Cruise to Nowhere: Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR testing experience

While community spread of COVID-19 is largely under control within Singapore, the STB is taking no chances with cruises. As one of the preconditions for boarding a cruise to nowhere, every single passenger must submit to a COVID-19 test. That’s sensible; no one wants another Diamond Princess.

I understand the idea of a COVID-19 test may be disconcerting to some, but face it- if you want to step foot on a plane or cruise ship in the near future, that’s simply the cost of entry. I promise you, it’s really not that bad. I mean, it could be much worse. 

What kind of COVID-19 test do I need to do?

Testing is required for both children and adults. Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean use two different types of tests. 

	Dream Cruises	Royal Caribbean
Test Type	ART	PCR
Test Window	Day of departure	48-72 hours before departure
Results Available	Within 1 hour	Within 24-48 hours
Included in fare?	Yes*	Yes^
*Applies to any new bookings on World Dream from 18 Jan- 28 Feb 21, for cruises departing 20 Jan- 28 Mar 21 ^For cruises departing on/before 18 March 21

Dream Cruises uses the less invasive (and less accurate) COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART), which is carried out on the day of departure. Passengers will need to arrive early at the cruise terminal to do their test, wait about an hour for the results, and board after they test negative. 

Royal Caribbean uses the more invasive (and more accurate) COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which is carried out between 48-72 hours before departure. Results will be available between 24-48 hours of the test, and passengers with negative results can proceed straight to boarding once they arrive at the cruise terminal. 

Upon returning from your cruise, both Dream Cruise and Royal Caribbean passengers will be required to do a COVID-19 ART test in the cruise terminal. You do not need to wait for the test results, and can return home immediately after the test is done. 

Booking your COVID-19 test

10 days before my departure date, I received an email from Royal Caribbean inviting me to schedule a COVID-19 PCR test. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it; the sending address is royalcaribbeandigital@rccl.com

This email contains a unique reference ID that you’ll need to register with Eurofins, Royal Caribbean’s test provider. Each individual will receive an email of their own; if there are two passengers on your booking, you will receive two separate emails (with two unique reference IDs). 

Once registered, you’ll receive a set of TrustOne login credentials, which you’ll use with the TrustOne app (available on both Android and iOS). Download the app, login with the provided credentials, and you can schedule your test slot. 

My departure date is 28 January, so I was able to select slots on either 25 or 26 January. Hourly slots are available from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. 

Once you’ve made your reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It’s still possible to make further changes via the TrustOne app should you need to, 

COVID-19 Test Experience

Royal Caribbean conducts all its testing at Raffles City. Although the initial email lists the venue as the Raffles City Convention Centre, the confirmation email revises it to Swissotel the Stamford, Level 2- Kopi Tiam. 

Signs have been put up around the second floor area to guide people. If in doubt, look for GINLEE Studio (#02-35); Kopi Tiam is just around the corner from there. 

There was a long queue when I arrived, but that’s probably because I chose the first slot for the day. Once registration opened, it moved very quickly. 

You’ll need to present a photo ID (NRIC, birth certificate, driver’s license, FIN card), after which you’ll receive a set of stickers to pass to the swabber. There’s a small waiting area, but you’ll be in and out in a flash. 

I saw at least six swabbing booths, with curtains for privacy. You’ll spend no more than a minute inside. 

As for the swab, well, you know what to expect. Sit back and think of England. It’ll be over before you know it. I will say the swabber here definitely did a lot more twirls than the one I had for the Hong Kong ATB, but I’d rather they be thorough. 

Getting Your Test Results

Swabs are processed remarkably quickly. I received the results the following morning at 7.40 a.m, via a push notification on the TrustOne app.

You’ll need to show this screen to the cruise terminal staff at the time of boarding. There’s also the option to download a test result certificate (I wonder if you could use this to board a flight). 

Conclusion

While Royal Caribbean’s testing process is less convenient than Dream’s, that’s the price you pay for a higher degree of accuracy. To their credit, they’ve made the process as seamless as possible- you can schedule it during your lunch hour and still have time to eat. 

Now all that’s left is to set sail!

Anything else people should know about the COVID-19 tests for cruises?