Royal Caribbean has released the following statement from CEO Jason Liberty:

“Last week, the CDC ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. Based on this change, we are continuing to adapt our protocols to align more closely with how the rest of society and other travel and leisure businesses are operating. This means that we’re transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations. Starting August 8, testing will be required for unvaccinated guests on all voyages and for vaccinated guests only on voyages that are six nights or longer.”

What You Need to Know

• Beginning on North American sailings (excluding ships that visit Canada/Alaska) departing August 8th, 2022:

  • Testing

    • Testing will be required for unvaccinated guests over 2 years of age on all sailings.

    • For unvaccinated and vaccinated guests, testing will be required on sailings that are 6 nights or longer.

    • Royal continue ongoing crew surveillance.

  • Vaccination:

    • Royal will maintain a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all sailings, far above the general population.

    • Vaccination and testing requirements may vary by port of departure, ports of call, and age group.

    • Royal is working through this with destination partners and will contact booked guests and travel agents .

    • All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible.

• Details on the above protocols, as well as any other guidelines will be provided to booked guests the week of August 1, 2022.

• Current protocols remain in place for any cruises departing before August 8.

Whats the take home?

• As of August 8th, Royal Caribbean removed testing requirements for vaccinated guests on 5 nights or shorter sailings excluding Canada and Alaska.

• At this time, Royal is committed to maintain a high percentage of vaccinated guests. All guests above the age of 12 are still required to be vaccinated.

  • Vaccination and testing requirements may vary by port of departure, ports of call, and age group. Royal is working through this with their destination partners.

• Royal will continue to monitor and adjust guidance on vaccine and testing requirements as public health conditions evolve.