COVID Testing to Cruise

It’s been one year and 8 months since COVID-19 rocked the world with it’s infectious pandemic. It’s been the same amount of time before I was required to take an at-home COVID test for verification. Honestly, testing made me anxious for many reasons, which made me think that perhaps I am not alone and someone, whether it be a travel advisor, or your clients may be in the same boat - see what I did there?

I am preparing to take a cruise on the Celebrity Apex for a conference at sea. The cruise is scheduled for the day after VAX VacationAccess wraps up participating at CruiseWorld 2021 in Miami. The Apex sails out of Fort Lauderdale so there was no time to fly home to get tested. Miami isn’t overly familiar to me as far as where to go, how to get there and back to my hotel, scheduling, etc. so I purchased the required test from Celebrity a week ago and brought it with me.

First, I was concerned how quickly it would arrive but that was not an issue. It arrived in two business days after completing my order with no extra shipping charge.

Secondly, I’m coming off of a travel conference being around many people. Now all of them had to be vaccinated to attend, but that doesn’t hold any guarantees as many people are aware. There were a lot fewer people wearing masks at this event as well.

The process of taking the test was completely unknown to me as well. I’ve seen a few travel advisors share their experience many months ago, but it was still new to me. This was my experience.

To start, you scan the QR code to create or get to your NAVICA account. I had to set up an account which was very self-explanatory and verify everything via email. Once logged in it asked if I was ready to start testing. It tested my device for hearing audio, sending audio, and video. The screen explained I would be answered in the order that I began and at 4 p.m. on a Friday that was less than 1 minute.

The call started with confirming sound and my video. I also had to show my photo ID. This process confused me because my device switched cameras without my control. This was honestly the most confusing part of the entire call because it happened a couple of times and I also had to turn my phone the other way to share the video.

• I then had to show my test unopened on a flat surface.
• Holding my device, they watched me open it. I was instructed to open the white envelope first which contained a folded card.
• I unfolded the card and let it lie on the flat surface.

• I opened the small bottle and slowly dropped 8 drops in the small hole.
• I then opened the swab being careful to open the unswabbed end. 
• The next step was to swab my left nostril, spinning it four times at least a half-inch into my nose.
• Same step with the right nostril.
• Next was inserting the swab in the right hole and sliding it to the left drop-filled hole.

• I then was instructed to remove the adhesive and fold the card back over without picking it up.

Now the anxiety set in as I was advised to leave the card lying flat, not touching it, and waiting 15 minutes. The facilitator set the timer and advised I could move about but not touch the card. After 15 minutes the screen on my device advised to press continue once I was seated. As a side note, it felt very much how I remember waiting for a pregnancy test to process felt many years ago when I was in that situation. I waited less than 30 seconds for the next facilitator to join me and ask me to confirm what I saw as far as lines across the card. I first had to scan the QR code that was on the card and then verbally state what I saw and then show them the card with my device camera.

About the Author

Beth Kitzman is the business development manager for Trisept Solutions' Agency Channel for VAX VacationAccess. Beth focuses on nurturing business relationships and finding exciting, unique ways for VAX to support travel agencies. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with Walt Disney World then working for airlines and now focusing on travel technology, Beth loves using her education degree to find ways to educate and empower travel agents to grow their leisure travel business.