Seattle - Child Port Testing?

[J0Y0US]

We have a cruise out of Seattle next week. With a 3 and 4 year old we need to have them tested at the port terminal. We have registered for the test but not much additional information has been provided.

 

Trying to get an idea on where we would be going to get them tested? Also after you get tested do you get put in to the normal terminal waiting or do you need to go back outside and wait in the long lines to get in to the terminal at that point (so possibly have someone just stay in that line since there has been a report of like hour long waits)?

[Ashland]

14 minutes ago, J0Y0US said:

We have a cruise out of Seattle next week. With a 3 and 4 year old we need to have them tested at the port terminal. We have registered for the test but not much additional information has been provided.

 

Trying to get an idea on where we would be going to get them tested? Also after you get tested do you get put in to the normal terminal waiting or do you need to go back outside and wait in the long lines to get in to the terminal at that point (so possibly have someone just stay in that line since there has been a report of like hour long waits)?

What about the  PCR or NAAT test which needs to be done 3 days before cruise in addition to the one required at the port cruise day. For our cruise that sailed on a Sunday we did this on a Thursday.

 

The terminal test ...you'll be directed to where they have that set up once you arrive. Depending on terminal more than likely they'll be a designated place to wait but it won't around other's not required to test. You can all stay together in that location. Usually results in 15-20 min and then they'll direct you where to complete you sign in for cruise.

 

Once onboard towards end of your cruise you'll schedule the next test before they can debark.

 

I know this procedure sounds confusing but each terminal has it set up...easy to follow directions.

[J0Y0US]

47 minutes ago, Ashland said:

I know this procedure sounds confusing but each terminal has it set up...easy to follow directions.

 

Correct I know about the precruise testing 1-3 days out and such. My question is specific to Seattle because based on the feedback and pictures its been a little bit of a zoo there since the start of the season for Royal with lines of like 1-2 hours before you get in to the terminal.

 

Trying to understand when you go to the testing area and then if we need to go back to the end of the line.

Really looking to understand so we can prepare the kids for what to expect and the grandparents (if they will be staying in line waiting for us to rejoin or come with us).

[J0Y0US]

Want to add we have cruised with other lines since shutdown as well and typically could more readily find information on NCL and Disney on what to except.

[Grankm21]

I can’t speak for Seattle, but we have sailed out of both Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. At both they separate the kids needing to be tested at the port and their families into a separate line immediately.  I don’t remember a sign directing you to a different line, the port staff is just looking for young kids and directs you to the correct line as you enter the building.  The unvaccinated kids then take the test and the entire family is asked to wait in a large waiting area with the other unvaccinated kids/families until you receive an email with the results.  The results take about 30min to arrive.  As soon as you have the results you head to a staff member who checks the family in and then you head on board.  No getting back in the main line.  Aside from the wait for the test it moves fairly quickly.  

[Ashland]

16 minutes ago, Grankm21 said:

I can’t speak for Seattle, but we have sailed out of both Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. At both they separate the kids needing to be tested at the port and their families into a separate line immediately.  I don’t remember a sign directing you to a different line, the port staff is just looking for young kids and directs you to the correct line as you enter the building.  The unvaccinated kids then take the test and the entire family is asked to wait in a large waiting area with the other unvaccinated kids/families until you receive an email with the results.  The results take about 30min to arrive.  As soon as you have the results you head to a staff member who checks the family in and then you head on board.  No getting back in the main line.  Aside from the wait for the test it moves fairly quickly.  

This is our experience as well at these ports...except at PC they not only sent an email they called out your last name. Our wait was 15-20 min.

[Ferry_Watcher]

6 hours ago, J0Y0US said:

Trying to get an idea on where we would be going to get them tested? Also after you get tested do you get put in to the normal terminal waiting or do you need to go back outside and wait in the long lines to get in to the terminal at that point (so possibly have someone just stay in that line since there has been a report of like hour long waits)?

 

Unless something changes between now and your cruise in two weeks, you will enter the building along with all the other Quantum OTS passengers and have documents checked, as well as your Negative Covid test looked at.  Then up the escalator to Security Screening.  Finally, you will be at Check-in.  Since you will have two children who cannot be vaccinated, your family will be escorted to the children's testing area.  Once they receive their negative Covid test results, your family will be checked in by agents specifically working in that area.

I think you mentioned that you are travelling with grandparents - I believe that they will go thru the regular check-in procedure, and if they chose, they can wait for your family in the waiting area before boarding the ship.

 

I do know that the shore-side staff were told that there may be as many as 700 kids on this week's

(6/10) Ovation, and they plan on changing up the testing area to accommodate the large number of families.  Not sure about numbers on your Quantum sailing.

 

  Best to arrive early, but be prepared for possible a bit of a wait..  Lines have been long, but each week it's getting better.

[J0Y0US]

1 hour ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

Unless something changes between now and your cruise in two weeks, you will enter the building along with all the other Quantum OTS passengers and have documents checked, as well as your Negative Covid test looked at.  Then up the escalator to Security Screening.  Finally, you will be at Check-in.  Since you will have two children who cannot be vaccinated, your family will be escorted to the children's testing area.  Once they receive their negative Covid test results, your family will be checked in by agents specifically working in that area.

I think you mentioned that you are travelling with grandparents - I believe that they will go thru the regular check-in procedure, and if they chose, they can wait for your family in the waiting area before boarding the ship.

 

I do know that the shore-side staff were told that there may be as many as 700 kids on this week's

(6/10) Ovation, and they plan on changing up the testing area to accommodate the large number of families.  Not sure about numbers on your Quantum sailing.

 

  Best to arrive early, but be prepared for possible a bit of a wait..  Lines have been long, but each week it's getting better.

 

Thanks we are on 6/13 Quantum and this helps a lot. With two toddlers it's helps to prepare them so they don't get to anxious as they know the steps that will happen.

[BirdTravels]

11 hours ago, J0Y0US said:

We have a cruise out of Seattle next week. With a 3 and 4 year old we need to have them tested at the port terminal. We have registered for the test but not much additional information has been provided.

 

Trying to get an idea on where we would be going to get them tested? Also after you get tested do you get put in to the normal terminal waiting or do you need to go back outside and wait in the long lines to get in to the terminal at that point (so possibly have someone just stay in that line since there has been a report of like hour long waits)?

The COVID test area in Seattle is inside the terminal. If you look at the photo below, you wait in chairs for your test results. Those chairs are separated from the main passenger waiting area by a nylon line separator. Personally, we chose to wait in chairs as far away from the test center as possible. 

 

[J0Y0US]

7 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

The COVID test area in Seattle is inside the terminal. If you look at the photo below, you wait in chairs for your test results. Those chairs are separated from the main passenger waiting area by a nylon line separator. Personally, we chose to wait in chairs as far away from the test center as possible. 

 

 

Always such a help. 

 

Randomly have now been a couple weeks after you on the Encore last fall and now the Quantum this year to Alaska. Been major help to understand what to expect.