In addition to uploading a photo of your Covid-19 vaccine, Royal Caribbean has added the optional ability to upload a photo of your booster card.
A third vaccine dose, or booster as it is commonly referred to, is not required by Royal Caribbean except in certain European countries, so the cruise line has added a new field to submit proof of a booster in those scenarios.
The new booster proof field appears to be available for most, if not all, sailings.
Providing a vaccination record is a required field in the pre-cruise check-in guests can complete in the Royal Caribbean app, with the booster field marked as optional.
Thanks to RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader smokeybandit for noticing the new functionality has been added.
Royal Caribbean's app is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
The advantage of uploading vaccine proof before the cruise
Whether boosters are required or not, uploading proof of Covid vaccination can expedite the check-in process in the cruise terminal.
Just as taking a selfie photo means one less thing to do in the terminal, a photo of the vaccine card allows Royal Caribbean to verify a passenger's vaccination status.
It's acceptable not to upload a photo of your vaccine card in advance, but you will have to wait for the port agent to take a photo while in the terminal.
Guests will still need to bring their vaccine card with them, but taking the photo at home will allow the embarkation process to move just a little bit faster since the terminal staff will not have to take time to take photos of everyone's card.
Will Royal Caribbean require booster shots?
As of right now, Royal Caribbean has no plans to require a booster shot for most sailings, including cruises from the United States.
Ever since boosters became available, Royal Caribbean has been steadfast in labeling them as optional and recommended, but not required, for cruise ship passengers.
In all the health protocols released this year, Royal Caribbean, "strongly recommends" guests get boosted before their cruise. In fact, they have been warning future protocols may require boosters as far back as February 2022.
Boosters are now part of the mandatory vaccination program for crew members. Royal Caribbean began a booster campaign for its crew several months ago.
Crew members have the option to get their booster in their home countries prior to rejoining the ship. Or they will be given the opportunity onboard.
