Unvaccinated adults are soon going to be able to cruise aboard Royal Caribbean ships sailing from US and European ports, according to Royal Caribbean’s website.
From September 5, you can cruise from Florida, Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans and any European port regardless of your vaccination status. The changes also applies to guests travelling on the Oasis of the Seas from Cape Liberty.
You will need to show proof that you’ve received a negative test result within three days of your cruise departure if you’re not fully vaccinated,
What’s the catch with Royal Caribbean’s new vaccination policy?
- For European sailings: To disembark in a Greek or Spanish port, you will need to take a test onboard if you’re not up to date on your vaccinations according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) standards.
- For North American sailings: To visit Canada or Bermuda, you’ll still require to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
- For Transatlantic sailings: Even if you’re travelling between Europe and the US, you’ll still be required to be vaccinated to board your cruise.
What about cruises departing from Australia?
For now, rules around vaccinations and testing for Covid-19 have not changed. Anyone aged 12 and older will require to have had their final vaccination at least 14 days prior to departure.
The government requires at least 95% of guests to be fully vaccinated, so there is a limit to how many travellers aged 11 or younger or those with medical exemptions can actually sail.
