What Does Celebritys Silence Mean
Now, a week later, its clear that Celebrity doesnt intend to discuss Maxwells case. I assume that this means there are parts of Maxwells experience that the cruise line doesnt want to comment on. But in the last contact with the cruise line, the representative reiterated to him that Celebrity would offer no refund or credit. And we still have no clarity as to why Celebrity allowed this couple onboard the Equinox without the required vaccination documentation.
The Celebrity website says that Proof of vaccination records will be recorded and may be reviewed for signs of fraud. So I asked Maxwell if he was certain that at check-in he told the cruise agents that he only had the first dose of Moderna and that his vaccine card only showed one dose.
I absolutely told them we only had one dose, Maxwell told me.
Unfortunately, without Celebrity weighing in, we have no way of knowing what happened here. Its a strange story, to be sure. But Ive reached the end of what our team can do for this couple.
The bottom line:If you arent planning on getting vaccinated against the coronavirus or youre only partially vaccinated, you should forget about cruising in 2021. All of the major cruise lines require passengers 12 and over to be fully vaccinated two weeks before departure at this time.
For Maxwells part, he says he will continue to fight on.
We work very hard for our money, and to have it stolen like this should be illegal. We wont give up on this.
When Will Covid Vaccine Requirements Go Away
I think that its likely to be a requirement that is in place through this fall and winter, Gottlieb said. Im talking more about CDC and the policy environment. I think that the public health officials — CDC — is going to want to see what the epidemiology of this disease is when it gets to a quote, unquote, normal state.”
The decision depends largely on how the pandemic progresses and whether we see a new variant flare up.
I think CDC is going to want to see what does that looks like. Well hopefully get our first glimpse of that this year. This is like a transition year. Then theyll make decisions about whether or not they continue to require vaccines in certain settings,” he said,
Cruise lines have generally not been a priority for the CDC which kept the industry grounded for more than a year. Despite that, Gottlieb does see some light at the end of the tunnel.
The short answer to the question is: I think this is kind of a springtime thing from a CDC policy standpoint. They are going to want to make a decision around this after we get through another fall and winter with covid and see if we are truly in an endemic phase with this.
While vaccination requirements could go away in 2023, testing requirements are likely to continue for the foreseeable future .
That Cruise Document Doesnt Say What You Think It Says About Vaccination Requirements
Unfortunately, when Maxwell forwarded his paper trail, it was clear that he and his fiance had misunderstood some of the correspondence from Celebrity.
His cruise contract provided a link to the most up-to-date cruising requirements, which didnt support his theory that unvaccinated adults can cruise.
Since June, the Celebrity website has displayed this information on its site.
Fact: All Celebrity passengers 12 and older must be fully vaccinated 14 days before boarding their cruise.
I showed the information to Maxwell and explained that a refund isnt in the cards when a passenger doesnt have the required documentation to cruise.
I asked Maxwell if he had something else that I might use to successfully mediate his request.
Unfortunately, that was a dead-end as well.
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Sailing Princess Without The Vaccine*
Princess is among the most lenient when it comes to sailing unvaccinated. They offer the ability to apply for an exemption for any reason . However, it is currently limited to 10% of passengers and on a first-come, first-served basis:
We manage an exemption process for guests who are not vaccinated regardless of the reason, subject to the regulations of the ports we visit. Exemptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under 5 years old are not required to apply for an exemption but must still follow all other requirements for unvaccinated guests. Exemptions can be obtained by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.
Florida Banned Vaccine Requirements On Cruises Two Big Lines Don’t Seem To Care
When cruise ships depart from Floridas ports in the coming months, some wont require passengers to get the most effective pandemic life preserver there is a Covid-19 vaccination.
Thats because of new legislation Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed that bars businesses from requiring customers to show proof of vaccinations. The law goes into effect Thursday and opponents say it could threaten the recovery of an industry that is vital to the states economy, in addition to making it difficult for cruise ship companies to put some teeth into the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination recommendations.
At least 10 major cruise lines are headquartered in Florida, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line.
Celebrity Cruises dropped its requirement that Florida passengers show proof of their shots. 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 insurance.
Despite the law, two of the biggest cruise lines, Carnival and Norwegian have decided to impose proof-of-vaccination requirements, according to information published on their websites. Violations of the Florida law come with a maximum $5,000 penalty per violation.
Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry.
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Need To Know Information
Pre-cruise boarding checklist U.S. Homeports:
- Check-In Health Questionnaire: Guests must now declare they have not had COVID-19 symptoms in past 10 days previously was 14 days.
- COVID-19 vaccination proof for all guests 12 years and older, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions COVID-19 vaccination record card.
- A negative test result for COVID-19 printed or shown on your phone .
- Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is recommended.
- No Passport? Bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver’s License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older.
- If the name doesn’t match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate.
**********
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Virgin Voyages, a fledgling cruise line sailing one of its two ships, the Scarlet Lady, out of Miami, dropped the pre-cruise testing requirement after the CDC stopped monitoring covid on cruise ships. Now, the cruise brand owned by billionaire Richard Branson has quietly decided to allow some unvaccinated “sailors,” as it calls its passengers, on its upcoming voyages.
The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings.
“Were still requiring that the majority of Sailors be vaccinated, but were opening up our voyages for a limited number of unvaccinated Sailors to join us. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. As always, your safety is our first priority, so we will continue with our other protocols to keep you well while enjoying your relaxing vacation,” the cruise line shared in the email.
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Covid Case Reporting No Longer Required
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships last Monday.
CDC has worked closely with the cruise industry, state, territorial, and local health authorities, and federal and seaport partners to provide a safer and healthier environment for cruise passengers and crew. Cruise ships have access to guidance and tools to manage their own COVID-19 mitigation programs.
The CDC added that while cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for crew, passengers, and communities going forward.USA Today
Following several outbreaks on ships across the world, a no-sail order was issued in March of 2020 for all cruise ships that served the United States. Quickly bringing the industry to a standstill for nearly a year. Cruises did come back in the summer of 2021, but with strict testing, masks, and vaccine requirements. Since that time, the industry has been following strict guidelines to allow passengers to cruise safely.
Which Cruise Lines Accept Passengers Who Havent Been Vaccinated
A-ROSA River Cruises was the first line to relax the health measures for passengers. On June 7 the company removed the need for guests to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a certified negative test result before embarking on its fleet of European ships.
The line also removed the mask-wearing rule for passengers, and the requirement for rapid antigen testing before boarding the ship in May.
The only exception to the latest move will be for passengers sailing on A-ROSA ALVA on the Douro in Portugal. Due to regional regulations, passengers over the age of 12 continue to require proof of complete vaccination or recovery from Covid in order to join the cruise. Additionally, the requirement to wear face masks when moving around on the ship, and rapid antigen testing prior to boarding, remains in place.
Measures such as extended cleaning and disinfection protocols across the fleet will remain in place to ensure hygiene standards are upheld.
A spokesperson for the line said: As always, the wellbeing and health of all guests and crew members remains a top priority and the care team will continue to monitor the situation and, if necessary, will adjust and adapt the protocols accordingly if required.
Several cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, will accept unvaccinated children. There is an age limit for this, which varies from line to line and port to port.
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Vaccine Policies For Major Cruise Lines Returning To Alaska
Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises are on their way back to Alaska this summer. L
Let’s take a look at their Alaska restart details and COVID-19 vaccine policies:
Carnival Cruise LineCapacity : 2,100Built: 2004First Cruise: July 27, 2021Homeport: Seattle Itinerary: Seven-day cruises featuring calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, as well as scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord Vaccination required? Yes
Beginning on July 27, Carnival Cruise Line with the Carnival Miracle. Sailing from Seattle, the vessel will visit Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan as well as the Tracy Arm Fjord.
These Alaska cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination.
Princess CruisesCapacity : 3,600Built: 2017First Cruise: July 25, 2021Homeport: Seattle Itinerary: Seven-day cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan Vaccination required? Yes
Princess Cruises . Sailing in the United States for the first time, the vessel will welcome passengers back on July 25.
Until September 26, Princess plans ten seven-day cruises visiting Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
Holland America Line is resuming its operations in Alaska with 11 departures from Seattle.
Starting on July 23, on the recently refurbished Celebrity Summit.
Alaska Cruises From Us & Vancouver British Columbia Faq’s
When do I have to take a COVID-19 test?
Required Pre-Cruise Testing to be taken for all guests 2 or 3 days before arriving at the terminal.
Testing for Cruisetour Guests
- Cruisetour Guests: Required Pre-Tour Testing: Royal Caribbean Cruisetour guests need to take a COVID-19 test on their own, at guest’s expense, before the land-tour portion of the Cruisetour.
- Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before the day the land tour starts. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
- Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test taken no more than 3 days before the day the land tour starts.
- Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-Cruisetour test.
- Cruisetour guests will also need to complete the pre-cruise testing to board the ship in addition to the pre-tour testing. Vaccinated guests are advised to bring an eMed test kit with them on their Cruisetour to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement. For vaccinated guests without a test kit or unvaccinated kids age 2-11 in need of a PCR test, a testing provider in Anchorage will be available to test guests at their own expense. Details on how to register for testing in Anchorage will be provided by the Cruisetour guide.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise?
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San Juan Puerto Rico Homeport Departures
Pre-cruise boarding checklist San Juan, Puerto Rico departures
- Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is recommended.
- No Passport? Bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver’s License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older.
- If your name doesn’t match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico?:
All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Guests under the age of 12 years, who are considered fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests below. Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of our sailing.
When do I have to take a COVID-19 test to cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Can I get off the ship when at port?
Will I still be able to enjoy the buffet?
Follow Trends Affecting The Local Economy
The recently passed Florida law crafted by the Republican-controlled state Legislature and promoted by Gov. Ron DeSantis bars businesses, schools and government entities across Florida from asking anyone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Under the law, which takes effect on July 1, businesses can be fined up to $5,000 per violation.
It is unclear if cruise companies will be allowed to ask passengers if they have been vaccinated as part of the boarding process, even if they dont require vaccination to board.
The summer cruises announced by Royal Caribbean International Friday are still pending approval from the CDC after each ship successfully completes a test cruise with volunteer passengers.
The CDC has so far approved nine cruise ships, including Freedom of the Seas, Carnival Horizon and MSC Meraviglia from PortMiami, for test cruises, meaning the ships wont meet a CDC threshold of 95 percent of passengers and 98 percent of crew be vaccinated, and two ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Equinox from Port Everglades for revenue cruises.
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First Cruise From Us Port In More Than 15 Months Sets Sail
When asked how Carnival intends to handle Floridas new law, a spokesperson did not comment on the decision to break from the law and instead referred NBC News to its frequently-asked-questions page, which states that guests will be asked to confirm their status as fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination in advance of boarding, unless a vaccination exemption is given in advance.
Norwegian, which requires guests to bring proof of vaccination, responded to inquiries with a link to its latest press release from early June about its upcoming U.S. voyages.
Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry.
“The governor is dictatorially imposing his will on Florida businesses trying to protect their customers, including cruise lines on whom our agriculture industry depends for millions in food sales,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement to NBC News.
Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election.
Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers.
Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. Therefore, people who are vaccinated should not be worried about getting infected from those who arent.
Prior to the pandemic, the industry directly and indirectly supported nearly 160,000 jobs in Florida.
Dont Bother Booking A Cruise If Youre Not Fully Vaccinated Heres Why
Well, that didnt take long. The first wave of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers whove been denied boarding their cruise ships has washed ashore.
As the cruise industry begins to return to the waterways, mass confusion about the requirements for cruising has ensued. One of the first casualties of this chaos was Joshua Maxwell and his fiancee. They showed up at the dock earlier this month, planning to set sail on Celebrity CruisesEquinox. Unfortunately, they werent fully vaccinated, and the cruise line rejected the couple and sent them home.
The twist? Maxwell says vaccination requirements confused cruise line employees, too. As a result, he says the duo were allowed to board the ship and settle into their cabin before being forcibly removed by security hours later.
So whats going on here?
Maxwells unpleasant tale should serve as a warning to would-be passengers everywhere. If youve got an upcoming cruise, make sure youre fully vaccinated, or you wont be cruising anywhere but back to your house.
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