Royal Caribbean plans to restart cruises in December on Quantum of the Seas, and has released some easy to read guides about the new changes that will be added.
The cruise line calls its collection of new health protocols, "The Royal Promise", and it encompasses all the new changes onboard to protect guests from the current health crisis.
These changes include reducing the number of guests onboard to no more than 50% occupancy, testing everyone before sailing, and enhanced cleanliness standards.
Pool Deck
Royal Caribbean ships will sail at no more than 50% occupancy, and added friendly spacing reminders anywhere a little extra guidance may be needed.
They have implemented safe spacing at restaurants, bars and lounges, shows, Casino Royale, and on the pool deck. This includes reduced capacity in pools and hot tubs.
| 1. More Room to Swim Pools are limited to 50% capacity to allow for physical distancing. Face masks should not be worn, as a wet mask can cause difficulty in breathing. | 2. Spaced Out Seating Pool chairs and day beds are disinfected daily and arranged to allow for sufficient space between your group and others. | 3. Increased Sanitization All public areas and bathrooms are regularly disinfected, including daily electrostatic spraying. |
| 4. Towels All pool towels are washed with hospital-grade detergents at high temperatures. | 5. Clean Hands on Deck Additional touchless Purell hand sanitizer and wipes dispensers are available for you. | 6. Soak Up the Space Whirlpools are limited in capacity so you can safely enjoy bubbles with your buds. |
| 7. Less Things to Touch Order drinks using QR codes to view menus on your phone. And no need to sign or deal with receipts for lower-cost transactions. | 8. Soft Served to You All self-service ice cream machines will be staffed by crew members. | 9. Poolside Tables Some tables will be blocked off to give you plenty of space to sit and snack. |
| 10. Back on Track Enjoy some exercise on the jogging track during dedicated mask-free hours. | 11. Here for You Safety ambassadors and crew members will help ensure everyone is safe and following recommendations. | 12. Face Masks Face masks are required in all areas of the pool deck unless you’re in the water, where you should continue to observe physical distancing |
Outdoor Activities
Royal Caribbean has added enhanced health and safety protocols to its signature outdoor activities, including the FlowRider and mini-golf.
| 1. Increased Sanitization All public areas and bathrooms are regularly disinfected including daily electrostatic spraying. | 2. Clean Hands on Deck Additional touchless Purell hand sanitizer and wipes dispensers are available for you. | 3. Spaced Out Seating Chairs and benches are disinfected daily and arranged to allow for a safe distance between your group and others. |
| 4. FlowRider® & Waterslides Water activities do not require face masks while riding, but need to be worn while waiting in line. | 5. Dry Slides & Rides Dry slides and other rides will be sanitized regularly during open hours. | 6. Sports Court Enjoy instructor-led competitions and drills that give you new ways to exercise while physically distanced. |
| 7. Mini Golf & Table Tennis Sanitized equipment can be checked out from the Sports Desk, or sanitizing wipes will be provided for use after each player. | 8. Zip Line All equipment is sanitized by staff between riders. | 9. Rock Climbing Wall All gear is sanitized by staff between climbers and liquid chalk has replaced shared regular chalk. |
| 10. Regular Reminders Announcements are made periodically to encourage physical distancing and floor markers help direct you where to safely stand. | 11. Here for You Safety ambassadors and crew members will help ensure everyone is safe and following recommendations. | 12. Face Masks On Singapore cruises, face masks are required on the outer decks, except while riding the FlowRider. |
Other Fleet Favorite Experiences
North Star
Limited to 4 riders, or 5 riders of the same travel group. Physical distancing is observed. Reserve on Cruise Planner.
RipCord by iFLY
Staff and guests must wear face masks until entering the flight tunnel. Physical distancing is observed. Reserve on Cruise Planner.
Indoor areas
New stringent cleaning protocols ensure safe public hangouts, with smart enhancements like virtual queues and QR code menus.
| 1. More Room for You Indoor venues are limited to 50% capacity with floor markers and directional signage to safely guide you. | 2. Increased Sanitization All public areas are regularly disinfected including daily electrostatic spraying and frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces. | 3. Getting Around Elevators are limited to four people at a time or your travel group only. Stairs are available as usual and railings are cleaned frequently. |
| 4. Clean Hands on Deck Additional touchless Purell hand sanitizer and wipes dispensers are available for you. | 5. Indoor Cafés and Restaurants Tables and seating are sanitized regularly. Some tables will be blocked for physical distancing. | 6. Bars and Lounges Tables, seating and bar tops are sanitized regularly. Some seats will be blocked for physical distancing. |
| 7. Virtual Queuing Your phone will alert you when it’s your turn to be helped at the Guest Services or Shore Excursions desks. | 8. Private Shopping Stores will welcome a limited number of shoppers at once, and private appointments are available by request. | 9. Less Things to Touch Order food and drink using QR codes to view menus on your phone. And no need to sign or deal with receipts for lower-cost transactions. |
| 10. 100% Fresh, Filtered Air Fresh ocean air from outside is continuously supplied to all public spaces. | 11. Here for You Safety ambassadors and crew members will help ensure everyone is safe and following recommendations. | 12. Face Masks Face masks are required. In restaurants, bars and lounges, seated guests may eat and drink without masks. |
Staterooms
Royal Caribbean has enhanced their stateroom cleaning protocols, cleaning all high-touch surfaces with disinfectants and cleaning agents that have been certified by the local authorities.
In addition, your room has a continuous flow of 100% fresh air from outside, even if you don't have a balcony or window.
| 1. Certified Cleaning Agents Hospital-grade disinfectants are used daily to clean all high-touch surfaces. | 2. Crisp, Clean Linens All towels, bedding, and pillows are laundered with hospital-grade detergents at high temperatures. | 3. 100% Fresh, Filtered Air Fresh ocean air is continuously supplied to every stateroom from outside, with a total air change of up to 12 times per hour. |
| 4. Daily Distanced Service Your room is only serviced and sanitized by a stateroom attendant while you are out — and there are still towel animal surprises. | 5. Room Service We know Room Service is your favorite stateroom ritual. And new contactless delivery protocols ensure you’ll enjoy it safely. | 6. Welcome Amenities Complimentary face mask and hand sanitizing gel are provided upon your arrival. |
| 7. Safety Briefing Now you can watch the muster video from the comfort of your in-stateroom television. | 8. Digital Daily Planner Conveniently access your Cruise Compass from the Royal App on your phone. | 9. Face Mask Face masks are not required while in your stateroom or balcony. |
