Four major cruise lines are dropping their vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, the . The new Florida law can leave businesses like cruise ship lines caught between a rock and a hard place. "We want you to be more comfortable. October 15th or later. What if I am not feeling well in the days leading up to my cruise? Carnival Cruise, Royal Caribbean and more to drop vaccine requirements A Country-by-country Guide, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, Uniworld to Become One of the First River Cruises to Drop Vaccine Requirements next Year, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies and What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip, Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform for One-stop Trip Planning, These Caribbean Destinations Just Dropped the Pre-arrival Testing Requirement for Vaccinated Travelers, eliminated testing for vaccinated passengers, officially ended its pandemic-era program for cruise ships. The CDC has so far approved nine cruise ships, including Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Horizon and MSC Meraviglia from PortMiami, for test cruises, meaning the ships wont meet a CDC threshold of 95% of passengers and 98% of crew be vaccinated, and two ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Equinox from Port Everglades for revenue cruises. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. On Friday, Royal Caribbean announced new seven-night cruises aboard the Adventure of the Seas cruise ship that will depart from Nassau in the Bahamas starting in June. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Essentially, while the CDC set parameters, the cruise lines have been policing themselves for months. "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. As a side note, the ship's Windjammer buffet was not open for dinner during the sailing. Now, its not clear whether the unvaccinated half may be more or less likely to ride cruise ships. "I'm skeptical that's going to change in the real short term. Tauck Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty spoke about the change during an earnings call with investors earlier this year and said the change is a move to be more like other forms of leisure travel, such as theme parks, casinos, or air travel. In the testing area, they were each given an on-site rapid antigen test. Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. Margaritaville at Sea Becomes Latest Cruise Line to Ease Pre-boarding COVID Testing Requirement, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? The announcement is a reversal from previous statements and vaccine protocols the company submitted to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month that said it would require all passengers at least 18 years old and older to be vaccinated. This protocol will go into place starting Aug. 8. You can still get Covid-19 after being fully vaccinated, albeit your chances are much lower compared to those who have not been vaccinated. The industry-wide trend comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially ended its pandemic-era program for cruise ships last month. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is dropping its COVID-19 vaccine On May 26, the cruise line updated its website to say that passengers 16 years old and older on its cruises from Seattle and The Bahamas are required to be vaccinated. Thats what you may see as soon as next month with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic still a public health emergency. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises During one performance, I went to the theater's upper level (where anyone, including unvaccinated passengers, was able to sit) to see what it was like. 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. As Taylor Doven reported for the Miami Herald, Royal Carribean issued a statement on Friday that said, Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. 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. It's easy to remember when you either have to wear them all the time or don't have to wear them at all. Unvaccinated guests will be allowed to use the results of a self-administered test if taken within three days of sailing. As cruises drop vaccine rules, they're seeing 'huge spike' in bookings 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. An attendant who was monitoring the entrance told me they were passengers waiting for their test results. Going forward, the cruise line will make pre-departure. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Royal Caribbean updates COVID protocols, opens more sailings to - WJXT Norwegian, Cunard and more end pre-cruise COVID testing - USA TODAY In order to board these ships, all adults, including the crew, will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. 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. Royal Caribbean extended the suspension of sailings for its global fleet through May 31 (excluding cruises aboard the Quantum, Spectrum, Voyager and Odyssey of the Seas cruise ships) "in order to allow additional time for our return to service preparations," the company said in a statement on March 19. Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing - Travel #CancelCulture. $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. In the past when Royal Caribbean relaxed travel requirements, they've reinforced their ships are still a step ahead of other travel in terms of protocols, "We continue to maintain additional layers of protection that far exceed any other vacation experience. starts on October 1st, and you would be permitted to board the ship on While vaccination is not required for guests under 12, we kindly ask that you fill out their status below. Vaccinated vs. unvaccinated: Two different experiences on Royal Where was one of the first places that SARS-CoV2 outbreaks were being noticed? COVID-19 Vaccine Card Question : r/royalcaribbean - reddit Offers may be subject to change without notice. The recently passed Florida law crafted by the Republican-controlled state Legislature and promoted by Gov. Gee, what could possibly go wrong? "And the number of people who died from COVID who'd sailed on ships over the past year was two," Royal Caribbean Blog reported. Visit the Newsweek VaxFacts website to learn more and to download the HealthGuard browser extension. guests must review and accept the Unfortunately, the announcement didn't come in time for this voyage. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images), Royal Caribbean International has announced. Ron DeSantis maintains a threat of fines under an executive order banning "vaccine passports." Travel agents and guests were notified of the change in policy. What to expect on cruises: 'Vaccinated only' zones to revamped - CNBC American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. A Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line just announced a vaccine 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. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. It is especially important that people with an increased risk of severe illness avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises.". Cruise COVID Testing Rules For Vaccinated, Unvaccinated Travelers - NBC Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know, 21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night. However, passengers on U.S.-based voyages should be aware that protocols are likely to differ by cruise line, ship and departure state. Several people on social media have made calls to boycott cruises with Royal Caribbean after the company announced its new sailings from the Bahamas will require adult guests to be "fully vaccinated against COVID-19" in a statement on Friday. Now, abruptly, the CDC has dropped its voluntary program and has stopped regulating or tracking covid on cruise ships. 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. User @drsimonegold tweeted: "WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. More than 2.7 million people have died worldwide and more than 69.9 million have recovered as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. When I reached the third floor on my way to the gangway, I passed by a small waiting area with several groups of bored-looking people. "Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? A line-by-line guide Ron DeSantis recently signed into law, a ban on "vaccine passports" that would find businesses $5,000 each time they required proof of Covid-19 vaccination to use their services. 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. As part of the Australian Federal and State Government protocols all Guests can take advantage of in-person, telehealth, and self-swab tests. Samantha started at WKMG-TV in September 2020. Since September 2022,all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, were able to cruise on most itineraries, as long as they meet testing requirements to board. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. I saw a couple of crew members nicely ask passengers to pull their masks up over their noses in public spaces (and they complied). What vaccines are required to travel on a cruise? | Royal Caribbean Cruises 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. The US hasn't mandated the COVID vaccine for all eager cruiser goers, but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that cruise lines with 98% of crew and 95% of passengers vaccinated can skip the "simulated voyages" that would otherwise be necessary for cruise lines to resume "restricted passenger voyages" again. Royal Caribbean announced Thursday its no longer requiring vaccinated guests to take a COVID-19 test prior to embarking on cruises six nights or less. Beginning December 1, 2022, the line will waive vaccination requirements for all passengers on Europe and Caribbean itineraries, except where required by local regulations. Royal Caribbean Won't Require Covid-19 Vaccination To Ride U - Forbes Vaccination Form | Royal Caribbean Cruises Over the past few months that program became voluntary and masks went away while other restrictions eased. MAGAs are starting to boycott Royal Caribbean because they are requiring vaccinations for adult passengers and crew members when they start sailing again in June. After 14 days pass, you can get onboard on Day 15. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. About half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, which means plenty of people still have not been vaccinated. Plus Ups are excluded. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. That's likely only partly true because Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and the rest of the industry must also be protective of optics -- they want the easiest, most inclusive rules, but they also want customers to feel safe. Travelers to be Screened for COVID-19. Follow her adventures on Instagram. For more information on protocols specific to your sailing, visitGetting Ready To Cruise. #CancelCulture." Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images), Florida Gov. Reminders going from indoors to outdoors and vice-versa were especially helpful. These new sailings are available for residents of Israel only.". 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. Joe Raedle / Getty . But there is an important difference between wearing a slingshot mankini and being fully vaccinated. In a statement CEO Michael Bayley thanked DeSantis and other elected officials for their support of the industry, which has been paralyzed since it was forced to shut down in March 2020 after COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths on several ships. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. "We want you to be more comfortable walking on board a ship than walking down Main Street," Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean's CEO, told the BBC. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date.. Ron DeSantis bars businesses, schools and government entities across Florida from asking anyone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Cruises from Australia are also not included in this policy change. Prior to this sweeping vaccine mandate, Royal Caribbean had been announcing select "fully vaccinated" cruises. Unfortunately, the announcement didn't come in time for this voyage. 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. What are the pre-cruise testing requirements for my cruise? | Royal Speaking to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said that "vaccinations will be required for the upcoming sailings from [the] Bahamas and St. The post received nearly 100 likes since it was first tweeted. Royal Caribbean to drop COVID-19 testing requirement for some guests Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date.. . Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. When I arrived at the Port of Miami, I had to pass through a checkpoint. Apparently, Dolven is referring to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signing into law a ban on Covid-19 "vaccine passports.". Royal Caribbean won't require U.S. cruise passengers to get vaccinated Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirement for certain cruise ship Those with the vaccine were able to go anywhere onboard, and areas specially allotted for passengers who had their shots had no mask-wearing rules. #BoycottRC." Currently the CDC recommends that "all people avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, because the risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high. On a practical level, the CDC had been tracking serious illness and death and the numbers were very encouraging. No Covid Vaccines Needed To Cruise On Royal Caribbean Ships Silversea also provides complimentary rapid antigen tests for all disembarking passengers. 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. Wristbands were also diligently checked in spaces intended for vaccinated cruisers. 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. For cruises longer than 16 nights self-testing is not accepted for unvaccinated travelers. The graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates countries with the most COVID-19 vaccine doses administered per 100,000 people. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. First and foremost, it's worth noting that. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. There were physical check-in desks, but I checked in using the app, so I headed straight for the area where port workers were scanning digital SetSail Passes. Health, Travel & Risk Acknowledgement. MIAMI Royal Caribbean International will no longer require any of its cruise passengers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as it had previously planned to. CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew and communities going forward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention kept Royal Caribbean (RCL) - Get Free Report, Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) - Get Free Report, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) - Get Free Report and every other cruise line from sailing from ports in the U.S. from March 2020 through July 2021. Charleston. However, the cruise ship company has now done an a boat face, so to speak. box below. For more information, please see here . Mexico Plans on Increasing Protocols for Incoming Tourists, Could This At this time, only the following sailings have COVID-19 vaccination requirements: Guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to sail: Cruises from Australia Learn more about cruising from Australia Transatlantic and Transpacific Sailings Silversea currently requires all guests to have received their second vaccine shot, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, at least two weeks before their sail date. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. Royal Caribbean to require guests be vaccinated on all cruises - WFLA Vaccinated travelers will not be required to get tested for cruises that are 9 nights or less. Bayley noted that the CDC shared some information with him about the "millions" of people who have sailed from U.S. ports over the past 12 months. Florida's ban on vaccination proof requirements complicates U.S. cruise Crew members were also positioned at the entrances to restaurants, the theater and even at the Freestyle soda machines to push the buttons for passengers. COVID-19 Protocols, Listed by Cruise Line | TravelAge West "Finally!!! Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. How do you count the 14 days for full vaccination, exactly? All cruisers -- regardless of vaccination status -- had to wear masks in indoor spaces unless they were explicitly designated for vaccinated cruisers. "Lindblad Expeditions has announced that effective March 1, 2022, all guests 12 years of age and over who completed their primary vaccination series more than 5 months ago, are required to present proof of booster prior to embarkation," the cruise line said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruises loosen coronavirus testing rules Norwegian's moves to loosen pandemic-era protocols follow similar decisions by industry leaders Carnival and Royal. 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. Vaccines must be approved for use by the WHO or U.S. FDA, with the exception of CanSino. Our intention is to comply with all federal, state and local laws, she said via email. Bayley said during the President's Cruise that testing would "be around for another couple of months.". In a press release Friday announcing cruises for sale on eight of its ships from U.S. ports this summer, starting with Freedom of the Seas from PortMiami on July 2, the company said it will recommend passengers get the COVID-19 vaccine, but not require it. An aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida on March 2. Silversea, Azamara, Lindblad, and Viking will require the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose. Covid Vaccine Card: What You Need to Know - The New York Times This insurance would cover the cost of repatriation on a private charter flight and/or medical care if they tested positive during the sailing. sailings.". Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. "Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.". Royal Caribbean no longer requires vaccinated guests to take COVID test When not writing, she enjoys travelling and performing improv comedy. Starting Sept. 5, Royal Caribbean will welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers of all ages, according to the cruise line. The new order outlined detailed guidelines for resuming cruise operations in U.S. waters. What the CDC Decision Means for Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruisers