The new protocols are in line with the voluntary program from the CDC, which includes testing requirements, vaccination requirements, and mask requirements. Most cases are in the Caribbean but some infections can be found in the Southern United States. "We want you to be more comfortable walking on board a ship than walking down Main Street.". Asked about forgeries he replied: "We don't think many people would would even bother to do so. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. 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. Even there, the vaccine is not required unless the . P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises - along with all cruise lines currently operating right now - have vaccine policies in place that passengers must be aware of. All ports should have the same right as the ones that were lifted. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Required fields are marked *. 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. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols. I wish they had cruises where no one was injected. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? . Follow her adventures on Instagram. 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. Previously, guests who were not fully vaccinated were not allowed in areas such as the Schooner Bar, Chefs Table, the Spa, and the Casino. "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". For now, there is no more restriction. Cruising is a global industry that, before the pandemic, was worth $150bn and supported about 1.2 million jobs. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatn Peninsula. Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe. Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages! 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. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test. Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. The cruise states they will not visit any destinations where vaccine rates are low. Sometimes. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. With its (relatively) nearby beaches, the Caribbean has been a go-to escape for American travelers . You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Anytime there are mandates, run the opposite direction, it was medical tyranny, a sad low point in humanity. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. 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. Bookings are almost back to pre-pandemic levels with customers paying higher fares, something it says is a sign of strong long-term demand. Vaccines have increasingly become a political flashpoint in recent months. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination. Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced it would end its vaccine requirement. Princess Cruises will also begin welcoming a small amount of unvaccinated adults onboard. DeSantis has said cruises will not receive an exemption and that cruise lines will be fined $5,000 per infraction, per the executive order and a parallel law going into effect July 1. They'll still be required for most passengers on sailings out of all other U.S. states including Florida, where the line has many of its biggest hubs, and several other countries. You can watch Richard Fain's full interview on "Talking Business with Aaron Heslehurst" this weekend on BBC World News at Saturday 23:30 GMT, Sunday 05:30 and 16:30 GMT, Monday 06:30 GMT and 10:30 GMT and Tuesday at 12:30 GMT. What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Rivals such as Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line have felt similar financial pain. "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. All guests can go to all public areas onboard with the new protocols. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states' bans. All rights reserved. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Maintaining a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all sailings, far above the general population. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail with Royal Caribbean, regardless of vaccination status. For guests sailing from Australia, vaccines must be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated. And people want a place where they can go where they know they're safe.". ", "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. What Vaccines Are Acceptable: Royal accepts a mixed vaccination series consisting of doses from different manufacturers, as long as it meets the following requirements: Must consist of at least . Yes (including crew) Visas are only required for a few countries within the Caribbean and Northern America region. 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 cruise line said that it would only "strongly". What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. 3 Puerto Rico. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. 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. Other brands like Carnival Cruises and MSC Cruises followed suit with very similar updates to their testing protocols as Royal Caribbean. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships July 18, 2022. Royal Caribbean says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean are dropping vaccine requirements and easing COVID rules for pre-boarding testing. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is finally doing away with its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for adults. Caribbean. 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. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on the countries they have recently visited. Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail. In a statement sent to TPG, Royal Caribbean suggested it hoped to eventually make its new "no vaccine required" policy more universal. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot). Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, 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. Carnival Cruise Line. The first to set sail will be the "Freedom of the Seas . 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. $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. Now, just a few days after Virgin Voyages policy change, Royal Caribbean has changed its vaccination rules. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. However Mr Fain think this will soon change. . COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. Starting with September 5thdepartures,all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as theymeet any testing requirementsto board. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. That is key to remember. What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates. 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. Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. Uniworld to Become One of the First River Cruises to Drop Vaccine Requirements next Year, Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies and What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip, Margaritaville at Sea Becomes Latest Cruise Line to Ease Pre-boarding COVID Testing Requirement, These Cruise Lines Will Require a Booster Shot to Board Starting March 1, Canada Lifts Testing Requirement for Unvaccinated Children, Will I Need a Booster Shot to Travel? This allowed the cruise lines to develop their own protocols, instead of it being mandated. "We think it's enough to see us through during these terrible times," says Mr Fain. These are all the cruise lines that will require COVID-19 vaccinations for guests and crew. It stopped them in March last year after deadly outbreaks on ships such as the Grand Princess and the Diamond Princess made international headlines. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. "There will be cases of Covid-19 on board ships, just as there are cases of Covid-19 onshore". 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. 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? A Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line just announced a vaccine requirement. Planning a cruise? By continuing to browse this site, you are consenting to the use of cookies illustrated in our, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. 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. By contrast, the company reported a profit of $1.7bn in 2019. What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to begin sailing six of its cruise ships out of southern U.S. ports this July and August. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Each ship can perform rapid molecular tests on board. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? Testing requirements have not been finalized, All sailings departing from the UK and Europe (with the exception of Iceland), All sailings departing from Los Angeles to Mexican Riviera. 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. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Are you happy with this change or did you like knowing that everyone onboard was vaccinated? The injections were the biggest failure in my lifetime. She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. 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. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. 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. The travel company announced on Friday that an additional six ships will resume trips from US ports in Florida and Texas starting in July and August. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . But I was impressed at how quickly we're able to do it given a terrible market and a company with zero revenue.". Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. Florida has sued the CDC to end the agency's sail requirements, and a judge ordered . 2. Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska 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. That means it's easier than ever to get to paradise and get started on your well-deserved vacation. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Vaccinated guests, regardless of age, no longer need to test for sailing lengths of 5 nights or less. 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. They never prevented transmission or infection. Royal Caribbean International is resuming cruises aimed at U.S. vacationers this summer - with a twist. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. This means that Royal Caribbean has now also removed the need for a bracelet to indicate the vaccination status. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. Required: The risk of yellow fever transmission is relatively low throughout the Caribbean, other than in Trinidad and Tobago. Can onboard rollercoasters save the cruise industry? CDC . When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in summer 2021, vaccine requirements were in place and remained so until now. Of the major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has issued some of the most confusing protocol changes to date. Vaccination requirements remain in place until further notice for any homeport not mentioned above, including all Florida sailings. Royal Caribbean reverses, won't require passengers on U.S. cruises to be vaccinated By Taylor Dolven Updated June 07, 2021 10:35 AM Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas is docked at. American Queen Voyages is known for its Mississippi River cruises as well as sailings down other U.S. rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers, using classic paddle wheeler ships for a throwback, romantic vibe. Welcome Aboard! Call 08082394989. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. But there's a catch. There is so much happening in the cruise world, and that includes quite a few changes recently with Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line announced on Monday they were teaming up to create a panel of health experts, Royal Caribbean, along with other cruise lines, will not qualify for government assistance as part of theroughly $2, Since the onset of its voluntary shutdown, Royal Caribbean has been aggressive with new policies and offers meant to, This month marks exactly one year since Royal Caribbean, and the entire cruise industry, shut down due to the global, In the void of cruise ships being able to sail, there has been plenty of speculation by cruise fans on what might. 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. Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. 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. They made people sicker and killed many people. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of the PCR and antigen tests. Brittany Chang. 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. | 2043026. Vaccine required? "Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible," said Royal Caribbean's news release. 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. TPG values it at $1,600. See the tables below for more information: A few different types of infections are present in the Caribbean and Northern America region. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Unvaccinated guests aged 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. and New Orleans. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged). Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska. You will need to register to receive the test. 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. Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested. 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. In the past few weeks the CDC has laid out detailed instructions on how cruise operators can hold trial runs to test their coronavirus protocols. 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. 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. Passports are required to travel to all regions. Princess said it will allow up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without exemptions or vaccine status justification. Vaccine requirements remain a touchy issue as some people have chosen not to be vaccinated and that means they cannot cruise. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. At the same time, Royal Caribbean has also added new health requirements for upcoming departure ports in and outside the US. 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. Beginning September 3, cruisers that are 12 or older who are unvaccinated or don't show proof of vaccination will be allowed onboard as long as they can show the results of a negative antigen or PCR test taken in the 72 hours before boarding. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from Los Angeles. The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Alternatively it says sailings can resume if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated. Royal Caribbean will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all passengers over 16 years old. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference?