On a practical level, the CDC had been tracking serious illness and death and the numbers were very encouraging. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and more to drop vaccination requirements for select sailings. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. That's why precruise testing is likely to go away but the vaccination requirement for all passengers ages 12 and over will remain. At this checkpoint, an agent told me that if I wanted to present a vaccine card, that was the time to do so. 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. 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. 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. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. 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. regardless of vaccination status, can cruise on the . Richard Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean, told . Why the change in Royal Caribbean policy? An attendant who was monitoring the entrance told me they were passengers waiting for their test results. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival cruise lines are easing their pandemic-era protocol by allowing unvaccinated travelers on more sailings, as well as accepting at-home COVID-19 tests. Fully vaccinated guests and guests ages 11 and younger are exempt. Thats Royal Caribbean recommends guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against Covid19. Staff would later identify these passengers by holes punched in their SeaPass cards. The CDC has dropped its voluntary program to monitor cruise ships. Who else is with me? Does Royal Caribbean accept a photo of the vaccine card as proof? The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be . box below. Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. Over the past few months that program became voluntary and masks went away while other restrictions eased. 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. 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. That has worked to keepcovid under control. Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions, but . 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. if you received your final dose on October 1st, your 14 day countdown Image source: Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. 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. 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. Apparently, Dolven is referring to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signing into law a ban on Covid-19 "vaccine passports.". 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. Visitors must still fill out a health screening form prior to arrival. Of course, nothing is foolproof: Royal Caribbean recently canceled the first sailings of its newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, after eight crew members tested positive for Covid; six were. Silversea, Azamara, Lindblad, and Viking will require the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose. The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas (left) prepares to set sail from PortMiami during the first U.S. trial cruise testing Covid-19 protocols on June 20, 2021 in Miami. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean International on Friday announced plans to bring back six more ships including some of its largest for U.S. sailings starting July 2. Without very high vaccination rates among passengers and crew members, it can be difficult for a cruise ship to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) once the virus has made it on board. $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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Strongly recommended is certainly different from required. 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. About half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, which means plenty of people still have not been vaccinated. Royal Caribbean International will no longer require its cruise passengers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as it had previously planned to. Thats what you may see as soon as next month with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic still a public health emergency. For more information, please see here . Day 1. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. The about-face is an apparent submission to Gov. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. On CocoCay, everyone was allowed to go ashore on their own and no masks were required. guests must review and accept the When I arrived at the Port of Miami, I had to pass through a checkpoint. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival cruise lines are easing their pandemic-era protocol by allowing unvaccinated travelers on more sailings, as well as accepting at-home COVID-19 tests for boarding. While vaccination is not required, they kindly ask passengers to disclose their vaccine status during check-in. *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. Vaccines must be approved for use by the WHO or U.S. FDA, with the exception of CanSino. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images), Florida Gov. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Hmm in my country there are no physical vaccination cards. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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. 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 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. 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. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. ", Odyssey of the Seas: "May 9 to October 28, 2021 sailings departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.". 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. 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? Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Eager cruisers looking to resume sailing with Royal Caribbean will now have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to updated guidance from the major cruise line. It can be professionally proctored at your doctor or drugstore, or it can be a test you administer to yourself at home without supervision. 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). Previously, certain areas onboard. A blank Covid-19 vaccination record card; a filled-in version has become many people's prized possession. Royal Caribbean Cruises 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. For non-U.S. guests, the line will also accept Astra-Zeneca.". Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Beginning December 1, 2022, the line will waive vaccination requirements for all passengers on Europe and Caribbean itineraries, except where required by local regulations. People still get covid, as do crew members, but only two people have died, and very few have gotten seriously ill. Travel agents and guests were notified of the change in policy. Passengers also had to select specific check-in times for embarkation day, ensuring that crowds stayed thin at the terminal during the boarding process. 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. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Ron DeSantis maintains a threat of fines under an executive order banning "vaccine passports." Related: Cruise hack: 6 ways to turn a voyage on a mass-market ship into a luxury experience. Cov. Cruise officials said any cruise guests departing before then must adhere to the current protocols in place, which differ depending on where you are leaving from. 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. It felt normal in many ways, but compared to two other recent cruises I took, it was a bit more controlled. -10. As part of the Australian Federal and State Government protocols all Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Airplanes, theme parks, casinos, and hotels no longer require any such Covid protocols and have not had any requirements for months. Business reporter, BBC News. Royal Caribbean has updated its COVID-19 protocols to allow more people to sail on their ships, according to the RoyalCaribbeanblog. Essentially, while the CDC set parameters, the cruise lines have been policing themselves for months. 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. 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. "Guests . Royal Caribbean cruises are back but vaccinations will be optional. This protocol will go into place starting Aug. 8. 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 updated its healthy sail protocols. The new order outlined detailed guidelines for resuming cruise operations in U.S. waters. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. starts on October 1st, and you would be permitted to board the ship on Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. | Trust Index: Do COVID booster shots make you more susceptible to the virus? 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. "And the number of people who died from COVID who'd sailed on ships over the past year was two," Royal Caribbean Blog reported. "I'm skeptical that's going to change in the real short term. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Royal Caribbean Internationals 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 Caribbean cruises that are restarting from Port Everglades on June 26. Overall, the sailing was pleasant and it was great to be back on board a sailing from Florida. 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. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from . Several cruise lines are continuing to ease pandemic-era protocols by allowing passengers to self-administer COVID-19 tests. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. 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. 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. Prior to this change, unvaccinated guests had to take a Covid-19 test before their cruise. Under the voluntary program, the CDC had been tracking covid levels on ships, assigning color levels based on positive tests and exposures. I will not do business with anyone requiring a vaccine," in a post that received over 130 likes since it was first shared. It's easy to remember when you either have to wear them all the time or don't have to wear them at all. Unfortunately, the announcement didn't come in time for this voyage. 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. From there, I went to the second floor to check in. 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. 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. Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, businesses can be fined up to $5,000 per violation. Starting July 2, Royal Caribbean ships will not be requiring passengers to have covid vaccines for sailings from the U.S. Feel free to visitourFAQsfor full details on vaccination requirements. If you are sailing on a cruise that departs on or before April 30, 2023, you will receive: 100% cruise fare refund for you and your Travelling Party, if any of you test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days prior to the cruise or at the terminal. Unfortunately, the announcement didn't come in time for this voyage. 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. 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. That means, as of July 1, the Florida state government could . Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. Rather, we focus on discussions related to local stories by our own staff. This includes unsupervised testing. Each person sailing was required to download the Royal Caribbean app. Then I was allowed to proceed to the check-in area. . Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Action Alerts PLUS is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. Unvaccinated guests will be allowed to use the results of a self-administered test if taken within three days of sailing. I showed mine, and the agent gave me a purple rubber bracelet to wear. Read more: Carnival 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. But there is an important difference between wearing a slingshot mankini and being fully vaccinated. Many and most of the destinations that we visit require a high degree of vaccination, and they expect our crew to be vaccinated.". 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. "We want you to be more comfortable walking onboard a ship than walking down Main Street.". The major cruise line previously mandated the covid vaccine for crew members only. The company had originally required guests 18 years and older to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination to board their ships. All rights reserved. Maarten.". I noticed that the areas reserved for vaccinated passengers were rarely, if ever, crowded. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. I am a writer, journalist, professor, systems modeler, computational and digital health expert, avocado-eater, and entrepreneur, not always in that order. #BoycottRC pic.twitter.com/5xSNzyz0It. ", Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. The tweet received at least 145 likes since it was first posted. sailings.". Get ready for cruise ships carrying people who are not vaccinated against Covid-19. User @joanwetz agreed with the boycott, noting: "I am. This voyage included calls on Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island, in the Bahamas. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Symphony of the Seas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed, voluntary COVID-19 reporting program for cruise ships. Gee, what could possibly go wrong? The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions,. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Apr 12, 2022 10:20 AM EDT. Travelers are also required to take a COVID-19 antigen test at the terminal before boarding. 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. Its not great PR to be known as that place where the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak occurred, unless you are specifically running a cruise for viruses who want to have a nice human buffet available. - As of the winter 2022 Caribbean and Central America season, Star Clippers no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations for passengers. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. 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. But all the major cruise lines that sailed from the U.S. opted into the CDC program. Similarly, passengers 18 years old or older sailing from other international ports will also have to be fully vaccinated. Please review this document and acknowledge acceptance via the tick Ron DeSantis bars businesses, schools and government entities across Florida from asking anyone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Time is running out on free COVID tests and vaccines; what then. The new protocols will not apply to cruises that visit Bermuda or Canada where testing and vaccine rules will still apply. This app allowed us to check in for the voyage, set up an onboard account, fill out a pre-boarding health questionnaire and complete the e-muster drill (which replaces traditional muster drills where people gather in large groups).
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