Has anyone done the Rapid NAAT test?

[Biker19]

9 minutes ago, Cherries Jubilee said:

 I’ve seen a few videos from different people doing their own test and being told to go further in but I don’t know which kind of test they were taking.

The sampling is usually the same regardless of the test. Whether you do it or the tester does it, the tester will determine how far and what to do with the swab. 

Edited March 19, 2022 by Biker19

[MLP12]

1 hour ago, Cherries Jubilee said:

I thought they would tell you how far to put it up your nose? I’ve seen a few videos from different people doing their own test and being told to go further in but I don’t know which kind of test they were taking.

 

It doesn’t matter though. I’m prepared to tickle my brain to board Mardi Gras next month lol.

There is a mark on the plastic part of the swab.   They watch you and make sure that your fingers are on the marked part so that when inserted they can see if it's up far enough.  Hope that makes sense.

 

[John&LaLa]

2 hours ago, juraspark said:

If you do the drive thru at Walgreen's, you swab your own nose from inside your vehicle.

Some are asking about multiple appointments...When our appointments are back to back, they did both of us at the same time. If there is even one appointment between you, you have to come back at the later time.

There is an App called CommonPass that is available at the play or apple stores. If you download your results to your phone you can show them with the app and if is easier for them to read than showing them the download.

I'm happy to see that MSC is accepting the IDNOW as we've found it to be the easiest.

 

We've had 100% ability to do both tests at same time regardless of the actual appointment time. Walgreens in Ocala, FL

[Cherries Jubilee]

12 minutes ago, MLP12 said:

There is a mark on the plastic part of the swab.   They watch you and make sure that your fingers are on the marked part so that when inserted they can see if it's up far enough.  Hope that makes sense.

 

That makes sense, thank you!

[DragonOfTheSeas]

Thanks for all of the information.  We have back to back test times at Walgreen's on Wednesday.  It is good to know they will take both of us without having to wait. But another 15 minutes would not be a big deal. We are just so glad to get back to cruising.😁

[moore1987]

is this Rapid Testing free? at Walgreens?

[Max and Ruby]

I had the whole process down for CVS and they just cancelled on me.  At least it was a week ahead of time.  Now scheduled for Walgreens.  Do they email you something like CVS? A NEGATIVE at the top with all your information below  (name, date of test, location and so on)?

 

Just curious.  I'm so nervous about this testing process.  Just don't want to be denied boarding.

 

Thanks in advance!

[OnTheJourney]

On 3/25/2022 at 4:25 PM, Max and Ruby said:

Now scheduled for Walgreens.  Do they email you something like CVS? A NEGATIVE at the top with all your information below  (name, date of test, location and so on)?

 

Just curious.  I'm so nervous about this testing process.  Just don't want to be denied boarding.

Yes...you get an emailed result within an hour or so after the test. I then printed it out.

 

Following our canceled appt. at CVS we then scheduled and did the drive-through at Walgreens. Quick and easy. Funny story - my nose felt very dry during the test being that I routinely use a nasal steroid spray (in retrospect I probably shouldn't have used it that morning before testing) and so I was paranoid about not getting enough of a sample, so I'm going around and around with both nostrils (don't need to go up very far) and questioning the attendant as to hopefully getting enough of a sample. She sort of chuckled and said something like.."I think it'll be fine" LOL  I probably had enough for 3 tests!!!  Swab looked completely dry to me when inserting it back in the envelope but have to remember they're dealing with a relatively microscopic sampling. 

 

Not to worry, with the exception of a cancellation OR in the case of my relatives they did it at Walgreens but then the computer systems were down and so they couldn't issue an emailed result. Had to drive back down later that day for a printout. Otherwise, it goes really fast. We'll plan on doing it again at Walgreens. I think I'm done with CVS. 

Edited March 29, 2022 by AnyWayIsGood

[OnTheJourney]

On 3/25/2022 at 4:25 PM, Max and Ruby said:

At least it was a week ahead of time. 

My cancellation was less than 24 hours before the test, so glad you were notified well in advance. Best of luck and safe cruising.....😉

[Max and Ruby]

14 minutes ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

My cancellation was less than 24 hours before the test, so glad you were notified well in advance. Best of luck and safe cruising.....😉

 

AUGH!  Talk about stress!

[OnTheJourney]

4 hours ago, Max and Ruby said:

AUGH!  Talk about stress!

It really was...found out close to midnight. It gets better - woke up the next morning and discovered there was a utility team outside removing and putting in a new pole, so we had no electric for a few hours. Was worried that they wouldn't get done before we had to leave for Walgreens. Electric company gave us NO advance notice that this was going to be done. Then, the actual day of the cruise we had terrible rain and low visibility during the 2.5 hour drive to the cruise terminal. Could not wait to get on the ship and finally breathe a sigh of relief. 

Edited March 29, 2022 by AnyWayIsGood

[Max and Ruby]

4 minutes ago, AnyWayIsGood said:

It really was...found out close to midnight. It gets better - woke up the next morning and discovered there was a utility team outside removing and putting in a new pole, so we had no electric for a few hours. Was worried that they wouldn't get done before we had to leave for Walgreens. Electric company gave us NO advance notice that this was going to be done. Then, the actual day of the cruise we had terrible rain and low visibility during the 2.5 hour drive to the cruise terminal. Could not wait to get on the ship and finally breathe a sigh of relief. 

I admire your story.  Meaning: I'm having some issues pre cruise myself, but if you can overcome all of your issues and still get on your cruise, I have hope for myself. LOL!

[OnTheJourney]

11 minutes ago, Max and Ruby said:

I have hope for myself. LOL!

😁 For all the stress that ensued before the trip, I just wish it had been longer than 8 nights. I don't believe I'd book a cruise that short again unless able to add something pre or post. We did have 3 days booked at a hotel before but then canceled (for the 3rd consecutive year - along with it being the 3rd attempt at the cruise) due to getting the covid test. Didn't want to bother with finding someplace to test in Baltimore - did the SE Coast cruise on Enchantment. 

Edited March 29, 2022 by AnyWayIsGood

[johnjen]

Wait. Is covid pre-cruise testing required STILL for ALL cruises?

[OnTheJourney]

2 minutes ago, johnjen said:

equired STILL for ALL cruises?

If not, it should be. 

[Biker19]

38 minutes ago, johnjen said:

 Is covid pre-cruise testing required STILL for ALL cruises?

For RCI, yes.

[Cherries Jubilee]

I did my Rapid Naat test at Walgreens today. My sister and I went together despite having separate appointment times 15 minutes apart. They let us both do it at the same time. It was super quick. I didn’t have to tickle my brain so it wasn’t uncomfortable or anything.

 

My results were emailed about 30 minutes later and I’m negative! Cruising here I come!
 

Good luck everyone and thank you for all the advice!

[topnole]

On 3/18/2022 at 6:31 AM, jean87510 said:

it will be your group of 4 holding up drive through if allowed since only one person can book 1 time slot or 4 individual cars with one person taking a test.  Either way, the emoloyee deals with it.  If you want to go on the cruise and this is your option, I would weigh the offending an employee doing their job vs possibly not going on cruise.

CVS did multiple people.  What was I supposed to do with two small children who ended up having Covid.  Sure they may suggest one and then get back in line, but they likely just do them all at one time if you aren’t holding up a line.   
 

 

[topnole]

On 3/18/2022 at 6:31 AM, jean87510 said:

it will be your group of 4 holding up drive through if allowed since only one person can book 1 time slot or 4 individual cars with one person taking a test.  Either way, the emoloyee deals with it.  If you want to go on the cruise and this is your option, I would weigh the offending an employee doing their job vs possibly not going on cruise.

Or another way to think about it is this.   The single person doing the test just so they can take a cruise is holding up the line for people that are sick and really need a Covid test to determine if they have it.  
 

Free tests going away soon anyhow unless the govt pumps more money to them.  If not, soon Walgreens and the like will be charging $$$ for it.  I’m hearing $200.  The emed tests will be much cheaper and cruisers won’t be using the govt funded test for vacation purposes any longer.  

[jean87510]

1 hour ago, topnole said:

Or another way to think about it is this.   The single person doing the test just so they can take a cruise is holding up the line for people that are sick and really need a Covid test to determine if they have it.  
 

Free tests going away soon anyhow unless the govt pumps more money to them.  If not, soon Walgreens and the like will be charging $$$ for it.  I’m hearing $200.  The emed tests will be much cheaper and cruisers won’t be using the govt funded test for vacation purposes any longer.  

Understood.  I have my own thoughts about the testing for travel and unfortunately will probably be blocked and my message deleted if I share which is expected in today's environment of only 1 viewpoint being shared or allowed.  I am currently awaiting any updates for my Alaska cruise which ends in Vancouver mainly from the southbound sailing that will disembark on May 20th.  Many of our group on Zucks website are frustrated with the testing.

[topnole]

1 hour ago, jean87510 said:

Understood.  I have my own thoughts about the testing for travel and unfortunately will probably be blocked and my message deleted if I share which is expected in today's environment of only 1 viewpoint being shared or allowed.  I am currently awaiting any updates for my Alaska cruise which ends in Vancouver mainly from the southbound sailing that will disembark on May 20th.  Many of our group on Zucks website are frustrated with the testing.

When the free testing and there’s gonna be a lot of pressure on them to stop doing it at all.  

[CruiseBride926]

Has anyone used this test on an unvaccinated child? It says on Royals site they consider it a PCR but just want to double check and see if anyone has any experience.

Edited March 31, 2022 by CruiseBride926
Punctuation

[Oceans 818]

On 3/25/2022 at 2:30 PM, moore1987 said:

is this Rapid Testing free? at Walgreens?

I called the Walgreen's where we're planning to book the test and the pharmacist said it is free, but you have to book online for a time slot. I asked how much it would be for us, as we are Canadian and she said to use our hotel address and select for travel and it is still free, even for Canadians!

[Coralc]

2 hours ago, juraspark said:

I called the Walgreen's where we're planning to book the test and the pharmacist said it is free, but you have to book online for a time slot. I asked how much it would be for us, as we are Canadian and she said to use our hotel address and select for travel and it is still free, even for Canadians!

That may be changing April 1, though. 

[cruiseguy1016]

On 3/18/2022 at 6:14 AM, Amanda31 said:

Are the employees patient to do multiple people? There's 4 of us and I'm feeling guilty we're going to hold up the line so long through the drive through. 

 

We were a group of 4 that needed to be tested in Galveston. We scheduled drive-up appointments a week in advance for 3:15, 3:30, 3:45 and 4:00. We walked into the store at 2:45 and asked if we could test inside and get all 4 done at the same time. They told us we had to go through the drive-through  and that they would do 2 at a time. We got in line at the drive-through. By the time we got to the window, it was 3:30. We explained that all 4 of us were here and because of the long line we were already 15 minutes late. They tested all 4 of us at the same time. This is how it went for us. YMMV