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. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? 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. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America. Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship. Royal Caribbean announces cruises with no vaccine requirement - The 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. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. 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. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. The Miami-based brand said that effective Sept. 5, COVID-19 vaccines no longer would be required for sailings out of ports in California, Louisiana and Texas, as well as sailings from all ports in Europe. 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. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. "Actually that's a very important part of cruising , the opportunity to go other places". 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. 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. "Ports around the world are opening up and opening up very quickly. Eastern Caribbean (5 nights) | 14 Dec 2024 | Voyager of the Seas 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. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. 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. Now that they dropped them, we can do business again. Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Your Passport Health travel health specialist can advise you on the need for antimalarials. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. In a statement, Royal Caribbean said that while all crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19, guests are "strongly . Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Major Cruise Line Drops Vaccine Requirement From U.S. Ports Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. 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. 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. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. 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. "Most cruise liners operate different brands and I think that even now not all of them will survive. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean skirt CDC to get Americans sailing Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July. You will need to register to receive the test. Check here before booking an award fare. Travelling to Another Destination? In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay. 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. Where they sail: Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. 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. Your email address will not be published. royal caribbean alaska cruise vaccine requirements Alaska cruises Dengue, Zika and malaria are found in various parts of the region. Florida has sued the CDC to end the agency's sail requirements, and a judge ordered . 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. On top of that, shows in Studio B were only accessible during select hours, as was the case for the gym. 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". Passports are required to travel to all regions. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? Mr Fain concedes more cases could occur on cruise ships as things open up. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June. But I was impressed at how quickly we're able to do it given a terrible market and a company with zero revenue.". Vaccine requirements remain a touchy issue as some people have chosen not to be vaccinated and that means they cannot cruise. . Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. Thisincludes 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.". Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Most cases are in the Caribbean but some infections can be found in the Southern United States. Celebrity kept its vaccine requirement for sailings from Florida and a number of other places. 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. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Shame on them for the coercion, breaking our Nuremberg treaty for experimentation and for ruining the lives of many. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. The vaccine does not protect you from getting Covid. Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe. 2. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." 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. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? 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. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. Royal Caribbean Won't Require Florida Passengers To Get Vaccine All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents). What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. Now, just a few days after Virgin Voyages policy change, Royal Caribbean has changed its vaccination rules. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. $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. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. 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. Please note, currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. By continuing to browse this site, you are consenting to the use of cookies illustrated in our, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. Cruising is a global industry that, before the pandemic, was . Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions. Royal Caribbean Shares Huge News on Covid Testing, Vaccine Rules That is key to remember. See the below table for more information: Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page. 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. 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. "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.". 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. To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. Outside of the CDC's remit, sailings from several Caribbean islands, Greece and within UK waters are due to put the new safety protocols through a sterner examination in the next few weeks. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide proof of vaccination at . 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? Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. . See our What Vaccines section to learn more. the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. One important change to the onboard policies is that Royal Caribbean has removed the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas. It has also meant raising more than $12bn from investors to keep the company going. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? One of the world's biggest cruise companies says coronavirus vaccinations will be needed to get on its ships. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. Vaccines Will Now Be Optional on Most Royal Caribbean Cruises - Travel More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers - Leisure The new protocols are in line with the voluntary program from the CDC, which includes testing requirements, vaccination requirements, and mask requirements. Vaccination and Testing Requirements - Princess Cruises Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Royal Caribbean to require proof of vaccination on cruises from Florida Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece. What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. 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. Royal Caribbean Faces Boycott Calls as Only Vaccinated - Newsweek What other safety measures are in place: Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Caribbean travel restrictions: What 5 islands require - Washington Post While it may not seem like much, the current health requirements are an essential step forward to bring cruising back to normal. Enrollment required. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Vaccination and Testing Requirements. Arriving people who test positive must quarantine for 10 days. "We think it's enough to see us through during these terrible times," says Mr Fain. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in summer 2021, vaccine requirements were in place and remained so until now. These Cruise Lines Are Ending Vaccine Requirements Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. COVID-19 Travel / Entry Requirements: All Resorts | Sandals Royal app says vaccination needed . - Royal Caribbean International