Lindblad, Silversea, Azamara cruise lines will require the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose for those eligible starting March 1. Prior to this change, unvaccinated guests had to take a Covid-19 test before their cruise. I saw a couple of crew members nicely ask passengers to pull their masks up over their noses in public spaces (and they complied). Lindblad, Silversea, Azamara cruise lines will require the additional COVID-19 vaccine dose for those eligible starting March 1. "Guests . 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. In order to board these ships, all adults, including the crew, will be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Royal Caribbean. "Effective November 2, 2022, all travelers on U.S. sailings regardless of vaccination status will no longer require pre-departure testing (excludes sailings to Colombia, Haiti, & Honduras)." In a press release Friday announcing . The cruise line Royal Caribbean is requiring passengers and crew members 16 or older . User @FunTimeFred1 wrote: "I'm 100% with you, Simone Any company that make this a requirement will go bust," in a reply to the message by @drsimonegold. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from . ", "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.". This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Plus Ups are excluded. Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. Instead, Odyssey will begin her inaugural season out of a new homeport, Haifa, Israel from June to October 2021. Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. User @drsimonegold tweeted: "WOW: @RoyalCaribbean cruises is now requiring you to get an experimental vaccine to book a cruise with them. 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. Staff would later identify these passengers by holes punched in their SeaPass cards. 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. Plus, while the Covid-19 vaccine does offer strong protection against Covid-19, it is not like a concrete full body condom (which, by the way, is not great to wear during sex.) See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Strongly recommended is certainly different from required. User @joanwetz agreed with the boycott, noting: "I am. When you strongly recommend that proper clothing be worn to a business meeting, technically that slingshot mankini is still fair game. Wristbands were also diligently checked in spaces intended for vaccinated cruisers. Passengers also had to select specific check-in times for embarkation day, ensuring that crowds stayed thin at the terminal during the boarding process. If youre planning to sail on a Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral, youre more than likely making a stop at Disneys private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Who else is with me? | Become a News 6 Insider (its free!)]. Here, I'll explain how various facets of the sailing look for both vaccinated and unvaccinated cruisers. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: . Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. The new order outlined detailed guidelines for resuming cruise operations in U.S. waters. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The Royal Caribbean cruise line plans to drop its COVID-19 testing requirement for some guests starting on Aug. 8, according to a statement on its website. Silversea also provides complimentary rapid antigen tests for all disembarking passengers. The cruise line said that it would only "strongly". 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. How do you count the 14 days for full vaccination, exactly? Requiring passengers to be fully vaccinated would be one of the best ways of preventing an outbreak. For more information on protocols specific to your sailing, visitGetting Ready To Cruise. Royal Caribbean Cruises If your Royal Caribbean cruise visits Labadee, Roatan, or somewhere in Colombia, then unvaccinated will still need to test. 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. It's easy to remember when you either have to wear them all the time or don't have to wear them at all. Starting Sept. 5, Royal Caribbean will welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers of all ages, according to the cruise line. 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. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. Prior to this sweeping vaccine mandate, Royal Caribbean had been announcing select "fully vaccinated" cruises. . This includes unsupervised testing. Adventure of the Seas: "June 5 to October 14, 2021: Instead of offering sailings from Barcelona, Spain, Adventure of the Seas will now offer sailings from Nassau, Bahamas beginning June 2021," the company said. Further, the onboard mask rules were confusing. In a statement, Royal Caribbean said that while all crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19, guests are "strongly . Who else is with me? NOW WATCH: This is what it takes to be a cruise ship performer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a "No Sail Order" for cruise ships from March 14, 2020, as the national health body had "reason to believe that cruise ship travel may continue to introduce, transmit, or spread COVID-19.". While vaccination is not required for guests under 12, we kindly ask that you fill out their status below. Does that mean covid-testing requirements and vaccine mandates will be dropped? But keeping track of which places were which on this voyage made my head spin. Royal Caribbean Shares Huge News on Covid Testing, Vaccine Rules President Michael Bayley gave some straight answers on pre-cruise covid testing and potentially dropping vaccine. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Day 1. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Symphony of the Seas (WPLG) Royal Caribbean announced Thursday it's no longer requiring vaccinated guests to take a COVID-19 test prior to embarking on. updated guidance from the major cruise line. 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. The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas (left) prepares to set sail from PortMiami during the first U.S. trial cruise testing Covid-19 protocols on June 20, 2021 in Miami. 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. Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions, but . There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. One of the world's biggest cruise companies says coronavirus vaccinations will be needed to get on its ships. The SARS-CoV2 is still actively spreading in the U.S. and throughout different parts of the world. Offers may be subject to change without notice. I will be boycotting the company instead. Azamara will require all vaccinated guests to show proof they have received a booster in March. The company said all crew members will be vaccinated. 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. 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. Under the voluntary program, the CDC had been tracking covid levels on ships, assigning color levels based on positive tests and exposures. This will continue to evolve as new research and technology becomes available," the spokesperson added. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Speaking to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said that "vaccinations will be required for the upcoming sailings from [the] Bahamas and St. These new sailings are available for residents of Israel only.". The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. Royal Caribbean Internationals sister brand Celebrity Cruises (both owned by Royal Caribbean Group) is still requiring all passengers 16 years old or older be vaccinated on its seven-night Caribbean cruises that are restarting from Port Everglades on June 26. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in 2021, Covid-19 protocols were a major component to the onboard experience. That's because testing two days before is at best imperfect and it may not have done much to stop covid from spreading. Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to begin sailing six of its cruise ships out of southern U.S. ports this July and August. Unvaccinated travelers can join us for almost all U.S. Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status. Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. regardless of vaccination status, can cruise on the . Vaccines, however, have clearly helped limit the number of severe cases onboard, and showing vaccination cards is a much smaller ask of passengers than requiring them to get tested no more than two days before their cruises. But against the context of everything we've seen, [that's] truly been a remarkable success.". Rather, we focus on discussions related to local stories by our own staff. Guests can take advantage of in-person, telehealth, and self-swab tests. 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. 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.. So, is the Florida government essentially not allowing businesses to do something that would help keep their customers and staff safer? TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Royal Caribbean clarified its vaccine policy this week, stating that it will require certain guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on cruises departing. (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. All cruisers -- regardless of vaccination status -- had to wear masks in indoor spaces unless they were explicitly designated for vaccinated cruisers. decision to sail less than 95% vaccinated, areas and services unvaccinated passengers can access, Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? Read more: Carnival and Royal Caribbean salaries revealed: From $32,000 to $383,000, here's how much the cruise industry's power players pay some of their employees. Several cruise lines including Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages have already mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for its guests, crew, or both. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Guests under the age of 12 do not have any testing requirements. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to take a pre-cruise test on sailings from the U.S . Visit the Newsweek VaxFacts website to learn more and to download the HealthGuard browser extension. Airplanes, theme parks, casinos, and hotels no longer require any such Covid protocols and have not had any requirements for months. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Enrollment required. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. Viking Cruises already has the booster requirement in place. The answer rhymes with Tom Cruise lips, kangaroos hips, and too much booze slips. Yes, cruise ships, as Victoria Forster described for Forbes in March 2020. Tauck The about-face is an apparent submission to Gov. 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 . 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. 2023 TheStreet, Inc. All rights reserved. The recently passed Florida law crafted by the Republican-controlled state Legislature and promoted by Gov. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The order was most recently extended on September 30 last year but on October 30, "a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order" was issued by the CDC. That was about three weeks ago (June 28) and the CDC ruling suggests that the testing requirement could change in August, but almost certainly will by September. The initial phase requires crew screening to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 among all crew members currently on cruise ships in U.S. waters," the health body advises. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises will allow unvaccinated travelers starting Sept. 5 on all cruises that depart from a U.S. or European port, excluding cruises that visit Canada, according to the company. All of this have prompted a fair number of tweets to use the words petri dish. For example: Think back to February 2020 right before the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak officially became a pandemic. 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. Royal Caribbean recommends guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against Covid19. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 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. For non-U.S. guests, the line will also accept Astra-Zeneca.". Royal Caribbean up for a skirmish with Florida, arnival and Royal Caribbean salaries revealed: From $32,000 to $383,000, here's how much the cruise industry's power players pay some of their employees, announcing select "fully vaccinated" cruises, resulted in boycott demands in late March across Facebook and Twitter. I will be boycotting the company instead. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. News 6 is Getting Results. Unvaccinated travelers (who are 5 and older on most U.S. sailings and 12 and older on select European sailings) will be required to get tested within three days of boarding. 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. Over the past few months that program became voluntary and masks went away while other restrictions eased. - Only non-vaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test (an antigen test taken within 48 hours or a PCR test taken within 72 hours) to board. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. - As of the winter 2022 Caribbean and Central America season, Star Clippers no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations for passengers. 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. Cov. Cruise officials said any cruise guests departing before then must adhere to the current protocols in place, which differ depending on where you are leaving from. Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley shared some numbers the CDC had given to him, during his remarks to passengers on the 2022 President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean Blog first reported. 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. 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. In late June, the Royal Caribbean cruise line will, be allowed to operate test cruises out of South Florida after receiving approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 recommends guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against Covid19. Several luxury cruise lines are implementing new vaccine protocols, each requiring guests to show proof of having received a booster shot to board. However, the cruise ship company has now done an a boat face, so to speak. Under the current voluntary CDC guidelines, 95% of passengers must be vaccinated. sailings.". Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . The Miami Herald reported that Royal Caribbean International previously planned to only allow vaccinated passengers onto its ships, but announced in a Friday press release that they were. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. Why the change in Royal Caribbean policy? In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. Fully vaccinated guests and guests ages 11 and younger are exempt. "We have followed the science and used our learnings about COVID-19 to develop comprehensive health and safety protocols to make cruising safer by preventing and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases, in general, and of COVID-19, in particular. 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. The graphic below, produced by Statista, illustrates the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. Newsweek, in partnership with NewsGuard, is dedicated to providing accurate and verifiable vaccine and health information. Each person sailing was required to download the Royal Caribbean app. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Or do we need the physical card? The cruises will depart from Bermuda and the Bahamas, and adult passengers must be. The announcement of these select vaccinated cruises later resulted in boycott demands in late March across Facebook and Twitter. Starting Thursday, Carnival Cruise Line announced, fully vaccinated passengers will not need to take a test before boarding if the trip is . Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Symphony of the Seas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed, voluntary COVID-19 reporting program for cruise ships. "The combination of the vaccines and testing and contact tracing, all these kinds of protocols really helps us reach our objective, which is to make cruising safer than in your home community," Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean's CEO, told the BBC. As on most ships these days, there were also Purell hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrances to all restaurants, bars, lounges and other public areas, as well as in stairwells and elevator alcoves. [TRENDING: Is it illegal in Florida to back into a parking space?