The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) serving Wiltshire, Swindon and Bath has expressed its concern at the low number of five to eleven-year-olds classed as clinically at risk taking up their offer of a COVID vaccine, with 4.7%, or 250 out of 5,300 eligible children having received a vaccine. In a simplification to its COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Royal Caribbean International has announced that beginning on Monday, September 5, 2022, all travelers regardless of vaccination status will be welcomed aboard a greater variety of itineraries. 15 February Figures indicate the number of children being home-schooled in England has risen by 34% since the start of the pandemic. The company will also simplify its rules for unvaccinated passengers. Before taking to the seas on your next adventure, read this guide to review the updated testing mandates on all of your favorite cruise lines. Many other lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line havemade similar changes. The government of the Bahamas, for example, recently announced that all cruise visitors must be fully vaccinated, with the exception of travelers under age 12 and those with medical exemptions. As additional Caribbean destinations continue to adjust their own protocols for travelers, Royal Caribbean International has updated their requirements for upcoming sailings. All guests 12 and upmust be vaccinated, according to the cruise line'swebsite. They can take a PCR test 72 hours prior to sailing, or an antigen test two days prior to sailing. 3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding. Guests who are up to date on their vaccinesand havereceived a booster when eligiblecantest within threedays before sailing. The Frisco, Texas, resident said shefeltcrowded on the seven-night Caribbean voyage, and shealsofelt uneasyat times, such aswhen exiting the theater, but had a "great time" overall. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival cruise lines are easing their pandemic-era protocol by allowing unvaccinated travelers on more sailings, as well as accepting at-home COVID-19 tests . Offers may be subject to change without notice. That does not include voyages in Australia or trips that are16 or more nights, and the changes are subject to local restrictions. Travel health expert explains how to stay safe when taking a cruise. Three giant cruise companies are dropping vaccine requirements for some ships, following a wave of recent moves to ease pandemic-era restrictions that precluded some travelers from boarding. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Royal Caribbean Quietly Changes a Key Policy - TheStreet Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to take a pre-cruise test on sailings from the U.S. that are 10 nights or longer starting Sept. 5, according to its website. "I thought more people would wear one, just because of how tight quarters the ship is," the 28-year-old web developer, who wore his mask as much as possible on thecruise, said. Royal Caribbean cruises for 2022 are nearly at 2019 levels, the companys chief financial officer, Jason Liberty, said on a recent earnings call. The Majestic Princess, a ship designed to serve the Chinese market, made its maiden call from the Port of L.A. on Oct. 6. These travelers will still need to apply for an exemption on cruises to Australia and longer voyages. "That's what it felt like.". Passengers are strongly encouraged to wear masks in public spaces and are required to do so in such indoor areas as elevators, stores, casinos and dining halls, except when eating or drinking. A Country-by-country Guide, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will No Longer Require Face Masks, Every Caribbean Island's COVID-19 Travel Policies and What You Need to Know to Plan Your Trip, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform for One-stop Trip Planning, drop pandemic-era vaccination requirements. Health Secretary. Thoseunder 5 years old are exempt from vaccine and testing requirements in the U.S. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.will drop all pre-cruise requirements for vaccinated passengers ages 12 and over as of Sept. 3, according to anews release. Most ships are sailing at less than full capacity, partly to encourage physical distancing. It comes weeks after Norwegian Cruise Line became one of the first cruise lines to eliminate pandemic-related rules entirely, including for testing, vaccines, and masks. Some passengers have felt nervous on board at times, while others felt largely safe. As figures suggest one in fifteen people in the UK had COVID on New Year's Eve, Prime Minister. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. The worlds largest cruise companies now require passengers leaving U.S. ports to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions. "I don't know,I don't think so.". Children 12 and older who are unvaccinated must receive a PCR or antigen test up to 72 hours before sailing. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Holland America Line requires all guests age 2 and older to test before their trip. All vaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative antigen, NAAT or PCR test within two days of sailing. 'Hell of a Cruise': Highlighting the panic, failures ofCOVID's early days, Transatlantic cruises: Why they are 'the perfect antidote to todays harried, constantly connected lifestyle'. Taking a cruise with fewer COVID rules: 'Gambling with your health' Travel Industry Calls on White House to End Covid-19 Testing Requirement for Travelers From Overseas, Carnival Cruise Ship Passengers Say COVID Overwhelmed Ship After Departing From Miami, Florida Principal Resigns After Sending $100K to Scammer Posing as Elon Musk, Check Your Change! Unvaccinated guests (those 4 and under) must provide proof of a negative NAAT or PCR test within three days of sailing. Tauck Readers react to an op-ed on period weirdness after covid vaccines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. These latest updates are in line with recent protocol changes from popular Caribbean ports of call, including St. Kitts as well as the Cayman Islands. Royal Caribbean Makes a Positive Policy Change. Share. We gathered some information to answer common questions. 24 August The UK government announces that most hospital patients and care home residents in England will no longer be required to take COVID-19 tests, although new admissions into both will continue to be tested. The number of people on hospital waiting lists in England reaches six million, with roughly one in 20 waiting for routine operations such as knee surgery for over a year. Vaccines are required for passengers on Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines. To many, the newfound hassle of determining cruise line regulations, gathering documents and finding a testing center has turned many away from sailing. Pools are typically still open on cruise ships. 2 April Low-dose vaccines for COVID-19 become available for children aged five to 11 in England, with five million eligible. This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 11:34. Next month, unvaccinated travelers 5 years old and older on voyages less than 16 days will have to get a PCR test or perform a home rapid antigen test within three days of sailing and upload proof of that negative test before boarding. Ministers have said there is nothing in the data to suggest new COVID rules are needed for England. A sign on the Majestic Princess cruise ship docked at the Port of L.A. says masks are required in elevators. Boarding Requirements FAQ | Royal Caribbean Cruises Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Currently, the cruise line requires all unvaccinated guests to get tested one to two days before they sail. For a very long time (basically a year) to get on a cruise ship, you had to not only prove that you had been vaccinated, but you also had to present a negative covid test. Face masks in enclosed areas where people gather are among many new requirements since cruising has resumed. For other passengers, the remaining COVID protocols werereassuring. Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding. Young is among the first travelers to take a cruiseafter many major lines dropped vaccination requirements and rolled back testing rules, with some finding themselves uneasy during parts of their sailingswhile others have felt safe. Pre cruise testing is no longer required, except for the following destination regulations: Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing, Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing, Greece: a PCR or antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing, Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing. Disney, Virgin Voyages, and more are the latest cruise lines to lift COVID-19 restrictions. On a cruise, Garcia said, passengers are beholden to policies set by the cruise line for long periods of time. Guests who are up to date with their vaccinations wont have to take a pre-cruise test on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights. Health Minister. Here are some ways you can continue to stay safe. Are there any additional requirements to cruise from Australia? Passengers board the Majestic Princess cruise ship at the Port of Los Angeles in October. Vaccinated guests wont have to take a pre-cruise test on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights. The EMA defines up to date vaccination as having had either the final dose in a primary approved vaccine series or a booster does no more than nine months (270 days) prior to sailing. Beginning September 4, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing. In addition to more opening of cruise itineraries to a greater range of passengers, Royal Caribbean International has also made its pre-cruise testing requirements even simpler. Cruise COVID Testing Rules For Vaccinated, Unvaccinated Travelers - NBC Similarly, Royal Caribbeanwillwelcome all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, as wellon sailings from Los Angeles, New Orleans,Galveston, Texas, and Europe beginning Sept.5 "as long as testing requirements are met," a spokesperson told USA TODAY via email Thursday. These Cruise Lines Just Dropped Their COVID-19 Testing Rules The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Who should get a second bivalent booster? The line also eliminated a vaccine exemptionrequirement for those who are unvaccinated on many sailings and further eased testing rules for vaccinated travelersonSept. 6, requiring them beforeembarkationonly on voyages 16 nights or longer or when mandated by a destination. 'More than I hoped for': This is what it's like cruising with a disability right now, A trip with an eclipse (literally): Watch a solar eclipse from the sea on this Ponant cruise. Some people in England who are at high risk from Covid say they have been left out of plans to give vulnerable patients quick access to treatments. Boarding Requirements Travel Documents Beverage Packages Check-In Crown & Anchor Society Embarkation & Transportation RoyalUp Stateroom Upgrade Program Perfect Day at CocoCay Onboard Internet Payment & Cancellation Policies Luggage, Dress Code & Packing Terminal Location & Directions VIEW ALL TOPICS Accessibility Onboard Air2Sea Flight Program On some ships, such as Carnival Cruises, unvaccinated passengers are not allowed to go onshore except with a pre-booked bubble tour, in which passengers travel with friends and family in a controlled environment.On other cruise lines, such as Holland America, shore excursions managed by the ship are strongly encouraged. They are as follows: Patients in hospital, where a PCR test is required for their care, People who are eligible for community COVID drug treatments because they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill. People working in some high-risk settings, including care homes and prisons. Fully vaccinated guests and guests ages 11 and younger are exempt. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. They may also be required insideon sailings 16 nights or longer, with some exceptions. "That person, if they're traveling by themselves or in a group, should have that conversation with their health care provider," she said. The updates late this week follow an announcement Monday by Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises that unvaccinated passengers would be allowed on many cruises as of Sept. 3. On Celebrity Cruises, reservations can be made on the Celebrity Cruises App. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean will begin accepting results from self-administered home tests on most sailings. Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers: Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers: All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older are required to receive a lab-administered PCR or antigen test up to 3 days before sailing. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. does royal caribbean require covid vaccine. ", The spokesperson added that the line's "health and safety measures include the routine monitoring and vaccination of all crew members and keeping them up to date with boosters, enhanced testing and treatment capabilities in our onboard medical facilities, and more.". 18 May England's former deputy chief medical officer, Professor Sir. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? We will continue to work closely with our partners around the world to develop updated protocols that provide for the continued safety of our guests and the communities we visit, better align with the travel and hospitality sector, and meet destination regulations, Royal Caribbean said in a statement last month. Here's how COVID changed the onboard experience . Do I have to wear a mask at all times on the ship? 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. These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. At least ten hospital trusts in England have declared critical incidents due to COVID, with, On the eve of changes to the rules regarding PCR tests for travellers to and from England, Transport Secretary. Headteachers have warned that the "headlong" rush to end COVID measures in schools could lead to a further disruption of children's education. "Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests, and these guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months," Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. Royal Caribbean has updated its Covid-19 protocols to allow more unvaccinated people to sail on their ships. No way, experts say. What are the pre-cruise testing requirements for my cruise? | Royal Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation. The fireworks display goes ahead as planned, but people are asked to stay away because of the risk of COVID. Answers for Your Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises Passengers who are unvaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination will still need to "present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation." With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Princess Cruises will also remove vaccination requirements on "most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise" starting Sept.6,according to a news release Friday. Norwegian cruises to drop vaccination requirement, ease testing rules. Currently, many local retail pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Publix, and Target continue to offer COVID testing in locations all across South Florida. Masks are not required. 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. Data shows that 6.6% of teachers in England, roughly one in 12, were absent from schools in England during the first week of the winter term. 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. Bianca Young's cruise was a first in more ways than one. Many major cruise lines have eased their COVID-19 rules, including dropping vaccine requirements. Unvaccinated travelers will have to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation. Additionally, Carnival will no longer require pre-embarkation testing on cruises that are less than 16 nights for vaccinated passengers who provide proof of their vaccination status.