Cruising Is Back!

Cruising is back, and the cruise news gets better day after day.

Let’s catch up on the latest developments across the cruising industry.  

Here’s just some of the news we’ll cover:

CELEBRITY IS FIRST OUT OF THE GATE

Celebrity left the dock today out of St. Maarten.

CARNIVAL MARDI GRAS

Mardi Gras has arrived at Port Canaveral, her new home. The vessel departed Barcelona, Spain on May 21 and embarked on a 5,000 mile journey across the Atlantic over the course of two weeks. Early this morning, she pulled into the port as thousands of fans and members of the media looked on, complete with a water cannon welcome.

CARNIVAL APPEARS TO BE RESTARTING FROM FLORIDA AND TEXAS IN JULY

On MAY 28, Carnival Corporation today received U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) acceptance of its Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami, Port of Galveston and Port Canaveral – all key homeports for Carnival Cruise Line and the first three homeports that Carnival is focusing on for its return to guest operations this summer.

Carnival has already announced that Carnival Horizon (sailing from Miami) and Carnival Vista and Breeze (sailing from Galveston) will be the first ships to carry guests as the line plans its July return to service. Port Canaveral has also been identified as a restart priority, and Carnival expects to announce plans for operations from there over the coming days.

Under the CDC guidelines, a cruise line must have agreements with its homeports that they are prepared to support the cruise operator with additional public health and operational resources prior to the implementation of simulated cruise and/or full guest operations.

NORWEGIAN CANCELS, BUT IT’S NOT REALLY BAD NEWS

In fact, hope is so strong that NCL cancelled their ships out of the DR and Jamaica because they know stateside interest is going to be so strong.

HOLY COW, ROYAL CARIBBEAN IS BACK IN A BIG WAY

In addition to its previously-announced Alaska cruises this summer, Royal Caribbean has just announced cruising return dates for voyages from Texas and Florida. The cruise line is strongly encouraging individuals that set sail to be fully vaccinated if they’re eligible.  According to current health procedures, those without a vaccination will have to undergo testing as well as follow other protocols which will be announced at a later date.

Further, if departing from an international port, guests must meet the travel requirements of their home country and the country of departure. Six of the line’s ships will begin sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas from the U.S. in July and August. RoyFollowing those departures, these ships will sail in August:

• Allure of the Seas from Port Canaveral on August 8, sailing seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries
• Symphony of the Seas from Miami on August 14, sailing seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries
• Independence of the Seas from Galveston on August 15, sailing seven-night western Caribbean cruises
• Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral on August 23, sailing three and four-night Bahamas voyages

Royal’s cruising comeback will kick off on July 2 in Miami, with Freedom of the Seas embarking on a special Fourth of July weekend sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. After that, it will begin a schedule of three and four-night Bahamas cruises.

By the end of August, the plan is to have 12 Royal Caribbean ships cruising across the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe.

On the heels of Freedom of the Seas’ return will be the debut of the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas, which will be cruising from Fort Lauderdale on six and eight-night southern and western Caribbean cruises beginning July 3.

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruising schedule this summer includes:

• Serenade of the Seas from Seattle on July 19, sailing seven-night Alaska cruises
• Ovation of the Seas from Seattle on August 13, sailing seven-night Alaska voyages

International cruises on Royal Caribbean’s schedule include:

• Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona and Rome starting August 15, sailing seven-night cruises that visit destinations including Palma de Mallorca and Provence
• Adventure of the Seas from Nassau, Bahamas starting June 12, sailing seven-night Bahamas & Cozumel cruises
• Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, England starting July 7
• Jewel of the Seas from Limassol, Cyprus starting July 10, sailing seven-night Greek Isles cruises

PROTOCOLS RELEASED FOR ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS SAILINGS OUT OF NASSAU

Adventure of the Seas – Bahamas – June Sailings’ Protocol Update

We can’t wait for you to join us onboard for your 19 Jun 2021 Adventure of the Seas sailing! As you get ready, this email highlights some of the key health protocols that you have been asking about. Please note, the following guidance is only for guests departing from Nassau, Bahamas on Adventure of the Seas June 2021. Guidance for all other ports and sailings is still in development with federal, state, and local authorities. As science continues to evolve and the number of positive cases reduce, more people are vaccinated, and different regions update their requirements – we’ll continue to share our updated protocols.

Vaccination Requirement

For Adventure of the Seas, Bahamas sailings departing before August 1, 2021 – we require that all guests 16 years and older be fully vaccinated before sailing. (All doses of your COVID-19 vaccine must be completed 14 days prior to arriving in The Bahamas.) We ask that fully vaccinated guests provide proof of vaccination prior to boarding. Anyone unable to provide proof will be considered unvaccinated. Additionally, all crew members onboard will be fully vaccinated.

Testing

Vaccinated guests do not require any pre-cruise testing. For re-entry into your home country, you may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test. If needed, we’ll offer complimentary testing for you on Day 6 of your cruise.  

Unvaccinated guests will need to take three tests.

• If you’re 12 years old or older, before arrival into The Bahamas, as required by local government, guests will undergo a SARS-CoV-2 test within five days of arrival. Costs associated with this test are the guests’ responsibility.
• On boarding day, guests will be tested at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau, where check-in will take place. Registration details will be sent prior to sailing.
• A final test will take place on day 6 onboard for re-entry into The Bahamas and into home country (if needed).
  
  The boarding day and onboard tests are complimentary.

What to Expect During Your Cruise

Face Masks

Vaccinated guests are not required to wear masks onboard or at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Masks may be required at the ports we visit.  

Unvaccinated guests are not required to wear masks onboard while outdoors or at Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless in a crowded setting. Masks are not needed in the pool or for activities where they could become wet. Indoors, unvaccinated guests must wear masks unless seated and actively eating or drinking. Masks are not required in your stateroom. Masks may be required at the ports we visit.  

Guests under the age of two do not need to wear a mask.

Destinations

All guests may visit each port freely. Please follow all local requirements.

• Check out each destination’s government site, as requirements may change.
  • For Bahamian travel requirements, click here.
  • For Mexico’s travel requirements, click here.

Other Important Information

Travel Documentation Checklist

Bahamas Health Visa is required for entry by the local government for all guests 18 years and older. Guests under 18 need to be added to a parent or guardian’s visa profile. Click here to learn more.

Passport Books (not cards) are needed for all guests with validity of at least 6 months after sailing’s return date.

COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or Negative COVID-19 Test Result to meet requirements for entering The Bahamas and boarding the ship.

Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board.

Luggage Handling

• Complimentary luggage collection will be available upon exiting Customs at Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). Please keep any medication or required documentation with you. Your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom.
• Please print and attach your Royal Caribbean luggage tags to your bags at home, which we’ve emailed to you or your Travel Advisor in our Guest Ticket Booklet. This allows porters to easily identify where your luggage should go.

Checking-In & Getting Onboard

• Check-in & any required boarding day testing will take place at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau Hotel.
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel are available for a fee. To book a transfer, contact your Travel Advisor or call us at 866-562-7625. If preferred, taxis are readily available at the airport.
• Once you’re ready to board, complimentary shuttles will be waiting to take you to the ship.

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