New, as of June 17, US Rules--especially Florida!

[Tee & Chilli]

The only thing that has changed is the 5% unvaccinated will pay for their test and be subject to masks and social distancing?

[basenji56]

8 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

If those people are still so uncomfortable that they feel the need for the mask, then I can't see them wanting to be on a cruise ship in close, confined quarters for long periods of time. That makes no sense.

I agree.  I doubt they would feel safe enough to cruise. But who the heck knows?  I have chosen to believe in the vaccine.  My concern is getting lost at sea because the unvaccinated got sick.

Edited June 17, 2021 by basenji56

[graphicguy]

3 minutes ago, Tee & Chilli said:

The only thing that has changed is the 5% unvaccinated will pay for their test and be subject to masks and social distancing?

That’s the way I read it.

[iamaqt2]

If they aren't allowed in common areas where being unmasked is the norm, I'm going to assume that that also puts the pools and spa off limits. 

[cluso]

It's OK if vaccinated people want to wear masks in certain situations.  If they issue wristbands to vaccinated people, then that should solve any weird vibes.  Check their wrists.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I read/interpret Celebrity's guidance for Florida based departures differently.  I read it as NOT applying the 95/5 rule to Florida departures as it does not address meeting a threshold of unvaccinated guests, nor does there appear to be a denied boarding policy if the 5% threshold is exceeded, nor does it require those wishing to cruise w/o a vaccine to apply pre-departure for an exemption (As Carnival is doing) to qualify for the 5% threshold.  I instead reading it as ANYONE wishing to sail unvaccinated may do so if they agree to comply with additional rules/restrictions as a result.  

[iamaqt2]

3 minutes ago, cluso said:

It's OK if vaccinated people want to wear masks in certain situations.  If they issue wristbands to vaccinated people, then that should solve any weird vibes.  Check their wrists.

If you choose a cruise as your vacation, and still feel the need for a mask even though you're vaccinated and 95% of other cruisers are vaccinated, then you maybe, possibly, might have chosen the wrong type of vacation.

[Susanb10567]

1 minute ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

I read/interpret Celebrity's guidance for Florida based departures differently.  I read it as NOT applying the 95/5 rule to Florida departures as it does not address meeting a threshold of unvaccinated guests, nor does there appear to be a denied boarding policy if the 5% threshold is exceeded, nor does it require those wishing to cruise w/o a vaccine to apply pre-departure for an exemption (As Carnival is doing) to qualify for the 5% threshold.  I instead reading it as ANYONE wishing to sail unvaccinated may do so if they agree to comply with additional rules/restrictions as a result.  

They need to sail 95% vaccinated because they did not do test cruises. If they do not sail 95% vaccinated they will not have permission to sail from the CDC.

[keels81]

27 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

If you're fully vaccinated, why would you go on a cruise and still wear a mask on vacation with other vaccinated cruisers?   If I see someone on my cruise wearing a mask I'm automatically assuming unvaccinated.

 

 

 

I prefer not to wear a mask, but if I also enter an area where I see someone providing service wearing a mask (like a bar) or a store where the shopping masses are largely masked (like today at both Walmart and the grocery store), I'll slip a mask on -- more because I care about the people around me. I don't have to show proof of vaccination or Covid test to go into these establishments, so I'm just going with my fellow New Orleanians are doing and so be it.

 

I think that was the beauty of jumping on-board a Celebrity Cruise so quickly ... the promise of herd immunity on the ship and no mask requirement. I will never begrudge someone for wearing a mask - I personally will keep doing what I outlined above for as long as I see fit, and I also plan to wear a KN95 mask on every plane flight I go on for the forseeable future because not having a traveling cold/cough/flu has been damn nice and I have wearing a mask on a plane largely to thank for that.

 

I have friends who have been full vaccinated since March and are still uncomfortable going around large groups of people they don't know without a mask on -- and that's OK! We were all shut in for a long time, so I will never automatically assume that just because someone has a mask on means they're unvaccinated. Plus, a willingly unvaccinated person would be actively trying to avoid the mask anyway as we've seen ...

[Cruising89143]

1 hour ago, cscurlock said:

They will not. But Celebrity might if there is some sort of outbreak on the ship. Again its an if.

And there is this from RCI concerning an update from the CDC and masks.

Full article

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/25254-here-are-royal-caribbean-s-new-protocols-for-july-cruises-aboard-the-freedom-of-the-seas.html

 

• Masks won’t be required for vaccinated guests when in venues (bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment) or at events designated for vaccinated guests only.
• In the coming days, the company said it is expecting updated guidance from the CDC on mask policies for vaccinated guests and may revise these protocols.

[iamaqt2]

4 minutes ago, keels81 said:

 

I prefer not to wear a mask, but if I also enter an area where I see someone providing service wearing a mask (like a bar) or a store where the shopping masses are largely masked (like today at both Walmart and the grocery store), I'll slip a mask on -- more because I care about the people around me. I don't have to show proof of vaccination or Covid test to go into these establishments, so I'm just going with my fellow New Orleanians are doing and so be it.

 

I think that was the beauty of jumping on-board a Celebrity Cruise so quickly ... the promise of herd immunity on the ship and no mask requirement. I will never begrudge someone for wearing a mask - I personally will keep doing what I outlined above for as long as I see fit, and I also plan to wear a KN95 mask on every plane flight I go on for the forseeable future because not having a traveling cold/cough/flu has been damn nice and I have wearing a mask on a plane largely to thank for that.

 

I have friends who have been full vaccinated since March and are still uncomfortable going around large groups of people they don't know without a mask on -- and that's OK! We were all shut in for a long time, so I will never automatically assume that just because someone has a mask on means they're unvaccinated. Plus, a willingly unvaccinated person would be actively trying to avoid the mask anyway as we've seen ...

I'm not referring to mask wearing outside of the ship "bubble". I'm specifically addressing wearing it onboard. 

I still routinely wear mine out and about.  My state hasn't relaxed Covid restrictions yet.  Plus I wear one all day for work, it doesn't bother me. 

My point is, why go on a cruise if you're still uncomfortable about removing it?  The whole point of a vaccinated cruise is so you DON'T have to wear it.

[cangelmd]

13 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

I read/interpret Celebrity's guidance for Florida based departures differently.  I read it as NOT applying the 95/5 rule to Florida departures as it does not address meeting a threshold of unvaccinated guests, nor does there appear to be a denied boarding policy if the 5% threshold is exceeded, nor does it require those wishing to cruise w/o a vaccine to apply pre-departure for an exemption (As Carnival is doing) to qualify for the 5% threshold.  I instead reading it as ANYONE wishing to sail unvaccinated may do so if they agree to comply with additional rules/restrictions as a result.  

I read it that way as well, the first time, but unless CDC changes guidance, the 95% vaxxed threshold remains in effect.

 I think it is more of don’t come, don’t come, look how awful it will be

[keels81]

Just now, iamaqt2 said:

I'm not referring to mask wearing outside of the ship "bubble". I'm specifically addressing wearing it onboard. 

I still routinely wear mine out and about.  My state hasn't relaxed Covid restrictions yet.  Plus I wear one all day for work, it doesn't bother me. 

My point is, why go on a cruise if you're still uncomfortable about removing it?  The whole point of a vaccinated cruise is so you DON'T have to wear it.

I mean, my husband who has been fully vaccinated since March still plans to wear one in areas where it's "crowded" on our upcoming cruises (Edge, Millennium, Apex) until he feels safe enough around people that he doesn't know and trusts the process in place on the ships and in port. 

 

That's his preference just like it's yours (and mine!) not to wear one, it's just something that makes him feel comfortable as he re-enters society and travel after 15+ months of not doing so. Though, I doubt he would give a flip if people think he's unvaccinated just because he chooses to wear a mask in a crowded situation in a congregate setting like a cruise ship until he feels comfortable. While he does enjoy cruising, even before the Covid pandemic there was a level of comfort he had to achieve before he could truly relax, so if him wearing his mask when we walk to get a drink or to dinner or until we sit down at the casino helps him relax, who is to say that's a bad thing? Pre-pandemic I'd see people wearing masks on every cruise for whatever reason they felt they needed one -- we need to normalize THAT behavior and not the thinking that mask wearing immediately means you're not vaccinated.

[bajathree]

2 hours ago, gerelmx said:

$178 per test X 3 test per cruise X 2PAX = $1,068 in your onboard account

 

Its total NOT per test

[bajathree]

25 minutes ago, cruisingator2 said:

And there is this from RCI concerning an update from the CDC and masks.

Full article

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/25254-here-are-royal-caribbean-s-new-protocols-for-july-cruises-aboard-the-freedom-of-the-seas.html

 

• Masks won’t be required for vaccinated guests when in venues (bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment) or at events designated for vaccinated guests only.
• In the coming days, the company said it is expecting updated guidance from the CDC on mask policies for vaccinated guests and may revise these protocols.

Yes, but it also starts out saying... 

• Royal Caribbean said that vaccinated and unvaccinated guests are required to wear masks indoors unless seated and actively eating or drinking.

So I am taking it as ALL people are currently required to wear masks on "Royal Caribbean" sailings.

Edited June 18, 2021 by bajathree

[Cruising89143]

1 minute ago, bajathree said:

Yes, but it also starts out saying... 

• Royal Caribbean said that vaccinated and unvaccinated guests are required to wear masks indoors unless seated and actively eating or drinking.

So I am taking it as ALL people are currently required to wear mask on Royal

But it also states that those who are vaccinated will not have to wear masks in areas designated as “vaccinated “ only. I can see this bring a disaster as you will have some unvaccinated who will fight this. 

[iamaqt2]

4 minutes ago, keels81 said:

I mean, my husband who has been fully vaccinated since March still plans to wear one in areas where it's "crowded" on our upcoming cruises (Edge, Millennium, Apex) until he feels safe enough around people that he doesn't know and trusts the process in place on the ships and in port. 

 

That's his preference just like it's yours (and mine!) not to wear one, it's just something that makes him feel comfortable as he re-enters society and travel after 15+ months of not doing so. Though, I doubt he would give a flip if people think he's unvaccinated just because he chooses to wear a mask in a crowded situation in a congregate setting like a cruise ship until he feels comfortable. While he does enjoy cruising, even before the Covid pandemic there was a level of comfort he had to achieve before he could truly relax, so if him wearing his mask when we walk to get a drink or to dinner or until we sit down at the casino helps him relax, who is to say that's a bad thing? Pre-pandemic I'd see people wearing masks on every cruise for whatever reason they felt they needed one -- we need to normalize THAT behavior and not the thinking that mask wearing immediately means you're not vaccinated.

His choice to wear it.  But because the cruise lines are mandating them for unvaccinated passengers he is going to appear to fall into that category.

I just am failing to understand how people who are uncomfortable removing it in a vaccinated bubble are choosing a cruise of all places as their vacation of choice.

[bajathree]

1 minute ago, cruisingator2 said:

But it also states that those who are vaccinated will not have to wear masks in areas designated as “vaccinated “ only. I can see this bring a disaster as you will have some unvaccinated who will fight this. 

The verbiage is terrible. I don't see these first sailings on the Royal side going smoothly.

[keels81]

1 minute ago, iamaqt2 said:

His choice to wear it.  But because the cruise lines are mandating them for unvaccinated passengers he is going to appear to fall into that category.

I just am failing to understand how people who are uncomfortable removing it in a vaccinated bubble are choosing a cruise of all places as their vacation of choice.

Then maybe you should stop trying to "understand" which is really just judging and let people do what they feel comfortable in doing?

 

I don't want unvaccinated people on my cruise, full stop. I don't care if vaccinated people on a cruise want to wear a mask. The two things can happen together without people like yourself being put-off by it.

[Cruising89143]

34 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

I read/interpret Celebrity's guidance for Florida based departures differently.  I read it as NOT applying the 95/5 rule to Florida departures as it does not address meeting a threshold of unvaccinated guests, nor does there appear to be a denied boarding policy if the 5% threshold is exceeded, nor does it require those wishing to cruise w/o a vaccine to apply pre-departure for an exemption (As Carnival is doing) to qualify for the 5% threshold.  I instead reading it as ANYONE wishing to sail unvaccinated may do so if they agree to comply with additional rules/restrictions as a result.  

Celebrity is stating upfront that they plan to cruise with at least 95% vaccinated and then they break down the rules for Florida due to the Florida law.

 

Following CDC guidelines we will sail with all crew vaccinated and at least 95% of guests will be fully vaccinated.

 

All guests age 16 and above must be fully vaccinated (at least two weeks prior to sail date). As of August 1, 2021, all guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2-15 will require a complimentary SARS-CoV -2 test at the terminal. 
 

 

For Sailings from Florida
Guests over 16 years old (over 12 for any sailing on or after August 1st) who decline or are unable to show proof of vaccination at boarding will be treated as unvaccinated and subject to additional protocols, restrictions, and costs for COVID-19 testing. 

Additional requirements for unvaccinated guests 16 +

• You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours in advance of arrival to the terminal.  
• You will be subject to an antigen test at the pier.
• A mid cruise antigen test onboard will be required. 
• An antigen test will be required at the end of the cruise.  Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process. 
• The per person cost for these antigen tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio. 
• Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking. 
• Depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be restricted while ashore.  
• And unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas in some venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.  

[keels81]

4 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

His choice to wear it.  But because the cruise lines are mandating them for unvaccinated passengers he is going to appear to fall into that category.

I just am failing to understand how people who are uncomfortable removing it in a vaccinated bubble are choosing a cruise of all places as their vacation of choice.

Do you automatically assume all crew members are unvaccinated because they are masked? Because that's what is happening on both ships currently sailing right now.

[iamaqt2]

5 minutes ago, keels81 said:

Do you automatically assume all crew members are unvaccinated because they are masked? Because that's what is happening on both ships currently sailing right now.

I know that.  In fact lots of vaccinated people are wearing masks as required by their employers, myself included.  Has nothing to do with vaccination status. 

[journeymore]

24 minutes ago, keels81 said:

I mean, my husband who has been fully vaccinated since March still plans to wear one in areas where it's "crowded" on our upcoming cruises (Edge, Millennium, Apex) until he feels safe enough around people that he doesn't know and trusts the process in place on the ships and in port. 

 

That's his preference just like it's yours (and mine!) not to wear one, it's just something that makes him feel comfortable as he re-enters society and travel after 15+ months of not doing so. Though, I doubt he would give a flip if people think he's unvaccinated just because he chooses to wear a mask in a crowded situation in a congregate setting like a cruise ship until he feels comfortable. While he does enjoy cruising, even before the Covid pandemic there was a level of comfort he had to achieve before he could truly relax, so if him wearing his mask when we walk to get a drink or to dinner or until we sit down at the casino helps him relax, who is to say that's a bad thing? Pre-pandemic I'd see people wearing masks on every cruise for whatever reason they felt they needed one -- we need to normalize THAT behavior and not the thinking that mask wearing immediately means you're not vaccinated.

I agree with your husband. For me it’s not so much covid but also I haven’t had cold, flu nor bronchitis since I started wearing a mask. Yes I’m vaccinated. 

[schittenden]

2 hours ago, basenji56 said:

How do they enforce the mask requirement?  Require you to wear an armband or a lanyard if you are unvaccinated?

 

 

They should give wristbands to the vaccinated. Otherwise, the unvaccinated will just cut them off. They could also flag their cruise card and have it come up every time it’s swiped for any reason. Require swipes at venues to enter, etc. 

[wrk2cruise]

I'm sure if this even turns out to be an issue where anyone (other than minors) fails to produce vaccine verification there will be another way to tell the vaccinated.   I believe like RCL all vaccinated passengers on Celebrity will have a wristband to identify your vaccination status.   So look at that and not the fact that someone is or isn't wearing a mask.

 

Like I said, at least on the first few sailings I doubt there will be anyone jumping on these that doesn't want everyone vaccinated.