Cruise Lines Accept At-Home COVID-19 Tests that Deliver Results in 15 Minutes

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are offering fully vaccinated cruisers booked on future sailings access to at-home COVID-19 antigen test kits. The kits are meant to help people more easily meet the CDC’s pre-cruise testing requirements.

The CDC requires vaccinated cruisers to show a negative test result from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than two days before their cruise departs. Cruise lines may choose to accept at-home antigen tests if conducted during a telehealth visit. The test provided by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, and accepted by Carnival Cruise Line, deliver results in 15 minutes.

Cruisers booked on one of the Royal Caribbean brands can order the at-home antigen test at a cost of two for $69.99 or pack of three for $99.99. Pricing includes the test kits, expedited shipping, and a live virtual visit with an eMed Certified Guide who will help with the proper administration of the test. Results are verified in 15 minutes and provided via email, as well as within the NAVICA app.

Royal Caribbean cruisers can order their test kits here. Celebrity cruisers can order their kits here. 

Carnival Cruise Line will also accept at-home test results using the same test kit if ordered from the same company that the Royal Caribbean brands are using – Optum. The same goes for Princess Cruises, who confirmed to TMR on Tuesday that it will also accept Optum tests. 

Carnival cruisers may also purchase the test from eMed.  Tests purchased from any other supplier will not be accepted.

Cruisers should allow three business days for the kits to be shipped to their homes.