Royal Caribbean announces to extend their health protocols on cruises

Royal Caribbean has recently made an announcement to extend their health protocols on cruises that depart from North American ports through the end of June.

The cruise line, in a statement, mentioned that due to the fluidity of the COVID-19, 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.

As per guidelines, all guests who are ageing 12 years and older must be completely vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. All guests two years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result.

The guidelines state as follows-

Vaccinated guests ages 12-year-old and over: PCR or antigen test must be taken no more than two days before sailing.

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

Whereas there is no testing needed for guests under the age of 2. For sailing that are five nights or longer, unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 years will take a complimentary antigen test prior to debark.

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 the guests that are fully vaccinated. 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.