MSC Covid Testing Requirements

[St Pete FL Male]

I called MSC today 9/9/21 and was told by 3 different customer service employees that a rapid antigen test was not acceptable for the pretesting requirement and that I had to have an antigen test. I was  under the assumption that they were one in the same but not according to MSC. I told them I was not getting a home test but a laboratory test by my county health department or else walgreen's. I asked to speak to a supervisor to get clarification but was denied. I called a pharmacist and was told that the tests were one in the same. I even called a travel agency and had them call MSC and the travel agency called me back to tell me that MSC said a rapid antigen test was not acceptable and they wanted an antigen test and that their website specifically states antigen test and not rapid antigen test. I would appreciate it if someone else would call MSC and see if they can get to the bottom of this. I would hate to get the rapid antigen test and then be denied boarding. I have been on 2 prior MSC cruises and never had a problem with them but now I am wondering if I should go elsewhere.

[Shippy]

The rapid one better be good. We are getting it at the Miami airport on Thursday bight,.

[cruiseguyinorl]

There is no such thing approved for SARS-Cov-2 as a non-rapid antigen test. Your MSC people are ill informed. Well, scared to tell you something wrong since the word rapid isn't on the script anymore. So yes, the rapid antigen test you get is fine.

[phissy]

St Pete FL Male. Welcome to Cruise Critic!
 
Current Covid 19 tests are PCR, NAAT and Antigen.

Antigen is sometimes referred to as “rapid antigen” due to the fact that results are available very quickly.

Your test result will specify it as Antigen Test Result.

PCR and NAAT take at least 2-3 hours and more likely, 36- 72 hours as these have to be processed on-site at labs.

MSC has been specific about type of test that is accepted depending on vaccination status .
Antigen tests are  accepted ONLY   if guest is fully vaccinated.  
MSC is requiring antigen test be performed no more than 2 days before cruise. 
Unvaccinated guests must do PCR or NAAT test.  
MSC is requiring these tests be performed no more than 3 days before cruise.

Hope this helps.

Again, Welcome.

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by phissy

[phissy]

51 minutes ago, Shippy said:

The rapid one better be good. We are getting it at the Miami airport on Thursday bight,.

It is accepted .

[Huntingdon1701]

You're speaking to idiots. They're the same thing. 🙂

[phissy]

Those sailing over US holidays, testing timelines remain the same.

See above for requirements for fully vaxed and unvaccinated passengers.

[kelleherdl]

We Just did the Meraviglia back to back this past week.  MSC Medical administered our ‘pre-cruise’ test for the second leg and they were using the Abbott Rapid Antigen test on board.  All crew members are getting the Abbott Rapid test weekly, on board.  So case closed.   The Abbott Rapid Antigen test is acceptable for fully vaccinated guests and crew.  

Edited September 10, 2021 by kelleherdl

[ms_yo_detroit7475]

Can anyone tell me their experience being tested at Miami Airport.  I sail on MSC on Monday and I'm thinking of getting my COVID test done at the airport just to be safe and ensure the results are returned timely.  Any advice?  Thanks

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, ms_yo_detroit7475 said:

Can anyone tell me their experience being tested at Miami Airport.  I sail on MSC on Monday and I'm thinking of getting my COVID test done at the airport just to be safe and ensure the results are returned timely.  Any advice?  Thanks

Assuming you are from DTW, I could strongly suggest you get a rapid there (assuming you are vaxxed) instead of risking flying to MIA and getting a positive result.

[jules815]

23 hours ago, Shippy said:

The rapid one better be good. We are getting it at the Miami airport on Thursday bight,.

Please report back to us. We're planning on testing at MIA next month.

 

[HunterBarb]

Quick question - about going from one ship to another  - aka *Side to Side* sailings ~ ~

    Background -- - I have potential of a Side to Side Cruise from MSC DIVINA to RCCL HARMONY,  both from Pt Canaveral,  in Sept.  

   I have done Side to Side from one RCCL ship to another, and did B2Bs as well.  There was complimentary COVID testing done between sailings - know it's changed on the RCCL B2Bs now.

    Question is - Does MSC provide such Complimentary testing when going from their ship to another cruise line's ship? 

   My possible MSC Cruise is a shortie and mostly comped, so I really don't want to double the price with an over $100 test !  It could be a deal killer for the MSC sailing. 

 

TYIA for any info and insights - and yes I WILL get tested and have ZERO problems with it.

Smooth Seas to ALL ! 

[dexddd]

On 5/16/2022 at 11:25 PM, HunterBarb said:

Quick question - about going from one ship to another  - aka *Side to Side* sailings ~ ~

    Background -- - I have potential of a Side to Side Cruise from MSC DIVINA to RCCL HARMONY,  both from Pt Canaveral,  in Sept.  

   I have done Side to Side from one RCCL ship to another, and did B2Bs as well.  There was complimentary COVID testing done between sailings - know it's changed on the RCCL B2Bs now.

    Question is - Does MSC provide such Complimentary testing when going from their ship to another cruise line's ship? 

   My possible MSC Cruise is a shortie and mostly comped, so I really don't want to double the price with an over $100 test !  It could be a deal killer for the MSC sailing. 

 

TYIA for any info and insights - and yes I WILL get tested and have ZERO problems with it.

Smooth Seas to ALL ! 

Things may have changed, but not for free.  We did a MSC to different MSC last fall and DW needed test while we did ours online.  The med center is open a couple hours in the a.m. and p.m. For a fee.  One test was around $85 the other $25.

[HunterBarb]

12 hours ago, dexddd said:

Things may have changed, but not for free.  We did a MSC to different MSC last fall and DW needed test while we did ours online.  The med center is open a couple hours in the a.m. and p.m. For a fee.  One test was around $85 the other $25.

Oweee  ~ that was what I was fearing - i'm not paying MUCH more than that for the entire 3 night sailing  - casino comp - I am asking my TA - URComped - they don't know either - maybe I shall CALL MSC -- what a concept ! LOL  

But TYVM