, Sunday. August 1.".....

[Ramjet1997]

1 hour ago, runningtide said:

I’m getting the feeling Celebrity is giving all of us the LONG swab……..(that’s a joke 🙂

It is right up the rear - this pushes all of the worry and expense onto the passenger - someone shrewd came up with this at Royal/Celebrity......now it's YOUR PROBLEM/FAULT.......it leaves a bad taste in your mouth for this sudden change of "protocol"..... 

[morpheusofthesea]

Also, please note that Celebrity's email has a note at the top of their email "Please click here to acknowledge receipt of this message." On both Equinox  and September's Edge that also came in today's emails.

Edited July 30, 2021 by morpheusofthesea

[katrina915]

1 hour ago, bajathree said:

Celebrity Cruises

 

What You Need To Know

• All guests over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status will now be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding, for U.S. sailings departing August 6 through September 6, 2021.

• This test may be taken as either a PCR test or an Antigen test, conducted within 72 hours of embarkation.  

This explains why I didn't get an email.

I am sailing September 10. 

 

Good luck everyone sailing soon.

 

For those that have time, the CDC website said at one point that there is a small chance that you can test positive with a rapid test if you are vaccinated.