Symphony of the Seas Docked In Cozumel Royal Caribbean announced its vaccine requirements last year in order to comply with the CDC and port of call requirements for starting cruising again. With cruising now going on for over a year and the CDC ending its requirements for cruising, cruise lines are starting to update procedures & protocols.
Today, August 10, 2022, Royal Caribbean announced a major change in the vaccine requirement for cruises from Galveston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and European homeport. All guests regardless of vaccine status are able to sail as long as guests meet the testing requirements to board. Below is the exact wording from Royal Caribbean's website:
Today, August 10, 2022, Royal Caribbean announced a major change in the vaccine requirement for cruises from Galveston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and European homeport. All guests regardless of vaccine status are able to sail as long as guests meet the testing requirements to board. Below is the exact wording from Royal Caribbean's website:
"Starting with September 5th departures, all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as they meet any testing requirements to board.
- Cruises from Los Angeles, California.
- Cruises from Galveston, Texas.
(Note: Currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman) - Cruises from New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Note: Currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman) - Cruises from a European homeport.
(Note: Guests that are not “up to date” on their vaccination per EMA standards will need to take a test onboard in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain)"
The testing requirements that Royal Caribbean's announcement links to can be accessed at this page: Click Here (will take you to Royal Caribbean's website away from RyG's Cruise Guide). Testing requirements can depend on cruise length, homeport, & vaccine status of an individual and can vary by cruise so it is important to read these & check for updates prior to your cruise.
To read Royal Caribbean's Healthy Sail Center please: Click Here (will take you to Royal Caribbean's website away from RyG's Cruise Guide).
To read Royal Caribbean's Healthy Sail Center please: Click Here (will take you to Royal Caribbean's website away from RyG's Cruise Guide).
What about other homeports? Royal Caribbean's vaccine requirement change only relates to Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, and European homeports. Royal Caribbean's website notes they are working with local governments in Eastern Caribbean ports, but right now no changes are announced. Any homeports not mentioned by Royal Caribbean still have a vaccine requirement in effect.
Screenshot of Royal Caribbean's website:
Screenshot of Royal Caribbean's website:
Please note: Covid-19 requirements related to vaccines, testing, onboard amenities, and procedures are subject to change at any time. Please consult Royal Caribbean's website for the latest information and any changes that may take place after this article is written. The article's information is up-to-date at the time of writing, but procedures may change so you need to make sure you stay on top of the latest information. If you have questions about procedures for your cruise I recommend contacting Royal Caribbean.