How to get COVID tested on X-mas Eve, X-Mas day for 12/26/21 sail date - Miami

[cruizer rick]

Hi everyone - We will be traveling down for a departure from Miami on 12/26/21 Oasis of the Seas.  Problem is, where can I get a COVID Test on X-Mas eve, X-Mas day?  I can (in case of absolute necessity) do it 1st thing the morning of 12/26, but don't want to run into problems.  Need an instant test, otherwise I'm certain they won't be processing lab results on X-Mas day.

 

How have people done it recently for Miami ?  Best locations for low cost (or free).

 

Thanks !

 

Edited November 13, 2021 by cruizer rick
Title add

[rjbagg]

For cheap or free, your best bet is to find a CVS or Walgreens. The problem with those places is that you can't make an appointment very far in advance and some are known to cancel appointments at the last minute. There are more pricey options.

 

There is a place in Miami (and a few other cities) that is open on holidays. The down side is that you have to pay when you make your reservation and there's only a partial refund option if you don't keep the appointment. https://fasttestnow.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4b2MBhD2ARIsAIrcB-RDUFQ6CNTDAbNAXmiagjfG7WDfmdBt4UCPnTexvgxeXGW42wgSa0EaAse_EALw_wcB

 

Another option is the Abbott proctored home test kits. If you order the 6-pack from eMed, it will cost around $180 total with shipping and tax. Proctors are available 24/7 even on holidays. I ordered the 6 pack for the 4 of us because there are reports of some test kits being defective (liquids in the kit being dried out). These kits don't expire until February 2022, so they are good for late December cruises.
https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack

 

You can buy a smaller number of the same Abbott tests through Optum, but the kit expiration dates are (as of this post) too early for late December cruises. https://store.optum.com/royal-caribbean/

[capriccio]

Are you flying in?  If so, you can get tested at the airport.  See https://news.miami-airport.com/covid-19-testing-available-daily-at-mia-starting-may-21/