Covid test for Barcelona cruise

[cruisevirginuk]

Hi,

Can someone clarify for me what Covid test I need for sailing MSC out of Barcelona next month, Rapid Antigen or PCR?

The last time I went to the website, it was not clear.  BTW, we are all double vaccinated and from the UK.

 

Thanks.

[A-n-T]

UK is a Non-Schengen country.

https://www.msccruises.ca/health-and-safety-measures/mediterranean

 

You will need a PCR test.  We booked our at the Barcelona airport as you can get Rapid-PCR (costs a little more, but the results are faster).

 

-Tobes.

[cruisevirginuk]

thanks Tobes..

 

Just seen an update on their website that states that Antigen is ok to use:

 

"All Guests (2 years old and over) need to provide a certificate of a negative Antigen or RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the ship's embarkation. If you embark on your cruise at 15:00 on a Saturday, you should take your COVID-19 test on the Thursday as of 15:00."

 

With this news, planning to use an "at home" Antigen test but website also says:

 

"Antigen self-test is not accepted for Embarkation, unless you are provided an official certificate from a laboratory"

 

Can anyone recommend an antigen self test that MSC accepts?

[xcell]

Im Canadian and we only have the option for rt-pcr test, which makes the timing difficult. My cruise departs Friday at 6pm, which means I have to get the PCR test on Wednesday after 6pm to fall into their 48 hour window. Or have it first thing on Thursday morning but then hope I get the results before I embark on the cruise. But then what happens if I don't? I'm hoping they either get rid of the tests before my December cruise, or make it easier.