Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. 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. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to test on U.S. cruises 10 nights or longer beginning Sept. 5, according to its website. Royal Caribbean remains at 12 years and older currently. They'll still be required for most passengers on sailings out of all other U.S. states including Florida, where the line has many of its biggest hubs, and several other countries. All rights reserved. For those ages 11 and under, a COVID-19 PCR test is required depending on the duration of the trip. 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 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. "They're really anxious to come back. 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. 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. I wish they had cruises where no one was injected. 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. The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government. 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. Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which is the US federal public health agency, has been working closely with the industry to restart sailings. The cruise line said that it would only "strongly". The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Richard Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean, told the BBC "we expect all of our guests who are eligible for a vaccine to have it". Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. 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. The vaccine does not protect you from getting Covid. Accepted Tests: Any FDAapproved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement. 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. Like what you see? Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. The mega cruise line has recently been dabbling with vaccine mandates. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. What Vaccines Are Acceptable: Royal accepts a mixed vaccination series consisting of doses from different manufacturers, as long as it meets the following requirements: Must consist of at least . Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old (Pfizer's . The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel. Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . 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. To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. 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. Until now, Royal Caribbean only has allowed unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 on its ships and only in limited numbers. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. 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. Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. This means that Royal Caribbean has now also removed the need for a bracelet to indicate the vaccination status. 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. Unvaccinated adults and vaccine exemptions. . 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? The lack of sailings means Royal Caribbean, which has about a 25% share of the global cruise market, has lost more than $6.8bn since the pandemic began. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Brittany Chang. What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions,. 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. - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. 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. Royal Caribbean informs guests of updated protocols including the elimination of venue access depending on vaccination status. This will mean 13 of the company's 59 ships are in operation. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. Your email address will not be published. Enrollment required. (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. What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Celebrity kept its vaccine requirement for sailings from Florida and a number of other places. Passports are required to travel to all regions. 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. 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. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. The CDC still makes recommendations to the lines, but ultimately, cruise lines craft protocols as they see fit, similar to other forms of leisure travel. That seems unlikely to change anytime soon given the destinations. . Apr 12, 2022 10:20 AM EDT. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols would be required for unvaccinated guests. 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. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. If not, just leave blank, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirement for certain cruise ship sailings, ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships, Where Royal Caribbean cruising is right now - December 2020, Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks about how health panel will lead to cruises resuming, Royal Caribbean will not qualify for bailout under US stimulus package, 5 things Royal Caribbean has done to boost bookings since cruises shutdown. Check here before booking an award fare. Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Previously, certain areas onboard were not accessible for guests who had not been fully vaccinated. A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. "We are working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. $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. "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada. "Its important that all of our guests enjoy their experience at any destination while also meeting local measures.". They never prevented transmission or infection. $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. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. The new protocols are in line with the voluntary program from the CDC, which includes testing requirements, vaccination requirements, and mask requirements. Puerto. Royal Caribbean is requiring vaccination for travelers ages 12 and over. Monique Giese, who tracks the shipping industry for the consultancy KPMG says it's important for the industry that cruise ships do get back to sea this summer, particularly before the good weather disappears in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. "Unvaccinated guests will be required to take one test within 3 days of departure . You will need to register to receive the test. 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. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? The new updates ensure the cruise line has its protocols aligned with those specified by the CDC in the Voluntary Program for Cruise Ships, with some changes from the cruise line itself. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. Royal Caribbean's announcement follows other cruise lines that have already relaxed their vaccine restrictions recently. CDC . On July 2, Royal Caribbean plans to sail from Miami on the Freedom of the Seas to its private island, CocoCay. The injections were the biggest failure in my lifetime. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. 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". The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July. A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Travel + Leisure. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding. Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt. I am glad you brought this up because I had considered that cruise and now I will not. 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. 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". Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions. He doesn't think that there are security issues around the paper documents issued to show vaccines have been given in countries such as the US and UK. Earlier this year, several states including Florida and Texas banned the concept of vaccine passports, directly affecting some cruise lines that mandated vaccines, including Norwegian Cruise Line. Princess said it will allow up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without exemptions or vaccine status justification. Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. Guests can feel free to enjoy the theater, spa, and gym! By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. On top of that, shows in Studio B were only accessible during select hours, as was the case for the gym. 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. 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. Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All ports should have the same right as the ones that were lifted. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced it would end its vaccine requirement. Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status. 2023 BBC. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Alternatively it says sailings can resume if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated. 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. ", Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination. To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Vaccines have increasingly become a political flashpoint in recent months. Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. For now, there is no more restriction. Learn more. 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. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged). Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols. Even those who have gone and found other jobs, say: 'Oh, I'm really happy, I can go back on board.' Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. Celebrity Cruises will also allow unvaccinated cruisers onboard. The major cruise line previously . For the Galapagos. 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. The cruise states they will not visit any destinations where vaccine rates are low. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. In many cases inocul. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure. 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 . Offers may be subject to change without notice. Royal Caribbean says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line. Please note, guests who are not up to date on their vaccination per EMA standards will need to take a test onboard in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Plus Ups are excluded. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on the countries they have recently visited. Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. At the same time, Royal Caribbean has also added new health requirements for upcoming departure ports in and outside the US. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Planning a cruise? At least one booster is required to sail. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify). Where they sail: Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. In many cases inocul. 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. 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. "Most cruise liners operate different brands and I think that even now not all of them will survive. Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages! has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Be sure to take precautions with mosquito repellents and netting. Call 08082394989. "There will be cases of Covid-19 on board ships, just as there are cases of Covid-19 onshore". Royal Caribbean drops the vaccine requirement from select U.S. homeports on departures from September 5, 2022. Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more. Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. In another caveat, passengers on Europe sailings who aren't up to date on a COVID-19 vaccine series per European standards will need to take a COVID-19 test on board in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain. Royal Caribbean senses financial improvements are on the horizon. Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in summer 2021, vaccine requirements were in place and remained so until now. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. In addition, even for the itineraries out of Texas and Louisiana for which vaccines no longer will be required, passengers will need to show proof of vaccination if they plan to get off the ship in Grand Cayman a common stop on sailings from those states.