The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. Children under 12 will have no testing or vaccination requirements. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. It is probably considered a transpacific cruise and vaccination is required. Royal Caribbean Completes First Test Sailing to Resume Cruises in the U.S. Carnival Cruise Line Strengthens Mask Policy Amid Omicron Variant Spread, Disney Cruise Line Will Require Kids 5 and Older to Be Vaccinated Starting in January What to Know, Royal Caribbean required guests 16 and older to be fully vaccinated, recommended all passengers and crew get the jab, vaccinated passengers can potentially ditch their masks. Learn more. 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. "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." 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. . Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. Princess Cruises will also begin welcoming a small amount of unvaccinated adults onboard. See the below table for more information: Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page. Guests under 18 years do not require a vaccine but will also need to have a lateral flow test pre-departure. 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. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada. All guests will need to undergo a rapid test, administered at the terminal, prior to boarding. 3 Puerto Rico. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states' bans. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. Royal Caribbean International is resuming cruises aimed at U.S. vacationers this summer - with a twist. An aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida on March 2. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. In a statement, it said it was working towards "the prospective resumption of passenger operations in the United States by mid-summer". 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. Some countries are only. What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. What other safety measures are in place: Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. The three latter brands said their new no-vaccine-required policies were fleetwide. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel. 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. 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". 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. Maintaining a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all sailings, far above the general population. "We think it's enough to see us through during these terrible times," says Mr Fain. 5 The Bahamas. This will mean 13 of the company's 59 ships are in operation. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. But I was impressed at how quickly we're able to do it given a terrible market and a company with zero revenue.". Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to test on U.S. cruises 10 nights or longer beginning Sept. 5, according to its website. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. In addition, even for the itineraries out of Texas and Louisiana for which vaccines no longer will be required, passengers will need to show proof of vaccination if they plan to get off the ship in Grand Cayman a common stop on sailings from those states. Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. The vaccine does not protect you from getting Covid. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. These are all the cruise lines that will require COVID-19 vaccinations for guests and crew. 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. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? 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. Boosters are recommended but not required. Royal Caribbean has greatly relaxed its covid rules. . However Mr Fain think this will soon change. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? "We are working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. An exception to the new policy is those boarding a ship to Alaska where the cruise line will still require guests 16 and older to be vaccinated, and 12 and older starting Aug. 1. Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. Now, just a few days after Virgin Voyages policy change, Royal Caribbean has changed its vaccination rules. 2023 BBC. 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. Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that. Unvaccinated guests aged 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 1 Dominican Republic. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? A Country-by-country Guide, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. If Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian allow for unvaccinated adults but keep the 90% vaccinated number that could limit how many families can book cruises on those lines, which are. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. 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". Missing from this list are cruises that visit destinations in The Bahamas or Eastern Caribbean. 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. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean are dropping vaccine requirements and easing COVID rules for pre-boarding testing. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. Your Passport Health travel health specialist can advise you on the need for antimalarials. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. 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. If not, just leave blank, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirement for certain cruise ship sailings, ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships, Where Royal Caribbean cruising is right now - December 2020, Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks about how health panel will lead to cruises resuming, Royal Caribbean will not qualify for bailout under US stimulus package, 5 things Royal Caribbean has done to boost bookings since cruises shutdown. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Unvaccinated people should be allowed to sail out of Florida without feeling pressured. Self-administered tests are accepted. 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? Unvaccinated travelers aged 5 and older will need to take a test within 3 days of boarding. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. . Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates! Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Royal Caribbean is requiring vaccination for travelers ages 12 and over. Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise news. 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. Anytime there are mandates, run the opposite direction, it was medical tyranny, a sad low point in humanity. You received your final dose in your original vaccine series (or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson) no more than 9 months (270 days) ago, or a booster dose. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel. For European homeports, the cruise line says guests booked on board will be provided full health and safety guidelines 30 days before departure: Royal Caribbean is working closely with local government and health authorities to finalize protocols and requirements designed for the health and safety of our guests sailing from European and Middle Eastern homeports. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. 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. the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. Unless significant changes come within the next few weeks, the health protocols as released by Royal Caribbean this week will be valid through April 14, 2022. Find out more: Royal Caribbean International. 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. 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. "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. and New Orleans. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. Required: The risk of yellow fever transmission is relatively low throughout the Caribbean, other than in Trinidad and Tobago. Accepted Tests: Any FDAapproved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. 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. Now, Royal Caribbean has also updated its vaccination requirements for certain cruises. Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia. 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. Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. Guests that have received a booster dose will qualify regardless of the amount of time that has passed since receiving their booster. Florida has sued the CDC to end the agency's sail requirements, and a judge ordered . At the same time, Royal Caribbean has also added new health requirements for upcoming departure ports in and outside the US. Be sure to take precautions with mosquito repellents and netting. Cruising is a global industry that, before the pandemic, was . We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols would be required for unvaccinated guests. On This Page: Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions. All ports should have the same right as the ones that were lifted. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. The new updates ensure the cruise line has its protocols aligned with those specified by the CDC in the Voluntary Program for Cruise Ships, with some changes from the cruise line itself. $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. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. To be considered fully vaccinated by the countries we visit: A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. 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. Each ship can perform rapid molecular tests on board. Disney Cruise Line was the first to announce that all guests 5 years and older will now need a vaccination in order to sail after January 13, 2022. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. A All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. 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