does royal caribbean require covid vaccine

Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Vaccinated travelers will not be required to get tested for cruises that are 9 nights or less. Many and most of the destinations that we visit require a high degree of vaccination, and they expect our crew to be vaccinated.". Offers may be subject to change without notice. Each person sailing was required to download the Royal Caribbean app. The graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates countries with the most COVID-19 vaccine doses administered per 100,000 people. For example, Passenger operations continue to be suspended during the initial phases of this Order. For cruises longer than 16 nights self-testing is not accepted for unvaccinated travelers. The 14 day time period starts the day you get your last dose. At this checkpoint, an agent told me that if I wanted to present a vaccine card, that was the time to do so. About half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, which means plenty of people still have not been vaccinated. Does that mean covid-testing requirements and vaccine mandates will be dropped? Guests who are fully vaccinated or age 17 and younger do not have any testing requirements. Viking Cruises already has the booster requirement in place. 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. Previously, certain areas onboard. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. As Taylor Doven reported for the Miami Herald, Royal Carribean issued a statement on Friday that said, Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. From there, I went to the second floor to check in. Day 1. Thats NOTE: All Royal Caribbean guests aged 12 and older must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. For more information on protocols specific to your sailing, visitGetting Ready To Cruise. Royal Caribbean Updates to Testing Protocols. Here, I'll explain how various facets of the sailing look for both vaccinated and unvaccinated cruisers. 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? At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made its guidance optional for cruise lines and has warned against boarding a cruise ship at the moment, regardless of a person's vaccination status. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Symphony of the Seas (WPLG) Royal Caribbean announced Thursday it's no longer requiring vaccinated guests to take a COVID-19 test prior to embarking on. Get tested again after cruise travel. This comes more than a week after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed its voluntary COVID-19 reporting program for cruise ships on July 18. On CocoCay, everyone was allowed to go ashore on their own and no masks were required. The only guests who will need to test . 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. In a press release Friday announcing . While vaccination is not required for guests under 12, we kindly ask that you fill out their status below. Silversea currently requires all guests to have received their second vaccine shot, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, at least two weeks before their sail date. The CDC dropped its cruise covid-19 reporting program last month, prompting cruise lines to announce they would loosen testing requirements for vaccinated passengers and in most cases . Essentially, while the CDC set parameters, the cruise lines have been policing themselves for months. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from . 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. They waved me through to security, where my carry-on was screened. Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status. 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. Heres a hint. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. Silversea also provides complimentary rapid antigen tests for all disembarking passengers. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. "I'm skeptical that's going to change in the real short term. Going forward, the cruise line will make pre-departure. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). box below. Samantha started at WKMG-TV in September 2020. Royal Caribbean recommends guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against Covid19. Business reporter, BBC News. Therefore, the chances of someone bringing the virus on board a cruise ship is still quite high. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. That's because testing two days before is at best imperfect and it may not have done much to stop covid from spreading. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in 2021, Covid-19 protocols were a major component to the onboard experience. Or do we need the physical card? The most important change may be the following: Guests who are not vaccinated can sail on any cruise from the U.S. or Europe (*except. Azamara will require all vaccinated guests to show proof they have received a booster in March. Maarten.". 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. The company said all crew members will be vaccinated. 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. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Who else is with me? Royal Caribbean reversed course on its vaccine policy last week, making the jab optional for most of its cruises after the company initially planned to require it. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative . Our intention is to comply with all federal, state and local laws, she said via email. #BoycottRC pic.twitter.com/5xSNzyz0It. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions,. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. With NewsGuard's HealthGuard browser extension, users can verify if a website is a trustworthy source of health information. Get ready for cruise ships carrying people who are not vaccinated against Covid-19. Action Alerts PLUS is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. 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. Image source: Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Currently, Celebrity requires all guests 12 and older to be fully vaccinated to sail. 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. One can download it through The app or from browser on The phone, and there is this QR-code to "check" it. While Americans filled arenas for concerts and sporting events, theme parks operated without any restrictions, and pretty much every business returned to normal, the CDC kept its thumb on the cruise industry. A line-by-line guide. The announcement of these select vaccinated cruises later resulted in boycott demands in late March across Facebook and Twitter. Prior to this sweeping vaccine mandate, Royal Caribbean had been announcing select "fully vaccinated" cruises. 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. #BoycottRC." updated guidance from the major cruise line. 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. Charleston. The cruise line Royal Caribbean is requiring passengers and crew members 16 or older . Visit the Newsweek VaxFacts website to learn more and to download the HealthGuard browser extension. That's why precruise testing is likely to go away but the vaccination requirement for all passengers ages 12 and over will remain. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. More than 2.7 million people have died worldwide and more than 69.9 million have recovered as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The about-face is an apparent submission to Gov. 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. The agency currently recommends all travelers are "up to date" with their COVID-19 vaccines before boarding a cruise. 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. Tauck 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. The vaccine is not perfect. "The new itineraries departing through August, which will sail with vaccinated crew, will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results," the statement said. Strongly recommended is certainly different from required. First and foremost, it's worth noting that. Follow her adventures on Instagram. 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. Staff would later identify these passengers by holes punched in their SeaPass cards. This protocol will go into place starting Aug. 8. "Boosters can be received any time prior to embarkation. Reminders going from indoors to outdoors and vice-versa were especially helpful. Oh ship. 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. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Like what you see? Who else is with me? The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Currently, Royal Caribbean requires travelers 12 and older to be vaccinated on U.S. cruises. Lindblad, Silversea, Azamara cruise lines will require the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose for those eligible starting March 1. With few exceptions, Royal Caribbean has dropped its pre-cruise testing requirements across the board. 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. 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. I showed mine, and the agent gave me a purple rubber bracelet to wear. $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. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. 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. Royal Caribbean up for a skirmish with Florida, arnival 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, announcing select "fully vaccinated" cruises, resulted in boycott demands in late March across Facebook and Twitter. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? ", Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. The new Florida law can leave businesses like cruise ship lines caught between a rock and a hard place. Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, businesses can be fined up to $5,000 per violation. The first to set sail will be the Freedom of the Seas ship out of Miami, Florida, on July 2. "The no vaccine question is is a huge question that none of us know the answer to," Bayley said. | Become a News 6 Insider (its free!)]. "This Order introduces a phased approach for resuming passenger cruises. Royal Caribbean. Guests can take advantage of in-person, telehealth, and self-swab tests. "Two is terrible. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. Regardless of the rules, passengers are sure to have a good time. This bracelet allowed me to access areas of the ship reserved for vaccinated passengers. While vaccination is not required, they kindly ask passengers to disclose their vaccine status during check-in. The new order outlined detailed guidelines for resuming cruise operations in U.S. waters. Before the tracking system was removed, basically every ship in the program was at the "orange" level, which in theory triggered a CDC investigation. But keeping track of which places were which on this voyage made my head spin. 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. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and more to drop vaccination requirements for select sailings. ", Odyssey of the Seas: "May 9 to October 28, 2021 sailings departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. The answer rhymes with Tom Cruise lips, kangaroos hips, and too much booze slips. Yes, cruise ships, as Victoria Forster described for Forbes in March 2020. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know, 21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night. #CancelCulture." 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. 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. You can still get Covid-19 after being fully vaccinated, albeit your chances are much lower compared to those who have not been vaccinated. Speaking to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said that "vaccinations will be required for the upcoming sailings from [the] Bahamas and St. Coronavirus has infected more than 123.3 million people, including over 29.8 million in the U.S., since it was first reported in Wuhan, China. But against the context of everything we've seen, [that's] truly been a remarkable success.". One of the world's biggest cruise companies says coronavirus vaccinations will be needed to get on its ships. It felt normal in many ways, but compared to two other recent cruises I took, it was a bit more controlled. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian all require anyone 12 and older sailing on their ships to be fully. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Long story short: They were, very strictly. However, the cruise ship company has now done an a boat face, so to speak. This will continue to evolve as new research and technology becomes available," the spokesperson added. "Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported on cruise ships," the CDC warns. 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 . 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. Under the voluntary program, the CDC had been tracking covid levels on ships, assigning color levels based on positive tests and exposures. Bayley said during the President's Cruise that testing would "be around for another couple of months.". Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I noticed that the areas reserved for vaccinated passengers were rarely, if ever, crowded. 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. Interestingly, certain shows -- such as the ice show in Studio B -- required reservations due to their lower capacity. "Guests . No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. I am a writer, journalist, professor, systems modeler, computational and digital health expert, avocado-eater, and entrepreneur, not always in that order. Silversea, Azamara, Lindblad, and Viking will require the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose. On the one hand, no business wants to shell out $5,000 (which would be equivalent to at least 2,500 hot dogs) per customer just for the heck of it. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. 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.