0. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. The injections were the biggest failure in my lifetime. Now, just a few days after Virgin Voyages policy change, Royal Caribbean has changed its vaccination rules. (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: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada. Royal Caribbean. And so we are making those steps, we feel comfortable that we will be able to continue to crew them in the way we have in the past". Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer. In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. 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. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. The new policy, which was announced as the cruise line detailed summer sailings out of Florida and Texas, will allow unvaccinated passengers to board a Royal Caribbean cruise as long as they "undergo testing and follow other protocols." Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. Find out more: Royal Caribbean International. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America? Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty spoke about the change during an earnings call with investors a few weeks ago and said the change is a move to be more like other forms of leisure travel, such as theme parks, casinos, or air travel. $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. Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more. What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure. Still, other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line allow unvaccinated minors to sail. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. 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. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board. Many have expressed their disappointment with the health protocols as released by the CDC; for vaccinated guests, the cruise experience is as close to normal as weve seen in the last two years. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt. At least one booster is required to sail. 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. Royal Caribbean Updates to Testing Protocols Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer. Guests under 18 years do not require a vaccine but will also need to have a lateral flow test pre-departure. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Crystal Cruises will all require guests 18 and older to be vaccinated before boarding. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. 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. A Country-by-country Guide, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. "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. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is finally doing away with its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for adults. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. 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). Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Starting with September 5thdepartures,all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as theymeet any testing requirementsto board. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online. 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. All ports should have the same right as the ones that were lifted. Your email address will not be published. However, Mr Fain doesn't think he will face any staffing shortages. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. Uniworld to Become One of the First River Cruises to Drop Vaccine Requirements next Year, Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies and What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip, Margaritaville at Sea Becomes Latest Cruise Line to Ease Pre-boarding COVID Testing Requirement, These Cruise Lines Will Require a Booster Shot to Board Starting March 1, Canada Lifts Testing Requirement for Unvaccinated Children, Will I Need a Booster Shot to Travel? Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated. Vaccine requirements remain a touchy issue as some people have chosen not to be vaccinated and that means they cannot cruise. Allowing unvaccinated guests back on at least some ships is a major shift in policy from the last two years. The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government. Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. This allowed the cruise lines to develop their own protocols, instead of it being mandated. 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. The sailings from locations including the Canary Islands, Germany and Singapore have all been "cruises to nowhere", meaning they do not stop at other ports. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, both part of Royal Caribbean Group, will mandate vaccinations for adult guests and crew, with children under 18 required to test negative for the coronavirus . $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK. 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. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. But local rules in some destinations that its ships visit, such as the Caribbean, mean it's not practical to do away with the requirement completely for now. "I didn't like having to do it. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. - Facial coverings onboard are optional. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatn Peninsula. Accepted Tests: Any FDAapproved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. These changes also apply to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. 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. It's why, he says, procedures will be in place to isolate any passengers who show symptoms. Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line. "The combination of the vaccines and testing and contact tracing, all these kinds of protocols really helps us reach our objective, which is to make cruising safer than in your home community". Royal Caribbean's vaccine policies out of U.S. and Caribbean ports are remarkably consistent: For cruises from Seattle, guests who are 16 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated. ", "We've actually surveyed our guests and the vast bulk of the people that have booked our cruises have already been vaccinated, and they're volunteering it, they want it. One important change to the onboard policies is that Royal Caribbean has removed the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships July 18, 2022. At this time,only the following sailings have COVID-19 vaccination requirements: Guestsage12 and older must be fully vaccinated againstCOVID-19in order to sail: Vaccines that are fully approved or authorized for emergency use by theWorld Health Organization (with the exception of CanSino), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), will be accepted by the ports we sail to. 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. Royal Caribbean's announcement follows other cruise lines that have already relaxed their vaccine restrictions recently. 2023 BBC. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self . To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. Royal Caribbean will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all passengers over 16 years old. You received your final dose in your original vaccine series (or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson) no more than 9 months (270 days) ago, or a booster dose. "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.". Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. 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. Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America. Guests can feel free to enjoy the theater, spa, and gym! Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. 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. P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises - along with all cruise lines currently operating right now - have vaccine policies in place that passengers must be aware of. Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. Guests will need to notify the reservations team at time of booking to ensure that they are counted as part of the 10% threshold. Follow her adventures on Instagram. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? "We think it's enough to see us through during these terrible times," says Mr Fain. Vaccines will be needed to get on ships such as Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea, seen here in Miami in March By Jonathan Josephs Business reporter, BBC News One of the world's biggest. Currently. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii. I am glad you brought this up because I had considered that cruise and now I will not. 1 Dominican Republic. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which is the US federal public health agency, has been working closely with the industry to restart sailings. "Most cruise liners operate different brands and I think that even now not all of them will survive. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. The unconfirmed cruise ship rumors that get repeated a lot by cruise fans. She is always looking for the latest and greatest adventures onboard and ashore, enjoys researching top things to do in ports of call, and loves dressing up for formal nights. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. American Queen Voyages is known for its Mississippi River cruises as well as sailings down other U.S. rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers, using classic paddle wheeler ships for a throwback, romantic vibe. 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. 5 The Bahamas. 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 COVID-19. Offers may be subject to change without notice. A spokeswoman for the company, Lyan Sierra-Caro, told The Miami Herald Royal Caribbean International's plans to require vaccinations was only going to be implemented for its "test cruises.". Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. Royal Caribbean remains at 12 years and older currently. In many cases inocul. Previously, certain areas onboard. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. For now, there is no more restriction. NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated. Royal Caribbean requires proof at certain ports, but none in Florida, and this week introduced a requirement complicating trips for the unvaccinated: those passengers must show proof of travel . Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot). Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions,. 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? Here are the pre-arrival testing requirements for the sailings that allow unvaccinated passengers onboard. Unvaccinated people should be allowed to sail out of Florida without feeling pressured. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. What other safety measures are in place: Guests are not required, but requested to test before departing from home (this policy is subject to change as COVID-19 trends change,) as the company states passengers should test to "be a good citizen". What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized. This will mean 13 of the company's 59 ships are in operation. - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. There have been outbreaks on some of the few cruises that have run around the world since the pandemic began. Passport Health is an Outlier business Passport Health es una empresa que pertenece al grupo Outlier Passport Health est une entreprise du groupe Outlier Copyright 2023, This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve functionality and performance.