Questions related to all things Covid testing relating to Princess Cruises

[frodo1]

11 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Bring your own test kit and do an online proctored test?

Thx Steelers36! We're in Victoria BC; we're quadruple jabbed and we do carry test kits; but don't have a supervised (proctored?) Test Kit. We've been traveling for almost 6 months on a RTW trip. Had a Pharmacist's RAT in Rome for EU15 and hoped for advice as to how we could get a similar test here.

 

While I'd rather do a store-managed test, if I don't hear for someone who knows where to get such a test in Victoria, I'll head for a Pharmacy Store and inquire about the 'proctored' test

[Userclown]

On 9/15/2022 at 12:09 PM, Steelers36 said:

When are those so-and-so's in Santa Clarita going to wake up and fix their incorrect Greece requirements?

You have always been so cool and calm! This post made me laugh, thanks

[Steelers36]

7 minutes ago, frodo1 said:

Thx Steelers36! We're in Victoria BC; we're quadruple jabbed and we do carry test kits; but don't have a supervised (proctored?) Test Kit. We've been traveling for almost 6 months on a RTW trip. Had a Pharmacist's RAT in Rome for EU15 and hoped for advice as to how we could get a similar test here.

 

While I'd rather do a store-managed test, if I don't hear for someone who knows where to get such a test in Victoria, I'll head for a Pharmacy Store and inquire about the 'proctored' test

I can use an online service to monitor a RAT for me using the free test kits they handout like Hallowe'en candy here in Ontario.  (Have not had need to do it yet though).

[Tedferg]

28 minutes ago, frodo1 said:

Thx Steelers36! We're in Victoria BC; we're quadruple jabbed and we do carry test kits; but don't have a supervised (proctored?) Test Kit. We've been traveling for almost 6 months on a RTW trip. Had a Pharmacist's RAT in Rome for EU15 and hoped for advice as to how we could get a similar test here.

 

While I'd rather do a store-managed test, if I don't hear for someone who knows where to get such a test in Victoria, I'll head for a Pharmacy Store and inquire about the 'proctored' test

Try OnPoint Testing - Rapid Antigen and PCR Testing Specialists (onpoint-testing.com) you can use any approved kit, $19 per person for proctored test.

[frodo1]

1 minute ago, Tedferg said:

Try OnPoint Testing - Rapid Antigen and PCR Testing Specialists (onpoint-testing.com) you can use any approved kit, $19 per person for proctored test.

How does this work?! Do I purchase a kit from a local drug store and then arrange an on-line supervised test? I don't see how it would work otherwise as we board on September 20th.

[frodo1]

26 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

I can use an online service to monitor a RAT for me using the free test kits they handout like Hallowe'en candy here in Ontario.  (Have not had need to do it yet though).

Thanks mate! We've got several of those free kits - I'll check with a local Pharmacist to see if they're OK and then get onto an approved 'Proctor' service

[blizzard44ca]

3 hours ago, frodo1 said:

Thx Steelers36! We're in Victoria BC; we're quadruple jabbed and we do carry test kits; but don't have a supervised (proctored?) Test Kit. We've been traveling for almost 6 months on a RTW trip. Had a Pharmacist's RAT in Rome for EU15 and hoped for advice as to how we could get a similar test here.

 

While I'd rather do a store-managed test, if I don't hear for someone who knows where to get such a test in Victoria, I'll head for a Pharmacy Store and inquire about the 'proctored' test

lifecenters.ca is based in Calgary and you can use the government issued (free) tests. $20(CAD) for one person, $25(CAD) for two people.

[Tedferg]

4 hours ago, frodo1 said:

How does this work?! Do I purchase a kit from a local drug store and then arrange an on-line supervised test? I don't see how it would work otherwise as we board on September 20th.

Their site says "Can be Used With Any At Home Over The Counter Test" they do say Govt Approved but I think most kits are Govt approved. I agree that an inside store test seems easier but I have watched a couple of Youtube videos of On Point testing and they are pretty straight forward.

[Hankxlee]

Will be embarking on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on 09/24 and the itinerary includes Greece.  Received a notification from Princess today that stated for this cruise, fully vaccinated guests ages 5 or above DO NOT require a pre-cruise COVID test and it references the testing requirements for cruises departing from Europe.  However, there were no updates to Princess' website and the testing requirements pertaining to Greece remains the same.  I was wondering if anyone else received this notification and what everyone is planning to do (take a COVID test or not)?  The following is what I received:

 

 

[Happiest when cruising]

4 minutes ago, Hankxlee said:

Will be embarking on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on 09/24 and the itinerary includes Greece.  Received a notification from Princess today that stated for this cruise, fully vaccinated guests ages 5 or above DO NOT require a pre-cruise COVID test and it references the testing requirements for cruises departing from Europe.  However, there were no updates to Princess' website and the testing requirements pertaining to Greece remains the same.  I was wondering if anyone else received this notification and what everyone is planning to do (take a COVID test or not)?  The following is what I received:

 

 

I would definitely click on the link at the very bottom. You don’t want to risk your cruise over a simple test, that’s for sure. 

[PacnGoNow]

42 minutes ago, Hankxlee said:

Will be embarking on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on 09/24 and the itinerary includes Greece.  Received a notification from Princess today that stated for this cruise, fully vaccinated guests ages 5 or above DO NOT require a pre-cruise COVID test and it references the testing requirements for cruises departing from Europe.  However, there were no updates to Princess' website and the testing requirements pertaining to Greece remains the same.  I was wondering if anyone else received this notification and what everyone is planning to do (take a COVID test or not)?  The following is what I received:

 

 

This looks like the general rules.  I’d go by the website for sure. 

[PacnGoNow]

5 minutes ago, PacnGoNow said:

This looks like the general rules.  I’d go by the website for sure. 

That is the general guidelines page, however, still at the bottom of the page

** Visting Greece still restrictions are stated.

 

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/vaccine-testing-requirements/

 

 

 

 

[Bemidji Ty]

• Hi.  I've used the chat function on Princess website and have received a couple of different answers.  I am hoping someone can tell me the protocol for the "Self-administered Antigen " test so we will be able to cruise next month.  The question is whether or not it must be medically monitored.  Thanks.

[LACruiser88]

11 hours ago, Hankxlee said:

Will be embarking on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on 09/24 and the itinerary includes Greece.  Received a notification from Princess today that stated for this cruise, fully vaccinated guests ages 5 or above DO NOT require a pre-cruise COVID test and it references the testing requirements for cruises departing from Europe.  However, there were no updates to Princess' website and the testing requirements pertaining to Greece remains the same.  I was wondering if anyone else received this notification and what everyone is planning to do (take a COVID test or not)?  The following is what I received:

 

 

Thank you for the info.  Hopefully, we will receive the same notification for our Oct 26th cruise on the Regal.  We board in Civitavecchia and our 1st Greek port is 5 days later.  I can't understand how a test 2 day's prior to boarding is relevant to a port visit 7 day's later? 

 

We are onboard for 32 days and have a Greek port later in the cruise.  I can't imagine Princess testing everyone onboard for a port stop in Corfu.  I would rather just bypass the port 

[PacnGoNow]

7 hours ago, Bemidji Ty said:

• Hi.  I've used the chat function on Princess website and have received a couple of different answers.  I am hoping someone can tell me the protocol for the "Self-administered Antigen " test so we will be able to cruise next month.  The question is whether or not it must be medically monitored.  Thanks.

In order for someone to answer, you need  to advise:  

Where your sailing from and if it involves Canada, Greece or Australia?

 

Is it one of the enhanced voyages?

 

[kml246]

21 hours ago, Hankxlee said:

Will be embarking on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on 09/24 and the itinerary includes Greece.  Received a notification from Princess today that stated for this cruise, fully vaccinated guests ages 5 or above DO NOT require a pre-cruise COVID test and it references the testing requirements for cruises departing from Europe.  However, there were no updates to Princess' website and the testing requirements pertaining to Greece remains the same.  I was wondering if anyone else received this notification and what everyone is planning to do (take a COVID test or not)?  The following is what I received:

 

 

 

This is incorrect information. It happened on another Princess cruise earlier this month and was corrected within a few days. As of today, these are still the rules for any cruise that arrives, departs, or visits Greece: CruiseHealth™ - Vaccination & Testing Requirements by Region - Princess Cruises

 

We are on the Regal Princess, too, departing Barcelona on 9/24 (we're doing the 21-day round trip) and are flying to Barcelona from Miami Tuesday evening, arriving Wednesday morning. We have an appt for in-person Rapid Antigen Testing on Thursday afternoon. The test is €29.00 per person with the discount (at today's exchange rate, that's $29.00 per person) with the discount available. Here is the link to the information: Regal Princess COVID test in Barcelona (barcelona-tourist-guide.com)

 

See this post from @Mary loves to travel. Mary is currently on Regal Princess, boarding in Rome, and will be on board until October 1. 

 

[jsn55]

Best source of information is the departure country's regulations.  The guidelines of a cruise line are merely an indication of what might be required.  "Everything changes all the time."

[Bemidji Ty]

4 hours ago, PacnGoNow said:

In order for someone to answer, you need  to advise:  

Where your sailing from and if it involves Canada, Greece or Australia?

 

Is it one of the enhanced voyages?

 

Hi.  Thanks.  We're on the Oct 15 CA Coastal out of San Pedro.  

[PacnGoNow]

23 minutes ago, Bemidji Ty said:

Hi.  Thanks.  We're on the Oct 15 CA Coastal out of San Pedro.  

I show from the website, no testing required.  You’re not going into Canada, just Ensenada, I assume.  Recheck it to make sure.  This is for fully vaccinated guests!!!

Recheck the website again a few days before, in case of another change. Don’t trust others, check for yourself.

 

 

Voyages Departing from the United States, United Kingdom & Europe*

Updated: September 6, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type &  When to Take Test Before Boarding Age: 5 Years and Up
Fully Vaccinated	Received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines with final dose at least 14 days before embarkation.	Testing not required
Not Vaccinated	Not fully vaccinated are welcome to cruise. If cruise includes a Canadian port, an additional medical exemption is needed.	Self-administered Antigen OR medically assisted Antigen or PCR within 3 days

[PacnGoNow]

Just now, PacnGoNow said:

I show from the website, no testing required.  You’re not going into Canada, just Ensenada, I assume.  Recheck it to make sure.  This is for fully vaccinated guests!!!

Recheck the website again a few days before, in case of another change. Don’t trust others, check for yourself.

 

 

Voyages Departing from the United States, United Kingdom & Europe*

Updated: September 6, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type &  When to Take Test Before Boarding Age: 5 Years and Up
Fully Vaccinated	Received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines with final dose at least 14 days before embarkation.	Testing not required
Not Vaccinated	Not fully vaccinated are welcome to cruise. If cruise includes a Canadian port, an additional medical exemption is needed.	Self-administered Antigen OR medically assisted Antigen or PCR within 3 days

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/vaccine-testing-requirements/
 

[RMurp007]

23 hours ago, Hankxlee said:

Will be embarking on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona on 09/24 and the itinerary includes Greece.  Received a notification from Princess today that stated for this cruise, fully vaccinated guests ages 5 or above DO NOT require a pre-cruise COVID test and it references the testing requirements for cruises departing from Europe.  However, there were no updates to Princess' website and the testing requirements pertaining to Greece remains the same.  I was wondering if anyone else received this notification and what everyone is planning to do (take a COVID test or not)?  The following is what I received:

 

 

I received the exact same email and was planning on showing up untested and providing the email as proof.  Then I called Princess to double check and was told that was a mass email sent out  and did not apply because we were going to Greece.  I asked what would happen if I showed up untested and was told I would not be allowed on the ship even though I had this email saying I did not need to be.  So just to be safe, I am now going to be tested. I suggested they are going to have many unhappy passengers at the port and that they issue a correction, but nothing has been done yet.   What a mess, Princess needs to get their act together.  

[Bemidji Ty]

I've looked on the website, I've spoken to Princess employees on the phone, I've chatted with Princess via their website.  I get different answers from different people.  For my "vax" status, for my voyage, it says, "Self-administered Antigen OR medically assisted Antigen or PCR within 3 days".  My question remains, has anyone had experience with reporting a self-administered Antigen test to Princess and, if you have, what was required?  I have been told with absolute certainty by Princess reps that it requires a proctor and on a different occasion that I just need to take a photo of the test stick with my info on a piece of paper.  

 

"Upload Negative PCR / Antigen Test

Please upload a photo of your negative self-test with proof of a negative result.

Make sure your name and test date are clearly visible in the frame or written on a separate piece of paper."

 

Thanks.

 

[PacnGoNow]

2 hours ago, Bemidji Ty said:

I've looked on the website, I've spoken to Princess employees on the phone, I've chatted with Princess via their website.  I get different answers from different people.  For my "vax" status, for my voyage, it says, "Self-administered Antigen OR medically assisted Antigen or PCR within 3 days".  My question remains, has anyone had experience with reporting a self-administered Antigen test to Princess and, if you have, what was required?  I have been told with absolute certainty by Princess reps that it requires a proctor and on a different occasion that I just need to take a photo of the test stick with my info on a piece of paper.  

 

"Upload Negative PCR / Antigen Test

Please upload a photo of your negative self-test with proof of a negative result.

Make sure your name and test date are clearly visible in the frame or written on a separate piece of paper."

 

Thanks.

 

If your unvaccinated, then you DO need to test.  Read the rules FAQ to see exactly what you need to do as unvaccinated.

 

Are self-tests acceptable?

Of course. Please note that on most voyages there is no pre-cruise testing requirement for vaccinated guests (5 and older). Unvaccinated guests, or those who do not provide proof of vaccination, must upload a photo of their negative self-test while they are in the process of getting OceanReady® (unvaccinated children under 5 years do not require pre-cruise testing). Guests should write their name and test date on a piece of paper, place the negative test on the paper, and take a photograph of this on a mobile device. Please be prepared to show the image if required.

There are also Enhanced Guideline voyages that have their own vaccination and testing requirements for guests, including providing proof of a supervised test taken within three days of embarkation. Guests on these types of voyages will be contacted directly by an Ocean Navigator to assist.

These guidelines apply to itineraries from all departure ports except where government regulations and protocols may vary like Canada.

 

This applies from the US, a Calif coastal cruise, without Canada involved. 
You can see on the website that a self antigen is one of the options and the easiest.

 

As far as who has done this?  IDK

 

Your previous post, you did not say you are unvaxxed.  That is very important.  

Recheck the rules a few days before your cruise and the FAQ to see if any changes.

Edited September 18, 2022 by PacnGoNow

[Kabes]

I am starting to wonder if I should test my 2 year old prior to sailing.

 

Concerning Greece:

From the vaccine testing requirements page: 

*Kids 4 years of age and under are welcome to cruise and have NO vaccination or test requirement

 

A Booking Notification email I received said "Self tests are accepted." contradicting the statement on the vaccine testing requirements page "Tests must be conducted in-person by medical personnel and guests will need a physical letter with the negative results. Test results proctored by video are not accepted."

 

I do not want to be turned away at the boat.

[lilac789]

Princess updated the Testing requirements for voyages Departing, Arriving or Visiting Greece today, Sep 19.

Still, the title contradicts the footnotes: 

Testing is required for all voyages departing from Athens, Greece.

Previous version had 'Departing, Arriving or Visiting Greece'...

I didn't get any email from Princess yet with Covid testing instructions. 

 

Edited September 19, 2022 by lilac789