Carnival Provides COVID-19 Testing For Passengers

Last Updated 2 years ago

The Carnival Corporation announced September 10^th that a new program will be implemented to ease pre-boarding COVID-19 testing for passengers. This program is a response to the new guidelines set by the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). The new guidelines require negative COVID-19 test results from all cruise passengers two or three days before embarkation.

New Centers For Disease Control Conditions For Cruise Passengers

Effective September 13, 2021, the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) requires negative COVID-19 test results two or three days before embarkation.

The CDC released a statement on their website that details the changes. It states, ‘The cruise industry was notified of this change through an email indicating that the revised screening testing requirements would go into effect September 13, 2021.’

Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Cruise Passengers

Below are the conditions for embarkment on all cruise lines:

All cruise passengers must get tested for COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated.

Vaccinated Passengers Must Present a Negative COVID-19 viral test taken no more than two days before departure. This COVID-19 test can be molecular or antigen.

Passengers that are not fully vaccinated must get the test no more than three days before embarking, and then get retested at embarkation.

Carnival Makes Statement About the Testing Program

Roger Frizzell, Chief Communications Officer for Carnival Corporation, stated, “Access to testing continues to play an important role in the restart of our guest operations, and working with Quest simplifies the process for our guests by making it easier to access convenient testing options from a trusted national laboratory provider.” Frizzell added, “These testing protocols are part of our layered approach to safeguarding the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.”

Cruise Lines Affected Under The Carnival Corporation

Carnival Cruise Line

Holland America Line

Princess Cruises

Seabourn

More Information on Testing Facilities

Quest Diagnostics is working with Carnival Corporation to give passengers easier access to COVID-19 testing. The program includes over 1,500 Quest Diagnostics locations in the United States. The program will also include Quest service centers, some Walmart, and other pharmacy locations.

Passengers make appointments for the COVID-19 testing through a secure link on each cruise line’s website. Passengers can receive their test results usually through a mobile application or via email within 48 hours of the test. The actual turnaround time, however, depends on many variables including supply, demand and may vary by region.