Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: Royal Caribbean

Showing posts with label Royal Caribbean. Show all posts

Monday, January 5, 2026

Travelore Cruise News: Royal Caribbean Keeps Quiet While Norwegian Cruise Line Issues Warning Over New Hawaii Cruise Tax That Was Upheld In Court

Throughout the year, Royal Caribbean has made some noticeable adjustments to its itinerary. Among the recent changes was a reroute due to tension between two countries. Royal Caribbean offered little explanation after removing a visit between China and Japan on the Spectrum of the Seas.

There's another destination guests continue to question. Hawaii stirred things up with a new tax for cruisers earlier in the year. The increase has caused a stir and has now been upheld in court. Norwegian Cruise Line sent out an alert.

Here's the latest on the cruise tax and how the Cruise Lines International Association has reacted to the verdict.
The tax will be implemented on January 1, 2026.

Despite The Cruise Lines International Association Efforts, Hawaii's Cruise Tax Has Been Upheld In Court

Hawaii added cruise passengers to its Transient Accommodations Tax. The new fee has caused a stir since its inception. The funds will aid climate change, conservation and infrastructure. The fee is estimated to generate around $100 million annually.

The tax will raise the existing TAT from 10.25% to 11% statewide.

Despite efforts by the Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the likes of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, a federal judge has ruled that the new tax will still be upheld.

The CLIA argued that the tax would hurt tourism, making it more expensive for cruisers.

The association argued, "Cruise tourism generates nearly $1 billion in total economic impact for Hawai‘i and supports thousands of local jobs, and we remain focused on ensuring that success continues on a lawful, sustainable foundation."

Despite the verdict, the plaintiffs plan to appeal. For now, some cruise lines have already started to warn passengers about the cruise tax change. Among them is Norwegian Cruise Line.

The company sent out an email to passengers about the future change.

Norwegian Cruise Line Has Warned Its Passengers About The Added Tax

Back in October, Norwegian Cruise Line was praised for alerting guests about the new Hawaii cruise tax set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.

Fares for Hawaii increase from $50-$500 higher with the additional tax. The added costs depend on the overall stay and cost of itineraries.

NCL reached out to guests about the change.

NCL added that it doesn't agree with the tax, and is working with the CLIA to review it legally.

“We believe that this expansion of the TAT is unconstitutional, and therefore in collaboration with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we are actively engaged in a legal review. We remain committed to advocating for a fair and balanced outcome.”

Credit to NCL for being completely transparent about the tax and what it means for cruisers taking to Hawaii. As far as Royal Caribbean is concerned, a formal announcement hasn't been made just yet.

Royal Caribbean Hasn't Addressed The Tax Despite Future Sails To Hawaii

On its Hawaii cruises page, Royal Caribbean continues to promote sails.

Royal Caribbean says about the destination, "Just the word "Hawaii" conjures visions of turquoise waves lapping at colorful sands, a rich historical tapestry that's as Polynesian as it is American and a welcoming culture you can distill into a single word: Aloha. Once you arrive, trace the history of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where you can tour battleships and see the memorial to that fateful day in 1941."

"Cruise to Hawaii and head to the Big Island to scale volcanoes like Mount Kilauea and chase waterfalls on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Or enjoy the sun and surf on the remote shores of Kauai and Maui. Discover the magic with a Hawaiian cruise."

Royal Caribbean has continued cruises to Hawaii on its Anthem of the Seas. The cruise line has various sails, including eight and twelve-night packages.

Royal Caribbean's 8-Night Hawaii Cruise In April 2027 Schedule:

Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

5 Days at Sea

Vancouver, British Columbia

The Anthem of the Seas is known for its sailings in Alaska and the Caribbean.

It remains to be seen if the new tax will keep Royal Caribbean cruisers away from the destination.

https://www.thetravel.com/author/a-passalalpi/

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Royal Caribbean Group Introduces Industry-First Loyalty Status Match Program Across Its Brands - Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises And Silversea

Royal Caribbean announced that loyalty members from its three wholly-owned brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – will attain equivalent tier status on any one of its brands. This shared status adds to members' existing benefits and unlocks new ways to see the world, with more than 50 incredible ships sailing to nearly 1,000 destinations across all seven continents.

Now, loyalty members have another reason to experience all Royal Caribbean Group has to offer, with a product to meet them for each of life's moments. As the first major cruise company to offer loyalty status matching across its core brands, the Royal Caribbean Group Loyalty Status Match program allows members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club and Silversea's Venetian Society to enjoy reciprocal tier status no matter which brand they sail with.

Royal Caribbean Group's industry-leading portfolio offers everything one could want in a vacation, including land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection, and its cruise brands Royal Caribbean International delivering thrilling vacations for the multi-generational and contemporary market, Celebrity Cruises elevating premium travel, and Silversea offering the finest ultra-luxury and expedition experiences.

"We strive to provide guests with experiences within our portfolio of brands that meet them for all of life's moments," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "Each of our differentiated brands have passionate fans who take pride in the status they've achieved through repeat sailings. In a first for the cruise industry, our new Loyalty Status Match program rewards guests traveling across our brands, and this is one more step in our journey of transforming a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations."

The new program is part of Royal Caribbean Group's ongoing commitment to deliver the best vacations responsibly. By aligning its three industry-leading brands and recognizing guest loyalty across the fleet, the Loyalty Status Match program aims to provide an unparalleled vacation experience that rewards guests. Program highlights include:

Seamless Status Recognition: Members of Crown & Anchor Society, Captain's Club and Venetian Society are now eligible to receive one-for-one status match across all three brands after enrolling in each program.

Onboard Benefits: When sailing on each sister brand, guests can enjoy the onboard benefits offered by each brand for their equivalent tier status.

Effortless Tier Matching: Guests already enrolled in multiple loyalty programs will be automatically matched across brands within 7 days to ensure guests receive their appropriate loyalty status.

Enhanced Travel Experience: Status match enables guests to select from a broader and more diverse range of vacation experiences and destinations.

Now, loyalty members can be status matched for upcoming travel on a sister brand. For example, a Venetian Society member with 250 VS Days and an upcoming sailing on Celebrity Cruises can enroll in Captain's Club, which would give them Elite status once their loyalty accounts are connected.

The applicable terms and conditions are also changing to make clear how member data will be shared across the various loyalty programs and highlight other important legal terms. Please refer to the updated loyalty program terms and conditions for full details. Loyalty Status Match program terms also apply.

New benefits onboard for members who have their status matched will begin with sailings departing on June 5, 2024.

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group and its brands or to learn more about the Loyalty Status Match program, please visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.

Monday, December 4, 2023

Travelore Cruise News: Carnival And Royal Caribbean Passengers Unhappy Over Proposed New Cruise Charges

The new fees on the popular cruise lines involve the price of taxes, which - like everything else - has increased dramatically since 2019.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise enthusiasts are about to get hit with yet another fee, and they couldn't be less thrilled about the prospect.

Since 2019, the price of everything has gone up thanks to global inflation, and cruise prices are no different.

But while cruises have control over the prices of many things — such as Wi-Fi access and shore excursion prices — they don't have control over the increase of things like taxes.

And now, both cruise lines have announced that those increases will be passed on to customers.

For example, Quintana Roo in Mexico has announced that they will impose a $5 tax on all cruise ship passengers.

Rather than absorb the cost themselves, both cruise lines have announced that they will pass that tax on to its guests.

While that tax isn't due to be added until 2025, passengers are already furious that they'll be incurring an additional charge on an already-expensive excursion.

Mexican authorities, however, claim that the taxes will be "earmarked for tourism infrastructure projects and natural disaster recovery," per Cruise Hive.

"Approximately 30% of the funds would be directed to the Trust for the Attention of Natural Disasters, which would help mitigate damage from hurricanes, flooding, and other natural events. This could include emergency recovery projects and repairs, as well as funds to citizens and residents impacted by such disasters," Cruise Hive also reported.

The fees are anticipated to generate up to $25 million per year, by some estimates.

The proposed resolution to adopt these fees is likely to be granted, as well.

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/

Saturday, December 2, 2023

The World's Largest Cruise Ship, Icon Of The Seas, Joins Royal Caribbean International

It’s official: After more than seven years of dreaming and 900 days of design and construction by thousands of experts, Royal Caribbean International welcomes the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas to the family in a momentous celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. The world’s largest cruise line hosted a ceremony on the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation, where representatives signed on the dotted line just two months before the new ship’s January 2024 debut in Miami.

Marking the milestone at the celebration were more than 1,200 crew members and workers, who were joined by Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer. “Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Delivering Icon of the Seas represents all that can be accomplished with strong partnerships and a commitment to delivering memorable vacations responsibly, and we thank Meyer Turku and an incredible village of skilled partners for joining us on this journey. The memories millions of families and vacationers will make on Icon will be our greatest accomplishment yet.” The transfer of ownership, commonly known as the delivery of a new ship, between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku also commemorated the series of never-before-seen feats accomplished during more than two years of construction: from the installation of the AquaDome, the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship, to engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides and more. Now is when Icon will sail from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where the cruise line will start to put the finishing touches on the world’s best vacation before it heads to Miami. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 29, adventurers can follow Icon’s journey by visiting Royal Caribbean’s website. “Welcoming Icon of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family is a remarkable accomplishment years in the making for thousands of innovators, engineers, architects and designers,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Seven years ago, we had an ambitious idea to create the first vacation truly made for every type of family and adventurer; now, it’s in our hands, and in this final stretch, we’ll bring it all to life for the biggest debut in our history in January 2024.” Whether “family vacation” means getting away as a family, couple or friends, Icon’s all-encompassing lineup features firsts and next-level favorites for everyone to make memories their way every day across eight neighborhoods. There are adrenaline-pumping thrills, unrivaled ways to chill, more than 40 ways to dine and drink, cutting-edge entertainment across the cruise line’s four signature stages – air, ice, water and theater – and more. And with 28 different ways to stay, including the new three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse, even the rooms are thoughtfully designed for every type of vacationer.

The five brand-new neighborhoods and three reimagined favorites are destinations in themselves filled with a variety of experiences, live entertainment, restaurants and bars, including:

Thrill Island – The new center of thrill features Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides; Crown’s Edge, part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride on which adventurers swing 154 feet above the ocean; the FlowRider simulator; the Lost Dunes minigolf course and more. In between adrenaline rushes, just steps away are new spots to grab laidback bites or sweet treats: Basecamp and Desserted for over-the-top milkshakes.

Chill Island – Four of the seven pools on Icon are at this three-deck slice of paradise, each with a unique vibe and prime ocean views: the lively Swim & Tonic, the cruise line’s first swimup bar at sea; Royal Bay,the largest pool at sea; Cloud 17, an adults-only retreat; and the serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool. With different tunes from live bands and DJs, and poolside spots for drinks and quick, casual food – like The Lime & Coconut and its new frozen cocktail bar, and El Loco Fresh & Cantina Fresca – vacationers can chill day and night.

Surfside – Introducing the first neighborhood made for young families. Adults and kids can stay and play all day between ways to splash, like at the new Water’s Edge pool for grownups nearby Baby Bay and the Splashaway Bay aquapark for kids, and new, dedicated dining options such as the Surfside Eatery buffet, Pier 7 for all-day brunch and the convenient Surfside Bites To chase down the bites, there’s The Lemon Post, a brand-new bar that features two menus – one for adults and the other for kids.

AquaDome – A tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night, the new neighborhood is filled with wraparound ocean views, new and returning restaurants and bars, a 55-foot-tall water curtain, and the next-level AquaTheater that debuts the first cast of robots, skateboarders, divers and more. From Royal Caribbean’s first foodhall, AquaDome Market, and Rye & Bean – a new bar for lattes and coffee-infused cocktails – to the new Overlook bar and pods, and the cruise line’s marquee aqua shows, it’s a transformational experience.

The Hideaway – Tucked away and sitting 135 feet above the ocean is a new neighborhood that combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world. The first suspended infinity pool at sea is at the center of it all, and it has 180-degree ocean views that make it the perfect place to watch sunsets from the point of view only a cruise can offer as vacationers enjoy the dedicated DJ and bar.

Royal Promenade – The heartbeat of Icon features more than 15 restaurants, bars and lounges, including Dueling Pianos, Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar; the new 1400 Lobby Bar, inspired by the history of shipbuilding, with an ocean-facing terrace that opens the reimagined neighborhood to the outdoors for the first time; and favorites with a twist like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Starbucks and more. The all-time favorite also debuts floor-to-ceiling ocean views, an engineering feat made possible by The Pearl, the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture. Central Park – Lusher and livelier than ever, the open-air neighborhood is reimagined with more ways to dine, drink and be entertained. Thousands of real plants line new experiences and favorites with a twist, such as the popular Izumi, with a new location and a walkup window; and American steakhouse Chops Grille. Making their debut are spots like Empire Supper Club, an extravagant experience that pairs eight courses with wine, cocktails and music; and Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, for live performances of soulful jazz, jazzy pop music and more.

Suite Neighborhood – Spanning four decks, Royal Caribbean’s most expansive Suite Neighborhood features larger suites, the new Grove Suite Sun Deck, complete with a private pool, whirlpool and dedicated Mediterranean dining; and a now two-level Coastal Kitchen with views of the AquaDome and the ocean. Icon is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel. The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. Twenty-four percent more energy efficient than the standards required for ships being designed today, the cruise line’s most sustainable ship yet will mark the next step in parent company Royal Caribbean Group's journey to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Every type of family and adventurer can get away on the world’s best vacation and island hop in the tropics at any time of the year. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami features idyllic destinations across the Caribbean and an unmatched day of thrill and and chill at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the private island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, an all-day experience complete with a private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

More details about Icon and the latest news are available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Icon.

Monday, August 15, 2022

Royal Caribbean Joins Norwegian In Eliminating COVID Vaccine Requirement For Some Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean has become the second cruise line to drop its COVID vaccine requirement for some sailings, following Norwegian Cruise Line, and after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eliminated its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships in July.

The COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships was a voluntary program that provided recommendations to the cruise industry on COVID safety measures such as testing and vaccinations.

Royal Caribbean's vaccination change will go into effect on Sept. 5. On this date, COVID vaccinations will no longer be required for all passengers on cruises from Los Angeles; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and also, from a European homeport.

However, passengers looking to get off the ship in the Grand Cayman will need to be fully vaccinated, while those looking to get off in Greece or Spain will need to take a COVID test, Royal Caribbean said.

Royal Caribbean will continue to require vaccinations to board its ship for those passengers 12 and older prior to Sept. 5 and also for certain other cruise ports until further notice.

The cruise line said on its website that it is working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean on vaccination requirements for more destinations, adding, "We want to ensure a great experience going ashore at these ports, for guests of any vaccination status, while meeting local health regulations. We'll have more info in the coming days."

Unvaccinated Royal Caribbean passengers will still be subject to COVID testing for boarding depending on their sailing, while vaccinated passengers will only need a COVID test on cruises that are six nights or longer unless their destination warrants otherwise. European requirements for COVID testing requirements have remained unchanged.

Royal Caribbean has also changed the COVID vaccination policy on its subsidiary Celebrity Cruises, which will also begin on Sept. 5 for all unvaccinated passengers. Travelers can now sail on cruises departing from the U.K, Europe, with the exception of Iceland, and Los Angeles, without having to be fully vaccinated.

The news that Royal Caribbean eliminated its COVID vaccination requirement for some cruises comes just days after Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it would drop its COVID vaccine requirement on Sept. 3 for all passengers 12 and older with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. No additional protocols or testing requirements will apply for younger guests.

Norwegian's COVID policy change also applies to its Regent Seven Seas and Oceania cruise brands.

By Dawn Geske, https://www.ibtimes.com/

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Hong Kong Bans Flights, Imposes Other COVID-19 Restrictions

Hong Kong authorities announced a two-week ban on flights from the United States and seven other countries and held 2,500 passengers on a cruise ship for coronavirus testing Wednesday as the city attempted to stem an emerging omicron outbreak.

The two-week ban on passenger flights from Australia, Canada, France, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Britain and the United States will take effect Sunday and continue until Jan. 21.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam also announced that restaurant dining will be forbidden after 6 p.m. for two weeks starting Friday. Game arcades, bars and beauty salons must also close during that period.
“We have to contain the pandemic to ensure that there will not be a major outbreak in the community again,” Lam said at a news conference, adding that the city is “on the verge” of another surge.

The measures came as new omicron clusters have emerged over the past week, many linked to several Cathay Pacific crew members who broke isolation rules and dined at restaurants and bars in the city before testing positive.

Hong Kong has reported 114 omicron variant cases as of Tuesday, with most being imported. On Tuesday, it reported its first untraceable case in nearly three months, which authorities said was likely caused by the omicron variant.

Hong Kong officials have moved swiftly to block the spread of the variant, locking down residential buildings where people have tested positive and mass-testing thousands of people.

That includes about 2,500 passengers who were being held Wednesday on a cruise ship in Hong Kong for coronavirus tests, after health authorities said nine passengers were linked to an omicron cluster and ordered the ship to turn back.

Authorities forced the Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas ship, which departed Sunday on a “cruise to nowhere,” to return a day early on Wednesday, according to a government statement.

The ship returned to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning and passengers were held onboard for most of the day while they awaited testing.

One passenger, Claudy Wong, said Royal Caribbean had tried its best to follow pandemic regulations.

“The pandemic has gone on for so long, actually passengers like us who board the cruise are already prepared for such situations to happen,” Wong said.

Royal Caribbean said in a statement that the nine guests were immediately isolated and all tested negative, and that the company was working closely with authorities to comply with epidemic prevention policies and regulations.

It said guests who were on the affected ship would receive a 25% refund on their cruise fare. The ship’s next sailing on Thursday was also canceled because the crew must undergo testing, and those guests will receive a full refund.

The city has reported a total of 12,690 confirmed coronavirus infections as of Tuesday, including 213 deaths.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

CDC Rule Prohibits Cruise Ships Based Outside Of United States From Returning For 14 days

Celebrity Cruises announced a new round of cancelled sailings for one of its ships that was scheduled to return to the United States, and it is because of a rule the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has for ships homeported outside the U.S.

Celebrity Cruises announced it has cancelled 4 sailings of Celebrity Summit between August 28 and September 11, 2021 because of the CDC's rule.

According to the CDC, the current requirements indicate that all ships operating with passengers outside of U.S. waters (i.e. ships with a homeport outside of the U.S.) will not be eligible to enter U.S. waters until 14 days after the last passenger disembarks.

A spokesperson for the agency told RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com,"At this time, there is no exception to this requirement; therefore, all ships planning to sail in U.S. waters under the conditional sailing order (CSO) will be required to sail without passengers for 14 days prior to entering U.S. waters."

This rule does not apply to cruise ships that homeport in the U.S. which sail to international waters. Rather, just ships embarking passengers in foreign countries.

The CDC added that they are "currently evaluating the need for options as ships want to reposition to the U.S. in the fall."

This policy has been in place since the start of the CSO in the agency's technical instructions.

For ships currently outside of U.S. waters and not operating under the CSO, submission of the Enhanced Data Collection form for 14 days preceding the cruise ship’s expected arrival in U.S. waters is required prior to being assigned a color status.

It is unclear yet if other ships returning to the United States from Europe will also be affected by the policy.

In a letter to passengers booked on Celebrity Summit, the cruise line explained it was canceling the four sailings because of this CDC policy, "The CDC has currently advised any ship returning to the US after having traveled in international waters may not sail with guests onboard for at least 14 days."

Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas are all sailing European cruises this summer, and are scheduled to return at the conclusion of their season.

I've reached out to Royal Caribbean for an update on how this policy may affect current deployment plans, if at all.

Adventure of the Seas schedule looks to already have enough of a pre-built in gap when she finishes her sailings from Nassau, Bahamas and moves to Galveston, Texas.

Source: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Royal Caribbean To Require A Negative Covid-19 Test Before All U.S. Sailings 5+ Nights

Royal Caribbean is adding a new requirement for sailings from the United States that will require proof of a negative Covid-19 test result in order to sail.

With increasing Covid-19 case counts around the country, Royal Caribbean has announced the policy change "in an abundance of caution".

All guests over the age of 2 will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test, regardless of vaccine status, prior to boarding on sailings 5-night or longer.

The new policy is effective for all U.S. sailings between July 31 and August 31.

The test must be administered no more than three days prior to sailing and proof of negative results must be shown at check-in. Either PCR or antigen tests are acceptable.

The results can be printed out, or can be presented on your phone, such as the email result from your test provider. Costs associated with this test are the guests' responsibility.

There are no other changes to requirements and policies previously announced by Royal Caribbean.

Example of the new policy shared on Royal Caribbean's website

In a statement by the cruise line, the change is being done as a precaution, "This is an additional layer of precaution to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. We will continue to monitor public health circumstances as they evolve and make necessary adjustments to our protocols."

Here is a copy of the full statement Royal Caribbean made:

In an abundance of caution, and to ensure that our guests, crew and the communities we visit remain healthy we are requiring all guests over the age of 2, regardless of vaccine status, to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding on sailings 5-night or longer. This new policy is for all sailings in the U.S. from July 31 to August 31. The test must be administered no more than three days prior to sailing and proof of negative results must be shown at check-in.

All other testing requirements and policies are still in place. This is an additional layer of precaution to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. We will continue to monitor public health circumstances as they evolve and make necessary adjustments to our protocols.

Prior to this change, unvaccinated passengers were required to get multiple Covid-19 tests, but not vaccinated passengers.

Unvaccinated passengers were required to get tested at the terminal prior to embarkation and onboard prior to disembarkation.

Royal Caribbean requires negative test results for passengers sailing on Adventure of the Seas from Nassau, Bahamas, but this is the first time since sailings restarted that a test result for all passengers has been implemented in the United States.

For at least cruises on sailings this weekend, there may be a short-term option to get tested near the cruise port.

Guests sailing on Odyssey of the Seas for the July 31st sailing will have an option to show up to the port and get off-site testing completed nearby. It is not clear which other sailings will have this opportunity as well.

The cruise industry is not the only business making changes to ensure the safety of their customers.

Walt Disney World announced this week it would require face masks again for its customers while indoors, and Lollapalooza will require either proof of vaccination or a negative test for the viral infection within the past three days.

Source: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Royal Caribbean Not Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers Go On Third-Party Shore Excursions For At Least One Ship

Unvaccinated guests sailing on Adventure of the Seas will no longer be able to book shore excursions on their own beginning with the next sailing.

Guests booked on Adventure of the Seas received an email indicating unvaccinated passengers, including parents traveling with unvaccinated children, are required to participate in shore excursions offered by local tour operators approved by Royal Caribbean.

If your traveling party is fully vaccinated, there is no change in the shore excursion policy.

In an abundance of caution, when visiting ports other than Perfect Day at CocoCay, parties that include unvaccinated guests, including parents traveling with unvaccinated children, are required to participate in shore excursions offered by local tour operators approved by Royal Caribbean. These tours meet our health and safety requirements for unvaccinated guests.

Entirely vaccinated traveling parties may visit the port freely. All guests are subject to restrictions and requirements as defined by local authorities in the ports we visit. Additional details will be provided onboard.

Royal Caribbean will offer a discount for guests under 16 to help offset the change.

The cruise line says the decision was made "to protect you and the communities we visit."

The change comes one day after two unvaccinated children on Adventure of the Seas tested positive for Covid-19 and had to be quarantined and brought home.

Celebrity Cruises made a similar change this week for their Celebrity Edge sailings that begin this weekend as well from the United States.

Policy changes are nothing new for cruise lines as they resume operations. One constant in the months leading up to cruises restarting has been policy adjustments, reversals, and additions.

When Adventure of the Seas' sailings from The Bahamas were announced, shore excursions were initially limited to just cruise line tours. Then, the company changed policies prior to the first sailing to allow guests to go on any tour, regardless of vaccination status.

By: Matt Hochberg, https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/

Saturday, June 5, 2021

Royal Caribbean Sets 2021 Cruises In Florida, Texas, Alaska

MIAMI (AP) — Royal Caribbean International said Friday that eight of its ships will resume U.S. voyages in July and August with trips leaving ports in Florida, Texas and Washington state.

The cruise line said all crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Passengers 16 and older on cruises to Alaska will also be required to be vaccinated. The requirement will be expanded to cover Alaska-bound passengers 12 and over starting Aug. 1.

For other trips passing through U.S. water, Royal Caribbean said that passengers are “strongly recommended” to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers must be tested for the virus and follow other measures that will be announced later, the company said.

Royal Caribbean said that its first U.S. sailing since March 2020 will leave Miami on July 2 on the Freedom of the Seas.

The company said that over the following six weeks, five other ships will sail the Caribbean after leaving from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral, Florida, and Galveston, Texas. Two ships will sail from Seattle to Alaska.

Royal Caribbean, which is headquartered in Miami but registers its ships in other countries, plans to have 12 ships operating worldwide by the end of August. Those include ships sailing from the United Kingdom, Europe and the Bahamas.

In the U.S., cruise companies are still talking with federal, state and local officials about health measures and trial sailings. Royal Caribbean plans trial voyages starting later this month. Those pilot trips are required before cruise lines can operate regular sailings with less than 95% of passengers being vaccinated.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials this week said that a Florida lawsuit against the federal government over conditions for cruise lines to resume sailing could threaten plans to restart cruising in Alaska.

Monday, April 5, 2021

Royal Caribbean Will Provide A Covid Test For Cruisers Returning To The United States

By: Matt Hochberg

If you are headed on a Royal Caribbean cruise this summer from Bermuda, The Bahamas, or somewhere else, you can expect to get a negative Covid test before your cruise ends so you can go home.

One of the many extra steps required to cruise in 2021 is upon returning to the United States on an international flight, you need a negative Covid test result.

Current U.S. requirements stipulate that returning international travelers must get tested no more than 3 days before re-entering the United States.

Disembarkation day is difficult enough with everything going on, so how would cruise passengers find time to get a negative test before heading to the airport for a flight home?

It appears Royal Caribbean will take care of this for guests.
Source: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/

Sunday, March 21, 2021

2 Royal Caribbean Lines To Resume Caribbean Cruises In June

MIAMI (AP) — Two Royal Caribbean cruises will resume in June, ending a yearlong hiatus, but passengers 18 and older must test negative for COVID-19 before getting on a ship.

The company’s Celebrity Cruises subsidiary said Friday that its Celebrity Millennium ship will relaunch on June 5 from St. Maarten. One itinerary will stop in Aruba, Curacao and Barbados, and another will stop in Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said returning to the Caribbean “marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been a uniquely challenging time for everyone.”

Royal Caribbean Group’s namesake line will start a week later with a voyage leaving from Nassau, the Bahamas on the Adventure of the Seas.

In both cases, passengers 18 and older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of boarding the ship.

With the Caribbean such a popular destination, “It’s not entirely surprising to see both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean finding a way to return to the region,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor or Cruise Critic, a website that reviews cruises. “But it is massive news for the cruise industry, and for the Caribbean itself.”

In the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten, tourism accounts for nearly 80% of all jobs, and nearly 80% of tourists arrive on cruise ships.

Shares of Miami-based Royal Caribbean rose more than 2% Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has held up cruise ship operations in U.S. waters since March 2020, although it has laid out guidelines for cruises to resume with conditional sailing certificates.

The Caribbean is a popular destination for American customers. So is Alaska, but the Canadian government has banned cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers through February 2022, which will stop many ships from visiting Alaska this summer. The ships accounted for most of Alaska’s 1.3 million visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.

Saturday, February 27, 2021

These Are The Cruise Lines That Will Require COVID-19 Vaccinations For Guests And Crew

Several cruise lines have started announcing vaccination requirements for guests and crew members as the industry looks to restart after the the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, cruise ships that were mid-trip began facing COVID-19 related turmoils as the virus began trickling around the world, leaving passengers stuck, infected, or dead. Shortly after, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order, which was later replaced by its "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order," a compilation of protocols needed for cruising to resume again.

Despite this new framework — and pent-up demand for highly anticipated cruise ships and trips — the official return of cruising still remains in limbo. Presently, no major US cruises will be welcoming passengers until May, but companies are constantly extending this pause on sailing.

However, as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed across the globe, this could soon change.

"If we start to see vaccines become more widely available, and if the vaccines are being administered in a far more efficient manner than they have been, I think it would be reasonable for the cruise lines to say a vaccine is required," Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of the Atmosphere Research Group, told Insider in an interview.

However, vaccine rollout and accessibility has been a notorious struggle around the world. As a result, Harteveldt notes that it may be "counterproductive" for major cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian to require its guests to receive the vaccine if sailings actually resume in the next few months instead of later in the year, say July.

But over the last month, cruise lines have become increasingly vocal about the vaccine. While some companies — such as Carnival and its Holland America line — are "reviewing" the different vaccines, several others have already announced vaccination protocols for guests and crew members.

These are all the cruise lines with vaccine-related mandates so far:

Saga Cruises

On January 21, United Kingdom-based Saga Cruises announced that it would require all of its passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks before a trip. Saga primarily caters to passengers over 50-years-old.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean expects to require its crew members to receive the vaccine before sailings return, a spokesperson told Insider.

Crystal Cruises

On February 18, Crystal Cruises said it would require guests to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before a cruise. The cruise line is also requiring a negative coronavirus test result from travelers and crew members, among other health protocols.

"We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury, and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for all on board," Jack Anderson, the cruise line's interim president and CEO, said in a press release.

Hornblower Group's "overnight" cruise lines

Hornblower Group's American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines have both announced requirements for guests and crew members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for sailings starting July 1.

According to John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company, requiring the vaccine will ensure the "safest cruising experience possible." However, the cruise lines is are still looking to resume sailing in April, prior to this vaccination deadline.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line and its Regent Seven Seas Cruises have announced COVID-19 vaccine requirements for crew members prior to boarding. However, the cruise lines are still "exploring all options" in regards to vaccination requirements for its guests, according to the cruise lines' statements sent.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ship-covid-vaccine-requirements-guests-crew-each-company-2021-2

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Northeast Royal Caribbean Cruises Set Stage For New Adventures In 2022-23

Travelers Can Sail the Best Season Yet from Boston and the Big Apple to Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International opens a new lineup of 2022-2023 adventures on three award-winning ships – Adventure, Anthem and Voyager of the Seas – cruising from the Big Apple and Boston. Vacationers can set sail into vacation mode on cruises headed north or south for 4 to 11 nights. Whether exploring the island jewels of the southern Caribbean, relishing the famed beaches of Bermuda and The Bahamas, taking a day for thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, or catching the golden hues of fall foliage in New England and the Great White North, guests have their choice of Royal Caribbean’s best season in the Northeast yet.

The new sailings from the Northeast departing from May 2022 to April 2023 are now open for sale. Highlights of the upcoming warm-weather and cooler escapes include:

Adventure of the Seas, packed with onboard thrills like The Perfect Storm trio of waterslides and a variety of dining options including Izumi, will return to Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey to sail a combination of itineraries to Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada. City-dwellers can opt to recharge in the sun with 5-night Bermuda cruises to enjoy the island’s colorful culture, natural beauty and an evening out in the historic city of Kings Wharf during overnight stays. New for summer 2022, Adventure’s 9-night Eastern Caribbean sailings will bring within reach highly sought-after islands, including St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Bermuda and Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee, in Haiti. Vacationers looking to venture north for a brisk getaway have the option of 4- and 9-night cruises heading up the east coast to visit memorable ports of call Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Boston; Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine.

New York will also see the return of longtime favorite Anthem of the Seas when it arrives from Southampton, England in October 2022. Known for its groundbreaking attractions, from RipCord by iFly skydiving to the North Star observation capsule, next-generation entertainment and world-class dining, Anthem will set out on 7-night cruises to The Bahamas that include full days in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. From the tallest waterslide in North America and a signature helium balloon ride that offers the highest vantage point in The Bahamas, to The Bahamas’ first floating cabanas at the island’s exclusive Coco Beach Club, every kind of traveler can find their perfect dose of thrill and chill on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Guests looking for extended time in the tropics can opt for one of Anthem’s 11-night southern Caribbean sailings to iconic isles such as San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John’s, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis.

Rounding out the season, Voyager of the Seas will make her Boston debut touting Royal Caribbean favorites, including Battle for Planet Z laser tag and The Perfect Storm waterslides duo that get hearts pumping with three stories of twists and turns. The thrilling combination of experiences will make for unforgettable family vacations on picturesque cruises showcasing the rugged beauty and rich history of the North Atlantic. In the midst of prime leaf peeping season, the 7-night sailings to Canada will bring guests to charming coastal towns, including Saint John, Halifax, as well as Bar Harbor and Portland. Vacationers looking for an escape to warm waters before winter can chart course for San Juan on a 7-night cruise with stops in the Dominican Republic and St. Thomas as well as a day of memory-making at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Voyager will arrive to the U.S. to start her season in Boston following a 14-night Arctic Crossing from Copenhagen, Denmark, which will bring guests to the wild landscapes of Iceland and Greenland along the way.

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Silversea’s Silver Spirit First Luxury Ship To Sail With New Infection Prevention Certificate

Silversea Silver Spirit has become the first ultra-luxury cruise ship in the world to sail with a certification in infection prevention for maritime (CIP-M).

The certification was given by the DNV GL, the world’s leading classification society.

The certification of Silversea shows just how dedicated the six-star cruise line is to sanitisation and infection control on board its ships – following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CIP-M programme is built on DNV GL Healthcare’s expertise in infection risk management.

The programme was developed using experience from over 4,000 audits in more than 640 hospitals worldwide, with experts from DNV GL Maritime’s Cruise Center in Miami and leading medical professionals tailoring the existing infection prevention programme for hospitals to meet the needs of the maritime industry.

The programme is built on a unique combination of technical maritime knowledge and infection prevention expertise. Currently, it is the most comprehensive infection prevention certification available in the maritime industry.

The three-year certification is tailored specifically to Silver Spirit, and was only awarded after a close audit of all its operations.

The audit focuses on cruise line’s Covid-19 outbreak prevention and response plan, infection prevention leadership and communication flow, medical equipment management and infection risk management processes.

Silversea president and CEO, Roberto Martinoli, said:

“We are proud to become the first ultra-luxury cruise line to gain the certification in infection prevention for maritime, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, crew and the destinations we visit.”

“Informed by the work of the Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel, we are working hard to enhance our already exceptional sanitation procedures on board.

“Beginning with Silver Spirit, we will continue to work with DNV GL to gain certification across the rest of our fleet to provide the safest possible conditions for our healthy return to sailing, when the time is right to do so.”

Silversea is currently still in operation, having launched its newest ship Silver Moon this month.

Source: https://www.cruisetradenews.com/silversea-silver-spirit-becomes-first-luxury-cruise-ship-to-sail-with-new-infection-prevention-certificate/

Monday, March 30, 2020

Royal Caribbean Group Extends "Cruise with Confidence" Policy Through September 1, Cancellations Up To 48 Hours Prior To Sailing With Full Credit.

To address expanding global travel restrictions and provide peace of mind in guest travel planning, Royal Caribbean Group is extending its “Cruise with Confidence” cancellation policy through Sept. 1, 2020. The updated policy enhances planning flexibility by allowing cancellations up to 48 hours prior to sailing for any reason. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of choice in 2020 or 2021.

“Guests are reacting positively to our ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy,” says company chairman and CEO Richard Fain, “because it enables them to make informed decisions and to better manage complicated travel plans during this unprecedented time of uncertainty.”
The extension applies to both new and existing cruise bookings. In addition to easing concerns of booked guests, Fain says the policy enhances consumer confidence to schedule new bookings, knowing last-minute travel adjustments will incur no penalty.

“We want our guests to feel they can safely keep their existing cruise bookings or schedule new sailings,” says Fain, “because this policy gives them more freedom and flexibility.”
The policy applies to all cruises with sailing dates on or before Sept. 1, 2020, and applies to the company’s global brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara. For individual brand policy details and for information on the Silversea policy, please visit the respective brand websites: Azamara: www.azamara.com/cruise-with-confidence, Celebrity: www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-with-confidence, Royal Caribbean: www.loyaltoyoualways.com/service/cruisewithconfidence1/ and Silversea: www.silversea.com/temporary-amendment-to-cancellation-policy.html.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

The 20 Cleanest Cruise Ships In The World

Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream.

Disney Cruise Lines

Mark Matousek

Most cruise ships are pretty clean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which inspects ships to make sure they maintain proper sanitation.

Of the more than 200 active cruise ships the CDC has inspected, most received a passing grade: at least an 86 on a 100-point sanitation score. A handful received a 100 on their most recent inspection, indicating a level of cleanliness that would be difficult to top.

These are the 20 cruise ships that currently operate in the US market and received a perfect score during their most recent CDC inspection.