Vaccinations made the return of cruising in the US possible during the pandemic. However, things are complicated in Florida as the state doesn’t allow businesses to ask for proof of vaccination. Because of this, cruises have no other choice but to compromise. For Royal Caribbean, the company announced on Tuesday that unvaccinated Florida passengers starting August 1 will need to have travel insurance before boarding.
This policy will be applied to unvaccinated Florida passengers age 12 and up. Also, the travel insurance should have at least $25,000 per person in medical coverage plus $50,000 per person coverage for quarantine and medical evacuation if the person tested positive. On top of the travel insurance, the passenger will also need to pay for the additional COVID19 testing requirements.
As for those who are not yet eligible for a vaccine, Royal Caribbean said that the passenger will need to show a negative COVID19 test. They are also expected to follow additional health protocols.
The cruise industry returned late compared to the aviation industry. To sail, cruises can choose two options. One, they will need to meet the vaccination threshold. That means 95% of passengers and crew need to be fully vaccinated. Or two, they will have to run a simulated voyage to test the safety protocols on board.
The health agency approved six simulation voyages on Tuesday. These simulation voyages will leave ports in Florida, New Jersey, Washington, and Texas by July and August.
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas completed their simulated voyage on June 20 and will finally sail on Friday. However, it isn’t always smooth for Royal Caribbean.
A few weeks earlier, two guests from the Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Millennium tested positive for COVID. Celebrity Millennium was among the first to sail in North America after the industry’s 15-month hiatus due to the pandemic. Also, Royal Caribbean delayed the return of Odyssey of the Seas after crew members tested positive.
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