**As we all know by now, things chance rapidly during (these DARN) Covid times. This is meant to be one resource – a place to start in finding a site in Seattle that can administer a Covid test to clear you for cruise travel. Please call to confirm information presented here and realize that test turnaround time may increase as demand increases**
Visit any cruise board or Facebook group this week and you’ll invariably see a lot of discussion about pre-cruise Covid testing. Many cruise lines are now requiring a negative test for all passengers, not just unvaccinated passengers and this has left many people with imminent cruises scrambling to find a testing location that can administer and return results within the time limit. Most lines require the test be administered 3 days or sooner prior to sailing, NOT counting the actual day you sail – so if you sail on a Friday, you can get test on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Your results must be presented at check-in either electronically or via a hard copy. At-home, self administered tests are generally NOT accepted. Some cruise lines are providing testing themselves on the day of check-in, but many are not (looking at you, Carnival!).
Since my home port is in Seattle, I’ve received a flood of messages from my cruising friends and family asking where they can get a pre-cruise test in Seattle. As such, I am compiling a list of places, prioritizing locations near downtown Seattle accessible to visitors without easy access to a car, offering testing. Again, PLEASE CALL the location prior to booking to make sure they are offering the specific type of tests accepted by your ship, to ask questions about cost and insurance coverage, and to confirm that results will be available in time.
This testing site is at Seattle Center, where the Space Needle and many other popular Seattle attractions are located. This may be a convenient location for those who are planning on exploring this area (near downtown) anyway. If you are staying downtown, you can easily take the Monorail located on 5th Ave and Pine St. to Seattle Center (which is a fun attraction in itself).
Website: https://curative.com/sites/17571
Self-collected swab test with 1-2 days turnaround after arrival at their labs (may be longer depending on demand – call first). Starting June 17th, 2021 all tests will be conducted with shallow nasal swabs (swab inserted approximately half an inch into the nostril).
Online booking available one week out. (As of the time of publication, there were hundreds of available appointments available most days.)
Website: https://curative.com/sites/23261
Self-collected swab test with 1-2 days turnaround after arrival at their labs (may be longer depending on demand – call first). Starting June 17th, 2021 all tests will be conducted with shallow nasal swabs (swab inserted approximately half an inch into the nostril).
Online booking available one week out. (As of the time of publication, there were no appointments available.)
This is located in the South Lake Union area of downtown Seattle, close to Seattle Center where the Space Needle and other popular attractions are located. This site is geared specifically for travel clearance. Cost is $165 (call to ask about insurance coverage). Open 7 days a week from 9am-7pm. Book an appointment online.
Website: https://carbonhealth.com/covid-19-travel-clearance-seattle
What to Expect at a Carbon Health COVID-19 Travel Clearance Testing Site
Directions: Montlake Blvd NE & Walla Walla Rd, Enter the E1 Parking Lot at the intersection of Montlake Blvd NE & Walla Walla Rd and follow the signs to the entrance Seattle, WA 98105
Website: https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/g5y8Wg
Online booking available two days out (call for additional appointment times).
This location is at the University of Washington. You will need access to a car, taxi, or ride share to get to this location.
Website: https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/0xvwjp
Online booking available two days out (call for additional appointment times).
This location is in South Seattle. You will need access to a car, taxi, or ride share to get to this location.
Website: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing
Enter 98101 as your zip code. These four locations are all a good distance from downtown Seattle. You will need access to a car.
Website: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/testing.aspx
*Check back frequently as I’ll be adding additional sites as I find them. Please also include any you find in the comments.
**Be sure to also follow Prof. Cruise on social media to keep up-to-date on all things cruising:
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