Royal Caribbean Drops Requirements For Most Cruises
Royal Caribbean has once more updated and simplified its health and safety protocols, opening up more cruises to more passengers.
As additional Caribbean destinations continue to adjust their own protocols for travelers, Royal Caribbean International has updated their requirements for upcoming sailings.
This is a welcome simplification for many travelers, and permits more guests to set sail with the worlds largest cruise line.
Royal Caribbean Updates Protocols For Canada Cruises
With Canada dropping all travel requirements, Royal Caribbean has now updated its protocols for these sailings.
As authorities in Canada confirmed the removal of pandemic-related travel restrictions, Royal Caribbean has made several changes to its COVID-19 requirements for cruises from the country. The new protocols will be going into effect on October 1.
This means that those sailing onboard Ovation of the Seas tomorrow, September 30, will still need to comply with the old protocols, while anyone sailing onboard Radiance of the Seas in October can enjoy the more relaxed measures.
Guests sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas will also enjoy more relaxed measures, but, due to the length of their cruise, testing will still be required for all.
Still Protecting Health And Safety
While Royal Caribbean is easing restrictions to permit more guests to set sail, the cruise line is still committed to protecting all passengers, crew members, and port communities.
The cruise line continues to practice health and safety measures that exceed other types of vacations,a press release announcing todays changes read.
These measures include the routine monitoring and vaccination of all crew members and keeping them up to date with boosters when they are eligible, enhanced testing and care capabilities in every onboard medical center, and more.
It should be noted that Royal Caribbean, as well as other cruise lines, continues to work with port destinations with any changes, and will further adjust protocols as necessary.
These latest updates are in line with recent protocol changes from popular Caribbean ports of call, including St. Kitts as well as the Cayman Islands.
Guests booked on upcoming sailings should continue to remain in contact with the cruise line and stay informed through emails, text alerts, and other communications to be sure they meet all updated guidelines before embarkation.
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Sailings From Seattle Aboard Serenade Of The Seas And Ovation Of The Seas
Cruises aboard Serenade of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas sailing from Seattle to Alaska will require all passengers over the age of 16 to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. The final dose must have taken place no later than 14 days prior to sailing.
Passengers under the listed ages will receive a COVID-19 PCR test before boarding.
All passengers must provide proof of vaccination, along with all other travel documents, upon arrival to the ship. Only original vaccination documents are accepted no photocopies or screen captures will be accepted.
When Are Cruise Lines Still Requiring Testing
Carnival Cruise Line will require pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers only on trips 16 nights or longer or where local rules mandate it, such as on sailings to Canada and Bermuda, starting on Sept. 6, according to a press release.
Passengers who are unvaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination will still need to “present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation.” Those under 5 years old are exempt from vaccine and testing requirements in the U.S.
Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and up to take a pre-cruise test on U.S. sailings 10 nights or longer within three days of boarding beginning Sept. 5, according to its website. Unvaccinated guests 5 and older must take a test within three days of their trip on all sailings. The changes are subject to local rules.
Celebrity Cruises will only require vaccinated passengers to test on voyages that are 10 nights or longer within three days of sailing as of Sept. 5, according to its website, where local rules permit. Unvaccinated travelers age 5 and older must take a test within three days before boarding for U.S. sailings.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will drop all pre-cruise requirements for vaccinated passengers ages 12 and over as of Sept. 3, according to a news release.
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Royal Caribbean Cruises Passport Requirements For Cruises
Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the United States by air, land or sea.
Regarding Royal Caribbean Cruises to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda, there is a notable exception to this US passport rule, pertaining to land and sea crossings for US Citizens.
US Citizens on closed-loop cruises and travel to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda are able to re-enter the United States with proof of citizenship other than a passport or passport card. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate and a laminated government issued picture ID , Consular Report of Born Abroad Certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization. NOTE: Baptismal records and certificates issued by a hospital are not acceptable.
Not Yet For Eastern Caribbean
Whats notably missing are Eastern Caribbean cruises, such as those that sail to the Bahamas. Currently, the island nation requires all cruise ship passengers 12 and over to be fully vaccinated to enter the port. This also includes cruise line private islands, such as Royal Caribbeans Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean said, We are working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. We want to ensure a great experience going ashore at these ports, for guests of any vaccination status, while meeting local health regulations.
The cruise line is working with the ports and says it will share information to travel agents and guests as it becomes available.
This news comes as the cruise industry starts to relax its protocols and aligns with other travel sectors, such as flights. With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ending its cruise ship program on July 18, 2022, multiple cruise lines have already announced updated protocols to allow more unvaccinated guests to sail and to reduce pre-cruise testing.
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Other Cruise Lines Recent Updates To Testing And Vaccination Protocols
Other brands like Carnival Cruises and MSC Cruises followed suit with very similar updates to their testing protocols as Royal Caribbean.
However, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , 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.
On August 8th, NCLH announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols which further align the Company to the broader travel, leisure, and hospitality industry worldwide.
Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols. Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations.
This policy goes into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022.
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.
Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement For Some Cruises
Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings.
Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well.
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Are There Any Additional Requirements To Cruise To Bermuda
All travelers age 2 and older, or their legal guardians, must apply for a Bermuda Travel Authorization if your cruise stops in Bermuda. Even if you do not plan to go ashore in Bermuda, you must have the Authorization. You will be required to present an approved Authorization on the day you board your cruise.
The Bermuda Travel Authorization process includes uploading a vaccination record for guests in your travel party that are age 12 or older.
You may apply at the Government of Bermuda website, no more than 30 days before you set sail. You will not see your ship/sailing listed on the website before that time. We recommend guests apply for their Bermuda Travel Authorization as soon as it becomes available. The application cost is $40 per person.
Your application will be stored until your cruise departure. Four days before departure, you will receive an email reminder to upload a negative COVID-19 result. You should upload the test result you will use to board the ship, and submit your completed application to Bermuda no later than the day before you board.
Certain Vaccines Not Accepted
Note that the local government does not recognize Novovax or Covaxin as approved vaccines. If you are on a cruise that stops in Bermuda, and your vaccination series consists of either, you will not be permitted to go ashore in Bermuda. If you are booked on a cruise that exclusively visits Bermuda, you will be denied boarding.
Royal Caribbean To Drop Vaccine Requirement On Select Cruises
Royal Caribbean drops the vaccine requirement from select U.S. homeports on departures from September 5, 2022.
Royal Caribbean released a further update to its protocols on Wednesday, which will go into effect in September 2022. The cruise line will drop the vaccine requirement on select sailings from the U.S. and Europe. Its another step to normality and follows other recently relaxed requirements.
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Royal Caribbean Updates To Testing Protocols
Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include:
- Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer.
- Maintaining a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all sailings, far above the general population.
- All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, and tested regularly.
These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises.
First Aid And Medications
While some items can be purchased onboard, it is a good idea to have a ready made first aid kit for easy access during the cruise. The last thing you want to do is spend time running around in port to find something. Don’t assume that there will be an adequate supply on the ship. Best to pick them up at the local drugstore pre-cruise a pharmacist can assist with determining what is best for you.
Here are some common medications/ first aid items to pack:
- Pain and allergy products
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Why Can Cruise Lines Now Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Onboard
The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships July 18, 2022. This allowed the cruise lines to develop their own protocols, instead of it being mandated.
The CDC still makes recommendations to the lines, but ultimately, cruise lines craft protocols as they see fit, similar to other forms of leisure travel.
Getting Ready To Cruise From Vancouver
Here are the latest protocols for our guests sailing Vancouver, British Columbia. Protocols are subject to change and we are committed to keeping you informed if they do. Whenever possible we will provide prior notice for any changes. Just the same, we’ll let you know if any requirements are reduced or eliminated.
Guests traveling into Canada from another country should be sure to look into any requirements your own home country may have for exiting or re-entering its borders.
Vaccination Requirement
All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing.
Children age 11 and under do not require COVID-19 vaccination to cruise but if your kids are vaccinated, they can follow the test guidance for vaccinated guests.
Each guests regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
A Certificate of Recovery is not acceptable in lieu of full vaccination.
All crew onboard the ship and at our private destinations are fully vaccinated and receive a booster dose as they become eligible.
Testing Requirements
All Guests: Required Pre-Cruise Testing
Before arriving on boarding day, youll need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense, to meet boarding requirements in line with U.S. CDC guidance.
Have questions about which tests are accepted?Read Our Detailed FAQ On Accepted Tests
Testing Requirements
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Royal Caribbean Outlines Vaccination Requirements For Cruises From Us Homeports
— Royal Caribbean outlined its vaccination requirements for cruises from a variety of U.S. homeports, and they are as varied and different as the destinations itself.
Royal Caribbean’s Healthy Sail Center has clarified that all cruises departing from U.S. homeports — excluding Florida — will require passengers 16 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Beginning August 1, that drops to all passengers 12 and over. Children who are not eligible to be vaccinated will still be allowed onboard, but families with unvaccinated children will have to follow additional protocols that will include additional PCR testing, masking and physical distancing.
With no standardized rule for vaccinations across Royal Caribbean’s entire sailing schedule within the United States, the onus will be on cruisers to familiarize themselves with the line’s policies and health and safety measures — and ensure they know and understand them prior to setting sail.
A rundown of the line’s U.S. departure requirements:
Carnival Royal Caribbean And Celebrity Cruises Are The Latest To Relax Coronavirus Protocols
Three giant cruise companies are dropping vaccine requirements for some ships, following a wave of recent moves to ease pandemic-era restrictions that precluded some travelers from boarding.
Sister cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises said on their websites that as of Sept. 5, everyone regardless of vaccination status would be able to sail on specific cruises as long as they met testing requirements.
For Celebrity, that means cruises leaving from Los Angeles, the United Kingdom and Europe . Royal Caribbean cruises that dont require vaccination include sailings that leave from European ports, Los Angeles, Galveston, Tex. and New Orleans.
Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports the busiest in the world still have vaccine rules in place.
Carnival Cruise also announced Friday that unvaccinated guests are welcome on board starting Sept. 6, though they will still need to provide a negative coronavirus test result taken three days before sailing. Proof of vaccination will remain required for cruises to Australia and voyages longer than 16 nights.
Vaccinated guests will no longer need to test, Carnival said, with the exception of sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, per local guidelines, and on cruises longer than 16 nights.
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Sailings From Cyprus And Spain
Cruises departing from Cyprus and Spain this summer will require passengers over the age of 18 to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Passengers under the age of 18 will undergo PCR testing at the pier.
Across the board, those who are already fully vaccinated don’t need to worry about a thing: They can embark their sailing without issue.
Those traveling with children who cannot be vaccinated yet, or those adults who have not yet been vaccinated, though, will need to read the rules and regulations carefully to determine where — and when — they can sail.
While these health and safety protocols will not be in place forever, they are in place for the foreseeable future aboard select sailings as Royal Caribbean restarts its domestic and global cruise operations.
Getting To Your Cruise
Traveling with kids, especially younger ones, does call for additional consideration, even before you get on the ship. Whether you are flying or driving straight to the port, there are a few major items that you should pack:
- Stoller A stroller is a must have for young kids however, you may not want to bring your large double stroller from home, as this can be tricky to navigate in the narrow hallways of a cruise ship or some port areas. Many people go for a cheaper umbrella stroller, something light and easy to carry and maneuver.
- Car Seat While you dont need one on the ship, some people like to bring theirs for excursions, especially not knowing what is available in port and the likelihood of taxis and buses having them.
- Cruise paperwork Like adults, kids need identification for their cruise, so dont forget their set sail passes along with required ID, vaccine, or covid-testing requirements where needed.
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Getting Ready To Cruise From Barcelona Spain England And The Netherlands
Here are the latest protocols for our guests sailing from Barcelona, Spain, England and the Netherlands. Due to the fluidity of this situation, our protocols are subject to change and we are committed to keeping you informed if they do.
Guests should be sure to look into any requirements your own home country may have for exiting or re-entering its borders.
Vaccination Guidance
It is recommended that guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, if they are eligible.
While vaccination documents will not be required to board sailings, we will ask that you disclose your vaccination status to us prior to boarding . We recommend you bring your vaccination documents with you, in case local authorities or businesses in some destinations require it for entrance.
Some of the destinations we visit require guests to be up to date with their vaccination status to go ashore. Those who do not meet these two requirements to be considered up to date may require additional testing onboard prior to going ashore in certain ports.
Up to Date Vaccination Status
For the best European cruise experience, we strongly recommend guests be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination per the European Medicines Agency .
To be considered up to date by all European countries we sail to, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements.
Your most recent vaccine dose is on this list of EMA-approved vaccines:
Testing Requirements
For sailings that visit Greece:
Testing Requirements