Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. Vaccines will be needed to get on ships such as Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea, seen here in Miami in March By Jonathan Josephs Business reporter, BBC News One of the world's biggest. In a statement sent to TPG, Royal Caribbean suggested it hoped to eventually make its new "no vaccine required" policy more universal. Mr Fain concedes more cases could occur on cruise ships as things open up. "They're really anxious to come back. Asked about forgeries he replied: "We don't think many people would would even bother to do so. Previously, guests who were not fully vaccinated were not allowed in areas such as the Schooner Bar, Chefs Table, the Spa, and the Casino. All rights reserved. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. This policy goes into effect acrossNorwegian Cruise Line,Oceania Cruises, andRegent Seven Seas Cruisesfor all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Sometimes. 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. 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. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. Royal Caribbean International is resuming cruises aimed at U.S. vacationers this summer - with a twist. It stopped them in March last year after deadly outbreaks on ships such as the Grand Princess and the Diamond Princess made international headlines. 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. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages! CDC . Unvaccinated people should be allowed to sail out of Florida without feeling pressured. Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. And people want a place where they can go where they know they're safe.". 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: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising. No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. "We are working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean are dropping vaccine requirements and easing COVID rules for pre-boarding testing. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. Royal Caribbean just announced a new collection of seven-night summer cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico, but don't consider booking a spot unless you plan on being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? 5 The Bahamas. 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. 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. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. Royal Caribbean remains at 12 years and older currently. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. Most cases are in the Caribbean but some infections can be found in the Southern United States. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. 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 will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all passengers over 16 years old. For passengers sailing from Canada and Bermuda, all passengers over 12 must be vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay. Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted. Specifically, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise on the following itineraries as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: What do you think of the news that Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises? "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". 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. Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship. What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. At least one booster is required to sail. Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to begin sailing six of its cruise ships out of southern U.S. ports this July and August. . 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. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. 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. That means it's easier than ever to get to paradise and get started on your well-deserved vacation. $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. I wish they had cruises where no one was injected. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. Royal Caribbean informs guests of updated protocols including the elimination of venue access depending on vaccination status. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. The cruise line said that it would only "strongly". We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions,. Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. 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 . Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. One of the world's biggest cruise companies says coronavirus vaccinations will be needed to get on its ships. Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates! Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii. Mailbag: Why can't cruise ships sail from other countries instead? Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. I think we are talking about people who are vaccinated, and there are lots of different ways to show that". Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on the countries they have recently visited. The health guidelines released this week align mostly with what Royal Caribbean had already implemented: Also Read: Royal Caribbean Provides Update to Guests Booked on Sailings to Russia. While it may not seem like much, the current health requirements are an essential step forward to bring cruising back to normal. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. Vaccinated guests, regardless of age, no longer need to test for sailing lengths of 5 nights or less. Your most recent vaccine dose is on this list of EMA-approved vaccines: *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health website. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from Los Angeles. 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". By continuing to browse this site, you are consenting to the use of cookies illustrated in our, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? 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. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Princess Cruises will also begin welcoming a small amount of unvaccinated adults onboard. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. "Unvaccinated guests will be required to take one test within 3 days of departure . Guests that have received a booster dose will qualify regardless of the amount of time that has passed since receiving their booster. 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. Follow her adventures on Instagram. 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. Last Friday, Royal Caribbean announced that it will begin sailing in early July from Florida with ships where vaccinations will be recommended but not required. Visas are only required for a few countries within the Caribbean and Northern America region. Booked guests will be provided full details at least 30 days prior to their sailing.. 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). has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Vaccine required? What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized. A Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line just announced a vaccine requirement. Home Cruise Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. Boosters are recommended but not required. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . What happens to the ships some cruise lines have scrapped during the pandemic? What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America? Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self . Furthermore, besides the cruise industry itself there are a lot of suppliers that are suffering as well.". Find out more: Royal Caribbean International. Shame on them for the coercion, breaking our Nuremberg treaty for experimentation and for ruining the lives of many. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. The vaccine does not protect you from getting Covid. 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 general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. This will mean 13 of the company's 59 ships are in operation. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. 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. Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. On July 2, Royal Caribbean plans to sail from Miami on the Freedom of the Seas to its private island, CocoCay. 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. While you're getting ready to relax and enjoy a stress-free, Luxury Included vacation, we're excited to let you know that travel requirements across all our resort destinations have also been relaxed. Children under 12 will have no testing or vaccination requirements. Previously, Royal Caribbean required guests 16 and older to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before embarking on a cruise with plans to drop that to 12 and older after Aug. 1. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July. A All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Accepted Tests: Any FDAapproved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement. What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. Royal Caribbean drops the vaccine requirement from select U.S. homeports on departures from September 5, 2022. What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols. 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. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Guests will need to notify the reservations team at time of booking to ensure that they are counted as part of the 10% threshold. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. However Mr Fain think this will soon change. Your email address will not be published. Currently. Your Passport Health travel health specialist can advise you on the need for antimalarials. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. The sailings from locations including the Canary Islands, Germany and Singapore have all been "cruises to nowhere", meaning they do not stop at other ports. The three latter brands said their new no-vaccine-required policies were fleetwide. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! With its (relatively) nearby beaches, the Caribbean has been a go-to escape for American travelers . 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 . A Country-by-country Guide, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide. 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. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. announce an end to their COVID-19 vaccination requirements, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia. 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. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. But there's a catch. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. Royal Caribbean. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. See our What Vaccines section to learn more. . This allowed the cruise lines to develop their own protocols, instead of it being mandated. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols. 4 U.S. Virgin Islands. Link to comment Share on other sites. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. Thank you. 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. 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. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. For its part, Royal Caribbean has already been approved to start test sailings later this month ahead of its planned restart this summer. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Your most recent vaccine dose is on this list of EMA-approved vaccines: *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health website. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy. Where they sail: Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. "We think it's enough to see us through during these terrible times," says Mr Fain. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. 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. Learn more. Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatn Peninsula. The new protocols are in line with the voluntary program from the CDC, which includes testing requirements, vaccination requirements, and mask requirements. "Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible," said Royal Caribbean's news release. and New Orleans. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. 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. 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. The US is the biggest market for the industry which has been almost completely closed down by the pandemic. Enrollment required. In many cases inocul.