It looks as though cruise ship terminals will not require passengers to wear a face mask.

Following a federal judge's decision to overturn the federal mask mandate in transportation hubs on Monday, the cruise industry has been wondering if the mask requirement would be rescinded.

Almost immediately airlines and some airports began informing the public masks were no longer required, but cruise ports remained quiet.

Late on Tuesday, the United States Coast Guard issued an update to its Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System to indicate they will no longer enforce the mandate following the judicial ruling.

"On April 18, 2022, the US District Court, Middle District of Florida, vacated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate for mask wear in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs as well as on airplanes, buses, trains, and most other public conveyances in the United States, including vessels."

Per this ruling, the CDC has declared that the mandate is no longer in effect. Federal agencies are reviewing the court’s decision. In the interim the Coast Guard will not enforce the directives requiring mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs."

The Coast Guard had been responsible for implementing the mask requirement, similar to how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was responsible for enforcing it in airports.

In addition to the Coast Guard update, the CDC also updated its website to indicate the mask requirement is no longer in effect, "As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021 Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect.

"Therefore, CDC will not enforce the Order. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time."

Royal Caribbean removed face masks as a requirement while onboard and indoors on its ships back in February 2022.

Since Royal Caribbean made that change, masks were only mandatory for all guests while in the cruise ship terminal immediately before or after a cruise.

With this change, masks will be optional to wear in the cruise terminal.

What will the cruise ports do?

So far, only one port has officially said masks are not required indoors.

Flynn Cruiseport Boston issued a statement on social media that masks are optional.

Effective April 18: Masks are optional. The @TSA no longer requires face masks at the airport, cruise terminal and on Massport operated buses. pic.twitter.com/XFczuTbaCS

— Flynn Cruiseport Boston (@flynncruiseport) April 19, 2022

Prior to the Coast Guard's update, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida issued this statement, "Our intention at Port Everglades is to allow the cruise lines to take the lead on instituting and maintaining their own safety policies in the cruise terminals and on their ships."

Guests that boarded Mariner of the Seas on Tuesday from Port Canaveral still had to wear a mask during the boarding process.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog writer Allie Hubers shared a photo that the mask rule was still being enforced. Her report came in hours before the Coast Guard update.

Royal Caribbean has shared the health protocols for summer 2022 cruises out of Southampton.

The newly released protocols apply to ships sailing from Southampton, England through May 31, 2022.

Keep in mind these protocols are subject to change.

Here's a look at what Royal Caribbean has planned for protocols.

Vaccine & booster requirement

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated, having received their final dose no less than 14 days prior to sailing.

Additionally, for the purpose of these sailings from Southampton, to be considered up-to-date, guests must have received all doses in their vaccine series and have received their booster if the second vaccine was administered over 270 days (9 months) ago.

Children aged 5 to 11 years are not required to be vaccinated.

Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in the place of a vaccination record.

All crew onboard the ship and at our private destinations are fully vaccinated and receive a booster dose as they become eligible.

Entry into the UK

Guests traveling into England do not have any entry requirements at this time. This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. 

Royal Caribbean advises guests traveling into England from another country to look into any requirements of their own home country may have for exiting or re-entering its borders.

Testing

Pre-cruise

Guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 2 days before sailing.

Guests 2 years and older who are not up-to-date with their vaccines, or who are unvaccinated, will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before sailing. 

The test must be conducted at a certified testing location or supervised by a healthcare telemedicine professional.

Onboard

Depending on the itinerary, guests 12 years and older who are considered unvaccinated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will require additional testing during UK sailings.

This test is at the guest's expense if they are ages 12 years and up and considered unvaccinated or if they are not up-to-date at the price of $55 USD per test.

Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested. 

Return home

Guests may be required to complete testing before flying home at their own expense. 

• Guests can take advantage of testing offered via ExpressTest at Heathrow and Gatwick airports by registering ahead of time here. 
• Some local testing options include The Regenerative Clinic or Randox Health. 
• Vaccinated North American guests can travel with tele-health testing kits such as eMed for U.S. guests and Switch Health tests for Canadian guests.

Shore Excursion

Fully vaccinated guests and unvaccinated kids can visit ports of call freely.

Additional testing requirements may exist in some countries for guests who are unvaccinated.

For sailings visiting France, guests who are from an Orange List country will not be allowed to visit the port, per French government regulations. Learn which countries are on the Orange List. 

Masks

Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.

Unvaccinated children are expected to continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings.

Masks will be required in Adventure Ocean, in the cruise terminal, and may be required at various destinations.

Guests under 2 years do not have to wear a mask at any time.

Full protocols

Royal Caribbean is offering a discount on cruise add-ons, such as drink packages, shore excursions and more, with its new sale.

The newest cruise planner sale runs between April 19, 2022 - April 26, 2022 and is valid on sailings from April 23, 2022 - December 31, 2022.

Here is what is included during the sale:

Beverage: Up to 40% off

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 25% off onboard prices.
• Spring Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• San Benedetto Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• Evian Water Bottles: 40% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 30% off onboard prices.
• Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship. 

Shore Excursions: Up to 25% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship.

Internet: Up to 50% Off

• VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.
• The Key: Discount varies by ship

Dining: Up to 55% Off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship.

Gifts & Gear: Up to 20% Off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries
• Inky Beach Set
• Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe)
• Inky Travel Set
• Red Wine and Cheese
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel
• Strawberries with Champagne
• White Wine and Cheese

Photo Packages: Up to 70% Off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 Print and/or Digital Options: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: Private Photo Session: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: All Digital: Discount varies by ship.

Casitas: Up to 20% Off

• Casita Packages: 20% Off Onboard Prices.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

More helpful information

• Should you buy pre-cruise purchases now or wait to buy it onboard?
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How much should I budget for a cruise?
• How to have the best experience for cheap on Royal Caribbean

Happy weekend! I hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean extended its health protocols for North American cruise ships through the end of June 2022.

There's been no change to the protocols that had been in effect prior to the extension, including vaccine and pre-cruise testing requirements.

Royal Caribbean periodically posts protocols for a few weeks at a time in order, although they are subject to change at any time.

Royal Caribbean also released health protocols this week for Italy & Spain Mediterranean cruises.

Royal Caribbean News

• Voyager of the Seas returns to service for first time in two years
• Royal Caribbean will still refund you if you test positive for Covid right before your cruise
• Royal Caribbean updates: Mariner cancellations, Johnny Rockets & more
• Which size ship for a Mediterranean cruise
• When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?
• 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
• Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska
• Books to pack in your beach bag

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 450th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Matt's cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

Matt went on a 3-night cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas and shares his experience.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: What food is included with your Royal Caribbean cruise?

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 — What food is included with your Royal Caribbean cruise? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How do Royal Caribbean and MGM Resorts shared benefits work?

Did you know MGM Resorts will match your loyalty in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society?

For no extra cost, you can link your Crown & Anchor level and immediately take advantage of MGM benefits including resort fee waivers, discounts on entertainment, and complimentary hotel upgrades.

We tried out the loyalty match to see how beneficial this perk really is.

6 Royal Caribbean trademarks that sound like they could be really cool things

Of all the trademarks that Royal Caribbean filed recently, there are a few that sound very intriguing.

While we wont know what Royal Caribbean has up their sleeve until they announce something, perhaps trademark filings will give us a clue of what to expect.

Royal Caribbean introduces new payment program for anyone that books with a travel agent

A  new FlexPlay option allows guests to set up automatic payments before the final payment date.

With the new FlexPay program, this can be scheduled and set up in advance.

The next batch of health protocols for Royal Caribbean's North American cruises has been released.

Royal Caribbean announced health & safety protocols for North America departures through June 30, 2022. 

As always, these protocols are subject to change at anytime.

The newly released protocols are identical to the existing protocols they replaced, with no noticeable differences.

You can also refer to the health protocols for Alaska cruises, which differ slightly.

Vaccines

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing.

Guests under the age of 12 years, who are considered fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests below.

Testing

Pre-Cruise

All guests 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Vaccinated guests ages 12 years and over: PCR or antigen test must be taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing.

Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11 years: PCR test must be taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing — but not on boarding day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.

No testing required for guests under age 2.

Pre-cruise testing costs and scheduling are the guest's responsibility.  

Embarkation Day

Unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 years will take a complimentary test for COVID-19 during check-in. 

Onboard

For sailings that are 5 nights or longer, unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 years will take a complimentary antigen test prior to debark. 

Masks

Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.

Unvaccinated children are expected to continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings.

Masks are required for all children 2 years and older while at the Adventure Ocean youth program.

Guests under 2 years do not have to wear a mask at any time.

Shore Excursions

All guests, regardless of vaccination status, may visit most ports freely or book a shore excursion.

A few ports still require an excursion to go ashore, regardless of vaccination status. 

Full protocols

There's always things happening with Royal Caribbean, so here's a quick summary of a few changes this week that I've summed up in a new post.

This week there's been a possible change in price for one specialty restaurant, new cancellations and a construction update to share.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

Mariner of the Seas 2023 cancellations

It appears Royal Caribbean has cancelled a number of sailings on Mariner of the Seas between May 2023 and October 2023.

Royal Caribbean says these cruises were cancelled in order to modify the itinerary planning. This means Mariner is still offering cruises, but the exact lineup of sailings have changed.  In short, Mariner is still offering similar itineraries from the same port, just on different days.

In an email sent to guest that had their cruises cancelled, the line explained, "We recently had to make some modifications to our itinerary planning, which impacts Mariner of the Seas’ May 2023 – October 2023 sailings. As a result, Mariner’s departures have been revised, and therefore, we’ve made adjustments to its itineraries. Unfortunately, this means your upcoming cruise has been cancelled."

"Mariner of the Seas will still be offering similar itineraries from the same port – just on different days."

Guests that had their cruises cancelled have the option to change to a different sailing within one week of what they had originally booked. 

Alternatively, they can rebook on another ship with no change fees, or take a refund.

Guests have until April 27, 2022 to make a decision.

Price hike at Johnny Rockets?

On at least one cruise ship, it appears perhaps the price has changed to dine at Johnny Rockets.

A member of the Oasis of the Seas Cruisers Facebook group shared that the cover charge has gone up to $14.95 per person to dine there.

Guests on other ships are reporting the price remains $11.99 per person.

Cayman islands set to expand cruise ship capacity

The Cayman Islands are about to lift their cap on cruise ship passenger numbers, which means upcoming scheduled visits to Grand Cayman look to be a go.

In March, the Cayman Islands opened their waters to cruise ships for the first time in two years, but they retained a maximum of 75,000 cruise ship passengers to visit.

The island will now move into the next phase of their restart plan on Monday, which means the restrictions on the number of cruise ships has been removed.

Galveston cruise terminal construction update

Another week, another cruise terminal construction update to share!

The Port of Galveston released a new drone photo of the construction progress being made with Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in Galveston.

The new terminal 10 is taking shape, and today's update provides a bird's eye view of the 160,000-square-foot terminal opening this fall.

Allure of the Seas will begin sailing from the terminal in November.

Royal Caribbean has trademarked a lot of interesting names over the last couple of years, and perhaps these could be a hint at future projects they have planned.

In the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean has secured a spot for itself as a market innovator.  They have consistently used technology and lessons learned from previous innovations to create new onboard experiences that capture the attention of the cruising public.

It began with adding a rock climbing wall to cruise ships, but has since graduated to AquaTheaters, North Star, Bionic Bar, Ultimate Abyss, and much more.

Royal Caribbean is on the verge of launching a brand new class of cruise ship with Icon of the Seas, and there's still another Oasis Class ship to go.  While we wont know what Royal Caribbean has up their sleeve until they announce something, perhaps trademark filings will give us a clue of what to expect.

I went through the last two years of trademark applications to see which names stand out as sounding like they could be really cool.

It's important to note that just because Royal Caribbean trademarks a name, doesn't mean it will be used for anything. Moreover, I know nothing more than anyone else outside of Royal Caribbean, so these names could all end up being something completely different or not relevant at all.

So in the interest of purely day dreaming, here's my picks for names Royal Caribbean trademarked that just sound enticing.

Cruiseverse

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean trademarked "cruiseverse" and while I don't think this will be a ship-based experience, it sounds very different.

Usually trademark applications are quite vague, but this one had more details about what the cruise line intends to do with it.

It's meant for "virtual cruise ship services" and is described as featuring, "operating a virtual cruise ship ship vessel featuring virtual cafes, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and virtual excursions."

Whether or not this is meant for an online world, or something totally different, you have to admit this is more than just a new water slide.

AquaDome

In early 2021, Royal Caribbean trademarked "AquaDome" under the generic category of "Cruise ship services Restaurant and bar services"

Breaking apart the name, we have "aqua" and "dome", which seems to infer something involving water and a rounded structure.

Royal Caribbean likes to use the word "aqua" in the name of a few of its existing onboard features:

• Aquanauts (Adventure Ocean room for younger kids)
• AquaTheater (ampitheater on Oasis Class ships)
• aqua coaster (type of water slide on Navigator of the Seas)
• Aqua Class (name of suite amenities on Celebrity Cruises)

Pressure Drop

Royal Caribbean trademarked the name of what sound like brand new water slides in December 2021.

The new trademarks included:

• Category 6
• Hurricane Hunter
• Storm Surge
• Pressure Drop
• Storm Chasers

Pressure Drop seems the most exciting of the bunch, and it could point to new water slides for its cruise ships or on its private islands.

Playaway Park

When I read the trademark for "Playaway Park", I immediately thought of Splashaway Bay since the names sound similar.

Splashaway Bay is an aqua park for kids on many cruise ships. Playaway Park sounds like it could be the name of a dry playground for kids. 

Absolute Zero

Could "Absolute Zero" be the name of a new ice bar?

Ice bars are a fad on land and on some other cruise lines, where the bar is cooled to such a low temperature the bar is made of ice and guests usually have to wear jackets to enter.

Norwegian Cruise Line has an ice bar on the Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape.

Perhaps Royal Caribbean is considering its own version of a chilly drink venue.

Thrillamanjaro

In the grand scheme of trademarked names, I think this is my favorite sounding name.

Given that it's a play on words from Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, I have to think it's some kind of tall activity.

With less than a month until cruises begin in the Mediterranean this year, Royal Caribbean has released its Barcelona & Italy health protocols.

The Mediterranean cruise season will commence in earnest in May, so Royal Caribbean has published what the pre-cruise & onboard Covid health requirements will be for passengers.

These particular protocols apply to sailings from Spain and Italy through May 31, 2022. 

Some destinations we visit require additional testing and may have restrictions for guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines. 

Vaccines

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated, having received their final dose no less than 14 days prior to sailing.

Additionally, for the purpose of these Barcelona & Italy sailings, to be considered up-to-date, guests must have received all doses in their vaccine series and have received their booster if the second vaccine was administered over 270 days (9 months) ago.

Children aged 5 to 11 years are not required to be vaccinated. However, kids who have been fully vaccinated may present proof and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests. Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated.

Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in the place of a vaccination record.

Entry requirements

All guests traveling to Spain will need to complete an FCS Health Control Form prior to entering Spain.

All guests ages 6 years and up traveling to Italy will need to complete an European Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to entering Italy.

Testing

Pre-cruise from Spain

​Guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 2 days before sailing.

Guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before sailing.

Embarkation from Spain

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 - 11 years will be required to take a boarding day antigen test in the terminal and receive a negative result in order to sail. 

Pre-cruise from Italy

All guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before sailing.

Embarkation from Italy

All unvaccinated and not up-to-date guests ages 2 years and older will be required to take a boarding day antigen test in the terminal and receive a negative result in order to sail.

This test will be complimentary for children ages 2 - 11 years.

Guests ages 12 years and older who are considered unvaccinated or not up-to-date will be charged $55 USD per test.

Onboard testing

Guests who are considered unvaccinated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will require additional testing during our sailings.

This test is at the guest's expense if they are ages 12 years and up and considered unvaccinated or if they are not up-to-date at the price of $55 USD per test. These guests will receive registration information once onboard based on the below:

• During the Cruise: Depending on the itinerary, guests 12 years and older — or 6 and older in Italian & Greek ports — will have additional testing requirements.
• Prior to Disembarking sailings from Spain: Guests 12 and older who meet the above criteria will test before disembarking.
• Prior to Disembarking sailings from Italy: Guests 6 years and older who meet the above criteria may be required to test before disembarking, based on the itinerary.

Guests under 2 years old are not required to test.

Masks

Masks are optional for vaccinated guests and expected for onboard for unvaccinated children aged 2 years and older. 

Masks will be required in Adventure Ocean, in the cruise terminal, and may be required at various destinations.

These protocols are subject to change.

Shore Excursions

Fully vaccinated guests can visit most ports of call freely. Depending on their itinerary, guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines may require multiple tests to disembark in ports of call. All guests going ashore must still follow local health and safety guidance when visiting each port of call.

What travel documents to bring with you

• Passport/European ID Card is needed for all guests with a validity of at least 6 months after their sailing’s return date. EU Nationals may also present their European ID card.
• Proof of Vaccine must be presented by all guests 12 and older. Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in the form of the original vaccination record document issued by your country's health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination, with the full cycle of doses being completed no less than 14 days prior to sailing. Guests living in the EU are advised to present their EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate.
• Negative Test Result must be presented by all vaccinated guests upon arrival at the port.
• For Spain: Negative Test Result must be presented by all vaccinated guests upon arrival at the port.
• For Italy: Negative Test Result must be presented by all up-to-date guests upon arrival at the port
• For Spain: FCS Health Control Form must be completed here by all guests age 12 and up before entering Spain.
• For Italy: European Passenger Locator Form must be completed here by all guests ages 6 years and older before entering Italy.
• Proof of Residency may be needed for guests traveling with a passport/European ID card that was issued from a country different from their country of residence.
• Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board.

Full protocols

More information

• What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?
• What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
• 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise

While Royal Caribbean's flexible cancellation policy has come to an end, the cruise line will still allow last-minute cancellations if you or someone in your group tests positive for Covid-19.

When the Cruise with Confidence ended on March 31, a lot of cruisers were worried that you would be out of luck financially if someone caught covid before their cruise. 

The good news is Royal Caribbean has a separate policy that covers passengers who test positive for covid before their cruise begins that runs for another year.

If you're wondering what happens if someone tests positive in the last few days before a cruise begins, here's a look at Royal Caribbean's policy and why there is still some flexibility in cancelling at the last minute for health reasons.

Covid-19 assistance

The Cruise with Confidence program allowed passengers to cancel their cruise for any reason up to 48 hours before the day a cruise began, but that program was aimed primarily at assuaging concerns of not feeling comfortable going through with a booking, rather than someone being unable to cruise.

In parallel to Cruise with Confidence, Royal Caribbean's Covid-19 assistance program covers guests who test positive for covid at no extra charge.

If you, or anyone in your traveling party, tests positive for Covid-19 within 10 days before your cruise begins (or at the cruise terminal), Royal Caribbean will refund 100% of the cruise fare to all of you. You also have the option for a future cruise credit (FCC) instead.

Royal Caribbean defines "traveling party" as your family members living with you in the same household and traveling companions assigned to your stateroom on the cruise.

This applies to cruises departing on or before March 31, 2023.

Royal Caribbean says your test result must be submitted as proof of a positive result in order to qualify for a refund, unless you tested positive from a test administered by Royal Caribbean.

If you had close contact with a positive or suspected covid-19 case within 10 days of embarkation, and Royal Caribbean deems you are unfit to travel, you, and anyone
else in your traveling party who cancels, are eligible for a refund of the cruise fare paid, or an optional FCC equal in value to the same. 

Anyone effectively denied boarding in these circumstances will be entitled to a refund, or an optional FCC, for the cruise fare paid to Royal Caribbean. 

You can refer to the full policy here.

Refunds during a cruise

Additionally, if your cruise is cut short for reasons related to Covid-19, Royal Caribbean will provide a pro-rated refund of the cruise fare for cruises departing on or before April 30, 2022.

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, for cruises departing on or before April 30, 2022.

There is no word yet if either of those two policies will be extended beyond April 2022.