Caribbean: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Caribbean declared their new health protocols on cruises. The health protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic will be applicable on the cruises that depart from North American ports.
The extended health protocols will be applicable through the end of June 2022.
While announcing the changes in the COVID-19 protocols, the cruise line stated that due to the fluidity of the pandemic, the protocols are subject to change, and they will make a public announcement of any changes if they are made. Moreover, boosters are not required to sail, although the CDC recommends them before boarding a cruise ship.
The guidelines stated that people over the age of 12 must have to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic at least days before sailing on cruise ships. All guests two years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result.
As per the cruise line, the guidelines are as follows:
- People who are 12 years old and over and are fully vaccinated have to take a PCR or antigen test not more than two days prior to sailing.
- People who are between 2 to 11 years or unvaccinated against the COVID-19 must have to present a PCR test taken not more than three days prior to sailing- but not on boarding day.
- Unvaccinated people are not allowed to show Antigen test reports.
- There is no testing needed for guests under the age of two. For five nights or longer sailing, unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 years will take a complimentary antigen test prior to debarking.
- Regardless of vaccination status, all guests may visit most ports freely or book a shore excursion. A few ports will require an excursion to go ashore, regardless of vaccination status. All guests going ashore must still follow local health as well as safety guidelines when visiting each port of call.
- Along with this, the masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests. We are expecting the unvaccinated young ones to constantly use the facial masks in indoor places and crowded settings.
- Furthermore, the masks are needed for all of the children of 2 years older while at the Adventure Ocean youth program. Guests under two years do not have to wear a mask at any time.
Anglina Byron, developed a deep-seated passion for journalism. Anglina is recognized for her tenacity, strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering honest and reliable news across the Caribbean. She covers general affairs of the region.
