Royal Caribbean International has updated its pre-cruise and embarkation day testing policy for unvaccinated kids ages two to 11 years old. The update applies to North America and San Juan departures on or after December 17, 2021.
In an email to travel agents, the line said that it has shifted around the testing requirements:
“We’ll now only accept a negative PCR test result to satisfy the Pre-Cruise testing requirement for this age group. Additionally, instead of taking a PCR test at embarkation, unvaccinated guests age 2 – 11 will receive a complimentary antigen test. This change will allow for a smoother start to our young cruisers’ embarkation and sailing.”
As for those 12 and older, the rules stay the same — they must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure to sail.
Those under 12 who are fully vaccinated should follow the guidance below for vaccinated guests.
North America
All passengers 12 and over should present a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than two days prior to sailing.
Unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 must present a negative PCR test taken no more than three days prior to sailing, but not on boarding day. Antigen tests aren’t accepted for unvaccinated guests.
On embarkation day, unvaccinated kids 2 to 11 will take a complimentary antigen test during check-in.
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San Juan
All unvaccinated guests two and older, and all guests arriving from countries other than the U.S. (regardless of vaccination status), will need to provide a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within 3 days prior to arriving in San Juan.
Unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 will need to show proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 3 days prior to embarkation day – but not on embarkation day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.
Vaccinated guests 12 and older will need to show proof of a negative test result taken within two days prior to the sail date.
On embarkation day, unvaccinated kids ages 2 to 11 are required to present two negative test results — a negative PCR test taken within three days prior to sailing, and a complimentary embarkation day antigen test.
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