The change comes just over a week after Royal Caribbean first eased vaccine requirements for cruises departing from Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, and any European homeport as well as weeks after Royal Caribbean eliminated testing for vaccinated passengers on shorter sailings. Read more: Carnival and Royal Caribbean salaries revealed: From $32,000 to $383,000, here's how much the cruise industry's power players pay some of their employees. Caribbean. After all, rarely do you hear someone ask, is that person wearing a full business suit or just a suspender man thong? And when the federal agency lifted the ban, it severely restricted the industry, limiting capacity on ships, requiring masks, mandating vaccinations for anyone ages 12 and over, and insisting on precruise testing and monitoring crew positive tests. In the past when Royal Caribbean relaxed travel requirements, they've reinforced their ships are still a step ahead of other travel in terms of protocols, "We continue to maintain additional layers of protection that far exceed any other vacation experience. Royal Caribbean International's sister brand Celebrity Cruises (both owned by Royal Caribbean Group) is still requiring all passengers 16 years old or older be vaccinated on its seven-night. Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, businesses can be fined up to $5,000 per violation. This will continue to evolve as new research and technology becomes available," the spokesperson added. Gee, what could possibly go wrong? All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Now, its not clear whether the unvaccinated half may be more or less likely to ride cruise ships. 2023 TheStreet, Inc. All rights reserved. Heres a hint. You're supposed to take a covid test two days before either at a testing center or with a proctored testing kit that they sell on their website and the test kit does have an app to show your results. It is typically fairly obvious if someone is wearing a slingshot mankini. The company had originally required guests 18 years and older to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination to board their ships. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? The about-face is an apparent submission to Gov. "Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. In a statement, Royal Caribbean said that while all crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19, guests are "strongly . Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions, but . Charleston. CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew and communities going forward. The new protocols will not apply to cruises that visit Bermuda or Canada where testing and vaccine rules will still apply. People still get covid, as do crew members, but only two people have died, and very few have gotten seriously ill. I saw a couple of crew members nicely ask passengers to pull their masks up over their noses in public spaces (and they complied). Starting July 2, Royal Caribbean ships will not be requiring passengers to have covid vaccines for sailings from the U.S. Signage was almost over-the-top prevalent to remind passengers to stay socially distant, sanitize their hands and wear a mask. All rights reserved. The cruise line Royal Caribbean is requiring passengers and crew members 16 or older . (Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images) Due to changing vaccine regulations in the Bahamas, which is a frequent stop for many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean's policy for voyages leaving from Florida will now be the same as its policy for those from all other U.S. embarkation ports -- proof of inoculation is required -- from Sept. 3 through at least Nov. 1, 2021. Adventure of the Seas: "June 5 to October 14, 2021: Instead of offering sailings from Barcelona, Spain, Adventure of the Seas will now offer sailings from Nassau, Bahamas beginning June 2021," the company said. Learn more. I just disembarked Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, the line's first cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port in more than 15 months. When I arrived at the Port of Miami, I had to pass through a checkpoint. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. The first to set sail will be the Freedom of the Seas ship out of Miami, Florida, on July 2. There were physical check-in desks, but I checked in using the app, so I headed straight for the area where port workers were scanning digital SetSail Passes. Hawaii. Well, heres what Dolven tweeted: Apparently, Dolven is referring to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signing into law a ban on Covid-19 vaccine passports. That means, as of July 1, the Florida state government could fine a cruise ship operator $5,000 each and every time the cruise ship operator requires proof of vaccination to use their services. In a press release Friday announcing cruises for sale on eight of its ships from U.S. ports this summer, starting with Freedom of the Seas from PortMiami on July 2, the company said it will recommend passengers get the COVID-19 vaccine, but not require it. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. On CocoCay, everyone was allowed to go ashore on their own and no masks were required. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Previously, the website said passengers 16 years old and older on all of the companys U.S. cruises had to meet the requirement. For customers looking to board Lindblad for an adventure cruise, they will need to abide by the new regulations in place. MIAMI Royal Caribbean International will no longer require any of its cruise passengers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as it had previously planned to. While vaccination is not required, they kindly ask passengers to disclose their vaccine status during check-in. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley shared some numbers the CDC had given to him, during his remarks to passengers on the 2022 President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean Blog first reported. Does that mean covid-testing requirements and vaccine mandates will be dropped? A blank Covid-19 vaccination record card; a filled-in version has become many people's prized possession. During one performance, I went to the theater's upper level (where anyone, including unvaccinated passengers, was able to sit) to see what it was like. regardless of vaccination status, can cruise on the . Vaccinated travelers will be exempt from testing on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights, while unvaccinated travelers 5 and older will have to show proof of a negative test taken within three days of embarking on a sailing. As of today, 90% of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise, Bayley said in a statement. "Lindblad Expeditions has announced that effective March 1, 2022, all guests 12 years of age and over who completed their primary vaccination series more than 5 months ago, are required to present proof of booster prior to embarkation," the cruise line said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Ron DeSantis, who has insisted that there will be no exception made for cruise companies to a newly passed Florida law that fines companies $5,000 each time they ask a patron to provide proof of vaccination. As a side note, the ship's Windjammer buffet was not open for dinner during the sailing. That has worked to keepcovid under control. Several cruise lines are continuing to ease pandemic-era protocols by allowing passengers to self-administer COVID-19 tests. ", Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If youre planning to sail on a Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral, youre more than likely making a stop at Disneys private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. If not, just leave blank, Royal Caribbean drops pre-cruise testing requirement for almost all cruises, Royal Caribbean Group CEO says decision will be made if covid vaccine will be mandatory to cruise, Royal Caribbean has not decided on any more cancellations following Norwegian Cruise Line announcement, Two crew members with coronavirus evacuated from Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean stock surges after COVID-19 vaccine tests are more than 90% effective, Royal Caribbean bolsters financial situation with $3.48 billion in backup financing, You might have to take a COVID-19 test to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the future. The company plans to "resume further operation in June" but noted updates on extended suspensions for the following ships and sailings: The company warns: "Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. It felt normal in many ways, but compared to two other recent cruises I took, it was a bit more controlled. This app allowed us to check in for the voyage, set up an onboard account, fill out a pre-boarding health questionnaire and complete the e-muster drill (which replaces traditional muster drills where people gather in large groups). The Seattle Times does not append comment threads to stories from wire services such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post or Bloomberg News. With NewsGuard's HealthGuard browser extension, users can verify if a website is a trustworthy source of health information. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. ", "This means that we're transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations.". Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status. If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). The only guests who will need to test . Get ready for cruise ships carrying people who are not vaccinated against Covid-19. The Miami Herald reported that Royal Caribbean International previously planned to only allow vaccinated passengers onto its ships, but announced in a Friday press release that they were. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in 2021, Covid-19 protocols were a major component to the onboard experience. Does Royal Caribbean accept a photo of the vaccine card as proof? decision to sail less than 95% vaccinated, areas and services unvaccinated passengers can access, Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! The test cruises will show whether ships can sail safely and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each person sailing was required to download the Royal Caribbean app. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Without very high vaccination rates among passengers and crew members, it can be difficult for a cruise ship to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) once the virus has made it on board. Stay up to date with what you want to know. These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, Uniworld to Become One of the First River Cruises to Drop Vaccine Requirements next Year, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, Will I Need a Booster Shot to Travel? Azamara does not require negative test results in order to board unless mandated by local governments in the ports where the line's ships sail. Please review this document and acknowledge acceptance via the tick User @drsimonegold tweeted: "WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. However, passengers on U.S.-based voyages should be aware that protocols are likely to differ by cruise line, ship and departure state. ", "At Silversea, our top priority has always been to safeguard the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit," the company wrote. Action Alerts PLUS is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. That's likely only partly true because Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and the rest of the industry must also be protective of optics -- they want the easiest, most inclusive rules, but they also want customers to feel safe. Apr 12, 2022 10:20 AM EDT. Here, I'll explain how various facets of the sailing look for both vaccinated and unvaccinated cruisers. "Guests . Business reporter, BBC News. Find the right card for you. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and more to drop vaccination requirements for select sailings. This decision seems shocking only because the CDC, at least during the period where the cruise industry was shut down from U.S. ports, seemed to have an adversarial relationship with the companies it regulated. Bayley said during the President's Cruise that testing would "be around for another couple of months.". Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian all require anyone 12 and older sailing on their ships to be fully. Twitter user @patriottakes wrote: "MAGAs [Make America Great Again, Donald Trump's campaign slogan] are starting to boycott Royal Caribbean because they are requiring vaccinations for adult passengers and crew members when they start sailing again in June. Like Norwegian which also mandated the COVID-19 vaccine in April this request for proof of the vaccine could setRoyal Caribbean up for a skirmish with Florida, which has already barred vaccine passports and local businesses from requiring them. Royal Caribbean cruises are back but vaccinations will be optional. Royal Caribbean sister brand Celebrity Cruises made a similar announcement about its COVID-19 vaccine policy late Wednesday, removing its vaccine requirement effective Sept. 5 for some but not all sailings. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images), Florida Gov. Azamara will require all vaccinated guests to show proof they have received a booster in March. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. Ron DeSantis maintains a threat of fines under an executive order banning "vaccine passports." This closure is related to staffing and the logistics of keeping passengers socially distanced, despite the fact that the ship was sailing at less than 30% capacity and 93% of passengers were vaccinated. Who else is with me? Similarly, passengers 18 years old or older sailing from other international ports will also have to be fully vaccinated. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. But against the context of everything we've seen, [that's] truly been a remarkable success.". Rather, we focus on discussions related to local stories by our own staff. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date.. That means, as of July 1, the Florida state government could . Once you are on a cruise ship how can you then tell who should be following additional precautions such as wearing face masks and staying at least six feet or one Denzel (because Denzel Washington is about six feet tall) away from others? Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. In Nassau, vaccinated passengers were allowed to explore however they wished, but unvaccinated cruisers were required to take ship-sponsored excursions to leave the ship. That's because testing two days before is at best imperfect and it may not have done much to stop covid from spreading. Royal Caribbean International will no longer require its cruise passengers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as it had previously planned to. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The new order outlined detailed guidelines for resuming cruise operations in U.S. waters. The vaccine is not perfect. Health, Travel & Risk Acknowledgement. Unfortunately, the announcement didn't come in time for this voyage. But there is an important difference between wearing a slingshot mankini and being fully vaccinated. It is unclear if cruise companies will be allowed to ask passengers if they have been vaccinated as part of the boarding process, even if they dont require vaccination to board. starts on October 1st, and you would be permitted to board the ship on The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That's why precruise testing is likely to go away but the vaccination requirement for all passengers ages 12 and over will remain. The line's decision to sail less than 95% vaccinated (which requires each ship sailing from the U.S. to complete test voyages under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's supervision) means that there are restrictions on board. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. Enrollment required. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the company said in a statement. Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Royal Caribbean clarified its vaccine policy this week, stating that it will require certain guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on cruises departing. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date.. MAGAs are starting to boycott Royal Caribbean because they are requiring vaccinations for adult passengers and crew members when they start sailing again in June. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Royal Caribbean also said it will continue to maintain a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests, and crew members will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted as well as tested regularly when eligible. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. ", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Quantum of the Seas: "Alaska sailings departing April 5 to October 14, 2021: In order to allow additional time for our preparation, Quantum of the Seas will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. According to CDC rules, cruise ships that dont meet certain vaccination thresholds for passengers and crew must first do a successful test cruise before they can restart revenue cruises. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have removed the COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships as of Monday. According to Royal Caribbean's Healthy Sail Center, for all sailings departing on or after Friday, February 25, 2022, face masks will become optional for all fully vaccinated passengers - with . Lyan Sierra-Caro, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean International, said the plans to require passengers be vaccinated that the company submitted to the CDC only applied to its test cruises. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty spoke about the change during an earnings call with investors earlier this year and said the change is a move to be more like other forms of leisure travel, such as theme parks, casinos, or air travel. This includes more contagious variants that now have sorority and fraternity sounding names, as I recently covered for Forbes. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Wristbands were also diligently checked in spaces intended for vaccinated cruisers. Currently, the company requires all guests to "be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses" and "strongly" recommends guests receive the booster shot. A Country-by-country Guide, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, Uniworld to Become One of the First River Cruises to Drop Vaccine Requirements next Year, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies and What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip, Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform for One-stop Trip Planning, These Caribbean Destinations Just Dropped the Pre-arrival Testing Requirement for Vaccinated Travelers, eliminated testing for vaccinated passengers, officially ended its pandemic-era program for cruise ships. Check here before booking an award fare. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Royal Caribbean recommends guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against Covid19. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. - As of the winter 2022 Caribbean and Central America season, Star Clippers no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations for passengers. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. "We want you to be more comfortable. They waved me through to security, where my carry-on was screened. Guests are also required to wear masks in all indoor public areas, in terminals, and during shore excursions, and take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test before boarding. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Previously, certain areas onboard. Airplanes, theme parks, casinos, and hotels no longer require any such Covid protocols and have not had any requirements for months. Royal Caribbean Will Not Allow Any Unvaccinated Guests Worldwide According to the statement made by Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean will not be allowing any guests onboard who have not been. Starting Sept. 5, Royal Caribbean will welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers of all ages, according to the cruise line. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, An aerial view of Royal Caribbeans Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida on March 2. Vaccinated-only areas included the spa, casino, fitness center (during most operating hours), Izumi sushi and hibachi, Chef's Table and the lower decks of the main dining room and theater. Royal Caribbean just announced a new collection of seven-night summer cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico, but don't consider booking a spot unless you plan on being fully vaccinated against. Related: Cruise hack: 6 ways to turn a voyage on a mass-market ship into a luxury experience. as well as other partner offers and accept our. "We want you to be more comfortable walking on board a ship than walking down Main Street," Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean's CEO, told the BBC. One can download it through The app or from browser on The phone, and there is this QR-code to "check" it. That was about three weeks ago (June 28) and the CDC ruling suggests that the testing requirement could change in August, but almost certainly will by September. Guests under this age requirement who haven't been vaccinated will instead have to be tested for the virus. An attendant who was monitoring the entrance told me they were passengers waiting for their test results. On May 26, the cruise line updated its website to say that passengers 16 years old and older on its cruises from Seattle and The Bahamas are required to be vaccinated. The industry-wide trend comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially ended its pandemic-era program for cruise ships last month. Some destinations may also require testing, so no change in policy is likely to be absolute, but the CDC's decision does seem to pave the way for the cruise lines to mostly drop the testing requirement. So, is the Florida government essentially not allowing businesses to do something that would help keep their customers and staff safer? This voyage included calls on Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island, in the Bahamas. Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises loosen coronavirus testing rules Norwegian's moves to loosen pandemic-era protocols follow similar decisions by industry leaders Carnival and Royal. Crew members were also positioned at the entrances to restaurants, the theater and even at the Freestyle soda machines to push the buttons for passengers. While there, I noticed most of the passengers in this area were parents with young children. The post received over 8,100 likes and over 2,300 retweets since it was first posted on Saturday. Viking Cruises already has the booster requirement in place. For more information on protocols specific to your sailing, visitGetting Ready To Cruise. Similarly, on Silversea the new policy mandates that eligible passengers must receive a booster "provided the required time has passed after the completion of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Under the voluntary program, the CDC had been tracking covid levels on ships, assigning color levels based on positive tests and exposures. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, who was also on the sailing, said he expects the CDC to roll back mask mandates on ships with a large percentage of vaccinated passengers as early as this week. I am a writer, journalist, professor, systems modeler, computational and digital health expert, avocado-eater, and entrepreneur, not always in that order.
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