Planning a December cruise aboard a Carnival cruise ship? That means you’re in luck, as Carnival has officially expanded the pre-cruise testing option for vaccinated guests through December 31, 2021.

Since November 5th, 2021, the option exists and has proven to be a reliable and welcome alternative for guests who were unable to obtain a test result for their cruise in time.

Carnival is officially extending terminal testing through December

Since mid-November, Carnival has been considering extending the advantageous terminal test option to the Christmas season as reported by Carnival brand ambassador John Heald to the procedure.

Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

At the time, Heald said, “Now the question is, are we going to extend this through December and into the Christmas break? I’m not sure if we will, but I think we would definitely consider this and I will share this information with you as soon as possible. “

Starting today, Carnival confirms that the tests will persist through at least December. During the busy holiday season, there is general uncertainty as to whether the test operators will be opened for operation. Carnival’s decision to keep the test option available at least for this period is welcomed by the cruise line’s guests.

Terminal testing is not an option for everyone

Carnival says the testing facilities at the terminal shouldn’t be used as a standard option for everyone. Instead, the test at the terminal should be used if the guest has exhausted all other options and cannot obtain a test result in time for his trip.

John Heald said: “Please only use these test centers in the home port if you have exhausted all other options to get tested, e.g. have your negative result 48 hours before the start of your fun.”

Docgo carnival testDocgo carnival test

In order to be able to take the test at the terminal, guests must book a slot in advance. The fee of USD 100 per person is automatically added to the Sail & Sign account on board. If guests book a test and do not show up for their appointment, they will not be refunded and the fee will be charged to their on-board account.

Other options for guests include scheduling tests with Quest Diagnostics at any of 1,500 locations across the United States, including Walmart and other pharmacies, which are usually free.

Guests can also choose to take tests at home. This is an option that the cruise line introduced back in September this year. During the Abbot BinaxNOW COVID-19 home test, guests are medically monitored by a trained healthcare professional to ensure that the test is being performed correctly and is valid.

Carnival tests with Rapid Cruise TestingCarnival tests with Rapid Cruise Testing

The terminal test is available for cruises from all US homeports from which Carnival cruise ships operate. Guests must make an appointment to be tested at the terminal. Bookings for Galveston, Baltimore, New Orleans and Long Beach can be done via DOCGO. be made. Guests flying from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa can Book through Rapid Cruise Testing.

It is currently unknown whether the cruise line will continue the terminal test option until the turn of the year. The option was expanded primarily with the busy vacation season and possible delays and difficulties in getting results in mind – which is unlikely to be an issue in January and in the future.

Carnival cruise ship in port