Unvaccinated travelers aged 5 and older will need to take a test within 3 days of boarding. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. 5 The Bahamas. We want to ensure a great experience going ashore at these ports, for guests of any vaccination status, while meeting local health regulations.". A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada. the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships. However, Mr Fain doesn't think he will face any staffing shortages. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe. 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". That means it's easier than ever to get to paradise and get started on your well-deserved vacation. 3 Puerto Rico. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended all passengers and crew get the jab before boarding, said vaccinated passengers can potentially ditch their masks, and waived the need for volunteer test sailings for cruise companies where 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. $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. Alternatively it says sailings can resume if 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated. 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. 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. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatn Peninsula. This is what you need to know about what the major cruise lines require regarding Covid vaccination. Of the major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has issued some of the most confusing protocol changes to date. "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. A Country-by-country Guide, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide. Puerto. Royal Caribbean. . What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced it would end its vaccine requirement. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. Passports are required to travel to all regions. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. 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. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. 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. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify). 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. To many, this was a curious flip . Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska. Previously, certain areas onboard were not accessible for guests who had not been fully vaccinated. Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis and polio. 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? Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Outside of the CDC's remit, sailings from several Caribbean islands, Greece and within UK waters are due to put the new safety protocols through a sterner examination in the next few weeks. Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to begin sailing six of its cruise ships out of southern U.S. ports this July and August. 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? Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. 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. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. 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. 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. Maintaining a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all sailings, far above the general population. Mr Fain doesn't think that getting the industry fully up and running depends on the type of documents the airline industry is calling for. CDC . It's why, he says, procedures will be in place to isolate any passengers who show symptoms. The first to set sail will be the "Freedom of the Seas . 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 . Royal Caribbean requires proof at certain ports, but none in Florida, and this week introduced a requirement complicating trips for the unvaccinated: those passengers must show proof of travel . Seabourn Cruise Line Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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. Request a call back . For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol. Children under 12 will have no testing or vaccination requirements. Royal Caribbean released a further update to its protocols on Wednesday, which will . 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. Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. 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. Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. Boosters are recommended but not required. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. "Its important that all of our guests enjoy their experience at any destination while also meeting local measures.". The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. 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. 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 . Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. A Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line just announced a vaccine requirement. 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. 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. See our What Vaccines section to learn more. Home Cruise Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean Drops 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". A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing. Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America. Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK. A All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Most cases are in the Caribbean but some infections can be found in the Southern United States. 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. Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. By contrast, the company reported a profit of $1.7bn in 2019. | 2043026. Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. 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. 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. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Unvaccinated guests aged 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. 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. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada. On July 3, the Odyssey of the Seas will sail from Fort Lauderdale on 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, followed by sailings out of Port Canaveral, Seattle, and Galveston later in the summer. 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. 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. Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. Royal Caribbean cruises launching from Nassau, Bahamas, and Bermuda this summer will require vaccinations for passengers 18 and over. But there's a catch. The twin announcements came just two days after Norwegian Cruise Line and sister lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises became the first major cruise brands to announce an end to their COVID-19 vaccination requirements. But I was impressed at how quickly we're able to do it given a terrible market and a company with zero revenue.". An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. 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. In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized. 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. She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? I am glad you brought this up because I had considered that cruise and now I will not. This means that Royal Caribbean has now also removed the need for a bracelet to indicate the vaccination status. In many cases inocul. Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated. Adults have needed to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise on all of its itineraries around the world. 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. Travellers diarrhoea can affect travellers to any region. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. 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. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Guests that have received a booster dose will qualify regardless of the amount of time that has passed since receiving their booster. What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise. Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean. If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). But their announcements, too, came with an asterisk: The lines said COVID-19 vaccines still will be required for cruises in some places where local regulations call for one. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states' bans. "Most cruise liners operate different brands and I think that even now not all of them will survive. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. 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. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. Visas are only required for a few countries within the Caribbean and Northern America region. 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. For the Galapagos. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. 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. Required fields are marked *. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Beginning September 5th, 2022, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise on the following Celebrity Cruises sailings as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: All other sailings (and sailings departing before September 5, 2022), the old restrictions still apply. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Even there, the vaccine is not required unless the . By continuing to browse this site, you are consenting to the use of cookies illustrated in our, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. They never prevented transmission or infection. Read about our approach to external linking. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). ", "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. All rights reserved. For those ages 11 and under, a COVID-19 PCR test is required depending on the duration of the trip. Self-administered tests are accepted. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Unvaccinated people should be allowed to sail out of Florida without feeling pressured. This policy goes into effect acrossNorwegian Cruise Line,Oceania Cruises, andRegent Seven Seas Cruisesfor all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Still, other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line allow unvaccinated minors to sail. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. The three latter brands said their new no-vaccine-required policies were fleetwide. 4 U.S. Virgin Islands. 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. Guests can feel free to enjoy the theater, spa, and gym! Your email address will not be published. The injections were the biggest failure in my lifetime. Celebrity Cruises will also allow unvaccinated cruisers onboard. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? 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. "Actually that's a very important part of cruising , the opportunity to go other places". 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. Royal Caribbean sister brand Celebrity Cruises made a similar announcement about its COVID-19 vaccine policy late Wednesday, removing its vaccine requirement effective Sept. 5 for some but not all sailings. Plus Ups are excluded. Princess said it will allow up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without exemptions or vaccine status justification. 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. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. 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. The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be . "We want you to be more comfortable walking on board a ship than walking down Main Street.". We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. The mega cruise line has recently been dabbling with vaccine mandates. Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. 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. 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. Guests under 18 years do not require a vaccine but will also need to have a lateral flow test pre-departure. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. 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. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. 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 says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! 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. Previously, certain areas onboard. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self-tests. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is finally doing away with its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for adults. The vaccine does not protect you from getting Covid. Royal Caribbean will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all passengers over 16 years old. Be sure to have a travellers diarrhoea prevention kit with you for your trip. A pre-travel Covid test is still required for all sailings longer than six nights. Younger passengers will be able to cruise if they test . 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. Check here before booking an award fare. See the tables below for more information: A few different types of infections are present in the Caribbean and Northern America region. What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. 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. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which is the US federal public health agency, has been working closely with the industry to restart sailings. Furthermore, besides the cruise industry itself there are a lot of suppliers that are suffering as well.". Royal Caribbean's announcement follows other cruise lines that have already relaxed their vaccine restrictions recently. What other safety measures are in place: Guests are not required, but requested to test before departing from home (this policy is subject to change as COVID-19 trends change,) as the company states passengers should test to "be a good citizen". In May, Royal Caribbean said it would require vaccinations for passengers. The cruise line said that it would only "strongly". 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".