Royal Caribbean has announced updated health and safety protocols that passengers embarking in the United States (including San Juan, Puerto Rico) can expect through November 2021.
Vaccination
All passengers 12 and older must bring proof of vaccination, with the last dose having been completed at least two weeks prior to sailing.
Testing For Cruises From The U.S.
All guests ages 2 and older must present a negative PCR or antigen test result.
Vaccinated guests 12 and older must present a test taken no more than two days prior to sailing, while unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 must present a test taken no more than three days prior to sailing — but not on boarding day.
Pre-cruise testing costs and scheduling are the guest’s responsibility. Royal Caribbean does accept supervised at-home tests for fully-vaccinated guests, which you can learn more about here. No testing is required for babies and toddlers under 2 years old.
On embarkation day, unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary PCR test during check-in. Onboard, unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary antigen test prior to debarking.
MORE:Â The Cruise Line-Approved At-Home COVID Test: We Tried It
Testing For Cruises From San Juan
To gain entry into Puerto Rico, all unvaccinated guests 2 and older will need to present a negative PCR or antigen test. Those arriving from non-U.S. countries (regardless of vaccination status) will need a negative PCR or antigen test for entry.
Vaccinated passengers must present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing to board. If this can’t be arranged, Royal Caribbean has port testing available for schedule here.
Unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing. No testing is required for babies and toddlers under 2.
Printed negative test results or negative test results presented on a smartphone from an accredited lab is required to sail. All costs for the pre-cruise tests are the guest’s responsibility.
At the terminal at check-in, unvaccinated kids 2 to 11 are required to take a PCR test. Prior to disembarking, they must take an antigen test onboard within 24 hours before the cruise ends. These tests are complimentary.
If re-entry into your home country requires proof of a negative test, Royal Caribbean will provide complimentary testing on day 5 or 6 of the cruise.
Shore Excursions
Families traveling with unvaccinated kids are required to purchase a tour through Royal Caribbean to go ashore, except at the line’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Fully-vaccinated groups may book a shore excursion or visit most ports on their own, with the exception of St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, and Antigua.
Vaccinated parents wishing to go ashore freely can drop off their kids during youth program hours, depending on availability, and reserve time for their child on the day they want to go into port.
Masks
Masks are required in the cruise terminal, in select locations indoors on the ship, and may be required in various destinations. Babies and toddlers under 2 don’t need a mask.
What To Bring
- Passport Book, Passport Card, or a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate plus a valid Driver’s License or government-issued picture ID for those 16 and older. If the name doesn’t match, bridging documents are required such as a Marriage Certificate.
- A COVID-19 vaccination record card for all guests 12 and older
- A negative test result, printed or shown on your phone (not a doctor’s note)
- For travel to Puerto Rico: the filled-out TravelSafe Declaration Form to enter Puerto Rico
READ NEXT:Â CDC Extends Conditional Sailing Order Into January 2022
