Royal Caribbean International | Travel Requirements & Safety Protocols

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Great news! Royal Caribbean Cruise line is continuously updating their protocols to allow more guests to travel! We are your resource for the most up to date information around vaccination & testing requirements, whether you will need a mask, taking shore excursions, and health & safety measurements taken by the cruise line....

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Need to know Information

Pre-cruise boarding checklist U.S. Homeports:

• Check-In Health Questionnaire: Guests must now declare they have not had COVID-19 symptoms in past 10 days – previously was 14 days.
• COVID-19 vaccination proof for all guests 12 years and older, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card.
• Starting August 8, 2022, a negative test result for COVID-19 printed or shown on your phone (not a doctor’s note) for all unvaccinated guests and for vaccinated guests sailing on voyages that are six nights or longer. 
• Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is recommended.
  • No Passport? Bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older.
  • If the name doesn't match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate.

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Royal Caribbean Health & Safety FAQs

When do I have to take a COVID-19 test?

Starting August 8, 2022 through August 14, 2022, does not apply to guests whose itinerary visits Canada or Bermuda. 

• Fully vaccinated guests will only have to show a test result at boarding if the sailing is 6 nights or longer.
• Unvaccinated children will still need to show a test result to board all sailings, regardless of length. However, they will not need to test again at the terminal.
• Guests will now have the same test standard, regardless of vaccination status: You can show a negative test result from a supervised PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of boarding day. 

Where can I take a pre-cruise COVID-19 Test and what kind of tests are accepted?

• Guests may take their COVID-19 test at any participating drug store (Walgreens, CVS).
• Schedule an appointment with your medical professional.
• Fully vaccinated guests can order at home test with live video supervision (partnered with Royal Caribbean).
  • Telehealth Test Kit - 2 pack $69.99/3 pack $99.99 - Complete your pre cruise test at home, with live video supervision by an eMed Certified Guide. Results in 15 minutes.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise?

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Guests age of 5 - 11 years are not required to be vaccinated, but kids who are fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests below.

Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of our sailing. Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in lieu of a vaccination card for guests eligible age to receive the vaccine.

Do I need a COVID-19 Booster to be considered fully Vaccinated?

Royal Caribbean strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. It is highly likely many destinations will soon begin to require booster doses for all eligible guests to be considered fully vaccinated. All Royal Caribbean crew members are fully vaccinated and receive a booster dose as they become eligible.

For the best cruise experience for sailings departing from or visiting European homeports, we strongly recommend guests be “up to date” on their COVID-19 vaccination. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), being up to date means you have had your original vaccine series, or a booster dose, within the past 270 days

Will I have to wear a face mask onboard my cruise?

• Onboard the Ship: Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated children should continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings. Masks are required for all children while at the Adventure Ocean youth program. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.
• While Ashore: Masks are optional at Royal Caribbean's private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. At public ports of call, guests should follow all local mask regulations. Masks should also be worn at the cruise terminal during the boarding and screening process, as well as during disembarkation. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.

Will I still be able to enjoy the buffet?

The Windjammer buffet and Grab-and-go cafes are open to everyone for breakfast and lunch, and the crew will serve guests.

Can I get off the ship when at port?

Requirements for going ashore vary based on port of departure, ports of call and vaccination status. This is due to the varying ordinances at federal, state, and local levels, as well as the ongoing evaluation of public health in each region. These requirements are subject to change as we continue to evaluate circumstances around the globe, and we will continue to update booked guests of any requirements for their upcoming cruise.

• Fully vaccinated parties can visit most ports freely, or book a shore excursion. A few ports require an excursion to go ashore, regardless of your vaccination status. For more details on specific requirements by port, please visit our Ports of Call FAQs
• Families traveling with unvaccinated kids must purchase a local tour through Royal Caribbean if they wish to go ashore — this applies to all ports of call except Perfect Day at CocoCay; Labadee, Haiti; and Port Canaveral, Florida.

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Alaska Cruises from US & Vancouver, British Columbia FAQ's

When do I have to take a COVID-19 test?

Required Pre-Cruise Testing to be taken for all guests 2 or 3 days before arriving at the terminal.

• All guests 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result.
• Required Testing to Enter Canada: All unvaccinated guests age 2- 11 years must provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the flight’s departure to Canada or an antigen test no more than 1 day before the flight’s departure to Canada. Vaccinated travelers have no test requirement to enter Canada.
• All Guests Required Pre-Cruise Testing: Before arriving on boarding day, guests need to take a COVID-19 test on their own, at guest's expense, to meet boarding requirements in line with U.S. CDC guidance.
• Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. Kids age 5 to 11 years who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
• Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before the day the land tour starts.
• Unvaccinated Kids Additional Testing: In addition to the pre-cruise test, unvaccinated kids will take two or three more tests, depending on the length of the cruise. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests.
• Mid-Cruise Testing:For sailings departing from Seattle, Washington, unvaccinated kids age 5 – 11 years will take a complimentary test onboard no more than 1 day before arrival to Canada.
• Prior to Entering Canada: Unvaccinated guests 5 to 11 years old will take a complimentary antigen test onboard prior to visiting or debarking in Canada.
• For sailings debarking in Seattle, Washington or Seward, Alaska: Unvaccinated guests age 2 – 11 years will take a complimentary antigen test onboard no more than 1 day before arrival to the U.S.
• Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

Testing for Cruisetour Guests

• Cruisetour Guests: Required Pre-Tour Testing: Royal Caribbean Cruisetour guests need to take a COVID-19 test on their own, at guest's expense, before the land-tour portion of the Cruisetour.
• Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before the day the land tour starts. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
• Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before the day the land tour starts.
• Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-Cruisetour test.
• Cruisetour guests will also need to complete the pre-cruise testing to board the ship in addition to the pre-tour testing. Vaccinated guests are advised to bring an eMed test kit [SR1] with them on their Cruisetour to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement. For vaccinated guests without a test kit or unvaccinated kids age 2-11 in need of a PCR test, a testing provider in Anchorage will be available to test guests at their own expense. Details on how to register for testing in Anchorage will be provided by the Cruisetour guide.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise?

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Guests age of 5 - 11 years are not required to be vaccinated, but kids who are fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests above.

Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of our sailing. Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in lieu of a vaccination card for guests eligible age to receive the vaccine.

San Juan, Puerto Rico Homeport Departures

Pre-cruise boarding checklist San Juan, Puerto Rico departures

• Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is recommended.
  • No Passport? Bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older.
  • If your name doesn't match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate.
• A COVID-19 vaccination record card for all guests 12 years and older, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card.
• Starting August 8, 2022, a negative test result for COVID-19 printed or shown on your phone (not a doctor’s note) for all unvaccinated guests and for vaccinated guests sailing on voyages that are six nights or longer. Prior to August 8, 2022, a negative test result for COVID-19 is required for all guests on all sailings.
• Royal Caribbean Shore Excursion required for unvaccinated children and their families to visit each port.
• Reminder: International guests must check their visa/ESTA requirements before traveling.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico?:

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Guests under the age of 12 years, who are considered fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests below. Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of our sailing.

When do I have to take a COVID-19 test to cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico?

All guests must follow Puerto Rico's COVID-19 Travel Guidelines. Prior to August 8, all guests 2 years and older will need to provide a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 48-hours prior to arriving in Puerto Rico. All guests arriving from countries other than the U.S.(regardless of vaccination status) will need to provide a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 24-hours prior to boarding a flight to Puerto Rico.

• Pre-Cruise: All guests 2 years and older — regardless of vaccination status — must present a negative COVID-19 test result in order to sail. Your entry test can meet this requirement as long as it falls into the appropriate time frame.
  • Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11 years: will need to show proof of a negative test result from a PCR test taken no more than 3 days prior to our sail date — but not on boarding day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.
  • Vaccinated guests 12 years and older: will need to show proof of a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days prior to our sail date. If for any reason guests can’t arrange this test prior to sailing, we have port testing available.
  • No testing required for guests under age 2
  • Pre-cruise testing costs and scheduling are the guest's responsibility.
• Embarkation Day: In addition to the pre-cruise test requirement, unvaccinated guests 2 to 11 years old will be required to take a complimentary embarkation day antigen test. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.
• Prior to disembarking: Unvaccinated guests 2 to 11 years old will take an antigen test prior to debarking in San Juan.
  • For re-entry into your home country, guests may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test. If needed, we’ll offer complimentary testing on Day 5 or 6 of the cruise. Testing details will be provided onboard.
  • Please note, guests’ test results will also be shared with Royal Caribbean International. This will let us help our guests plan the next steps of their cruise and keep them informed. We may also share these results with third parties, such as public authorities and health care providers.
• Post-Cruise: If a guest is staying in Puerto Rico after the cruise, or they live in Puerto Rico, an additional test will be needed.
  • Residents of Puerto Rico ages 2 years and older regardless of vaccination status, guests must take a COVID-19 test, at their own expense, after the cruise and upload their results on the TravelSafe Declaration within 48 hours of departing the ship.
  • Non-residents ages 2 years and older regardless of vaccination status, non-residents extending their stay in Puerto Rico after sailing must complete a COVID-19 test after their cruise, and upload the results to Puerto Rico's TravelSafe Declaration form within 24 hours of departing the ship. Guests will be provided a complimentary test kit for this purpose.
  • Please Note: Failure to meet this requirement can result in a $300 USD fine from Puerto Rico authorities.
• Quarantine
  • Unvaccinated travelers intending to stay in Puerto Rico before or after their cruise are now required to complete a quarantine period of 7 days. However, if a guest arrives in Puerto Rico on cruise boarding day, and depart Puerto Rico on the same day the cruise ends, a local quarantine is not required.
  • Quarantine Before: If guests arrive in Puerto Rico 1 or more days prior to their cruise, any unvaccinated guests ages 2 years and up in the travel party must remain in quarantine for those days. These guests may only leave to head directly to the cruise terminal for check-in on boarding day.
  • Quarantine After: Any unvaccinated non-residents ages 2 years and up extending their stay in Puerto Rico post-cruise must quarantine for up to 7 days. If a guest’s flight departs prior to the completion of the 7 days, they must remain in the hotel and may only leave to proceed directly to the airport on the day of your flight.

Starting August 8, 2022, testing will be required for unvaccinated guests on all voyages and for vaccinated guests only on voyages that are six nights or longer.

Can I get off the ship when at port?

Families traveling with unvaccinated kids are required to purchase a tour through Royal Caribbean to go ashore (except at our private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee). And, some ports require all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to purchase tours through Royal Caribbean. (FAQs provide additional information)

These tours follow our health guidance and are available at a variety of prices. Guests can access Cruise Planner to purchase in advance.

Will I have to wear a face mask onboard my cruise?

Masks are required in the terminal, in select locations inside the ship, and may be required at various destinations. Guests under 2 years old don’t need a mask. Click here to learn more.

Will I still be able to enjoy the buffet?

The Windjammer buffet and Grab-and-go cafes are open to everyone for breakfast and lunch and our crew will serve our guests.

Some specialty restaurants are for vaccinated parties only. Guests can visit Cruise Planner to make reservations before the cruise or the Royal Caribbean app while onboard.

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Bridgetown, Barbados:

What To Bring

Travel Documentation Checklist

• Barbados Immigration/Customs Travel Form visit https://travelform.gov.bb/ to complete this form before arriving.
• Passport Book valid for at least six months after the cruise, is required.
  • If the name in the passport book doesn't match other documents, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate.
• A COVID-19 vaccination record card for all guests 12 years and older, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card.
• A negative test result for COVID-19 for entry printed or shown on your phone (not a doctor’s note).
• Royal Caribbean Shore Excursion required for unvaccinated children and their families to visit each port.
• Reminder: International guests must check their visa and other requirements before traveling.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise?

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Only guests with World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines may sail. Guests under the age of 12, who are considered fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests below. Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of our sailing. The only mixed MRNA vaccines accepted are combinations of Pfizer and Moderna.

When do I have to take a COVID-19 test when entering Barbados?

All guests must follow Barbados’ COVID-19 2021 Travel Guidelines. All guests 5 years and older — regardless of vaccination status — must present a negative PCR test result no more than 3 days prior to arriving in Barbados.

• Pre-Cruise: All unvaccinated guests 2 – 11 years, must present a negative PCR test result no more than 3 days prior to sailing.
• Embarkation Day: All guests 2 years and older — regardless of vaccination status — are required to take a complimentary embarkation day antigen test and receive a negative test result. Registration details will be sent via email in advance for the antigen test at the terminal.
• No testing required for guests under age 2.
• Prior to disembarking: Guests 2 years and older will be provided with a complimentary antigen test to re-enter Barbados.
• For re-entry into a guest’s home country, proof of a negative COVID-19 test may be required. More details will be provided once onboard.

Can I get off the ship when at port?

Families traveling with unvaccinated kids are required to purchase a tour through Royal Caribbean to go ashore (except at our private destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee). Some ports require all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to purchase tours through Royal Caribbean. (FAQs provide additional information)

These tours follow our health guidance and are available at a variety of prices. Guests can access Cruise Planner to purchase in advance.

Will I have to wear a face mask onboard my cruise?

Masks are required in the terminal, in select locations inside the ship, and may be required at various destinations. Guests under 2 years old don’t need a mask.

Will I still be able to enjoy the buffet?

The Windjammer buffet and Grab-and-go cafes are open to everyone for breakfast and lunch, and our crew will serve our guests.

Europe, Spain, and Italy Travel Requirements

Individual countries across Europe are updating their entry and testing requirements. Below are specific details for Spain and Italy, however, additional countries are expected to follow suit in the coming days. Please be aware that requirements vary by country and continue to be updated.

Entry Requirements 
It's critical that guests review the travel guidance issued by each country they’ll be visiting on the sailing prior to travel. Failure to meet the requirements for each will result in denial of boarding.

•  All guests traveling to Spain will need to complete an FCS Health Control Form prior to entering Spain.
• All guests ages 6 years and up traveling to Italy will need to complete an European Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to entering Italy.

Royal Caribbean Testing Details

 Spain

• Pre-Cruise from Spain: 
  • ​Guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 2 days before our sailing.
  • Guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before our sailing.
• Embarking from Spain: All unvaccinated guests ages 2 - 11 years will be required to take a boarding day antigen test in the terminal and receive a negative result in order to sail. 
• Onboard: Guests who are considered unvaccinated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will require additional testing during our sailings. This test is at the guest's expense if they are ages 12 years and up and considered unvaccinated or if they are not up-to-date at the price of $55 USD per test. These guests will receive registration information once onboard based on the below.
  • Prior to Disembarking sailings from Spain: Guests 12 and older who meet the above criteria will test before disembarking.
• Guests under 2 years old are not required to test.

Italy

• Pre-Cruise from Italy: All guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before our sailing.
• Embarking from Italy: All unvaccinated and not up-to-date guests ages 2 years and older will be required to take a boarding day antigen test in the terminal and receive a negative result in order to sail.
  • This test will be complimentary for children ages 2 - 11 years.
  • Guests ages 12 years and older who are considered unvaccinated or not up-to-date will be charged $55 USD per test.
• Onboard: Guests who are considered unvaccinated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will require additional testing during our sailings. This test is at the guest's expense if they are ages 12 years and up and considered unvaccinated or if they are not up-to-date at the price of $55 USD per test. These guests will receive registration information once onboard based on the below.
  • During the Cruise: Depending on the itinerary, guests 12 years and older — or 6 and older in Italian & Greek ports — will have additional testing requirements.
  • Prior to Disembarking sailings from Italy: Guests 6 years and older who meet the above criteria may be required to test before disembarking, based on the itinerary.
• Guests under 2 years old are not required to test.

Check here for the most up to date information on each Cruise Destination, including vaccination requirements, mask mandates, shore excursions, and insurance requirements. 

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