Royal Caribbean Now Requires Travel Insurance For Unvaccinated Passengers

Last Updated 3 years ago

Royal Caribbean cruises have set a list of restrictions on board their cruises for unvaccinated travelers this summer.

After 16 months of being stationary, Royal Caribbean is offering cruises in the United States yet again. The company restarted North American cruise ships on June 12th, when they set sail out of the Bahamas. However, the freedom of the seas vessel will be the first vessel to set sail out of the U.S. in 15 months.

But the cruises will not feel the same if you’re unvaccinated. You’ll face many restrictions on what you’re allowed to do onboard the ship.

Mandatory Travel Insurance For Unvaccinated Passengers

Travel Insurance with a specific clause that covers illness due to Covid-19 will be mandatory for any unvaccinated traveler joining Royal Caribbean for a sailing, until at least August 31, 2021. While many insurance companies recently have come out with Covid-coverage, not many of them also offer coverage while aboard a cruise ship.

One of the most popular travel insurance brands, HeyMondo, has improved their current Covid-19 coverage to offer plans that also include while aboard a cruise ship, which will make them very popular among cruisers who are unvaccinated.

List of Restrictions For Unvaccinated Travelers

At the beginning of June, Royal Caribbean stated there would be restrictions on unvaccinated travelers. But they didn’t state the restrictions of how many would be in place. However, they have now provided more detail this week on exactly what will be restricted.

The cruise line will restrict all unvaccinated travelers from the following areas on-board:

The Chef’s Table
R Bar
The Pub
Solarium Bar
Solarium Pool
Casino Bar
Vitality Spa
Viking Crown Nightclub
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Casino Royale (The ship’s casino)
Vitality Spa (The ship’s spa)

Therefore, if you cannot show a vaccine card when you arrive on the cruise ship, many of the ship’s amenities will be unavailable. The company will restrict you from the most popular bars, the pool, the nightclub, and the spa.

Royal Caribbean Cruise pool Deck lit up at night with lights

Furthermore, various shows will be unavailable to unvaccinated travelers. These include the Crazy Quest game show, the 1970s-themed party in Studio B, and unvaccinated travelers can only watch the ship’s theatre productions from a single deck. You’ll also have to pre-book visiting the gym before you enter.

In addition, Royal Caribbean has stated these restrictions apply to unvaccinated travelers and vaccinated travelers that refuse to present vaccination evidence.

Royal Caribbean has stated that vaccinated travelers will receive a wristband when they enter the ship. The wristband will allow you to enter the above facilities with no restrictions.

The Threats From The Florida Government

Florida has threatened to fine cruise ships that ask for vaccination evidence, and the Florida Gov has refused to back down to cruise companies.

Initially, Royal Caribbean cruises stated they would only allow vaccinated travelers to travel on its cruise ships. They backed down days later after legal threats from the Florida government.

The Florida government signed a bill prohibiting vaccine passports inside the state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision.”

Furthermore, the Florida government has stated that they could legally fine cruise ships $5000 every time they ask for evidence of vaccination.

Unvaccinated travelers will need travel insurance if they’re traveling on a Royal Caribbean cruise between the 1st of August to the 31st. Royal Caribbean will also require all non-vaccinated people to take additional tests at their own expense.

It’s unclear how this legislation will affect Royal Caribbean, but they will continue to ask for evidence of vaccination despite threats of fines and legal action.

The Current U.S. Cruise Schedule

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship received approval from the CDC this week. The cruise will set sail on July 2nd. In addition, Royal Caribbean has six other cruises scheduled to set sail in the summer, and these include:

Serenade of the Seas – July 7th from Port of Seattle
The allure of the Seas – July 27th from Port Canaveral
Symphony of the Seas – August 1st from Port Miami
Independence of the Seas – August 1st from Port of Galveston
Mariner of the Seas – August 11th from Port Canaveral
Oasis of the Seas – August 22nd from Cape Liberty

Royal Caribbean Announces Vaccines Are Optional For Texas and Florida Cruises

Although cruise ships are returning to the seas, the restrictions on unvaccinated travelers will prevent some travelers from boarding soon. Are you considering going on a cruise in 2021?

Countries Open For Vaccinated Travelers: The Complete List

6 Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Will Resume U.S. Operations From July

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