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. . Since September 2022,all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, were able to cruise on most itineraries, as long as they meet testing requirements to board. 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 credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. 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. Passenger operations continue to be suspended during the initial phases of this Order. In addition to having more rules in place than some other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean also enforced those protocols more strictly, with crew checking for wristbands in vaccinated-only venues and checking for masks in indoor places accessible to everyone. 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? There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. 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. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. 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. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Learn more. Cov. Azamara will require all vaccinated guests to show proof they have received a booster in March. The travel company announced on Friday that an additional six ships will resume trips from US ports in Florida and Texas starting in July and August. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. | Trust Index: Do COVID booster shots make you more susceptible to the virus? But against the context of everything we've seen, [that's] truly been a remarkable success.". A line-by-line guide, 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise, Cruise hack: 6 ways to turn a voyage on a mass-market ship into a luxury experience, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal 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. Business reporter, BBC News. I will not do business with anyone requiring a vaccine," in a post that received over 130 likes since it was first shared. That's because testing two days before is at best imperfect and it may not have done much to stop covid from spreading. Like what you see? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have removed the COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships as of Monday. All rights reserved. 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. Proof of a negative test can be the printed or digital results, a clear photo of your self-test result, or your actual self-test in hand. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. "This Order introduces a phased approach for resuming passenger cruises. Assuming that you have hundreds or even thousands of people on your cruise ships, a quick calculation with your fingers and toes will show that defying this order from the Florida state government could quickly put you out of business. 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.. In a press release Friday announcing . Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. All cruisers -- regardless of vaccination status -- had to wear masks in indoor spaces unless they were explicitly designated for vaccinated cruisers. decision to sail less than 95% vaccinated, areas and services unvaccinated passengers can access, Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? However, passengers on U.S.-based voyages should be aware that protocols are likely to differ by cruise line, ship and departure state. Regardless of the port location, guests will have to show proof of full vaccination, completed at least 14 days before the cruise departs. I am a writer, journalist, professor, systems modeler, computational and digital health expert, avocado-eater, and entrepreneur, not always in that order. If your Royal Caribbean cruise visits Labadee, Roatan, or somewhere in Colombia, then unvaccinated will still need to test. Its difficult to tell. By contrast, you cant really tell whether someone has been vaccinated unless you actually see that persons Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card and somehow verify that its not a fake. So, is the Florida government essentially not allowing businesses to do something that would help keep their customers and staff safer? With NewsGuard's HealthGuard browser extension, users can verify if a website is a trustworthy source of health information. However, the cruise ship company has now done an a boat face, so to speak. While vaccination is not required, they kindly ask passengers to disclose their vaccine status during check-in. Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. User @drsimonegold tweeted: "WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. Royal Caribbean made headlines a week ago when it announced that it would begin sailing from Florida in early July with ships where vaccinations would be recommended but not required. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Royal Caribbean cruises are back but vaccinations will be optional. Over the past few months that program became voluntary and masks went away while other restrictions eased. Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. However, it shied away from creating a blanket COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests, although the cruise line previously said it would expect crew members to be vaccinated before sailings return. 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. 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. Unvaccinated travelers can join us for almost all U.S. Travelers looking to set sail with Viking Cruises must take a COVID-19 PCR laboratory test before leaving their home country 72 hours prior to departure of the first flight, or 24 hours before with a laboratory certified antigen test. Viking Cruises already has the booster requirement in place. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.". WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. 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. 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 annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. October 15th or later. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. But there is an important difference between wearing a slingshot mankini and being fully vaccinated. An aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida on March 2. But all the major cruise lines that sailed from the U.S. opted into the CDC program. . Offers may be subject to change without notice. A positive test would preclude them from embarking on the cruise. ", The cruise industry came to a halt last year amid the COVID-19 outbreak. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Here, I'll explain how various facets of the sailing look for both vaccinated and unvaccinated cruisers. 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. Of all the new health protocols and changes, perhaps no single rule is as hotly debated right now as if cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line announced on Tuesday it will extend its cruise cancellations through the end of September (minus, Two crew members from Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas were evacuated off Oasis of the Seas in Port Everglades on, If you own Royal Caribbean stock, today is a great start to your portfolio for the week.Royal Caribbean, and the entire, Royal Caribbean's recent filingwith the SEC indicates it has taken advantageof$3.48 billion in backup financing, Taking a test for COVID-19 before you get on a Royal Caribbean cruise might be one of the many steps the 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. The venue was open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers. Hawaii. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Wristbands were also diligently checked in spaces intended for vaccinated cruisers. Masks were not required outdoors or while eating or drinking, but I found myself constantly worrying about whether I needed to have a mask on or not. box below. "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. Airplanes, theme parks, casinos, and hotels no longer require any such Covid protocols and have not had any requirements for months. Long story short: They were, very strictly. Enrollment required. Overall, the sailing was pleasant and it was great to be back on board a sailing from Florida. "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.". 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. This insurance would cover the cost of repatriation on a private charter flight and/or medical care if they tested positive during the sailing. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. Beginning December 1, 2022, the line will waive vaccination requirements for all passengers on Europe and Caribbean itineraries, except where required by local regulations. if you received your final dose on October 1st, your 14 day countdown For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. 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. Does that mean covid-testing requirements and vaccine mandates will be dropped? "We want you to be more comfortable walking onboard a ship than walking down Main Street.". In recent weeks, several cruise lines have been forced to cancel sailings (and some have implemented stronger mask policies) amid the emergence of the omicron variant. A line-by-line guide. 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