Change of regulations

[Yogini, Waterlooville]

I was on the 23 November sailing out of Southampton on Magnifica.

We heard about the changes requiring a PCR rather than LFT on return on Sunday, but waited for confirmation. I waited until Tuesday morning to use my mobile data when we arrived at Southampton, and luckily I had an email from Eurofins informing me that all tests would be upgraded at no extra charge Immigration officers were on board, and thankfully accepted that email as proof that I had a PCR test booked. Others had booked postal tests, so had to purchase another test.

It seems like the testing companies are very busy because of the changes. I went out for my test Wednesday morning, and have stayed in while waiting for the result. My sample arrived at the lab at around 1.30am this morning. I keep checking my emails as I have a matinee theatre ticket for this afternoon. I suppose I was being over-optimistic when I booked, and I was fully aware that the situation could change.

Fingers crossed that the result is negative, and arrives in time for me to get to Chichester.

[ev'n'clive, HENGOED]

🙏 My decision is getting easier due to today’s decision - re introduction of pre departure testing. Who knows how long it’ll be in place for but I’m not taking the chance. Calling Celebrity on Monday - disappointed.

Hi mike x I have just done a test and it has come up negative and that is 4 weeks after I had the positive one at the docks, if thats any help x heather

[mike, lanarkshire]

I had a positive test at the docks in nov after 3 jabs....Got my xmas cruise two weeks monday!! fingers crossed x

🙏 My decision is getting easier due to today’s decision - re introduction of pre departure testing. Who knows how long it’ll be in place for but I’m not taking the chance. Calling Celebrity on Monday - disappointed.

[Topdeck, London]

That's pretty comprehensive by Saga picking up the day2 test is going the extra.
We had LFT departure, one mid cruise and one today for disembark in Italy can be used for international flights that need them PCR also on offer.

The tests are supervised, the pokers need more training on how far up a nose you need to go, the 2 that did mine on the ship would be lucky to detect snot.

[BobTroll, Leicester]

I am aboard Saga's Spirit of Adventure, which is due to return to Southampton on Monday morning

Previous subscribers have mentioned Covid-19 testing requirements prior to boarding. In our case, we had used Saga's complimentary transport to travel to Southampton. Our driver was directed to the Mayflower Terminal, where the roadway outside the terminal had been set up as a testing station. We did not need to leave the vehicle and a team of employees took nasal samples for lateral flow tests. That was followed by oral swabs, for a PCR test. Then, we had to remain at the Mayflower Terminal until the results of the lateral flow tests became available . They placed stickers on our cruise documents, saying we had been cleared to board the ship. Then, we continued to the Ocean Terminal to check in for the cruise. I gather that Saga had made arrangements to receive the results of the PCR tests, before the ship departed.

For our return to the UK, the ship will provide a PCR testing kit and a completed Passenger Location Form for every passenger. The stewards will deliver PCR testing kits to passengers' cabins on the last evening. We must do the test as soon as the ship has docked and then, we shall return the samples to our steward. The ship has made arrangements with an accredited laboratory to process the samples and we will receive the results as soon as possible.

I hope everything will happen quickly, because prolonged isolation would cause problems. When we departed for this cruise, a lateral flow test would have been sufficient, so we had not expected the government to change the rules. Consequently, I have various commitments for the Wednesday morning.

[annie, Glasgow]

I had a positive test at the docks in nov after 3 jabs....Got my xmas cruise two weeks monday!! fingers crossed x

Hi

As you know triple jabbed comes with no guarantees.

I have my fingers and toes crossed for everyone on Christmas cruises.

Annie

[ev'n'clive, HENGOED]

I’m in that position and concerned it may now impact on my Caribbean cruise in February. 90 days or is it actually longer, who knows tbh. How long is a piece of string ? With recent developments I’m seriously considering my position about travelling. Balance due in 2 weeks. Anyone else in a similar position ?

Used c19 testing for Cyprus and Randox, both were very efficient

I had a positive test at the docks in nov after 3 jabs....Got my xmas cruise two weeks monday!! fingers crossed x

[annie, Glasgow]

My result arrived yesterday just 30 minutes before I needed to leave to get to the theatre. Fortunately it was another negative result.

It seems that the labs are taking longer than previously because they were busier.

Now I just need to reschedule my cancelled hair appointment.

Thanks for the update Yogini.

Good luck with rescheduling the hair appointment - goldust in my salon.

Annie

[Yogini, Waterlooville]

Had my LFT cancelled, booked the new ones while in port with testing for all.

Would have done LHR drive in but they close too early.

Can put up with staying at home for a few days, been away for 2 weeks while some are still hiding at home over 18 months.

Good customer service from eurofins upgrading for free they are the ones the cruise line I am on use.

I thought the change applied from 4am Tues morning not Monday

Thanks, it was Tuesday and I have edited the original post. I really don't know what day it is, half the time ...

[Yogini, Waterlooville]

My result arrived yesterday just 30 minutes before I needed to leave to get to the theatre. Fortunately it was another negative result.

It seems that the labs are taking longer than previously because they were busier.

Now I just need to reschedule my cancelled hair appointment.

[Rosycider, Weston - super - Mare]

I'm just wondering what happens if you have previously had Covid, as it can show positive for 90 days, you could return home, and be stuck there for weeks, while it gets out of your system!! .................................................. ....Carol

This link might be of help. https://researchbriefings.files.parl...3/CBP-9203.pdf

[annie, Glasgow]

I’m in that position and concerned it may now impact on my Caribbean cruise in February. 90 days or is it actually longer, who knows tbh. How long is a piece of string ? With recent developments I’m seriously considering my position about travelling. Balance due in 2 weeks. Anyone else in a similar position ?

Used c19 testing for Cyprus and Randox, both were very efficient

Another factor is the very recent change to in-bound travel requirements for international passengers to USA - a negative Covid test result, taken within 24 hours prior to travel, irrespective of vaccination status.

How long will this regulation be in place?? how long is a piece of string.

Annie

[mike, lanarkshire]

I'm just wondering what happens if you have previously had Covid, as it can show positive for 90 days, you could return home, and be stuck there for weeks, while it gets out of your system!! .................................................. ....Carol

I’m in that position and concerned it may now impact on my Caribbean cruise in February. 90 days or is it actually longer, who knows tbh. How long is a piece of string ? With recent developments I’m seriously considering my position about travelling. Balance due in 2 weeks. Anyone else in a similar position ?

Used c19 testing for Cyprus and Randox, both were very efficient

[philhar, wallasey]

Like JC I've used Eurofins, tested about 3 pm result via email 1 am that morning.
Staff were good IMO.

[gloandgeoff, Manchester]

No problem with Eurofinns ,only problem is that they have some very poor reviews on trust pilot