Royal Now Requires Covid Test For All Passengers

[helen haywood]

17 minutes ago, bajathree said:

As I have said before ...right now I wouldn't go near Royal with the current restrictions and policies in place...IMO any of these cruise lines sailing with unvaccinated people are shooting themselves in the foot right now. Even Celebrity should just cut the 5% unvaccinated out IMO.

Go back and read the statement from Celebrity.  They are now, as of August 1, requiring all passengers over 12 to be vaccinated.  The unvaccinated will only be children under 12…and I wouldn’t think they would make up 5%…

[graphicguy]

12 minutes ago, helen haywood said:

Go back and read the statement from Celebrity.  They are now, as of August 1, requiring all passengers over 12 to be vaccinated.  The unvaccinated will only be children under 12…and I wouldn’t think they would make up 5%…

Kind of my thinking, too.

 

Given the lack of bumper cars, rope courses, race cars, etc on Celebrity ships, I don’t know that I’d want to sail on them given the other choices out there.

 

That said, the GF is a nurse.  Just the last week or so, after a shift, she’s been seeing more and more people who in no way would mask up and/or get the vaccine.  Same families now are inundating her facility.  Their epiphany is along the lines of a family member contracting COVID and them seeing the results of that (none of it good).  Or, realizing a friend or neighbor has contracted COVID and they’ve been in contact with them.

 

Sometimes it’s too late for them to get a vaccine, too.

 

It’s unfortunate for these folks.  But, seeing is believing.  For some, it’s too little, too late.  All the “microchip, government plot, Bill Gates, etc” stuff goes right out the window at that point.

 

Sorry…got off on a tangent there.  Just had this discussion last night with the GF.

Edited July 30, 2021 by graphicguy

[Jeremiah1212]

9 minutes ago, helen haywood said:

Go back and read the statement from Celebrity.  They are now, as of August 1, requiring all passengers over 12 to be vaccinated.  The unvaccinated will only be children under 12…and I wouldn’t think they would make up 5%…

 

There will still be unvaccinated adults. The only change is they lowered the age from 16 to 12. Children over 12 years old who are unvaccinated will be subject to the additional testing and health protocols just like unvaccinated adults currently are. 

[susiesan]

1 hour ago, emmas gran said:

We are hopeful of cruising Nov 7th on Equinox at the moment there are lots of possible things to stop our B2B.
USA may not let us in

Will 21 days 12+9 be allowed

As our flight is 5th November and 2 nights pre cruise do we test in UK or USA

Hoping all is resolved before final payment early September 

To board the plane for the US in the UK you will have to show a negative test to the airline or you won't be allowed to fly. This is the same procedure for US citizens returning from abroad, we have to get tested 72 hours before boarding a flight. This is enforced by the airlines. Testing to enter the US is a different issue than testing to board a cruise ship. You may have to get tested twice, once at home and once when you arrive here depending on Celebrity's policy in November.

[Steve Q]

6 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

There will still be unvaccinated adults. The only change is they lowered the age from 16 to 12. Children over 12 years old who are unvaccinated will be subject to the additional testing and health protocols just like unvaccinated adults currently are. 

The email we received from Celebrity for our 8/15 Equinox cruise states the following

“Following CDC guidelines we will sail with all crew vaccinated and at least 95% of guests will be fully vaccinated.

All guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. As of August 1, 2021, all guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.”

[Jeremiah1212]

5 minutes ago, Steve Q said:

The email we received from Celebrity for our 8/15 Equinox cruise states the following

“Following CDC guidelines we will sail with all crew vaccinated and at least 95% of guests will be fully vaccinated.

All guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. As of August 1, 2021, all guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.”

 

That seems to be the email going out to Equinox guests, or possibly where they have already confirmed a guest count of zero unvaccinated adults (12+ years old). 

 

However, the full official policy is still this:

 

Following CDC guidelines we will sail with all crew vaccinated and at least 95% of guests will be fully vaccinated.

• All guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing.
• All unvaccinated guests will require a complimentary COVID-19 test at the terminal. 

For Sailings from Florida

• Guests 16 years and older (12 and older for any sailing on or after August 1st) who decline or are unable to show proof of vaccination at boarding will be treated as unvaccinated and subject to additional protocols, restrictions, and costs for COVID-19 testing.
• Guests visiting the Bahamas on any sailing departing from the US, do not need to apply for the health visa.  

 

Additional requirements for unvaccinated guests 16 + (12+ as of August 1)

• You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative PCR test taken within 3 days in advance of arrival to the terminal.  
• You will be subject to a Covid-19 test at the pier.
• A mid cruise antigen test onboard will be required. 
• An antigen test will be required at the end of the cruise.  Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process. 
• The per person cost for these tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio. 
• Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking. 
• Unvaccinated guests are required to book a Celebrity curated tour, and depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be further restricted from going ashore.
• Families with unvaccinated children are required to take a Celebrity curated tour to go ashore.  
• Unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas* in all venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.

Unvaccinated guests will not have access to gym or spa*.
*Venue access is validated via Sea Pass card.

[graphicguy]

25 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

There will still be unvaccinated adults. The only change is they lowered the age from 16 to 12. Children over 12 years old who are unvaccinated will be subject to the additional testing and health protocols just like unvaccinated adults currently are. 

….no unvaccinated adults on Celebrity….

 

As of Sunday, all passengers 12 and older must be vaccinated within two weeks of embarkation of a Celebrity cruise.

 

This was as of this morning in an email I quoted earlier in this thread.

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by graphicguy

[Coochuck]

1 hour ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

Here is what they currently provide under today's protocol. While you would be out some money for travel expenses, that's a risk you would have to be willing to take if you're traveling uninsured. They aren't going to place a bit of inconvenience over safety of the entire ship. 

 

Covid-19 Assistance

 

Book a Celebrity cruise that’s sailing on or before October 31, 2021 and you’ll have the following reassurance at no extra charge:

 

• 100% cruise fare refund for you, and your Travelling Party, if any of you tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days prior to the cruise or at the boarding terminal.*
• Pro-rated cruise fare refund for anyone who has their cruise cut short due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being suspected of having COVID-19 during the cruise.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, Celebrity Cruises will cover the costs of COVID-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and travel home for you and your Travelling Party.

 

 

Note the last line....their policy applies 'during cruise', not prior to boarding.  As long as Celebrity does not apply the Royal notice of testing Florida Departures 3 days prior to sailing....it's all a moot point, however if testing is required at the point of entry to the ship...the above quote does not apply.  Lets just hope for smooth seas going forward.

[Jeremiah1212]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

….no unvaccinated adults on Celebrity….

 

As of Sunday, all passengers 12 and older must be vaccinated within two weeks of embarkation of a Celebrity cruise.

 

 

For sailings from Florida, that is not correct. That is why there is a separate section of bulleted items outlining additional requirements for unvaccinated guests aged 12+. The only change that occurs Aug 1 is the requirement drops from 16 to 12. When this policy began those under 16 weren't eligible for a vaccine. Now 12yr and above are eligible and have had sufficient time to get vaccinated before their 8/1+ cruises.

[LUVTRAVEL6]

6 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

For sailings from Florida, that is not correct. That is why there is a separate section of bulleted items outlining additional requirements for unvaccinated guests aged 12+. The only change that occurs Aug 1 is the requirement drops from 16 to 12. When this policy began those under 16 weren't eligible for a vaccine. Now 12yr and above are eligible and have had sufficient time to get vaccinated before their 8/1+ cruises.

This is what I can't understand....they are saying all 16+ (12 after 8/1) need to be vaccinated.  I thought the idea was that the 5% would go to the kids who are under that age.   Why are they letting ANY unvaccinated adults onboard?  How are they allowed, a medical exemption??

[Babr]

5 minutes ago, Coochuck said:

Note the last line....their policy applies 'during cruise', not prior to boarding.  As long as Celebrity does not apply the Royal notice of testing Florida Departures 3 days prior to sailing....it's all a moot point, however if testing is required at the point of entry to the ship...the above quote does not apply.  Lets just hope for smooth seas going forward.

I also noticed that the assistance for medical treatment, quarantine, and travel is offered only if you test positive during the cruise.

 

Those who test positive before boarding or at the pier get a refund, but there is no mention of other financial assistance at that point. That becomes an important distinction now that pre-boarding testing is required - especially those who test at the pier.

[LUVTRAVEL6]

Someone posted that on the July 17th sailing (which I was on), there were 11 unvaccinated adults.  I hadn't heard that while I was on the ship!  I was told all adults were vaccinated, and I didn't see any wristbands on anyone.

 

So who knows if there was any monitoring at all going on for these unvaccinated guests, or how they were being monitored to keep masks on, etc.  Someone said one unvaxxed guy was thrown out of the casino on the current sailing for not masking, but who knows what happened to him after that?  Still running around the ship unmasked? 

 

 

[Jeremiah1212]

1 minute ago, LUVTRAVEL6 said:

This is what I can't understand....they are saying all 16+ (12 after 8/1) need to be vaccinated.  I thought the idea was that the 5% would go to the kids who are under that age.   Why are they letting ANY unvaccinated adults onboard?  How are they allowed, a medical exemption??

 

The unofficial stance is ALL guests need vaccinated. The State of Florida however won't allow that. The 5% isn't allotted only to kids. It's for anyone who can be unvaccinated. 

 

For Edge/Equinox sailings from Florida:

 

Vaccine recommended
For sailings from Florida – Guests 16 years and older (12 and over for any sailing on or after August 1st) who decline or are unable to show proof of vaccination at boarding will be treated as unvaccinated and subject to additional protocols, restrictions, and costs for COVID-19 testing.

 

Additional requirements for unvaccinated guests 16 (12 and over after August 1)
-You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative PCR test taken within 3 days in advance of arrival to the terminal.
-You will be subject to a Covid-19 test at the pier.
-A mid cruise antigen test onboard will be required.
-An antigen test will be required at the end of the cruise. Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process.
-The per person cost for these tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio.
-Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking.
-Unvaccinated guests are required to book a Celebrity curated tour, and depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be further restricted from going ashore. -Unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas* in all venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.
-Unvaccinated guests will not have access to gym or spa*.
*Venue access is validated via Sea Pass card.

 

Celebrity Cruise Boarding Requirements

 

Vaccinated: No test required

 

Unvaccinated Children (6 mo – 15 years) (as of August 1 – 6 months – 11 years): Rapid RT- PCR test at embark

 

Unvaccinated 16+ (as of August 1 – 12+): RT-PCR 3 days prior to boarding, rapid RT-PCR at embark, & (sailings 6N+) Antigen mid-cruise

 

Face Masks

 

Masks required in terminal.
Masks are not required in ports of call unless required by local governments.

 

Vaccinated guests and children under 16 (12+ as of August 1)
Following CDC Guidelines, masks will not be required for vaccinated guests. Masks are encouraged for unvaccinated guests under 16 while indoors when not eating or drinking.

 

Unvaccinated Guests 16+ (12+ as of August 1):
Masks required indoors and outdoors except while eating or drinking.

 

Travel Home Testing

 

Vaccinated:
No testing needed.

 

Unvaccinated Children (as of August 1 6 months – 11 years)
Complimentary RT-PCR/Antigen up to 24 Hours before debark (4N+ sailings only).

 

Unvaccinated Guests 16+ (12+ as of August 1):
RT-PCR/Antigen up to 24 Hours before debark (4N+ sailings only) at guest's expense.

Debark testing is complimentary for unvaccinated guests under 16 (12+ as of August 1)

Testing available onboard and is performed prior to debark based on home country requirements.

 

 

 

 

[helen haywood]

This has been posted before; I’ll post it again.  This is an email I received this morning from Celebrity titled Important Updates to Testing and Health Screening Requirements.  This is their most current policy at least regarding US departures.  Please note it says ALL passengers over 12 are required to be vaccinated.

 

Jeremiah, I don’t doubt what you posted may still yet be on their site.  But it has been superseded by this morning’s update.

 

We’re counting down the days to your sailing from Ft. Lauderdale. Here’s important information on testing and health screening requirements.

US ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• All non-US residents must present a negative NAAT or Antigen test taken with 3 days of travel.

• Be sure to save a copy on your phone and bring a printed copy. Name on test results must match those on government issued identification.

VACCINATION POLICY

Following CDC guidelines we will sail with all crew vaccinated and at least 95% of guests will be fully vaccinated.

All guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. As of August 1, 2021, all guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in the form of the original vaccination record document issued by the country’s health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination.

All unvaccinated children 6 months to 15 years old (6 months to 11 years old as of August 1st) will require a complimentary Covid-19 test at the terminal. Registration is required prior to arrival at terminal. A link will be

Edited July 30, 2021 by helen haywood

[Jeremiah1212]

3 minutes ago, helen haywood said:

This has been posted before; I’ll post it again.  This is an email I received this morning from Celebrity titled Important Updates to Testing and Health Screening Requirements.  This is their most current policy at least regarding US departures.  Please note it says ALL passengers over 12 are required to be vaccinated.

 

Jeremiah, I don’t doubt what you posted may still yet be on their site.  But it has been superseded by this morning’s update.

 

 

 

There was no update this morning. The jump from age 12 to 16 has been communicated for weeks. What I posted is directly off the TA portal for bookings. 

[helen haywood]

I received an email as I stated.  This morning.  It was titled “Update.”  I posted it for you to read.  I don’t know how much clearer I can be. 

[Sweet Dreams]

5 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

There was no update this morning. The jump from age 12 to 16 has been communicated for weeks. What I posted is directly off the TA portal for bookings. 

Which ship are you on? 

[graphicguy]

So, here’s the important part of Celebrity’s Healthy at Sea policy.  If you’re unvaccinated, and you’re over 12 years old, and you want to see if they allow you to sail, please let us know.  Also, let us know if they refused to let you board under the same circumstances.

 

@helen haywood…I received the same update this a.m.  so, yes there was an update.  

 

The check in personnel were pretty staunch in their enforcement at the pier a couple of weeks ago when I was there….

 

Guests that do not meet the testing and health screening policy requirements will be denied boarding.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2021 by graphicguy

[runningtide]

Per CVS, the rapid test results are returned in hours, but the PCR lab test results are delivered in 1 to 2 days. If Celebrity stays with the rapid test, its a workable procedure, but as many have stated, delay from initial exposure to a positive test result can vary by days, so Im not sure what real protection against infection over the course of the cruise will be. Looks like Celebrity is following the CDC international travel guidelines for airlines, 3 day testing window. 

Like many we are flying into Florida a day before our mid September trip. Florida unfortunately along with Texas are reporting the highest infection levels in the US at present, so there is a risk of infection, regardless of wearing masks, social distance, etc. Both of us are fully vaccinated, and in addition, we both contracted COVID in January of this year, but thankfully with mild symptoms that did not require hospitalization. Considering all that is going on at present, I not holding out much hope for the September trip. Unless the Delta variant peaks soon, I'll be forced to pull the plug, and hope for another future cruise . But for now, we'll hang in and see what transpires over the next month.

My Best wishes to all of you !

[Jeremiah1212]

17 minutes ago, Sweet Dreams said:

Which ship are you on? 

 

I've been on Edge in June, Equinox in August and have clients booked on every ship sailing outside of the Galapagos right now. 

[klflote]

21 minutes ago, helen haywood said:

I received an email as I stated.  This morning.  It was titled “Update.”  I posted it for you to read.  I don’t know how much clearer I can be. 

Except that email (which I also received) says 

 

For more information to prepare for your cruise please visit
HEALTHY AT SEA.

 

So the email doesn't change anything from the website, and the more complete information on the website about Florida cruises still applies. 

[wrk2cruise]

5 hours ago, zitsky said:

In the USA do most drugstores offer a test with same day results?  I worry about results being late.

 

Since you live in Raleigh just go to the Wake County Health Department on Departure Drive.  They say results are in less than 8 hrs and is at no cost to you.

[graphicguy]

23 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

I've been on Edge in June, Equinox in August and have clients booked on every ship sailing outside of the Galapagos right now. 

Might want to let your clients know there's been an update as of today, and what the update states.  It would not be a good thing if they show up at the pier in FLL and get turned away from boarding if they aren't vaccinated and don't have proof of it.

 

The update policy I quoted is for my Edge sailing out of FLL on August 14.

[KAE27]

Annnnd, now I just received an email for my August 27 Alaska cruise on Millennium, saying a test will be required for all pax, regardless of vaccination status.

[KAE27]

Just now, KAE27 said:

Annnnd, now I just received an email for my August 27 Alaska cruise on Millennium, saying a test will be required for all pax, regardless of vaccination status.

Dear Guest,

 

We look forward to welcoming you aboard Celebrity Millennium^® for your 7-Night Alaska sailing from Seattle, Washington. Before we depart, we have some important information to share regarding our Health and Safety Protocols. Celebrity Cruises has been working closely with health and government authorities, in each country we sail from, to outline a clear path for cruising with new health and safety measures. As we return to service, we are continuously evaluating all requirements from local government and health officials. Out of an abundance of caution, Celebrity Cruises will be enhancing COVID-19 testing requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.

 

All guests over the age two, regardless of vaccination status, will now be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result at the time of embarkation. This test may be taken as either a PCR test or an Antigen test, conducted within 72 hours of embarkation. Each guest is responsible for making their own arrangements with an accredited testing provider as well as all associated costs.

 

Unvaccinated guests and children, under 12 years of age, will be required to take an additional antigen test at the terminal prior to embarkation, mid-cruise and on the day before disembarkation. A registration link for required testing will be sent separately.

Should a guest be unable to complete the testing requirements, a 100% refund or Future Cruise Credit will be offered. Additional testing and protocols will be confirmed closer to your sailing departure date in line with the most up to date recommendations from local government and health officials as well as our Healthy Sail Panel. These measures, including vaccination and testing requirements, will evolve along with public health standards.

 

Celebrity Millennium will sail with a vaccinated crew, and at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated. Guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. For details on our current health and safety protocols please visit www.healthyatsea.com. We’re sailing with fewer guests for more space – and more luxury with even more activities to avoid large gatherings in public spaces.

 

We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause. We're confident they will deliver a more satisfying vacation experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Celebrity Cruises at 1-844-418-6824 in North America or (316) 554-5961 worldwide.