New Protocols for August Symphony with Insurance Requirement if Unvaccinated

[sandebeach]

What to Know Before You Go   Vaccination We strongly recommend all guests 12 and older be fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated, the final dose of the vaccine must be completed at least 14 days before sailing. At check-in, guests will be asked to provide documentation of their vaccination, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Those who are 12 and older and do not have or are unable to provide documentation will be considered unvaccinated. Our unvaccinated guests must undergo additional COVID-19 testing at their own expense, provide proof of a valid insurance policy with sufficient medical coverage for needs related to a positive COVID-19 test result, and follow the health protocols described below, which are based on guidance from the CDC. If you do not wish to undergo or pay for additional testing, or adhere to these health and safety protocols, we are happy to provide you with a refund. We believe that in the coming months, restrictions and requirements will be more accommodating as public health circumstances evolve. All crew onboard our ships will be fully vaccinated. Insurance Requirement  For cruises departing from Florida homeports from August 1 through December 31, 2021, as a condition of boarding, each unvaccinated guest 12 and older must provide proof of a valid insurance policy that has a minimum of (a) $25,000 per person in medical expense coverage and (b) $50,000 per person for quarantine and medical evacuation related to a positive COVID-19 test result. The insurance policy must name the unvaccinated guest as the policy holder or beneficiary, and may be purchased from a travel insurance company of the guest’s choosing or through the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program, which includes the requisite coverage. This policy applies to sailings from August 1 through December 31, 2021, and all bookings — except bookings made between March 19, 2021 and June 28, 2021. Testing Requirements Vaccinated Guests Vaccinated guests do not have any testing requirements. COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Guests For unvaccinated guests 12 and older, the total charge from the third-party testing vendor for these tests is $136 USD per guest on sailings of 6 nights or less, and $178 USD per guest on sailings of 7 nights or more. This amount will be applied to the guest’s onboard expense account. Royal Caribbean will pay the testing vendor(s) on the guest’s behalf and will not retain any part of the testing costs. For guests age 2 to 11, we will cover the cost of any required testing. The testing required of our unvaccinated guests is described below. Pre-Cruise Unvaccinated guests 12 years of age and older will need to undergo a PCR test administered by an accredited laboratory of the guest’s choice, and taken no more than three days before sailing. We will require documentation of a negative result for this test prior to embarkation. All costs for this test are the unvaccinated guest’s responsibility. At the Terminal Unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older are required to take a PCR test when checking in at the terminal, which will be administered by one of our testing vendors. Registration details will be sent via email in advance. Mid-Cruise (For Sailings 7 Nights or longer) Unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older will be required to undergo additional antigen testing onboard, mid-cruise. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. Prior to Disembarking While onboard, unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older will be required to undergo antigen testing before disembarking at the end of the voyage. This test will be conducted the day before the cruise ends by one of our testing vendors. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. These tests will be complimentary for guests ages 2-11. Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

[mavo68]

Did you get this emailed? We are on Allure Aug 15 and didn’t get anything.

[sandebeach]

1 minute ago, mavo68 said:

Did you get this emailed? We are on Allure Aug 15 and didn’t get anything.

Yes, just got this email for August Symphony and also just got the same email for August Odyssey. 

[mavo68]

That makes me nervous about Allure sailing. We didn’t receive anything.

[bourbon52]

8 minutes ago, sandebeach said:

What to Know Before You Go   Vaccination We strongly recommend all guests 12 and older be fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated, the final dose of the vaccine must be completed at least 14 days before sailing. At check-in, guests will be asked to provide documentation of their vaccination, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Those who are 12 and older and do not have or are unable to provide documentation will be considered unvaccinated. Our unvaccinated guests must undergo additional COVID-19 testing at their own expense, provide proof of a valid insurance policy with sufficient medical coverage for needs related to a positive COVID-19 test result, and follow the health protocols described below, which are based on guidance from the CDC. If you do not wish to undergo or pay for additional testing, or adhere to these health and safety protocols, we are happy to provide you with a refund. We believe that in the coming months, restrictions and requirements will be more accommodating as public health circumstances evolve. All crew onboard our ships will be fully vaccinated. Insurance Requirement  For cruises departing from Florida homeports from August 1 through December 31, 2021, as a condition of boarding, each unvaccinated guest 12 and older must provide proof of a valid insurance policy that has a minimum of (a) $25,000 per person in medical expense coverage and (b) $50,000 per person for quarantine and medical evacuation related to a positive COVID-19 test result. The insurance policy must name the unvaccinated guest as the policy holder or beneficiary, and may be purchased from a travel insurance company of the guest’s choosing or through the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program, which includes the requisite coverage. This policy applies to sailings from August 1 through December 31, 2021, and all bookings — except bookings made between March 19, 2021 and June 28, 2021. Testing Requirements Vaccinated Guests Vaccinated guests do not have any testing requirements. COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Guests For unvaccinated guests 12 and older, the total charge from the third-party testing vendor for these tests is $136 USD per guest on sailings of 6 nights or less, and $178 USD per guest on sailings of 7 nights or more. This amount will be applied to the guest’s onboard expense account. Royal Caribbean will pay the testing vendor(s) on the guest’s behalf and will not retain any part of the testing costs. For guests age 2 to 11, we will cover the cost of any required testing. The testing required of our unvaccinated guests is described below. Pre-Cruise Unvaccinated guests 12 years of age and older will need to undergo a PCR test administered by an accredited laboratory of the guest’s choice, and taken no more than three days before sailing. We will require documentation of a negative result for this test prior to embarkation. All costs for this test are the unvaccinated guest’s responsibility. At the Terminal Unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older are required to take a PCR test when checking in at the terminal, which will be administered by one of our testing vendors. Registration details will be sent via email in advance. Mid-Cruise (For Sailings 7 Nights or longer) Unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older will be required to undergo additional antigen testing onboard, mid-cruise. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. Prior to Disembarking While onboard, unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older will be required to undergo antigen testing before disembarking at the end of the voyage. This test will be conducted the day before the cruise ends by one of our testing vendors. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. These tests will be complimentary for guests ages 2-11. Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

Just received mine for Symphony August 21 sailing

[sandebeach]

1 minute ago, mavo68 said:

That makes me nervous about Allure sailing. We didn’t receive anything.

I also have a Freedom cruise in August, but did not yet receive an email for that cruise, so the emails may be going out in waves? But I do understand your concern about Allure.

[sdude]

I also have couple cruises on Freedom in august , and email just shown up. It also includes registration for Coffee Talk with TA's. It is possible that was only sent out to TA's. It didn't specify any ships.

 

I guess more information to come out tomorrow. Happy Cruising everyone!

 

sdude

[Sianli]

49 minutes ago, mavo68 said:

That makes me nervous about Allure sailing. We didn’t receive anything.

We received the same email for our August 15 Allure sailing.

[kicia]

It doesn't list specific ships but it does list a time period.

For cruises departing from Florida homeports from August 1 through December 31, 2021.  

[Babr]

1 minute ago, kicia said:

It doesn't list specific ships but it does list a time period.

For cruises departing from Florida homeports from August 1 through December 31, 2021.  

And it specifies Florida homeports, so I guess it applies to any ship sailing from Florida during that time period.

[sandebeach]

This policy applies to sailings from August 1 through December 31, 2021, and all bookings — except bookings made between March 19, 2021 and June 28, 2021. 

So if you booked today, or from March 19 to today, the policy does not include your cruise. At least that is how I am reading it?

[mavo68]

9 minutes ago, Sianli said:

We received the same email for our August 15 Allure sailing.

Hmm I haven’t gotten it yet. But I’m glad someone from Aug 15 did receive it. Makes me feel better. 

[Babr]

6 minutes ago, sandebeach said:

This policy applies to sailings from August 1 through December 31, 2021, and all bookings — except bookings made between March 19, 2021 and June 28, 2021. 

So if you booked today, or from March 19 to today, the policy does not include your cruise. At least that is how I am reading it?

That appears so. Don’t understand the reason for March 19, but it applies to any booking after today.

Edited June 29, 2021 by Babr

[BecciBoo]

1 hour ago, mavo68 said:

That makes me nervous about Allure sailing. We didn’t receive anything.

Don't worry we will.  Things may be different by next month.

[Mikew0805]

Yep, I got for both my Odyssey & Symphony sailings in August.

[forgotmyCCname]

1 hour ago, sandebeach said:

What to Know Before You Go   Vaccination We strongly recommend all guests 12 and older be fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated, the final dose of the vaccine must be completed at least 14 days before sailing. At check-in, guests will be asked to provide documentation of their vaccination, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Those who are 12 and older and do not have or are unable to provide documentation will be considered unvaccinated. Our unvaccinated guests must undergo additional COVID-19 testing at their own expense, provide proof of a valid insurance policy with sufficient medical coverage for needs related to a positive COVID-19 test result, and follow the health protocols described below, which are based on guidance from the CDC. If you do not wish to undergo or pay for additional testing, or adhere to these health and safety protocols, we are happy to provide you with a refund. We believe that in the coming months, restrictions and requirements will be more accommodating as public health circumstances evolve. All crew onboard our ships will be fully vaccinated. Insurance Requirement  For cruises departing from Florida homeports from August 1 through December 31, 2021, as a condition of boarding, each unvaccinated guest 12 and older must provide proof of a valid insurance policy that has a minimum of (a) $25,000 per person in medical expense coverage and (b) $50,000 per person for quarantine and medical evacuation related to a positive COVID-19 test result. The insurance policy must name the unvaccinated guest as the policy holder or beneficiary, and may be purchased from a travel insurance company of the guest’s choosing or through the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program, which includes the requisite coverage. This policy applies to sailings from August 1 through December 31, 2021, and all bookings — except bookings made between March 19, 2021 and June 28, 2021. Testing Requirements Vaccinated Guests Vaccinated guests do not have any testing requirements. COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Guests For unvaccinated guests 12 and older, the total charge from the third-party testing vendor for these tests is $136 USD per guest on sailings of 6 nights or less, and $178 USD per guest on sailings of 7 nights or more. This amount will be applied to the guest’s onboard expense account. Royal Caribbean will pay the testing vendor(s) on the guest’s behalf and will not retain any part of the testing costs. For guests age 2 to 11, we will cover the cost of any required testing. The testing required of our unvaccinated guests is described below. Pre-Cruise Unvaccinated guests 12 years of age and older will need to undergo a PCR test administered by an accredited laboratory of the guest’s choice, and taken no more than three days before sailing. We will require documentation of a negative result for this test prior to embarkation. All costs for this test are the unvaccinated guest’s responsibility. At the Terminal Unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older are required to take a PCR test when checking in at the terminal, which will be administered by one of our testing vendors. Registration details will be sent via email in advance. Mid-Cruise (For Sailings 7 Nights or longer) Unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older will be required to undergo additional antigen testing onboard, mid-cruise. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. Prior to Disembarking While onboard, unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older will be required to undergo antigen testing before disembarking at the end of the voyage. This test will be conducted the day before the cruise ends by one of our testing vendors. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. These tests will be complimentary for guests ages 2-11. Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

Thank you! We are end of September Symphony. Have a great evening!

[Sunshine3601]

How much is the royal medical insurance policy pp these days?

[TYMAN]

Got the same email for our August Mariner cruise.......

[whyrlygig]

This is a wise decision for the cruise line.  

[Dat Cruisin Couple]

9 hours ago, Babr said:

That appears so. Don’t understand the reason for March 19, but it applies to any booking after today.

 

I am speculating that behind the scenes they added some group level insurance on all new bookings after 3/19 to cover the cost. The policy probably said anything booked before wasn't covered.

[sandebeach]

1 hour ago, Dat Cruisin Couple said:

 

I am speculating that behind the scenes they added some group level insurance on all new bookings after 3/19 to cover the cost. The policy probably said anything booked before wasn't covered.

That sounds like a good possible explanation. 

[TheInnocentAge]

11 hours ago, sandebeach said:

This policy applies to sailings from August 1 through December 31, 2021, and all bookings — except bookings made between March 19, 2021 and June 28, 2021. 

So if you booked today, or from March 19 to today, the policy does not include your cruise. At least that is how I am reading it?

I checked with Royal this morning, and that clause is only referring to the insurance policy section. All of the other stuff about vaccinations and testing applies regardless of the date booked...

[bourbon52]

12 hours ago, Babr said:

And it specifies Florida homeports, so I guess it applies to any ship sailing from Florida during that time period.

Mine specifically says Symphony of the Seas sailing from Florida August 2021

[Babr]

1 minute ago, bourbon52 said:

Mine specifically says Symphony of the Seas sailing from Florida August 2021

Are there other ships sailing from Florida in that time period? Seems like a broad statement to make if that is not the case.

[coldflame]

13 hours ago, sandebeach said:

For cruises departing from Florida homeports from August 1 through December 31, 2021, as a condition of boarding, each unvaccinated guest 12 and older must provide proof of a valid insurance policy that has a minimum of (a) $25,000 per person in medical expense coverage and (b) $50,000 per person for quarantine and medical evacuation related to a positive COVID-19 test result.

 

This is disappointing as it makes their COVID-19 policies confusing