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. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. 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. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay. "Actually that's a very important part of cruising , the opportunity to go other places". Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America. 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. Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September. 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. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board. Accepted Tests: Any FDAapproved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement. . 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. In another caveat, passengers on Europe sailings who aren't up to date on a COVID-19 vaccine series per European standards will need to take a COVID-19 test on board in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. All guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. 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. Celebrity Cruises will also allow unvaccinated cruisers onboard. Guests can feel free to enjoy the theater, spa, and gym! Royal Caribbean's announcement follows other cruise lines that have already relaxed their vaccine restrictions recently. Plus Ups are excluded. "Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible," said Royal Caribbean's news release. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. What other safety measures are in place: Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise news. Unvaccinated passengers can cruise with negative results from any commercially available test, including self . The NaTHNaC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to the Caribbean and Northern America: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever and rabies. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. Starting July 2, Royal Caribbean ships will not be requiring passengers to have covid vaccines for sailings from the U.S. See the below table for more information: Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. 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. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . Now, Royal Caribbean has also updated its vaccination requirements for certain cruises. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. But there's a catch. NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents). Can onboard rollercoasters save the cruise industry? - Facial coverings onboard are optional. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt. Many of those who work in the cruise industry are crew who have returned to their homes around the world and sought alternative employment during the pandemic. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. 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 . TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Asked about forgeries he replied: "We don't think many people would would even bother to do so. 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 other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates. Read about our approach to external linking. The new protocols are in line with the voluntary program from the CDC, which includes testing requirements, vaccination requirements, and mask requirements. Royal Caribbean drops the vaccine requirement from select U.S. homeports on departures from September 5, 2022. Follow her adventures on Instagram. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. While it may not seem like much, the current health requirements are an essential step forward to bring cruising back to normal. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board. 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". And people want a place where they can go where they know they're safe.". Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. 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? That seems unlikely to change anytime soon given the destinations. 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. Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience. Your email address will not be published. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June. 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. $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. ", "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. A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Check directly with your cruise line about their COVID-19 testing or vaccination protocols before travel. Caribbean. 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. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. I am glad you brought this up because I had considered that cruise and now I will not. Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of the PCR and antigen tests. Unvaccinated travelers aged 5 and older will need to take a test within 3 days of boarding. Travellers diarrhoea can affect travellers to any region. 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 . Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. Royal Caribbean International has announced it won't require US passengers to get vaccinated to go on several ships set to sail this summer. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas. All guests can go to all public areas onboard with the new protocols. Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Meanwhile, Hawaii is set to abolish inter-island travel restrictions,. All Royal Caribbean guests aged 12 and over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. An exception to the new policy is for passengers boarding a ship to Alaska. However Mr Fain think this will soon change. 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. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. For passengers sailing from Canada and Bermuda, all passengers over 12 must be vaccinated. "Most cruise liners operate different brands and I think that even now not all of them will survive. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. 4 U.S. Virgin Islands. 2. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more. 0. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. Passports are required to travel to all regions. 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. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. 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. Of the major cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has issued some of the most confusing protocol changes to date. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean are dropping vaccine requirements and easing COVID rules for pre-boarding testing. Please note, currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. In 2019, of a record 29.7 million people who went on a cruise, 46.5% embarked at a US port. For the Galapagos. 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. Travelling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? Starting with September 5th departures guests regardless of their vaccination status, can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: Vaccination requirements remain in place until further notice for any homeport that is not mentioned above. 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. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Starting with August 8, 2022 departures, these updates include: These updates also applied to sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. 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. What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. A spokeswoman for the company, Lyan Sierra-Caro, told The Miami Herald Royal Caribbean International's plans to require vaccinations was only going to be implemented for its "test cruises.". Royal Caribbean remains at 12 years and older currently. CDC . Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding. The cruise company's new sailings from the Bahamas will require all adult guests "to be . "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". Offers may be subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 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. Royal Caribbean requires vaccination on cruises from Hawaii to Vancouver. By contrast, the company reported a profit of $1.7bn in 2019. In many cases inocul. In the past few weeks the CDC has laid out detailed instructions on how cruise operators can hold trial runs to test their coronavirus protocols. COVID-19 vaccines no longer will be required for Celebrity sailings from European countries with the exception of Iceland and sailings from Los Angeles. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation. Further, unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Unvaccinated guests aged 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. The unconfirmed cruise ship rumors that get repeated a lot by cruise fans. Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America? Enrollment required. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships July 18, 2022. Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated travelers will no longer need a negative test on sailings shorter than 10 nights. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Arriving people who test positive must quarantine for 10 days. That means it's easier than ever to get to paradise and get started on your well-deserved vacation. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units. Previously, certain areas onboard were not accessible for guests who had not been fully vaccinated. For now, there is no more restriction. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged). Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. The US is the biggest market for the industry which has been almost completely closed down by the pandemic. "Ports around the world are opening up and opening up very quickly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Celebrity kept its vaccine requirement for sailings from Florida and a number of other places. It's why, he says, procedures will be in place to isolate any passengers who show symptoms. 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. Are you ready to embark on your journey to sea the world, one port at a time? 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. 3 Puerto Rico. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on the countries they have recently visited. What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports. 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. In many cases inocul. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Guests under 18 years do not require a vaccine but will also need to have a lateral flow test pre-departure. Find the right card for you. What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status. 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. You will need to register to receive the test. This policy goes into effect acrossNorwegian Cruise Line,Oceania Cruises, andRegent Seven Seas Cruisesfor all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. Vaccinated people get Covid so whats the difference? Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure. . 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? What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. "There will be cases of Covid-19 on board ships, just as there are cases of Covid-19 onshore". $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is finally doing away with its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for adults. In general, Royal Caribbean said guests "are strongly recommended" to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated. Each ship can perform rapid molecular tests on board. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols. 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. Learn more. Visas are only required for a few countries within the Caribbean and Northern America region. 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. It adds that the "CDC acknowledges that it is not possible for cruising to be a zero-risk activity for spread of Covid-19". What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it. Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement for Some Cruises. "Unvaccinated guests will be required to take one test within 3 days of departure . (Enrollment required for select benefits.). 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. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. Margaritaville at Sea Becomes Latest Cruise Line to Ease Pre-boarding COVID Testing Requirement, The CDC Will No Longer Report COVID-19 Cases on Cruises to the Public, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will No Longer Require Face Masks, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform for One-stop Trip Planning, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will Require Passengers to Wear Masks Indoors Due to Rising Onboard Cases. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska. For European homeports, the cruise line says guests booked on board will be provided full health and safety guidelines 30 days before departure: Royal Caribbean is working closely with local government and health authorities to finalize protocols and requirements designed for the health and safety of our guests sailing from European and Middle Eastern homeports. Sometimes. 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. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. This allowed the cruise lines to develop their own protocols, instead of it being mandated. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well. 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. From the snows of Greenland to the seasides of Jamaica, there is something for everyone. 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. 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. Starting September 5, 2022, all guests can sail, regardless of vaccination status. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Princess said it will allow up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without exemptions or vaccine status justification. Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.