Royal Caribbean International has announced updated protocols for the United States, Puerto Rico, and Barbados-based cruises through March 31, 2022.
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that the cruise line has extended its vaccination policy through at least this time period. All passengers 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination, such as the CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card. The final dose must have been completed at least 14 days prior to sailing.
Other protocols include:
Testing For Sailings From U.S. Homeports
Vaccinated passengers 12 and older must provide a negative PCR or antigen test result from a test taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing. Passengers under 12 who are also fully vaccinated should follow this same guidance for vaccinated guests.
Unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 should provide a negative test taken within 3 days of sailing, but not on embarkation day.
On embarkation day, unvaccinated guests will take a complimentary PCR test during check-in.
Prior to debarking the cruise, unvaccinated guests will take a complimentary antigen test. Depending on the length of the cruise there may be additional testing.
Testing For Sailings From San Juan, Puerto Rico
For entry to Puerto Rico, all unvaccinated passengers 2 and older will need a PCR or antigen test for entry. Guests arriving from non-U.S. countries, regardless of vaccination status, will need a PCR or antigen test for entry.
Before the cruise, vaccinated passengers must provide a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing.
Unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing.
Proper documentation from an accredited laboratory is required to sail.
At the terminal, unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 must take a PCR test when checking in.
Prior to disembarking, unvaccinated guests must take an antigen test onboard within 24 hours before the cruise ends.
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Vaccinations & Testing Requirements For Sailings From Barbados
Due to the requirements of destinations on Royal Caribbean’s Barbados itineraries, only vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization can be accepted.
Guests under 12 who are fully vaccinated should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests.
For entry to Barbados, all guests 5 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to arriving in Barbados.
Pre-cruise, all unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing. The PCR test used for entry satisfies this requirement as long as it’s within 3 days of the sailing date. If the results are older than 3 days, guests will have to secure their own PCR test in Barbados. The terminal antigen test does not satisfy unvaccinated guests’ pre-cruise testing requirement.
At the terminal, all passengers 2 and older regardless of vaccination status are required to take a complimentary antigen test.
Prior to disembarking, guests 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status, that are planning to tour Barbados before heading to the airport or enjoying an extended stay in Barbados shoreside are required to undergo additional testing.
Guests that go directly to the airport, on their own or through a Royal Caribbean tour, will not be required to undergo any testing onboard.
Shore Excursions
Families traveling with unvaccinated kids are required to purchase a tour through Royal Caribbean to go ashore, except at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Fully-vaccinated groups may book a shore excursion or visit most ports freely, with the exception of the following ports at least through December: St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, Antigua, Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, Martinique, Dominica, and St. Vincent.
In Barbados, all guests on December cruises from Barbados will need to book a tour if they wish to go ashore in ports of call, regardless of their vaccination status.
Masks
Masks are required in the terminal, in select locations inside the ship, and may be required at various destinations. Kids under 2 don’t need a mask.
Dining
For main dining, there are designated areas for parents and unvaccinated kids, as well as areas for vaccinated passengers only.
My Time Dining is not available to groups that include unvaccinated guests.
Some specialty venues will be open to everyone, while others will be for vaccinated groups only.
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