The CDC has dropped its voluntary program to monitor cruise ships. After all, enormous amounts of open space may not be the first thing that you think of when it comes to cruise ships. In Nassau, vaccinated passengers were allowed to explore however they wished, but unvaccinated cruisers were required to take ship-sponsored excursions to leave the ship. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. 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. Rather, we focus on discussions related to local stories by our own staff. Carnival Cruise Line Required testing can be completed using any type of PCR or antigen COVID-19 test. 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. 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. 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 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. ", Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Quantum of the Seas: "Alaska sailings departing April 5 to October 14, 2021: In order to allow additional time for our preparation, Quantum of the Seas will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. 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. The cruise line's vaccine mandate will apply to guests who are at least 16 years old aboard ships sailing from the US or the Bahamas, according to Royal Caribbean's frequently asked questions page. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Vaccinated-only areas included the spa, casino, fitness center (during most operating hours), Izumi sushi and hibachi, Chef's Table and the lower decks of the main dining room and theater. "We want you to be more comfortable walking onboard a ship than walking down Main Street.". Get tested again after cruise travel. (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. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions, but . Regardless of the rules, passengers are sure to have a good time. 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. Over the past few months that program became voluntary and masks went away while other restrictions eased. No, you need to bring the card. For non-U.S. guests, the line will also accept Astra-Zeneca.". Sign up for notifications from Insider! Carnival, Royal Caribbean and more to drop vaccination requirements for select sailings. On the one hand, no business wants to shell out $5,000 (which would be equivalent to at least 2,500 hot dogs) per customer just for the heck of it. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The cruise line Royal Caribbean is requiring passengers and crew members 16 or older . Royal Caribbean has greatly relaxed its covid rules. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. Ron DeSantis bars businesses, schools and government entities across Florida from asking anyone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. October 15th or later. regardless of vaccination status, can cruise on the . 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. Several luxury cruise lines are implementing new vaccine protocols, each requiring guests to show proof of having received a booster shot to board. As summer travelers prepare to sail, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is lowering its threshold for cruise ships to meet a highly vaccinated status. 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. 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. Some destinations may also require testing, so no change in policy is likely to be absolute, but the CDC's decision does seem to pave the way for the cruise lines to mostly drop the testing requirement. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Royal Caribbean International has announced updated protocols for the United States, Puerto Rico, and Barbados-based cruises through March 31, 2022. Ron DeSantis maintains a threat of fines under an executive order banning "vaccine passports." The change comes just over a week after Royal Caribbean first eased vaccine requirements for cruises departing from Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, and any European homeport as well as weeks after Royal Caribbean eliminated testing for vaccinated passengers on shorter sailings. Twitter user @patriottakes wrote: "MAGAs [Make America Great Again, Donald Trump's campaign slogan] are starting to boycott Royal Caribbean because they are requiring vaccinations for adult passengers and crew members when they start sailing again in June. Carnival will follow with the same at-home test allowance on Sept. 6. The announcement of these select vaccinated cruises later resulted in boycott demands in late March across Facebook and Twitter. After all, rarely do you hear someone ask, is that person wearing a full business suit or just a suspender man thong? This insurance would cover the cost of repatriation on a private charter flight and/or medical care if they tested positive during the sailing. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . Its not great PR to be known as that place where the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak occurred, unless you are specifically running a cruise for viruses who want to have a nice human buffet available. 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. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). as well as other partner offers and accept our. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. - 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. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Of course, nothing is foolproof: Royal Caribbean recently canceled the first sailings of its newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, after eight crew members tested positive for Covid; six were. In the testing area, they were each given an on-site rapid antigen test. Many cruise fans and potential passengers may expect that this CDC decision means that vaccine requirements and precruise testing may soon go away. Action Alerts PLUS is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. if you received your final dose on October 1st, your 14 day countdown This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. The summer cruises announced by Royal Caribbean International Friday are still pending approval from the CDC after each ship successfully completes a test cruise with volunteer passengers. Royal Caribbean Will Not Allow Any Unvaccinated Guests Worldwide According to the statement made by Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean will not be allowing any guests onboard who have not been. 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. The first to set sail will be the Freedom of the Seas ship out of Miami, Florida, on July 2. It is unclear if cruise companies will be allowed to ask passengers if they have been vaccinated as part of the boarding process, even if they dont require vaccination to board. About half of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated, which means plenty of people still have not been vaccinated. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images), Florida Gov. Now, abruptly, the CDC has dropped its voluntary program and has stopped regulating or tracking covid on cruise ships. 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. While vaccination is not required, they kindly ask passengers to disclose their vaccine status during check-in. This is one of many changes in Royal Caribbean's approach to Covid-19, which has steadily seen health protocols erode in order to be closer to other forms of leisure travel. The new protocols will not apply to cruises that visit Bermuda or Canada where testing and vaccine rules will still apply. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Passengers who didn't voluntarily show proof of vaccination, either because they weren't vaccinated (primarily children, according to Royal Caribbean executives) or didn't have their vaccine cards, were directed to a testing area. Requiring passengers to be fully vaccinated would be one of the best ways of preventing an outbreak. . I saw a couple of crew members nicely ask passengers to pull their masks up over their noses in public spaces (and they complied). *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, Uniworld to Become One of the First River Cruises to Drop Vaccine Requirements next Year, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, Will I Need a Booster Shot to Travel? 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. News 6 is Getting Results. sailings.". 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. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in 2021, Covid-19 protocols were a major component to the onboard experience. 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. It doesn't have anything to do with vaccinations directly, but I think it's worth a mention since it's a change that didn't exist on my first two sailings. 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. #BoycottRC." The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To find out more about the new guidelines issued, click here. Does Royal Caribbean accept a photo of the vaccine card as proof? With NewsGuard's HealthGuard browser extension, users can verify if a website is a trustworthy source of health information. Airplanes, theme parks, casinos, and hotels no longer require any such Covid protocols and have not had any requirements for months. ", "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.". Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. This app allowed us to check in for the voyage, set up an onboard account, fill out a pre-boarding health questionnaire and complete the e-muster drill (which replaces traditional muster drills where people gather in large groups). Royal Caribbean Updates to Testing Protocols. decision to sail less than 95% vaccinated, areas and services unvaccinated passengers can access, Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? Ron DeSantis, who has insisted that there will be no exception made for cruise companies to a newly passed Florida law that fines companies $5,000 each time they ask a patron to provide proof of vaccination. Speaking to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said that "vaccinations will be required for the upcoming sailings from [the] Bahamas and St. That's why precruise testing is likely to go away but the vaccination requirement for all passengers ages 12 and over will remain. Related: Cruise hack: 6 ways to turn a voyage on a mass-market ship into a luxury experience. But there is an important difference between wearing a slingshot mankini and being fully vaccinated. Strongly recommended is certainly different from required. When I arrived at the Port of Miami, I had to pass through a checkpoint. According to Viking's COVID-19 protocol, select at-home tests will meet Viking's travel requirement, provided they include a laboratory-certified proof of result. Royal Caribbean recommends guests be fully vaccinated and boostered against Covid19. Many and most of the destinations that we visit require a high degree of vaccination, and they expect our crew to be vaccinated.". Get todays headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. I will be boycotting the company instead. Royal Caribbean has made it a practice to provide periodic . 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. Bayley said during the President's Cruise that testing would "be around for another couple of months.". They waved me through to security, where my carry-on was screened. Well, heres what Dolven tweeted: Apparently, Dolven is referring to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signing into law a ban on Covid-19 vaccine passports. That means, as of July 1, the Florida state government could fine a cruise ship operator $5,000 each and every time the cruise ship operator requires proof of vaccination to use their services. No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. From there, I went to the second floor to check in. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). CDC stops reporting coronavirus cases on cruise ships. Guests can take advantage of in-person, telehealth, and self-swab tests. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made its guidance optional for cruise lines and has warned against boarding a cruise ship at the moment, regardless of a person's vaccination status. Currently, the company requires all guests to "be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses" and "strongly" recommends guests receive the booster shot. Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, businesses can be fined up to $5,000 per violation. The CDC dropped its cruise covid-19 reporting program last month, prompting cruise lines to announce they would loosen testing requirements for vaccinated passengers and in most cases . Guests who are fully vaccinated or age 17 and younger do not have any testing requirements. This closure is related to staffing and the logistics of keeping passengers socially distanced, despite the fact that the ship was sailing at less than 30% capacity and 93% of passengers were vaccinated. Silversea also provides complimentary rapid antigen tests for all disembarking passengers. Passengers also had to select specific check-in times for embarkation day, ensuring that crowds stayed thin at the terminal during the boarding process. Does that mean covid-testing requirements and vaccine mandates will be dropped? While vaccination is not required for guests under 12, we kindly ask that you fill out their status below. Previously, certain areas onboard. Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status. Royal Caribbean no longer says Florida cruise passengers must receive the coronavirus vaccine, instead noting the shots are "strongly recommended." The reversal comes as Gov. Royal Caribbean has updated its COVID-19 protocols to allow more people to sail on their ships, according to the RoyalCaribbeanblog. Royal Caribbean Cruises Tauck Royal Caribbean cruises are back but vaccinations will be optional. How do you count the 14 days for full vaccination, exactly? Previously, the website said passengers 16 years old and older on all of the companys U.S. cruises had to meet the requirement. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For customers looking to board Lindblad for an adventure cruise, they will need to abide by the new regulations in place. 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. $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. Instead, Odyssey will begin her inaugural season out of a new homeport, Haifa, Israel from June to October 2021. So, is the Florida government essentially not allowing businesses to do something that would help keep their customers and staff safer? 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. Reminders going from indoors to outdoors and vice-versa were especially helpful. "Guests . More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, Anguilla Just Dropped Its Pre-arrival Testing for Vaccinated Travelers What to Know, 10 of the Best Mediterranean Cruises for Every Type of Traveler, New Zealand Eliminates Vaccine, Testing Requirements for Travel What to Know, The CDC Will No Longer Report COVID-19 Cases on Cruises to the Public. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Overall, the sailing was pleasant and it was great to be back on board a sailing from Florida. 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. For example, guests must review and accept the The SARS-CoV2 is still actively spreading in the U.S. and throughout different parts of the world. You can follow her daily exploits, both at sea and on land, on Instagram or Twitter @slyjabroni. Several cruise lines are continuing to ease pandemic-era protocols by allowing passengers to self-administer COVID-19 tests. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to take a pre-cruise test on sailings from the U.S . In a press release Friday announcing . However, passengers on U.S.-based voyages should be aware that protocols are likely to differ by cruise line, ship and departure state. That appears to no longer be the case as the federal agency has shown: As of July 18, 2022, CDCs COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect. "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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Its difficult to tell. By contrast, you cant really tell whether someone has been vaccinated unless you actually see that persons Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card and somehow verify that its not a fake. 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. Masks were not required outdoors or while eating or drinking, but I found myself constantly worrying about whether I needed to have a mask on or not. Guests under the age of 12 do not have any testing requirements. The cruises will depart from Bermuda and the Bahamas, and adult passengers must be. Travelers are also required to take a COVID-19 antigen test at the terminal before boarding. 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. Azamara does not require negative test results in order to board unless mandated by local governments in the ports where the line's ships sail. The Miami-based operator. Going forward, the cruise line will make pre-departure. Follow her adventures on Instagram. 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. has spent more than a decade writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Travelers to be Screened for COVID-19. "The new itineraries departing through August, which will sail with vaccinated crew, will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results," the statement said. Each person sailing was required to download the Royal Caribbean app. starts on October 1st, and you would be permitted to board the ship on 1:03 Royal Caribbean International is resuming cruises aimed at U.S. vacationers this summer - with a twist.
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