What health protocols will look like onboard Celebrity Cruises' ships and on shore trips during summer programs based in Philipsburg (St Maarten Island, Dutch Antilles) and Greece?
Sales are now open for a series of sailings launching June 5 from St Maarten aboard Celebrity Millennium, the fleet's oldest ship which debuts following a US$40 million renovation.
Celebrity recently announced that the newest cruise ship in its fleet, the 2,900-passenger, 117,000 GT Celebrity Apex, will offer 7-night roundtrips from Piraeus-Athens, beginning June 19 and through September 2021. Bookings open on March 30.
In both Greece and St Maarten, all crew and passengers above the age of 18 will be required to be COVID vaccinated at least 14 days before embarkation. Those under 18 have to provide negative PCR test results.
Passengers will also be required to provide a negative PCR test in order to enter the host nations. In St. Maarten, vacationers will have 5 days (120 hours) following a negative test result to enter the country and board the vessel. Greece requires a negative test delivered in the 3 days (72 hours) prior to entry. Celebrity Cruises will allow boarding up to 120 hours following a negative test, enabling passengers to arrive in Greece early if they choose.
Celebrity's guests will have to take a rapid antigen test both at the beginning and end of the voyage. The final test is a requirement for a return to the United States.
St. Maarten requires the purchase of approved travel insurance.
Greece travelers have to complete a short ‘Passenger Locator Form’ before entry.
Some health protocols are still being worked out (for example, whether or not travelers will be required to wear face coverings in public spaces).
The cruise line is still working with local authorities and health officials to determine things like some onboard protocols, shore excursion policies, acceptable proof of vaccination.