Speaking to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said that "vaccinations will be required for the upcoming sailings from [the] Bahamas and St. 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. As part of the Australian Federal and State Government protocols all You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. starts on October 1st, and you would be permitted to board the ship on Like what you see? Passengers also had to select specific check-in times for embarkation day, ensuring that crowds stayed thin at the terminal during the boarding process. It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.". On March 1, the cruise line also announced its first "fully vaccinated" cruise aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, which will be sailing in May from Israel. Royal Caribbean has greatly relaxed its covid rules. However, the cruise ship company has now done an a boat face, so to speak. The post has had over 7,200 likes since it was first shared on Monday. 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. The graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. Newsweek, in partnership with NewsGuard, is dedicated to providing accurate and verifiable vaccine and health information. 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. 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. Gee, what could possibly go wrong? 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. We would appreciate if you could take a moment to provide your COVID-19 vaccination status ahead of your cruise. That's why precruise testing is likely to go away but the vaccination requirement for all passengers ages 12 and over will remain. Additionally -- following the first departure of Adventure of the Seas two weeks ago when two teenagers tested positive and were flown home at Royal Caribbean's expense -- unvaccinated cruisers had to purchase special travel insurance. Thats what you may see as soon as next month with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic still a public health emergency. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Royal Caribbean As with so many cruises around the world, requirements will vary by itinerary, but new policies that went into effect earlier this month eliminated vaccination. 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. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old (Pfizer's . Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. But against the context of everything we've seen, [that's] truly been a remarkable success.". Sign up for notifications from Insider! Feel free to visitourFAQsfor full details on vaccination requirements. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Many cruise fans and potential passengers may expect that this CDC decision means that vaccine requirements and precruise testing may soon go away. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. All Guests, All Aboard," Royal Caribbean's President and CEO Michael Bayley wrote on Facebook. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. Further, the onboard mask rules were confusing. One can download it through The app or from browser on The phone, and there is this QR-code to "check" it. Reminders going from indoors to outdoors and vice-versa were especially helpful. Silversea also provides complimentary rapid antigen tests for all disembarking passengers. I will not do business with anyone requiring a vaccine," in a post that received over 130 likes since it was first shared. 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. For customers looking to board Lindblad for an adventure cruise, they will need to abide by the new regulations in place. "I'm skeptical that's going to change in the real short term. About half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, which means plenty of people still have not been vaccinated. Follow her adventures on Instagram. This voyage included calls on Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island, in the Bahamas. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a "No Sail Order" for cruise ships from March 14, 2020, as the national health body had "reason to believe that cruise ship travel may continue to introduce, transmit, or spread COVID-19.". For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Who else is with me? ", 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. Please review this document and acknowledge acceptance via the tick Viking Cruises already has the booster requirement in place. User @joanwetz agreed with the boycott, noting: "I am. 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. 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. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from . Royal Caribbean Shares Huge News on Covid Testing, Vaccine Rules President Michael Bayley gave some straight answers on pre-cruise covid testing and potentially dropping vaccine. The graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates countries with the most COVID-19 vaccine doses administered per 100,000 people. No, you need to bring the card. In late June, the Royal Caribbean cruise line will, be allowed to operate test cruises out of South Florida after receiving approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. 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. Richard Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean, told . Signage was almost over-the-top prevalent to remind passengers to stay socially distant, sanitize their hands and wear a mask. Royal Caribbean cruises are back but vaccinations will be optional. Beginning Sept. 5, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity will also accept at-home tests on trips from U.S. ports that don't visit Canada or Bermuda. One of the world's biggest cruise companies says coronavirus vaccinations will be needed to get on its ships. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. "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. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises will allow unvaccinated travelers starting Sept. 5 on all cruises that depart from a U.S. or European port, excluding cruises that visit Canada, according to the company. Currently the CDC recommends that "all people avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, because the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high. When not writing, she enjoys travelling and performing improv comedy. 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. Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise. As a side note, the ship's Windjammer buffet was not open for dinner during the sailing. That has worked to keepcovid under control. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: . Bayley said during the President's Cruise that testing would "be around for another couple of months.". The CDC may not be directly saying that it's done all it can, but the cruise lines clearly have taken reasonable precautions, and given the state of covid in the U.S., that's all that anyone can reasonably expect. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Unvaccinated guests will be allowed to use the results of a self-administered test if taken within three days of sailing. Royal Caribbean will accept a variety of tests as proof to board, including simply taking a photo of a self-administered home test, a new rule that Bayley also noted on social media. It felt normal in many ways, but compared to two other recent cruises I took, it was a bit more controlled. "We want you to be more comfortable walking onboard a ship than walking down Main Street.". These Countries Require It for Entry, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? (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. | Trust Index: Do COVID booster shots make you more susceptible to the virus? [TRENDING: Is it illegal in Florida to back into a parking space? For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. On a practical level, the CDC had been tracking serious illness and death and the numbers were very encouraging. A Country-by-country Guide, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will No Longer Require Face Masks, Spain Now Requires Booster Shot For Travelers What To Know, Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies and What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip, Anguilla Becomes Latest Caribbean Island to Ease Entry Protocols for Vaccinated Visitors, Traveling to Italy Just Got Easier With Easing of COVID-19 Testing Requirements, Countries That Are Open to COVID-19 Vaccinated Travelers, A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe, made its guidance optional for cruise lines. So, is the Florida government essentially not allowing businesses to do something that would help keep their customers and staff safer? When I learned that the line would be creating some separate spaces and mandating masks, I wondered if the rules would be enforced and, if so, how strictly. It will be a requirement that cruise lines will happily comply with as most already require a vaccine mandate and . Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to begin sailing six of its cruise ships out of southern U.S. ports this July and August. "This Order introduces a phased approach for resuming passenger cruises. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 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. guests must review and accept the "We want you to be more comfortable. Starting Thursday, Carnival Cruise Line announced, fully vaccinated passengers will not need to take a test before boarding if the trip is . "We are continuing to adapt our protocols to align more closely with how the rest of society and other travel and leisure businesses are operating. First and foremost, it's worth noting that. 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. The new order outlined detailed guidelines for resuming cruise operations in U.S. waters. Unfortunately, the announcement didn't come in time for this voyage. You can read more about our, Chef Ethan Stowell buys a historic Seattle dive bar, 4 steep Seattle stair climbs to get you in shape for WA hiking season, WA volunteer details Colchuck Peak avalanche search-and-rescue effort, How one Ballard newbie became pinballs international rookie of the year, Restaurant review: Itsumono is making some of Seattles best food and great drinks, too, Norwegian sticks to vaccine rule despite Floridas prohibition, Seattle-Alaska cruises to resume in summer, boosting local economy, Mask mandate in WA health care, correctional facilities to end, Fauci should be jailed over COVID lies and mandates, Cruz tells CPAC, Final state emergencies winding down 3 years into pandemic, Troops who refused COVID vaccine still may face discipline, A condition called POTS rose after COVID, and patients cant find care, Coronavirus origins still a mystery 3 years into pandemic, Lab leak likely caused COVID pandemic, Energy Dept. At this checkpoint, an agent told me that if I wanted to present a vaccine card, that was the time to do so. Now, its not clear whether the unvaccinated half may be more or less likely to ride cruise ships. 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. The Royal Caribbean cruise line plans to drop its COVID-19 testing requirement for some guests starting on Aug. 8, according to a statement on its website. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. This includes vaccination of all crew and keeping them up to date with boosters when eligible, routine surveillance of all crew, enhanced testing and treatment capabilities in our onboard medical centers, and much more. Carnival will follow with the same at-home test allowance on Sept. 6. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. 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. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. Joe Raedle / Getty . User @HardLinesBlog tweeted: "I'm saying goodbye to all venues moving to this requirement," in response to the tweet by @drsimonegold. I showed mine, and the agent gave me a purple rubber bracelet to wear. NOW WATCH: This is what it takes to be a cruise ship performer. All rights reserved. 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. St. Maarten / St. Martin : open to vaccinated and unvaccinated . Guests can take advantage of in-person, telehealth, and self-swab tests. Viking Cruises already has the booster requirement in place. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. "Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.". Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. Margaritaville at Sea Becomes Latest Cruise Line to Ease Pre-boarding COVID Testing Requirement, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? Essentially, while the CDC set parameters, the cruise lines have been policing themselves for months. Vaccines must be approved for use by the WHO or U.S. FDA, with the exception of CanSino. Apr 12, 2022 10:20 AM EDT. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. 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. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Symphony of the Seas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed, voluntary COVID-19 reporting program for cruise ships. . . And that could be a real ship storm, so to speak. 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? Ron DeSantis recently signed into law, a ban on "vaccine passports" that would find businesses $5,000 each time they required proof of Covid-19 vaccination to use their services. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. As on most ships these days, there were also Purell hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrances to all restaurants, bars, lounges and other public areas, as well as in stairwells and elevator alcoves. Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. The cruise line's vaccine mandate will apply to guests who are at least 16 years old aboard ships sailing from the US or the Bahamas, according to Royal Caribbean's frequently asked questions page. Many and most of the destinations that we visit require a high degree of vaccination, and they expect our crew to be vaccinated.". People still get covid, as do crew members, but only two people have died, and very few have gotten seriously ill. Does Royal Caribbean accept a photo of the vaccine card as proof? The post received nearly 100 likes since it was first tweeted. "Effective November 2, 2022, all travelers on U.S. sailings regardless of vaccination status will no longer require pre-departure testing (excludes sailings to Colombia, Haiti, & Honduras)." 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. Similarly, passengers 18 years old or older sailing from other international ports will also have to be fully vaccinated. Guests age 12 and up who are not fully vaccinated have 3 days to take a test before their cruise, regardless the duration of the cruise. Four major cruise lines are dropping their vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, the . As summer travelers prepare to sail, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is lowering its threshold for cruise ships to meet a highly vaccinated status. -10. The cruise line will still require unvaccinated guests and vaccinated guests embarking on cruises six nights or longer, to take a COVID-19 test within three days of their departure date. The announcement is a reversal from previous statements and vaccine protocols the company submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month that said it would require all passengers at least 18 years old and older to be vaccinated. I will be boycotting the company instead. Going forward, the cruise line will make pre-departure. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . Those with the vaccine were able to go anywhere onboard, and areas specially allotted for passengers who had their shots had no mask-wearing rules. These new sailings are available for residents of Israel only.". Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? This protocol will go into place starting Aug. 8. The Miami-based operator. 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? 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. 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. Overall, the sailing was pleasant and it was great to be back on board a sailing from Florida. In order to board these ships, all adults, including the crew, will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Who else is with me? More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, 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, Anguilla Just Dropped Its Pre-arrival Testing for Vaccinated Travelers What to Know, 10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler, New Zealand Eliminates Vaccine, Testing Requirements for Travel What to Know, The CDC Will No Longer Report COVID-19 Cases on Cruises to the Public.