To comply with guidance from CDC, WHO, public health authorities around the world, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Royal Caribbean is enhancing their rigorous global boarding and screening measures to protect guests and crew. These measures apply to anyone boarding ships, guests and crew alike.
These temporary safety precautions will remain in place for a projected period of 30 days.
Until further notice, all ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet will adopt the following health screening protocols:
- Mandatory temperature screenings using digital, non-touch scanners are being conducted with guests, crewmembers, and visitors on embarkation day prior to boarding any vessel. If temperature registers about 100.4°F (38°C), the person and his/her travel companions will be referred to a secondary health screening. Guests who are denied boarding due to screening results will receive compensation.
COVID-19 presents the most serious health risks to older individuals, the immunocompromised, and those with serious, underlying medical conditions. Therefore, effective Monday, March 16:
- a. Boarding will be denied to any person age 70 or older, unless the guest provides written verification from a qualified treating physician that certifies the person has no severe, chronic medical condition and is fit to travel. (Click to View Sample Letter)
- b. Boarding will be denied to any person with a severe, chronic medical condition, including those specified by the CDC. Guests of all ages will be screened prior to boarding, regarding underlying health issues that may prevent them from sailing, i.e. chronic heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer.
Regardless of nationality, boarding will be denied to:
- a. Any person who has traveled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Europe, Iran, or South Korea 15 days prior to embarkation.
- b. Any person who has come in contact with anyone with 15-day prior travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Europe, Iran, or South Korea. The CDC characterizes contact with an individual as coming within six feet (2M) of a person.
- c. Any person who within 15 days prior to embarkation, has had contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who are currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
