TPG values it at $1,600. Beginning September 3, cruisers that are 12 or older who are unvaccinated or don't show proof of vaccination will be allowed onboard as long as they can show the results of a negative antigen or PCR test taken in the 72 hours before boarding. And people want a place where they can go where they know they're safe.". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Iam very happy that something is starting to move in the right direction.Well ,I can wait until the mandate for other US ports will be lifted.This is the best vacation. 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. Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. The health guidelines released this week align mostly with what Royal Caribbean had already implemented: Also Read: Royal Caribbean Provides Update to Guests Booked on Sailings to Russia. Unless significant changes come within the next few weeks, the health protocols as released by Royal Caribbean this week will be valid through April 14, 2022. What happens to the ships some cruise lines have scrapped during the pandemic? 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. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe. What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols would be required for unvaccinated guests. Royal Caribbean requires vaccination on cruises from Hawaii to Vancouver. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. Royal Caribbean Completes First Test Sailing to Resume Cruises in the U.S. Carnival Cruise Line Strengthens Mask Policy Amid Omicron Variant Spread, Disney Cruise Line Will Require Kids 5 and Older to Be Vaccinated Starting in January What to Know, Royal Caribbean required guests 16 and older to be fully vaccinated, recommended all passengers and crew get the jab, vaccinated passengers can potentially ditch their masks. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date. Request a call back . See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing. For its part, Royal Caribbean has already been approved to start test sailings later this month ahead of its planned restart this summer. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Anytime there are mandates, run the opposite direction, it was medical tyranny, a sad low point in humanity. However, Mr Fain doesn't think he will face any staffing shortages. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Travelling to Another Destination? The Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which is the US federal public health agency, has been working closely with the industry to restart sailings. That is key to remember. These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board. Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Royal Caribbean says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement but there's a catch, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Unvaccinated cruisers must apply on a first-come, first-served basis. Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of the PCR and antigen tests. But there's a catch. The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. Other informational resources can be accessed on theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health websiteor by calling toll-free (877) FYI-TRIP and on theWorld Health Organization website. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. While it may not seem like much, the current health requirements are an essential step forward to bring cruising back to normal. The Company does note that requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. This means that Royal Caribbean has now also removed the need for a bracelet to indicate the vaccination status. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt. The plan will need approval from the federal government before it can be implemented, while uncertainty also exists which vaccines would be acceptable for entry. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Ships will be sailing with a minimum of 95% of guests vaccinated; however, Royal Caribbean has not decided yet on whether or not a booster will be required in the future. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot). Starting with September 5thdepartures,all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as theymeet any testing requirementsto board. Now that they dropped them, we can do business again. (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. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. Royal Caribbean will also ease vaccine requirements starting Sept. 5 for cruises departing from Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, and any European homeport, according to the company. Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board. There is so much happening in the cruise world, and that includes quite a few changes recently with Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line announced on Monday they were teaming up to create a panel of health experts, Royal Caribbean, along with other cruise lines, will not qualify for government assistance as part of theroughly $2, Since the onset of its voluntary shutdown, Royal Caribbean has been aggressive with new policies and offers meant to, This month marks exactly one year since Royal Caribbean, and the entire cruise industry, shut down due to the global, In the void of cruise ships being able to sail, there has been plenty of speculation by cruise fans on what might. - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? Even those who have gone and found other jobs, say: 'Oh, I'm really happy, I can go back on board.' They must test within three days of. Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation. Dengue, Zika and malaria are found in various parts of the region. Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Where they sail: Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. 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. Testing requirements have not been finalized, All sailings departing from the UK and Europe (with the exception of Iceland), All sailings departing from Los Angeles to Mexican Riviera. announce an end to their COVID-19 vaccination requirements, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Royal Caribbean believes that even by allowing unvaccinated passengers onboard, their health protocols far exceed that of other forms of leisure travel, "We continue to maintain additional layers of protection that far exceed any other vacation experience. Royal Caribbean Vaccine required? 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. Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer. Now, Royal Caribbean has also updated its vaccination requirements for certain cruises. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Cruise lines have restricted their ships to only allow adults that are fully vaccinated onboard since sailings restarted in late 2020. Offers may be subject to change without notice. "Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be. The major cruise line previously . Unvaccinated adults and vaccine exemptions. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended all passengers and crew get the jab before boarding, said vaccinated passengers can potentially ditch their masks, and waived the need for volunteer test sailings for cruise companies where 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising. The unconfirmed cruise ship rumors that get repeated a lot by cruise fans. Now, just a few days after Virgin Voyages policy change, Royal Caribbean has changed its vaccination rules. These are all the cruise lines that will require COVID-19 vaccinations for guests and crew. In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. Cruises 6 nights or more: All guests aged 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Royal Caribbean cruises that don't require vaccination include sailings that leave from European ports, Los Angeles, Galveston, Tex. Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is finally doing away with its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for adults. Sometimes. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. On top of that, shows in Studio B were only accessible during select hours, as was the case for the gym. "If it happens on the ship you'll be treated exactly the same as you are onshore, and that will protect from this becoming a bigger outbreak.". What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Be sure to have a travellers diarrhoea prevention kit with you for your trip. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? Princess Cruises will also begin welcoming a small amount of unvaccinated adults onboard. In a statement sent to TPG, Royal Caribbean suggested it hoped to eventually make its new "no vaccine required" policy more universal. . Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged). These Cruise Lines Just Dropped Their COVID-19 Testing Rules, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, Canada to Drop All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Oct. 1 What to Know, A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? Call 08082394989. Article. Guests will need to notify the reservations team at time of booking to ensure that they are counted as part of the 10% threshold. Self-administered tests are accepted. "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." Royal Caribbean released a further update to its protocols on Wednesday, which will . Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to take a pre-cruise test on sailings from the U.S . It only took 10s of thousands of lives to be lost for them to do it though. There have been outbreaks on some of the few cruises that have run around the world since the pandemic began. Seabourn Cruise Line Alternatively it says sailings can resume if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated. To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. In many cases inoculations are recommended, but in some circumstances, they are required by the country from which your cruise departs or countries we visit. Royal Caribbean drops the vaccine requirement from select U.S. homeports on departures from September 5, 2022. 2. This will mean 13 of the company's 59 ships are in operation. Other brands like Carnival Cruises and MSC Cruises followed suit with very similar updates to their testing protocols as Royal Caribbean. The first to set sail will be the "Freedom of the Seas . Disney Cruise Line was the first to announce that all guests 5 years and older will now need a vaccination in order to sail after January 13, 2022. One important change to the onboard policies is that Royal Caribbean has removed the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Some countries are only. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. 4 U.S. Virgin Islands. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Florida has sued the CDC to end the agency's sail requirements, and a judge ordered . Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. 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. All Royal Caribbean guests aged 12 and over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in summer 2021, vaccine requirements were in place and remained so until now. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. ", "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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports. 2023 BBC. The NaTHNaC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to the Caribbean and Northern America: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever and rabies. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. 0. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations. Yes (including crew) Read about our approach to external linking. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? In the past few weeks the CDC has laid out detailed instructions on how cruise operators can hold trial runs to test their coronavirus protocols. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? Passports are required to travel to all regions. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Starting with September 5th departures guests regardless of their vaccination status, can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: Vaccination requirements remain in place until further notice for any homeport that is not mentioned above. Your most recent vaccine dose is on this list of EMA-approved vaccines: *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health website. Carnival Cruise Line. Your Passport Health travel health specialist can advise you on the need for antimalarials. The injections were the biggest failure in my lifetime. Puerto. Missing from this list are cruises that visit destinations in The Bahamas or Eastern Caribbean. December 2020: How Covid cruise ships are navigating troubled waters. Many of those who work in the cruise industry are crew who have returned to their homes around the world and sought alternative employment during the pandemic. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay. In many cases inoculations are recommended, but in some circumstances, they are required by the country from which your cruise departs or countries we visit. All Royal Caribbean guests aged 12 and over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Plus Ups are excluded.