Royal Caribbean Blog

Update 8/20/21: Royal Caribbean confirms the Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Test, which is taken at home and supervised by a telemedicine professional, is accepted. It must be taken under live video supervision.

Royal Caribbean recently added a new requirement for anyone going on a cruise from the U.S. will need to get a Covid-19 test taken before the sailing, and there is now a new option available to get that completed.

The cruise line has updated the test requirement policy on its website to say it would allow home/self-tests if there is documentation can be provided from a medical professional that they were supervised.

With this change, the at-home tests that are done in a video conference with a medical professional are acceptable. These tests can be completed in 15-minutes and do not require finding an appointment at a nearby testing center.

Over the last two weeks, Royal Caribbean has introduced a new requirement for passengers where they must provide a negative PCR or antigen test for Covid-19 during check-in.

This test must be taken no more than three days prior to sailing and must be arranged by each guest at their own expense with an accredited test provider.

Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is supervised and administered remotely via Zoom. Results are available within 15 minutes.

The test can be self-administered using a short nasal swab (not the deep and invasive nasopharyngeal swab) and check test results in 15 minutes.

The at-home tests by Abbott does require a prescription, which allows for someone to fill out a form to apply for an online prescription.

Results are available instantly email, as well as through the manufacturer's app. There is also a QR code provided to be shared via text, email and other methods.

The test can be used on children as young as two years old when samples are collected by an adult and for all people aged 15 years or older.

One issue with these at-home tests is there are reports of hours-long wait times due to an increase in demand for tests. Your experience may vary depending on when you opt to take the test.

Florida's showdown over businesses being able to require customers to show proof of a Covid-19 vaccine has ended in a legal loss.

United States District Judge Kathleen M. Williams granted Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) a preliminary injunction which would allow a cruise line to require passengers to prove they are vaccinated against Covid-19 if sailing from Florida.

Judge Williams said in the docket that the combination of trying to restore consumer confidence and the Delta variant contributed to NCLH's win.

"Businesses face unprecedented challenges, including the understandably difficult tasks of restoring consumer confidence and minimizing the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the nation is now threatened by new virus variants that are more transmissible than the initial strain."

NCLH sued Florida because it wanted to ensure every single person sailing on its ships are vaccinated, which would violate a Florida law that was passed earlier this year banning such a practice.

In May, the Florida Legislature passed and Governor DeSantis signed into law a bill stating that all business entities “may not require patrons or customers to provide any documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection recovery to gain access to, entry upon, or services from the business operations in this state,” subject to the imposition of a fine not exceeding $5,000 per violation.

The cruise line sued Florida so that it could restart sailings from Florida on the Norwegian Gem on August 15, 2021, and the company had adopted a policy requiring all passengers on its vessels to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide documentation confirming their vaccination status before boarding.

NCLH argued that law violated its First Amendment rights and dormant Commerce Clause claims.

Judge Williams felt the fact the law allows businesses to require proof of a Covid-19 vaccine for its employees, while at the same time cannot demand the same proof of its customers makes it known as a "content-based restriction".

The Judge pointed out that the law prevents proving a customer is vaccinated, but allows the cruise lines to limit unvaccinated passengers’ access to events, activities, and venues.

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas do not have access to certain dining venues, the casino, art auctions, the indoor pool, or the spa and during shows, they are required to sit in the back of the theater. (DE 35-1 at 22–29.) Princess and Carnival have also limited the excursions available to unvaccinated guests at ports of call.  Thus, Section 381.00316 does not prohibit businesses from treating unvaccinated passengers differently by charging them more while offering them less. 

She also pointed out that adult-only cruises, which exclude a significant amount of unvaccinated people (children), is not prohibited under the law.

In sum, if combatting discrimination were the goal, merely banning the exchange of COVID-19 vaccination documentation is an ineffective way to accomplish this objective because the Statute does not directly prohibit the treating of unvaccinated persons or those who decline to verify their vaccination status by businesses and employers differently.

In addition, the privacy of customers is not protected by this law, saying it is "far too underinclusive" to protect medical privacy, if that were a goal of it.

The Statute does not govern employers, who are free to require COVID-19 vaccination documentation from employees, and Defendant does not explain why the exchange of these documents is less intrusive on medical privacy in the employment context.

The Judge pointed out that businesses and employers are able to require Covid-19  test results, hospital records,other vaccination records, as well as information regarding exposure to third parties with Covid-19.  Therefore, Florida failed to explain why proof of Covid-19 vaccination documents are more medically sensitive or need more protection than these other documents.

During the hearing, it was divulged the law does not prohibit a business from providing their Covid-19 vaccine status orally, nor does it prevent a company from retaining, disclosing, or publishing a person’s Covid-19 vaccination status.

Cruise lines have subjected unvaccinated passengers to different policies that easily disclose their unvaccinated status.

Royal Caribbean provides unvaccinated patrons with a “hole punched in their SeaPass” to indicate their status to crewmembers and segregates these passengers to one deck of the main dining room

In addition to NCLH's First Amendment claim, Judge Williams agrees that the law imposes substantial burdens on interstate commerce that will directly affect their abilities to operate the Norwegian Gem and other vessels.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Royal Caribbean announced this week when exactly the rest of the ships in the fleet will restart sailings.

The cruise line laid out a plan for which ships will restart between September 2021 and early spring 2022.

Under the newly announce plan, 13 ships will be able to restart operations slowly with the date of when each vessel will have its first sailing announced.

Royal Caribbean also announced cancellations to correlate with the new restart dates.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will require pre-cruise Covid test for 3 & 4 night cruises
• Royal Caribbean Group reports $1.3 billion loss second quarter 2021 amid fast restart plans
• Royal Caribbean expands mask requirement to Adventure of the Seas sailings
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO: People are eager to cruise again
• Royal Caribbean extends Anthem of the Seas season in the UK
• How Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works
• Allure of the Seas gets CDC approval to sail
• Carnival joins Royal Caribbean in requiring pre-cruise Covid tests and masks for vaccinated passengers
• Royal Caribbean sees strong demand for cruises despite temporary Delta variant concerns
• Hearing held in Norwegian Cruise lawsuit against Florida in vaccine passport ban
• Royal Caribbean offering up to 35% off Cruise Planner purchases with Sun's Out Sale's On
• U.S. Virgin Islands requires all cruise ship passengers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated
• CDC updates guidance to Royal Caribbean on banning mixed vaccines
• Two Royal Caribbean cruise ships begin simulated cruises
• Royal Caribbean is flying passengers home on a private jet if they have Covid-19

Video: Things I wish Royal Caribbean would change now that cruises are back!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: Things I wish Royal Caribbean would change now that cruises are back!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 417th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt interviews Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider.

Mr. Schneider shares a peek behind the proverbial curtain to talk about what his group has been doing during the cruise industry shutdown.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

When do you have to take a Covid test before your Royal Caribbean cruise?

If you have a cruise coming up, you are going to need to get a Covid test result, so when should you actually make an appointment for a test?

Many cruisers are confused as to when they should plan to get a test to ensure the results come back in time, but not take the test too early either.

The logistics of when and where to get a test before your cruise is somewhat confusing, so here is what you need to know about getting a Covid-19 test before your cruise so you can get onboard without any issues.

How Royal Caribbean invested in new port projects and tech during the cruise industry shutdown

Royal Caribbean may have been shutdown for 15 months, but that does not mean there has not been any progress made behind the scenes.

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider, shared a look at the product development and private destination innovations his group has been busy working on since the shutdown began.

Mr. Schneider talks about updates to Royal Caribbean's app, its private beach destinations, and even new ship upgrades.

Cruise ship passengers that test positive for Covid-19 are not just left behind at the nearest port. In fact, Royal Caribbean takes the health and safety of passengers, crew members, and the communities their ships visit seriously enough to hire private transportation home.

Unlike other industries that have had little to no government regulations regarding their Covid-19 response and protocols, the cruise industry has been held to a much higher standard with requirements and oversight.

Exemplifying the cruise industry's commitment to the welfare of its guests is the fact anyone that has tested positive for Covid during the course of a cruise has been flown home in a private jet.

Considering the expense and logistics involved in flying anyone home at the last minute on private transportation, the fact Royal Caribbean is using private jets and limousines for those afflicted with Covid is rather impressive.

Royal Caribbean says vaccinated guests and children not yet eligible to be vaccinated who book a cruise sailing on or before October 31, 2021 will have the following Covid-19 Assistance at no extra charge.

• 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Travelling Party, if any of you tests positive for Covid-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.
• Pro-rated cruise fare refund if your cruise is cut short for reasons related to Covid-19.
• If you test positive for Covid-19 during the cruise, Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of Covid-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and travel home for you and your Traveling Party.

Unvaccinated guests age 12 and older sailing from Florida homeports who booked prior to March 19, 2021 or after June 28, 2021 will not be subject to this Covid-19 Assistance, and must provide proof of travel insurance as outlined in prior to boarding.

Two RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers recently had the unfortunate opportunity to be flown home during their cruise due to Covid.  

Daniel was on Adventure of the Seas in June when towards the end of his cruise, he tested positive for Covid during a routine Covid test for all passengers. Everyone else in his traveling party tested negative.

Daniel was fully vaccinated and followed protocols, but unfortunately had to end his cruise early when he tested positive.

Daniel said a half hour or so after taking the test, crew members approached him on the pool deck and informed him he needed to quarantine in his room due to the positive test.

After the second test came back positive, he put on a hazmat suit and was brought to the ship's medical center to get bloodwork, urinalysis, and chest x-ray.

"The care was lovely and touching since I was scared, anxious, etc," he recalls.

After that he was quarantined in an oceanview stateroom and supplied with water, cleaning supplies, and unlimited room service.

He and his family were disembarked in Cozumel, where Royal Caribbean arranged for an ambulance to the airport, a private jet ambulance home and a limo van waiting for him in Tampa International Airport.

"Wonderful care and service from the flight crew," David said of getting home. "Royal Caribbean was amazing how they handled this nerve wracking experience."

Another RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader, smokeybandit, was on Adventure of the Seas more recently, and through contact tracing, his son was identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive on the ship.

He shared the experience on the RoyalCaribbeanBlog message boards.

"We never really asked for details on when or what they defined as a close contact since I figured we'd never get that detail as I'm sure they'd cite privacy.

Like Daniel, smokeybandit and his family were quarantined initially while another PCR test was administered. Just like Daniel, they were given complimentary room service, wifi, movies, etc.

Smokeybandit's family was taken off the ship in Nassau and boarded a limo van, where they were driven to the plane and flew directly home. 

His family boarded a 6 passenger Learjet that can convert to an air ambulance.  

Once they arrived home, a town car was waiting for his family to take them home.

Smokeybandit indicated that the transportation home was covered by Royal Caribbean, although he did have his own travel insurance.

Another Royal Caribbean cruise ship has gotten approval to sail from the United States.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas has received its Conditional Sailing Certificate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which means the ship can offer cruises with paying passengers onboard.

This certificate is the final phase of the CDC's phased approach, known as the Conditional Sail Order (CSO), to allowing cruise ships to resume operations from the United States, and is yet another ship in the fleet to get approval by the U.S. government to sail.

Allure of the Seas had her 2-night test cruise conducted on July 27.

The cruise line shared the good news on social media, although it has not always shared publicly which ships have gotten approval to sail following a test cruise.

Allure of the Seas is scheduled for her first sailing this weekend when she departs Port Canaveral on August 8.

Allure joins Freedom, Serenade, and Odyssey of the Seas as ships able to restart cruises after getting CDC approval.

Update: More progress. After a successful simulated cruise, #AllureoftheSeas has received its CDC Conditional Sailing Certificate to welcome its first guests in @PortCanaveral starting on Sunday, Aug. 8. ? pic.twitter.com/dYP5y2WEl0

— Royal Caribbean PR (@RoyalCaribPR) August 6, 2021

Test cruises are part of the CSO that the CDC implemented as a way for cruise ships to resume operations.

Since Royal Caribbean will not require at least 95% of its cruise passengers to be fully vaccinated, test cruises are needed to demonstrate to the CDC that the onboard health protocols work.

All of the crew members will be fully vaccinated on Allure of the Seas, and any unvaccinated guests (mainly children, according to the cruise line) will be subject to additional testing requirements and specific health protocols. 

Sailings on Allure of the Seas will require all guests to get a pre-cruise Covid test up to 3 days before the ship sails, and to bring the negative test result to the ship.

The new test requirement of all guests is a new protocol recently introduced due to the Delta variant and Covid cases subsequently rising across the country, especially in Florida.

Once onboard, Royal Caribbean has new health protocols for guests depending if they fully vaccinated or not.

All guests must wear face masks while indoors, but the mask can be taken off when in a fully vaccinated area, and/or while actively eating or drinking. Masks are also not necessary when outdoors or at the cruise line's private island.

Vaccinated guests also wear a wristband to easily identify themselves as vaccinated, while unvaccinated guests have no such wristband and have a hole punched in their SeaPass card.

Lawyers for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and the State of Florida were in court on Friday to deliberate the merits of the lawsuit against a ban on Covid-19 vaccine passports.

The preliminary injunction hearing was held in a virtual court hearing between attorneys from both parties as Judge Kathleen M. Williams in Miami heard both sides of the case.

This court case is NCLH's claim that Florida's law that prohibits businesses from requiring proof of Covid-19 immunity in return for a service. Violations of this law come with a $5,000 penalty per violation. It went into law as of July 1.

In May, Florida signed a new law that prohibits businesses, schools, and government agencies from requiring people to show documentation certifying Covid-19 vaccinations or post-infection recovery before gaining entry.

The attorneys for NCLH argued a variety of issues, primarily focusing on company's first amendment right by restricting the flow of information with customers and interferes with interstate commerce.

NCLH sued Florida’s surgeon general, Dr. Scott Rivkees, because he is the head of Florida's Health Department.

Florida justifies the law by saying it is enacted to protect against discrimination privacy concerns.

The cruise line felt the law was passed by Florida's legislature without any proof there was an actual problem with a particular industry to substantiate concerns vaccine requirements were creating any sort of problem.

In the case of protecting against discrimination, NCLH's lawyer pointed out employers can can still require vaccine documentation for Covid-19 from employees, suppliers, or contractors.

Florida said a cruise line can ask for proof of vaccination and its customers are free to provide it, but the cruise line cannot deny entry to the ship for anyone who declines to provide documentation.

Norwegian is planning to restart cruises from Florida on August 15, but wants the Florida vaccine passport ban lifted before then so the company does not violate the law each time a passenger is asked to show vaccination proof.

At the conclusion of the nearly 2 and a half hour hearing, the Judge said she hopes to have a response "very soon".

Every Friday, I ask readers to send in their favorite Royal Caribbean photos so they can be showcases here on the blog. After all, looking back on past cruise memories is always a great way to get excited for our next cruise!

Cruise fans love to take photos while onboard, and when not on a ship, looking back at cruise memories is a fun exercise.

With than in mind, enjoy this week's batch of great cruise photos taken by RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers!

Let's begin with a photo of Mariner of the Seas docked in Port Canaveral.

The Tyler Show shared this photo of Mariner while at Terminal 1, and is the next Royal Caribbean test sailing scheduled.

Next up is a photo of Central Park from Oasis of the Seas.

Richard Burfield took this photo in January 2020 before the cruise industry shutdown occurred.

Another pre-cruise shutdown photo is next with a look at Navigator of the Seas in Labadee.

Steve Cohen took this photo in 2018 while Navigator was enjoying a beautiful day at Royal Caribbean's private destination.

Days at sea are always so relaxing, and the next photo is a great reminder of how enjoyable it is to watch the ocean go by as you sail.

Michael Kho shared this photo of the sky as his ship sailed through the Caribbean.

Stuart Cole shared this photo of Ovation of the Seas as it departed Sydney.

Ovation was sailing from Sydney to begin a cruise to New Zealand.

Jason from Suffolk shared a photo of Explorer of the Seas docked at the Rotterdam terminal.

Not only is this a lovely photo of Explorer, but a great view of Rotterdam's architecture.

Here is a look at Jewel of the Seas at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Jacques Sberro snapped this photo of the ship in 2019.

The next photo is from just after sunset on Anthem of the Seas.

Joe Moran took this photo from the jogging track on deck 15 of Anthem of the Seas.

The interesting thing about this photo is the railing is still wet from a passing shower earlier in the day.

Phil Catarella shared this photo he took while enjoying a cup of coffee on his balcony.

This photo was snapped onboard Rhapsody of the Seas as the ship departed Venice.

Our final photo comes to us from Chelsea Nagy from a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Chelsea took this photo from the steps of the Slingshot slide, looking out at the island.

Thank you to everyone for sharing photos with us this week.  If you want to share your best Royal Caribbean photos, use this form to send them in!

If you want a chance to win a free Royal Caribbean cruise, you have to act quickly before the contest ends.

Royal Caribbean opened up its Volunteer of the Seas contest, where you have a chance to win a free stateroom for you and one other person to sail on an upcoming test cruise.

Between 12:00:01 AM ET on August 6, 2021 and 12:00:01 AM ET on August 7, 2021, you can enter up to 12 times to win a room one of three simulated voyages Royal Caribbean has scheduled.

These test cruises are required by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the cruise is using them to ensure the new health protocols are working as planned before regular sailings begin.

To be eligible for the free cruise giveaway, you must be:

• U.S. residents currently residing in one of the 50 United States (except Montana) or the District of Columbia
• At least 18 years old
• Fully vaccinated with a Covid-19 vaccine that has been authorized by either the United States Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization

The contest is for a cabin on one of these three test cruises, which you could be randomly chosen for:

• Mariner of the Seas - August 11th (2 Nights) from Port Canaveral, FL
• Oasis of the Seas - August 22nd (6 Nights) from Bayonne, NJ
• Liberty of the Seas - September 18th (4 Nights) from Galveston, TX

Sound like something you want to do? You can fill out a contest entry form here for your chance to win.

According to the contest rules, Royal Caribbean will award 1,125 winners for the winner and a guest to sail on one of these ships. 

The contest is open to repeat cruisers as well as someone new to cruising, but if you have cruised before you will get extra entries.

If you’re a Crown & Anchor member, Royal Caribbean will automatically provide you with additional entries – so you only need to submit your entry once! Here is the breakdown:

• Pinnacle members: 11 additional entries
• Diamond Plus members: 9 additional entries
• Diamond members: 7 additional entries
• Emerald members: 5 additional entries
• Platinum members: 3 additional entries
• Gold members: 1 additional entry

If you are not a Crown & Anchor member, you can submit additional entries – up to a total of 12 entries per person. Diamond Plus tiers and below, you can also submit additional entries to reach the 12 entry maximum.

If you do win a room, it will be up to you to get to and from the ship.  Royal Caribbean is not including transportation and/or lodging as part of the contest.

This new sweepstakes is the first opportunity for the public to be a part of a simulated voyage, as test cruises up until now have been filled by cruise ship employees, travel agents, media and select top tier Crown and Anchor members.

Royal Caribbean began taking sign ups for test cruises in November 2020, but this contest requires eligible folks to sign up again through the contest.

In addition to demonstrating to the CDC the viability of new health protocols, Royal Caribbean is using these test sailings to prepare each ship before sailings begin with paying passengers.

Royal Caribbean has completed seven test cruises so far, which began in June.

The cruise line also announced restart plans for ships in fall 2021 and beyond, which means there could be more test cruises scheduled later.

A few days after announcing a Covid test would be required for cruises five nights or longer, Royal Caribbean has extended that policy to include 3 and 4 night sailings.

Starting on August 12, 2021, on 3 & 4 night sailings, all guests ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccine status, will need to provide a negative PCR or antigen test for Covid-19 during check-in.

The test must be taken no more than three days prior to sailing and must be arranged by each guest at their own expense with an accredited test provider, such as a drugstore chain or diagnostic lab.

Including 3 and 4 night sailings matches what many other cruise lines are adding similar protocols.

According to a statement by Royal Caribbean in an email sent to guests, this extra precaution was added, "to give you added peace of mind."

The cruise line says passengers booked on a sailing in August who do not wish to follow these protocols can get a refund or be moved to a cruise in the future.

Going forward, all sailings (of any length), all guests 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will need to undergo a Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen) administered by an accredited laboratory of the guest's choice and taken no more than three days prior to sailing. 

Read more: When you should take a Covid test before your Royal Caribbean cruise?

This requirement applies even to fully vaccinated guests, there is no exemption.

The results can be printed out, or can be presented on your phone, such as the email result from your test provider. Costs associated with this test are the guests' responsibility.

Royal Caribbean announced a Covid test would be required by vaccinated passengers for sailings at least 5 nights or longer last week, but that policy excluded 3 and 4 night sailings.

Other cruise lines announced similar policies this week, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line.

All guests sailing on Adventure of the Seas will have to wear a mask while indoors, including fully vaccinate passengers.

Due to the Delta variant, Royal Caribbean is informing guests booked on Adventure of the Seas sailings from The Bahamas they will have to wear a mask while indoors.

This information only applies to guests on sailings out of Nassau, Bahamas in August 2021. 

A spokesperson for the cruise line said, "In an abundance of caution due to the emerging Delta variant and to ensure that our guests, our crew and the communities we visit remain healthy, Royal Caribbean International has adjusted its measures for boarding."

Adventure of the Seas restarted sailings from The Bahamas in June, and since all adults are required to be fully vaccinated, masks for fully vaccinated guests while indoors was not required.

The new rule for Adventure of the Seas matches mask requirements on other ships sailing from the United States this summer.

"When indoors, all guests 2 and older are required to wear masks unless they are actively eating or drinking."

"Guests may remove their masks in venues and events dedicated to fully vaccinated parties."

Masks are not required in your stateroom when you are with your traveling party, outside on the open decks, or at Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless in a crowded setting.

Guests under the age of 2 do not need to wear a mask.

Adventure of the Seas will also add fully vaccinated zones available only to vaccinated guests, similar to other ships in the fleet. Once inside a vaccinated zone, fully vaccinated passengers can remove their face mask.

Passenger's SeaPass cards will be required to access lounges, shows and dining venues.

If someone booked on Adventure of the Seas in August does not wish to follow these protocols, Royal Caribbean is happy to provide a refund or move their sailing into the future when circumstances may have evolved. Please contact your Travel Advisor or call the cruise line at 954-628-9290 or 1-800-256-6649.

Carnival Cruise Line changed their face mask policy this week to match Royal Caribbean's requirements.