Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Where they sail: Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. December 2020: How Covid cruise ships are navigating troubled waters. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. CDC . Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. 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. 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. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Wow: Inside Amex's glistening new Centurion club in midtown Manhattan, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years. Royal Caribbean remains at 12 years and older currently. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. Royal Caribbean has hosted more than 150,000 passengers during the pandemic, and reported just 21 cases of coronavirus. Royal Caribbean senses financial improvements are on the horizon. 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. On Thursday, Royal Caribbean announced that it would change its vaccine policy for ships sailing from Florida to the Bahamas - including its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay - to comply. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. 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. Find the right card for you. Enrollment required. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. However, Mr Fain doesn't think he will face any staffing shortages. Bookings are almost back to pre-pandemic levels with customers paying higher fares, something it says is a sign of strong long-term demand. Guests that have received a booster dose will qualify regardless of the amount of time that has passed since receiving their booster. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 3 Puerto Rico. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Previously, guests who were not fully vaccinated were not allowed in areas such as the Schooner Bar, Chefs Table, the Spa, and the Casino. These Cruise Lines Just Dropped Their COVID-19 Testing Rules, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, Canada to Drop All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Oct. 1 What to Know, A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board. What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. At least one booster is required to sail. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. Adults have needed to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise on all of its itineraries around the world. 4 U.S. Virgin Islands. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation. 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. Of the major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has issued some of the most confusing protocol changes to date. Richard Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean, told the BBC "we expect all of our guests who are eligible for a vaccine to have it". 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. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. In a statement sent to TPG, Royal Caribbean suggested it hoped to eventually make its new "no vaccine required" policy more universal. One important change to the onboard policies is that Royal Caribbean has removed the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas. 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. "Unvaccinated guests will be required to take one test within 3 days of departure . Celebrity kept its vaccine requirement for sailings from Florida and a number of other places. For now, there is no more restriction. Starting July 2, Royal Caribbean ships will not be requiring passengers to have covid vaccines for sailings from the U.S. Royal Caribbean. Passport Health is an Outlier business Passport Health es una empresa que pertenece al grupo Outlier Passport Health est une entreprise du groupe Outlier Copyright 2023, This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve functionality and performance. "Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be. Missing from this list are cruises that visit destinations in The Bahamas or Eastern Caribbean. Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status. Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. 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. Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation. Royal Caribbean informs guests of updated protocols including the elimination of venue access depending on vaccination status. Royal Caribbean Vaccine required? Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. Royal Caribbean says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? and New Orleans. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. 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. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise. Asked about forgeries he replied: "We don't think many people would would even bother to do so. Vaccination and Testing Requirements. This is what you need to know about what the major cruise lines require regarding Covid vaccination. $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. 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. A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure. 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. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Beginning August 4, vaccinated passengers on Carnival company sailings that last less than six days will no longer be required to provide a negative PCR or antigen test result before boarding. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Check here before booking an award fare. For its part, Royal Caribbean has already been approved to start test sailings later this month ahead of its planned restart this summer. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. "If they are not sailing this year I would assume that lots of cruise operators go into insolvency and then it is decisive which brand is the strongest," she says. Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. At this time,only the following sailings have COVID-19 vaccination requirements: Guestsage12 and older must be fully vaccinated againstCOVID-19in order to sail: Vaccines that are fully approved or authorized for emergency use by theWorld Health Organization (with the exception of CanSino), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), will be accepted by the ports we sail to. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Starting with September 5thdepartures,all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as theymeet any testing requirementsto board. Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before cruise ship travel. NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to 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. Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols. The mega cruise line has recently been dabbling with vaccine mandates. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. 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. He doesn't think that there are security issues around the paper documents issued to show vaccines have been given in countries such as the US and UK. 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. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. And people want a place where they can go where they know they're safe.". Royal Caribbean Provides Update to Guests Booked on Sailings to Russia, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port, Cunard Line Unveils Historical Photo ExhibitionFrom Past 100 Years, Royal Caribbean Cuts Back on Housekeeping Service, Fourth Carnival Cruise Ship Will Be Based Out of Galveston, Texas. 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. What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Unvaccinated guests aged 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. 5 The Bahamas. See our What Vaccines section to learn more. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. I think we are talking about people who are vaccinated, and there are lots of different ways to show that". The Miami-based brand said that effective Sept. 5, COVID-19 vaccines no longer would be required for sailings out of ports in California, Louisiana and Texas, as well as sailings from all ports in Europe. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). (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. 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". Royal Caribbean will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all passengers over 16 years old. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online. 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 . Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Other brands like Carnival Cruises and MSC Cruises followed suit with very similar updates to their testing protocols as Royal Caribbean. There have been outbreaks on some of the few cruises that have run around the world since the pandemic began. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. 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. What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. 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. 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. 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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. Accepted Tests: Any FDAapproved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. 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. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. An aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida on March 2. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Richard Fain, chief executive of Royal Caribbean, told the BBC "we expect all of our guests who are eligible for a vaccine to have it". Cruise firm offers 999 free rooms to key workers, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise news. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Vaccines have increasingly become a political flashpoint in recent months. Your Passport Health travel health specialist can advise you on the need for antimalarials. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. 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. Princess said it will allow up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without exemptions or vaccine status justification. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Crystal Cruises will all require guests 18 and older to be vaccinated before boarding. 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. Other informational resources can be accessed on theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health websiteor by calling toll-free (877) FYI-TRIP and on theWorld Health Organization website. For passengers sailing from Canada and Bermuda, all passengers over 12 must be vaccinated. Your email address will not be published. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Royal Caribbean International is resuming cruises aimed at U.S. vacationers this summer - with a twist. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. 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. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. Can onboard rollercoasters save the cruise industry? We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. It is probably considered a transpacific cruise and vaccination is required. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America. These Countries Require It for Entry. Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. The plan will need approval from the federal government before it can be implemented, while uncertainty also exists which vaccines would be acceptable for entry. Mailbag: Why can't cruise ships sail from other countries instead? 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