RCI-Royal Caribbean released its health protocols for ships sailing from Australia during the upcoming cruise season. The protocols include government mandates/day-of-boarding requirements.
Royal Caribbean warned that the protocols could likely change between now and the day of the actual voyage.
All passengers must review/confirm that they have read/accepted their obligation to comply with Australian Government protocols and the additional terms and conditions of Royal Caribbean.
All passengers, including Australians, must ensure they meet the requirements for entry to the country's international borders, including COVID vaccination status/visas/travel exemption requirements.
According to Australian federal & state government cruise guidelines, at least 95% of passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID.
All passengers 12+ years of age will have to show proof of full Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) approved vaccinations at the cruise terminal in order to sail.
Full vaccination requires passengers to have all doses of the COVID vaccine at least 14 days before sailing.
Kids 11 years of age/younger and passengers with medical exemptions are permitted to sail, however, there is a limit to the number of unvaccinated passengers who may travel on each cruise. Guests sailing with unvaccinated kids under the age of 12 have to notify Royal Caribbean of their vaccination status.
Before arrival on the day of embarkation, all Royal Caribbean passengers are likely to be required to obtain a negative COVID test themselves, at their own expense, to meet the requirements for embarkation in accordance with Australian Federal & State Government guidelines.
Masks are likely to be required at the terminal. Onboard, masks are likely to be optional for COVID-vaccinated guests and recommended for unvaccinated kids. Masks might be required for some destinations. Passengers under the age of 2 are not required to wear a mask.