At the same time, Royal Caribbean has also added new health requirements for upcoming departure ports in and outside the US. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. In the past few weeks the CDC has laid out detailed instructions on how cruise operators can hold trial runs to test their coronavirus protocols. These are all the cruise lines that will require COVID-19 vaccinations for guests and crew. Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. 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: 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. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Self-administered tests are accepted. 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. For European homeports, the cruise line says guests booked on board will be provided full health and safety guidelines 30 days before departure: Royal Caribbean is working closely with local government and health authorities to finalize protocols and requirements designed for the health and safety of our guests sailing from European and Middle Eastern homeports. 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. The cruise line said that it would only "strongly". Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before cruise ship travel. This policy goes into effect acrossNorwegian Cruise Line,Oceania Cruises, andRegent Seven Seas Cruisesfor all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June. On August 8th, NCLH announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols which further align the Company to the broader travel, leisure, and hospitality industry worldwide. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation. 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. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot). sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras, some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas, Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing. Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise news. Vaccines will be needed to get on ships such as Royal Caribbeans Navigator of the Sea, seen here in Miami in March, Royal Caribbean's CEO Richard Fain, wants to "make cruising safer than in your home community", Many unused cruise ships have become attractions, such as Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, A lack of sailings for ships such as Harmony of the Seas has led Royal Caribbean to lose billions during the pandemic, Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Sea had to be restocked by boat in Sydney in April 2020 after Australia refused permission to dock, Carnival Cruise boss banks on safety measures, Australian officials skipped health checks on ship, How the UK's ghost cruise ships became a summer hit, Pandemic limbo angers crew on 'nightmare' cruises, The 'last cruise ship on Earth' finally comes home, type of documents the airline industry is calling for, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Biden had skin cancer lesion removed - White House, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant. 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. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. Royal Caribbean senses financial improvements are on the horizon. 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. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. Travelling to Another Destination? Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board. Some countries are only. "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." Check here before booking an award fare. The travel company announced on Friday that an additional six ships will resume trips from US ports in Florida and Texas starting in July and August. In a statement sent to TPG, Royal Caribbean suggested it hoped to eventually make its new "no vaccine required" policy more universal. Still, other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line allow unvaccinated minors to sail. Royal Caribbean reversed course on its vaccine policy last week, making the jab optional for most of its cruises after the company initially planned to require it. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. 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. Mr Fain concedes more cases could occur on cruise ships as things open up. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay. It stopped them in March last year after deadly outbreaks on ships such as the Grand Princess and the Diamond Princess made international headlines. 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. Celebrity kept its vaccine requirement for sailings from Florida and a number of other places. (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. 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. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Apr 12, 2022 10:20 AM EDT. 0. the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. 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. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . Currently. You can watch Richard Fain's full interview on "Talking Business with Aaron Heslehurst" this weekend on BBC World News at Saturday 23:30 GMT, Sunday 05:30 and 16:30 GMT, Monday 06:30 GMT and 10:30 GMT and Tuesday at 12:30 GMT. To be considered fully vaccinated by the countries we visit: A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. 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. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. Caribbean. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Puerto. 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. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. 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. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to take a pre-cruise test on sailings from the U.S . Planning a cruise? Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. $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. There have been outbreaks on some of the few cruises that have run around the world since the pandemic began. Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Guests who are eligible must have a booster. Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully 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. All guests will need to undergo a rapid test, administered at the terminal, prior to boarding. 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. . Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. In a statement, it said it was working towards "the prospective resumption of passenger operations in the United States by mid-summer". The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be . 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. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean, "We are collaborating with local governments throughout the Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for additional itineraries," Royal Caribbean said in the statement. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider. ", "This means that we're transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations. The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. Cruising is a global industry that, before the pandemic, was worth $150bn and supported about 1.2 million jobs. The vaccine does not protect you from getting Covid. Guests that have received a booster dose will qualify regardless of the amount of time that has passed since receiving their booster. 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. "Actually that's a very important part of cruising , the opportunity to go other places". For passengers sailing from Canada and Bermuda, all passengers over 12 must be vaccinated. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. 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". All ports should have the same right as the ones that were lifted. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Home Cruise Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. 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. An exception to the new policy is those boarding a ship to Alaska where the cruise line will still require guests 16 and older to be vaccinated, and 12 and older starting Aug. 1. 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. The twin announcements came just two days after Norwegian Cruise Line and sister lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises became the first major cruise brands to announce an end to their COVID-19 vaccination requirements. What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. 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. The Company does note that requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Travellers diarrhoea can affect travellers to any region. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatn Peninsula. In many cases inocul. Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece. Mr Fain is hopeful that customers will be encouraged to return soon by a range of new safety measures, including reduced capacity, social distancing and enhanced cleaning processes. - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. 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. 2 Aruba. Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. 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. Royal Caribbean reverses, won't require passengers on U.S. cruises to be vaccinated By Taylor Dolven Updated June 07, 2021 10:35 AM Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas is docked at. Mailbag: Why can't cruise ships sail from other countries instead? Find out more: Royal Caribbean International. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! However, Mr Fain doesn't think he will face any staffing shortages. All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, and tested regularly. "Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible," said Royal Caribbean's news release. 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. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. Royal Caribbean says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first. Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more. Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Even those who have gone and found other jobs, say: 'Oh, I'm really happy, I can go back on board.' | 2043026. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. The new protocols are in line with the voluntary program from the CDC, which includes testing requirements, vaccination requirements, and mask requirements. But there's a catch. 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. Seabourn Cruise Line All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. The three latter brands said their new no-vaccine-required policies were fleetwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended all passengers and crew get the jab before boarding, said vaccinated passengers can potentially ditch their masks, and waived the need for volunteer test sailings for cruise companies where 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. "Ports around the world are opening up and opening up very quickly. 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. Cruises 6 nights or more: All guests aged 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. 5 The Bahamas. However, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas cruises, was the first to update its vaccination requirements in addition to testing requirements. Mr Fain doesn't think that getting the industry fully up and running depends on the type of documents the airline industry is calling for. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! Dengue, Zika and malaria are found in various parts of the region. Royal Caribbean cruises launching from Nassau, Bahamas, and Bermuda this summer will require vaccinations for passengers 18 and over. The world's largest cruise line late Wednesday said it was eliminating the requirement only for some of the itineraries it offers around the world. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. But I was impressed at how quickly we're able to do it given a terrible market and a company with zero revenue.". Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe. 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. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. 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. What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. December 2020: How Covid cruise ships are navigating troubled waters. 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, The CDC Will No Longer Report COVID-19 Cases on Cruises to the Public, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will No Longer Require Face Masks, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform for One-stop Trip Planning, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will Require Passengers to Wear Masks Indoors Due to Rising Onboard Cases. Enrollment required. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which is the US federal public health agency, has been working closely with the industry to restart sailings. Previously, certain areas onboard. Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising. 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". Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line. On This Page: Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. 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. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states' bans. But their announcements, too, came with an asterisk: The lines said COVID-19 vaccines still will be required for cruises in some places where local regulations call for one. 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. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated. 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. 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 published updates to its testing requirements, NCLH announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols, vaccination requirements for certain cruises, Carnival Processes 1M Guests Utilizing VeriFLY Digital Travel App, Carnival Further Updates Testing and Vaccine Requirements, Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruises Due to Omicron, Royal Caribbean Group Cancels Most June Cruises, 31 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips Every Cruiser Needs to Know, Complete Guide to Princess Cruises Drink Packages, Complete Guide to Drink Packages on Celebrity Cruises (2023), Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Guide (2023), Everything You Need to Know About Norwegian's Free at Sea in 2023, Complete Guide to Drink Packages on Carnival (2023). Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on the countries they have recently visited. 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 . 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. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government. Please note, currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman. What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. 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. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. It's why, he says, procedures will be in place to isolate any passengers who show symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. A Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line just announced a vaccine requirement. Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, unvaccinated passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted. Anytime there are mandates, run the opposite direction, it was medical tyranny, a sad low point in humanity. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. In many cases inoculations are recommended, but in some circumstances, they are required by the country from which your cruise departs or countries we visit. 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 . "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. What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. The injections were the biggest failure in my lifetime. "Its important that all of our guests enjoy their experience at any destination while also meeting local measures.". 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 requirement but there's a catch, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers.
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