ALL GUESTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Before arriving onboard, all guests will need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense in order to meet U.S. CDC boarding requirements.
The negative result must be from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day (April 30th).
Since we are setting sail on a Monday, and you need to take the test no more than 2 days before, you may take your test on Saturday, April 30th or Sunday, May 1st. You could also take it on Monday morning if necessary — of course, we don’t recommend waiting until the last minute.
YOU MAY NOT TAKE YOUR COVID-19 TEST EARLIER THAN SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2022.
ACCEPTED TYPES OF TESTS & RESULTS
There are two common types of diagnostic COVID-19 tests and Royal Caribbean accepts either kind to satisfy pre-cruise testing requirements.
- A molecular test, also called a PCR test or NAAT test
- An antigen test, also called a rapid antigen test
The test must be supervised by a health professional, such as a doctor, pharmacy technician, public health worker, or telehealth professional. Since all guests must be vaccinated, telehealth testing at home is accepted for our guests, but only when it is conducted under live video supervision.
You must receive a valid results document from your test provider that includes provider name, your name, the date the test was taken, type of test, and your negative result. This can be a printed document, email, or telehealth app notification. Handwritten doctor’s notes will not be accepted.
Tests That Royal Caribbean Does NOT Accept
- Antibody tests are NOT accepted, as they do not detect a current infection.
- Home test kits that are self-administered at home, and NOT supervised live by a telehealth professional, are also not accepted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where to Get Your Test
COVID-19 testing is very common nowadays. Most local pharmacy chains offer it, and most county or state websites can help you find a local public testing site. You can also go to a doctor’s office, diagnostic lab, or telehealth provider to get your test.
The Royal Caribbean Pre-Cruise Antigen Testing Kit is available by clicking HERE.
Make sure to follow the directions on the box. We found these tests easy to use, however, you will need to make sure you do NOT open the tests before you are told to by the telemedicine person.
CTTE TIP: We highly suggest ordering the at home tests through Royal Caribbean. They are simple and easy to use. You will want to use your phone as you will need to move the camera around showing different angles of yourself with the test, performing the test as well as scanning the different bar codes.
Please note: Royal Caribbean recommends purchasing two tests per person just in case you lose or contaminate a part of the test, or have an error during the testing process. However, technically a two or three test pack can be split between members of a traveling party, with one test per person. In addition, these tests can be sent anywhere in the U.S., and if you are flying into to Miami early, you can have them shipped to your hotel and complete the test in the privacy of your hotel room. This is especially helpful to our international guests.
Once completed you will receive your results on your phone in the NAVICA app.
More on Abbott Brand Tests
There are a lot of questions about Abbott tests, the most commonly available COVID-19 test brand. Here’s what’s accepted.
- Any Abbott brand test administered on site by a pharmacy technician or other health professional is accepted. This includes the common Abbot ID NOW test administered by many pharmacies. The test provider must provide you with a proper results document (no handwritten notes).
- The Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Test, which is taken at home and supervised by a telemedicine professional, is accepted. It must be taken under live video supervision. You can purchase these by clicking here: Abbott telehealth home test kit. There are 2 bundles a package of 2 tests for $69.99 or a package of 3 tests for $99.00
- The Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test, if taken at home and not supervised by a telehealth representative, is NOT accepted.
Providing Your Results On Boarding Day
You will present your negative test result at the terminal upon boarding. Print out your result if possible for easy access, as you may need to present it at various points. Royal Caribbean will also accept a valid results document presented on your phone but internet connection can sometimes be an issue in the terminal.
Have questions about pre-cruise testing?
Learn more about different options for completing your test
