Since we are sailing soon, and we are coming in from Canada. And since the cruise lines require us to have a negative Covid test taken within two days of boarding. We are having to secure tests. And it is not that straight forward.
Now I need to preface this blog by saying "I am not an expert" I am just a traveller researching the information from numerous sources - cruise lines, state and government sites, and airports.
First we need to have a negative test taken 3 days prior to flying into the US. Please confirm what your country requirements are. After researching, we located locations in Halifax that do the necessary Rapid Antigen test, which is okay for Canadians going to the US, but again confirm what test is acceptable for your country.
We will get this test done on Monday, we fly first thing Tuesday and we board Wednesday. So this test will meet the cruise lines requirements.
But if you need a test and you fly down earlier into Florida you can get the tests for a fee at the airports - both Fort Lauderdale (which is close to the pier) and Miami have testing facilities.
When we fly to Los Angeles we don't require a test to fly there from within the US.
However we will need one for the ship and since we are going five days early we need to secure one that is not at the airport as it is just to far to travel to. But it is an option for those staying close to the airport. LAX's site provides a link to testing at three terminals. Make sure to book your test as early as possible to secure a spot you want.
We are staying in the Anaheim area and after a lot of research found that many cities can link you to a lab that is doing testing nearby. But take note that not all are offering the Rapid Antigen test needed for travel. But I found a place in Anaheim.
Take note that US citizens can get the test and it is billed to their insurance, but Canadians have to pay a fee. So make sure the test you book is the right one. If necessary call them to ensure.
Most results are returned within a few hours, and some as quickly as 30 minutes.
I should address a few other things I found out.
Yes CVS and RiteAid and other places provide testing, but again it is hard for Non US citizens to register. They need a US address, so I put in the address of our hotel. But another issue is the sites are almost all drive thru sites. Which would work if you have a car. So I quickly gave up trying to get tests there.
There is the option of at home tests that you order and are mailed to you but this is only for US shipping.
I know the cruise lines are working at getting testing at the pier for those that can't secure it easily but not sure when that will be in place. Lets hope soon.
Again this is just some information I gathered these past two days and I am not an expert, but hopefully this helps those that are sailing soon from Canada or other countries.
