If you’re considering going on a test cruise, there are a number of things you need to know. For starters, you need to make sure that you are of the required age and have the proper work experience. You also need to pass a COVID-19 test.
Age requirements
If you have booked a cruise with children, you should make sure to check the age requirements for test cruise. There are several different requirements depending on the cruise line and the country where you will be traveling.
In the United States, children under 12 years old do not require a vaccination to be allowed on board. However, passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. They may be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages onto the ship, but they must agree to the cruise line’s policies.
Some countries also require a special document or permission slip for minors to travel abroad. While no one under the age of 12 is required to get a vaccination, it is a good idea to have a test performed.
For non-US citizens, the minimum age to drink alcohol onboard a cruise is 18 years of age. For US citizens, the minimum age is 21.
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to go on board Scenic tours. Nevertheless, passengers under the age of 13 are allowed to join the evening entertainment show lounges with a parent.
Infants must be at least six months old to sail on a Norwegian vessel. Guests under the age of 12 do not need to get a test before sailing, but all other passengers 12 and up must be fully vaccinated.
Passengers over the age of 12 must present a negative PCR or antigen test within 72 hours before boarding. Previously, guests over the age of six required a rapid antigen test within 48 hours. Guests over the age of 6 must also show a certificate of recent recovery.
Those traveling from Europe, Hong Kong and Japan must have a full COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination requirement is not applicable for trips from Spain, Bermuda, Italy or Cyprus.
Cruise lines have implemented stricter testing and drinking policy. Many have minimum drinking ages of 21. Others have minimum ages of 18. This is subject to local regulations.
For some ports, passengers under the age of 12 are not allowed to gamble. Although there are exceptions for certain cruise lines, they are not generally encouraged.
COVID-19 testing requirements
If you are planning a cruise, you should be aware of the COVID-19 test requirements of many cruise lines. In some cases, you may be required to take a test prior to boarding your ship. Other times, you can get tested at your local retail pharmacy. Having a COVID-19 test will help you stay healthy during your cruise. However, you should also contact your health care provider to make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Most major cruise lines have updated their COVID-19 testing policies. You can find out more information on the requirements for your voyage in the CruiseHealth FAQs. The CDC recommends a COVID-19 test within one day of boarding your ship.
Children under the age of 2 are not required to have a pre-travel COVID-19 test. But they are still required to be fully vaccinated. For those who have not been fully vaccinated, a self-administered antigen test can be used as a backup test. Guests ages 12 and older should have additional testing performed onboard. This can be done with any type of COVID-19 PCR test.
Passengers who are coming from Hong Kong or Macau must be fully vaccinated. They should also undergo a medically supervised COVID-19 PCR test at the port of embarkation. A positive PCR test for any of these passengers will prevent them from boarding the ship.
Some cruise lines offer COVID-19 testing at their terminals. Others require that you arrange a test prior to boarding. Regardless, you should contact your local health department if you have a positive result.
Self-administered at-home antigen tests are available from big box drugstores. While most cruise lines will accept them, they are more expensive than supervised versions. Alternatively, you can make an appointment to have the test proctored by a physician.
To avoid any negative results, the CDC advises testing as soon as you notice symptoms. If you have a positive COVID-19 test, you should contact your local health department.
In addition to pre-travel testing, you might be required to receive an additional booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine before embarking. Guests who have completed a primary vaccine course of at least two shots should have their final dose administered at least 14 days before the cruise.
COVID-19 test results
If you’re traveling on a cruise ship, you may be wondering how to sign up for a COVID-19 test. Several cruise lines require you to get tested for the disease before boarding, and they also provide testing services onboard. The cost of a test will depend on your location and the type of test you choose.
Some cruise lines, including Carnival, will allow you to get an at-home COVID-19 testing kit. It’s also possible to get a professionally administered test at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or other medical center. Depending on the cruise line, you may be required to pay for the test or be reimbursed by the line.
You’ll want to make sure you have the test results within a few days. It’s important to get accurate test results so you can avoid getting sick. In addition, you’ll need to isolate yourself and keep from coming into contact with others.
While the COVID-19 virus is rare, you should still get a test if you’re traveling to an affected destination. Pre-travel testing is required by several countries, including Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Greece.
Guests who have a positive COVID-19 test will have to notify their cruise line in 24 hours or less. This will give them the time they need to receive a refund. They should call Carnival at 1-800-CARNIVAL to make the request.
Many of the major cruise lines have changed their pre-travel tests since the virus was first detected. Currently, all guests two years old and older must have a negative antigen test and a negative PCR test. Kids under two must have a negative COVID-19 test.
If you’re an unvaccinated adult, you’ll have to undergo a lab-administered COVID-19 antigen test three days prior to sailing. During the test, you’ll be monitored by a health care professional.
Unvaccinated children must have a PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding. Alternatively, they can purchase an at-home antigen testing kit that comes with telehealth access. eMed, Optum, and Walgreens all offer at-home tests.
To get the test, you’ll need to fill out a form with your travel information. You can find a list of testing centers in your area by searching for them on your county or state’s health department website.
