Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation. Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. 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. In addition, even for the itineraries out of Texas and Louisiana for which vaccines no longer will be required, passengers will need to show proof of vaccination if they plan to get off the ship in Grand Cayman a common stop on sailings from those states. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . 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. Plus Ups are excluded. Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages! Royal Caribbean believes that even by allowing unvaccinated passengers onboard, their health protocols far exceed that of other forms of leisure travel, "We continue to maintain additional layers of protection that far exceed any other vacation experience. 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. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Cruises 6 nights or more: All guests aged 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. 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. Now, Royal Caribbean has also updated its vaccination requirements for certain cruises. Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of the PCR and antigen tests. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. Royal Caribbean cruises launching from Nassau, Bahamas, and Bermuda this summer will require vaccinations for passengers 18 and over. "They're really anxious to come back. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. It's why, he says, procedures will be in place to isolate any passengers who show symptoms. 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. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols. NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated. Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise news. Florida has sued the CDC to end the agency's sail requirements, and a judge ordered . The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July. Visas are only required for a few countries within the Caribbean and Northern America region. | 2043026. See the tables below for more information: A few different types of infections are present in the Caribbean and Northern America region. Until now, Royal Caribbean only has allowed unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 on its ships and only in limited numbers. Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line. Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. Royal Caribbean informs guests of updated protocols including the elimination of venue access depending on vaccination status. Starting July 2, Royal Caribbean ships will not be requiring passengers to have covid vaccines for sailings from the U.S. The plan will need approval from the federal government before it can be implemented, while uncertainty also exists which vaccines would be acceptable for entry. Get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before cruise ship travel. Are you happy with this change or did you like knowing that everyone onboard was vaccinated? See our What Vaccines section to learn more. Passengers no longer have to wear masks onboard while they are indoors, and while capacities have not returned to 100% . This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). It stopped them in March last year after deadly outbreaks on ships such as the Grand Princess and the Diamond Princess made international headlines. Royal Caribbean Provides Update to Guests Booked on Sailings to Russia, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port, Cunard Line Unveils Historical Photo ExhibitionFrom Past 100 Years, Royal Caribbean Cuts Back on Housekeeping Service, Fourth Carnival Cruise Ship Will Be Based Out of Galveston, Texas. Mr Fain concedes more cases could occur on cruise ships as things open up. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more. 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. What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized. They never prevented transmission or infection. 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. 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. I think we are talking about people who are vaccinated, and there are lots of different ways to show that". Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot). Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. On This Page: Still, other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line allow unvaccinated minors to sail. Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated. Thank you. What happens to the ships some cruise lines have scrapped during the pandemic? Travellers diarrhoea can affect travellers to any region. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! See our What Vaccines section to learn more. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. 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". Find out more: Royal Caribbean International. "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. 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. 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. Ships will be sailing with a minimum of 95% of guests vaccinated; however, Royal Caribbean has not decided yet on whether or not a booster will be required in the future. A Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line just announced a vaccine requirement. 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. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols would be required for unvaccinated guests. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. 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. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. Royal Caribbean released a further update to its protocols on Wednesday, which will . All rights reserved. Learn more. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? "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". Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival cruise lines are easing their pandemic-era protocol by allowing unvaccinated travelers on more sailings, as well as accepting at-home COVID-19 tests for. 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. To be considered fully vaccinated by the countries we visit: A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. Royal Caribbean cruises that don't require vaccination include sailings that leave from European ports, Los Angeles, Galveston, Tex. 1 Dominican Republic. Like what you see? Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Wow: Inside Amex's glistening new Centurion club in midtown Manhattan, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe. 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. . 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. But there's a catch. Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. Arriving people who test positive must quarantine for 10 days. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. One important change to the onboard policies is that Royal Caribbean has removed the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas. It only took 10s of thousands of lives to be lost for them to do it though. The three latter brands said their new no-vaccine-required policies were fleetwide. She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states' bans. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. Follow her adventures on Instagram. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Where they sail: Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. All guests can go to all public areas onboard with the new protocols. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. Allowing unvaccinated guests back on at least some ships is a major shift in policy from the last two years. Shame on them for the coercion, breaking our Nuremberg treaty for experimentation and for ruining the lives of many. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test. 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. 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. "We are working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. Royal Caribbean is requiring vaccination for travelers ages 12 and over. What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. They made people sicker and killed many people. Vaccination requirements remain in place until further notice for any homeport not mentioned above, including all Florida sailings. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. What other safety measures are in place: Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis and polio. 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. 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? Guests will need to notify the reservations team at time of booking to ensure that they are counted as part of the 10% threshold. At the same time, Royal Caribbean has also added new health requirements for upcoming departure ports in and outside the US. In many cases inocul. Royal Caribbean has updated its healthy sail protocols. These are all the cruise lines that will require COVID-19 vaccinations for guests and crew. Royal Caribbean. TPG values it at $1,600. sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras, some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas, Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Seabourn Cruise Line 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. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. Vaccine requirements remain a touchy issue as some people have chosen not to be vaccinated and that means they cannot cruise. This is what you need to know about what the major cruise lines require regarding Covid vaccination. In many cases inocul. For the Galapagos. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Vacation cruising has nearly returned to normal. Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail. 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 . There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. Starting with September 5thdepartures,all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as theymeet any testing requirementsto board. ", Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Each ship can perform rapid molecular tests on board. 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. In May, Royal Caribbean said it would require vaccinations for passengers. 2023 BBC. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. 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. 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. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination. What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. 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. Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. All guests will need to undergo a rapid test, administered at the terminal, prior to boarding. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. ", "We've actually surveyed our guests and the vast bulk of the people that have booked our cruises have already been vaccinated, and they're volunteering it, they want it. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Guests who are eligible must have a booster. Cruise lines have restricted their ships to only allow adults that are fully vaccinated onboard since sailings restarted in late 2020. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Puerto. Celebrity Cruises will also allow unvaccinated cruisers onboard. The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be . - More information on Royal Caribbean's COVID-19 protocols can be found on the company's website. 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. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Missing from this list are cruises that visit destinations in The Bahamas or Eastern Caribbean. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Book the Eastern Caribbean, departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey on 05 Jan 2025 for 11 nights aboard Odyssey of the Seas with ROL Cruise today. The most important change may be the following: Guests who are not vaccinated can sail on any cruise from the U.S. or Europe (*except. 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 . However, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas cruises, was the first to update its vaccination requirements in addition to testing requirements. What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Vaccination and Testing Requirements. To many, this was a curious flip . Younger passengers will be able to cruise if they test . 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. 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. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, and tested regularly. Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. Yes (including crew) Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, both part of Royal Caribbean Group, will mandate vaccinations for adult guests and crew, with children under 18 required to test negative for the coronavirus . For passengers sailing from Canada and Bermuda, all passengers over 12 must be vaccinated. While it may not seem like much, the current health requirements are an essential step forward to bring cruising back to normal. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from Los Angeles. Brittany Chang. Thisincludes vaccination of all crew and keeping them up to date with boosters when eligible, routine surveillance of all crew, enhanced testing and treatment capabilities in our onboard medical centers, and much more.". We have 15 Pictures about Royal Caribbean reverses vaccination mandate for passengers on cruises like Alaska Cruises: Everything You Need to Know - Park West Gallery, Royal Caribbean Cruises Alaska 2022 / 2023 - Alaska Cruise Specialists and also Alaska Cruise Weather in May, June and July: What to Expect in the. Unvaccinated travelers aged 5 and older will need to take a test within 3 days of boarding. 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. 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. Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. Read about our approach to external linking. Royal Caribbean drops the vaccine requirement from select U.S. homeports on departures from September 5, 2022. Be sure to have a travellers diarrhoea prevention kit with you for your trip. Earlier this year, several states including Florida and Texas banned the concept of vaccine passports, directly affecting some cruise lines that mandated vaccines, including Norwegian Cruise Line. 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. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Previously, certain areas onboard. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. At this time,only the following sailings have COVID-19 vaccination requirements: Guestsage12 and older must be fully vaccinated againstCOVID-19in order to sail: Vaccines that are fully approved or authorized for emergency use by theWorld Health Organization (with the exception of CanSino), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), will be accepted by the ports we sail to.