Royal Caribbean has updated its Covid-19 protocols to allow more unvaccinated people to sail on their ships.
Royal Caribbean had opened the door for unvaccinated adults to sail with them from select homeports, but the line updated the policy on Monday to open up more sailings.
"The time has come for us to welcome all adventurers back onboard," Royal Caribbean said in an email to travel agents.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean says this change in protocols are "to more closely align with the broader travel industry."
This change is likely a reflection of many countries opening their borders up to unvaccinated cruisers as well.
Beginning September 5, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as they meet testing requirements to board.
- Any cruise from a Florida home port.
- Any cruise on Oasis of the Seas from Cape Liberty
- Any cruise from Los Angeles, California
- Any cruise from Galveston, Texas
- Any cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana
- Any cruise from a European home port
- (Note: Guests that are not "up to date" on their vaccination per EMA standards will need to take a test onboard in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain)
There are two notable changes with this policy update: allowing unvaccinated from Florida ports, as well as Oasis of the Seas from Cape Liberty.
Due to local regulations, sailings to or from Australia, Bermuda, Canada or Singapore still require guests to be vaccinated.
When Royal Caribbean announced a change to allow unvaccinated back onboard, all sailings from Florida and Bayonne were not included.
Since then, other cruise lines have opened up their ships from Florida ports, which lead many to question why Royal Caribbean had not done the same.
While vaccination is not required, Royal Caribbean kindly asks all guests to disclose their status during check-in to ensure they maintain a highly vaccinated onboard population.
The cruise line continues to practice health and safety measures that exceed other types of vacations. 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.
Testing changes
Royal Caribbean also updated its testing requirements, calling them easier.
Starting with September 5th, for U.S. cruises that don’t visit Canada or Bermuda:
- Vaccinated guests won’t have to take a pre-cruise test on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights.
- Unvaccinated guests age 5 and up will need to test within 3 days before boarding, regardless of cruise length.
- Royal Caribbean will begin accepting results from self-administered home tests.
This change greatly makes it easier for vaccinated cruisers to go on a cruise without a test at all, unless they take a longer sailing.
Starting with September 5th, for Europe cruises that don't visit Greece:
- Guests who are up to date with their vaccinations won’t have to take a pre-cruise test on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights.
- Unvaccinated guests or guests not up to date with their vaccinations age 12 and up will need to test within 3 days before boarding, regardless of cruise length.
- Children age 11 and under will not need to test.
- Royal Caribbean will begin accepting results from self-administered home tests on most sailings.
Requirements in other regions
Starting September 5th, guests who are not vaccinated can also sail on European cruises. Currently published testing and vaccination requirements remain in place for cruises from Australia and Singapore; cruises that depart from or visit Canada or Bermuda; and transatlantic sailings, until further notice.
Refunds if the policy doesn't match your needs
Royal Caribbean promises protocols for each sailing will be sent to the guest via email and on the website, no less than 30 days before you sail.
Should protocols for your sailing change upon that confirmation, and you are unable to travel due to your vaccination status, Royal Caribbean will move you to a new sailing where your vaccination status is accepted or provide you a refund.
