Here are the latest protocols for our guests sailing from the U.S., which we will continue to update as public health situations evolve. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing.
Guests traveling into the U.S. from another country should be sure to look into any requirements your own home country may have for exiting or re-entering its borders.
Vaccination Requirement
All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing.
Children age 11 and under do not require COVID-19 vaccination to cruise. However, kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests. If you are cruising with an unvaccinated child, there are some specific health protocols you will need to be aware of.
Each guest's regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This guidance is per the U.S. CDC, and no exceptions will be made, even if the guest's resident country has authorized a single-shot regimen for a two dose vaccine.
Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in lieu of a vaccination record card for guests of vaccine eligible age.
All crew onboard the ship and at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, are fully vaccinated.
Testing Requirements
All Guests: Required Pre-Cruise Testing
Before arriving on boarding day, you'll need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense, to meet U.S. CDC boarding requirements.
If you're travelling to the U.S. from another country, you'll also need to take a test to enter the U.S.
Learn more about this requirement
Have questions about which tests are accepted?
Read Our Detailed FAQ On Accepted Tests
Unvaccinated Kids Age 2-11: Additional Testing
In addition to the pre-cruise test, unvaccinated kids will take one or two more tests, depending on the length of the cruise. Royal Caribbean's test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests.
At the Terminal
For all cruises, unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary test when checking in at the terminal. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.
Prior to Disembarking
For cruises that are 5 nights or longer, unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary antigen test onboard before the cruise ends. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test.
Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.
Sailings longer than 10 nights may have additional onboard testing requirements.
Learn more about the different options available to you for completing your pre-cruise test
Testing Requirements
All Guests: Required Pre-Cruise Testing
Before arriving on boarding day, you’ll need to take a COVID-19 test on your own, at your own expense, to meet U.S. CDC boarding requirements.
If you're travelling to the U.S. from another country, you'll also need to take a test to enter the U.S.
Learn more about this requirement
Have questions about which tests are accepted?
Read Our Detailed FAQ On Accepted Tests
Kids Age 2-11: Additional Testing
In addition to the pre-cruise test, kids will take one or two more tests, depending on the length of the cruise. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests.
At the Terminal
For all cruises, kids will take a complimentary PCR test when checking in at the terminal. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.
Prior to Disembarking
For cruises that are 5 nights or longer, kids will take a complimentary antigen test onboard before the cruise ends. Vaccinated guests who require a COVID-19 test for re-entry into their country may receive one onboard as well. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test.
Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.
Sailings longer than 10 nights may have additional onboard testing requirements.
Learn more about the different options available to you for completing your pre-cruise test
Travel Documents Checklist
You'll need to have the following documents when you arrive to board the ship.
Cruise Ready Recap
Follow these steps for a smooth boarding day.
What to Expect On Boarding Day
Arrive Only During Your Time Slot
It is very important that all guests arrive at the terminal within the arrival time slot you selected during Royal App check-in. Those who arrive early will not be able to begin boarding, and those who arrive late will need to wait until we are able to work them into another group.
Onboard the Ship
Mask Guidance
Here's our current guidance for facial coverings for all guests (except those under age 2, who do not need to wear a mask at any time).
Due to the latest public health evaluation, masks are required for all guests, regardless of vaccination status, at all times indoors except while eating or drinking. This includes at venues reserved for vaccinated guests only. Note that this policy is in place for all sailings departing on or before January 31, 2022, at which point it will be reevaluated.
Masks are NOT required to be worn:
Masks ARE required to be worn:
Dining
All dining areas will feature spaced, sanitized seating. Nearly all restaurants and cafes will be available to all guests, though a select few specialty restaurants may be reserved for vaccinated guests only.
In the Main Dining Room, which spans multiple decks, we will designate areas for parents and unvaccinated kids, and areas for vaccinated parties only. My Time Dining will not be available to parties that include unvaccinated guests.
If you prefer a buffet, Windjammer will be open to everyone for breakfast and lunch, and the food will be served by our crew. We recommend that you make dining reservations via Cruise Planner before your cruise or using the Royal Caribbean app onboard.
Entertainment
Theaters and activity venues will offer spaced seating and more showtimes. Some activities, showtimes, or seating areas will be reserved for vaccinated guests only. Be sure to make show reservations once onboard using the Royal Caribbean app.
Adventure Ocean Youth Program Reservations
Our award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program is looking forward to welcoming your young explorers. In order to plan for a healthy experience for every child, we ask that you make a reservation before bringing your child to Adventure Ocean. Stop by Adventure Ocean on boarding day to reserve time throughout your cruise. Program capacity may be limited on certain sailings during peak hours, in order to preserve social distancing.
Going Ashore in Ports of Call
Requirements for Going Ashore
Requirements for going ashore vary based on port of departure, ports of call and vaccination status. This is due to the varying ordinances at federal, state, and local levels, as well as the ongoing evaluation of public health in each region. These requirements are subject to change as we continue to evaluate circumstances around the globe, and we will continue to update booked guests of any requirements for their upcoming cruise.
Fully vaccinated parties can visit most ports freely, or book a shore excursion. A few ports require an excursion to go ashore, regardless of your vaccination status. For more details on specific requirements by port, please visit our Ports of Call FAQs
Families traveling with unvaccinated kids must purchase a local tour through Royal Caribbean if they wish to go ashore — this applies to all ports of call except Perfect Day at CocoCay; Labadee, Haiti; and Port Canaveral, Florida. Vaccinated parents wishing to go ashore freely in ports that allow it, can visit our youth facilities onboard to learn about drop off program hours and availability, and reserve time for their child on the day they wish to go in port.
Questions?
Here are the latest protocols for our guests sailing from San Juan, which we will continue to update as public health situations evolve. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing.
Guests traveling into San Juan from a country other than the U.S. should be sure to look into any requirements your own home country may have for exiting or re-entering its borders. Additionally, international guests on connecting flights to or from San Juan should make sure to familiarize themselves with local requirements in the country where their connection takes place prior to traveling.
Vaccination Requirement
All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing.
Children age 11 and under do not require COVID-19 vaccination to cruise. However, kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests. If you are cruising with an unvaccinated child, there are some specific health protocols you will need to be aware of.
Each guest’s regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This guidance is per the U.S. CDC, and no exceptions will be made, even if the guest's resident country has authorized a single-shot regimen for a two dose vaccine.
Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in lieu of a vaccination record card for guests of vaccine eligible age.
All crew onboard the ship and at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, are fully vaccinated.
Testing & Quarantine Requirements
All Guests: Required Testing to Enter Puerto Rico
The island requires a negative COVID-19 test result to enter.
If you're flying in from the U.S.
If you're flying in from an international country
If you are already in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico does not require a test from you.
Guests under 2 years of age do not have test requirements to enter Puerto Rico.
All Guests: Required Testing to Board the Ship
You'll need to bring a negative test result to the cruise terminal to board the ship. It can be the same result you used to enter Puerto Rico, provided you time it right.
Have questions about pre-cruise testing?
Learn more about different options for completing your test
Learn how to calculate which days you can take your pre-cruise test
Unvaccinated Kids Age 2-11: Additional Testing
At the Terminal
Unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary test when checking in at the terminal. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.
Prior to Disembarking
Unvaccinated kids will take a complimentary antigen test onboard before the cruise ends. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test.
Guests under 2 years of age do not have test requirements to board or disembark the ship.
Some Guests: Required Testing After the Cruise
If you are staying in Puerto Rico after the cruise, or you live in Puerto Rico, you will need to take an additional test.
Some Guests: Quarantine Requirement
Unvaccinated travelers arriving to Puerto Rico by air are now required to complete a quarantine period of 7 days. However, unvaccinated cruise guests will only need to do this if they intend to be in Puerto Rico for any timeframe outside of their cruise. If you arrive in Puerto Rico on cruise boarding day, and depart Puerto Rico on the same day your cruise ends, a local quarantine is not required.
Travel Documents Checklist
You’ll need to have the following documents to travel to Puerto Rico and board the ship.
Puerto Rico TravelSafe Declaration
All travelers age 2 and up must complete the TravelSafe Declaration to enter Puerto Rico. Guests under 18 must be added to their parent or guardian’s form. Vaccinated travelers will need to upload their proof of vaccination. Learn more
Cruise Ready Recap
Follow these steps for a smooth boarding day.
What to Expect On Boarding Day
Arrive Only During Your Time Slot
It is very important that all guests arrive at the cruise terminal within the arrival time slot you selected during Royal App check-in. Those who arrive early will not be able to begin boarding, and those who arrive late will need to wait until we are able to work them into another group.
Onboard the Ship
Mask Guidance
Here's our current guidance for facial coverings for all guests (except those under age 2, who do not need to wear a mask at any time).
Due to the latest public health evaluation, masks are required for all guests, regardless of vaccination status, at all times indoors except while eating or drinking. This includes at venues reserved for vaccinated guests only. Note that this policy is in place for all sailings departing on or before January 31, 2022, at which point it will be reevaluated.
Masks are NOT required to be worn:
Masks ARE required to be worn:
Dining
All dining areas will feature spaced, sanitized seating. Nearly all restaurants and cafes will be available to all guests, though a select few specialty restaurants may be reserved for vaccinated guests only.
In the Main Dining Room, which spans multiple decks, we will designate areas for parents and unvaccinated kids, and areas for vaccinated parties only. My Time Dining will not be available to parties that include unvaccinated guests.
If you prefer a buffet, Windjammer will be open to everyone for breakfast and lunch, and the food will be served by our crew. We recommend that you make dining reservations via Cruise Planner before your cruise or using the Royal Caribbean app onboard.
Entertainment
Theaters and activity venues will offer spaced seating and more showtimes. Some activities, showtimes, or seating areas will be reserved for vaccinated guests only. Be sure to make show reservations once onboard using the Royal Caribbean app.
Adventure Ocean Youth Program Reservations
Our award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program is looking forward to welcoming your young explorers. In order to plan for a healthy experience for every child, we ask that you make a reservation before bringing your child to Adventure Ocean. Stop by Adventure Ocean on boarding day to reserve time throughout your cruise. Program capacity may be limited on certain sailings during peak hours, in order to preserve social distancing.
Going Ashore in Ports of Call
Requirements for Going Ashore
Requirements for going ashore vary based on port of departure, ports of call and vaccination status. This is due to the varying ordinances at federal, state, and local levels, as well as the ongoing evaluation of public health in each region. These requirements are subject to change as we continue to evaluate circumstances around the globe, and we will continue to update booked guests of any requirements for their upcoming cruise.
Fully vaccinated parties can visit most ports freely, or book a shore excursion. A few ports require an excursion to go ashore, regardless of your vaccination status. For more details on specific requirements by port, please visit our Ports of Call FAQs
Families traveling with unvaccinated kids must purchase a local tour through Royal Caribbean if they wish to go ashore — this applies to all ports of call except Perfect Day at CocoCay; Labadee, Haiti; and Port Canaveral, Florida. Vaccinated parents wishing to go ashore freely in ports that allow it, can visit our youth facilities onboard to learn about drop off program hours and availability, and reserve time for their child on the day they wish to go in port.
Questions?
Per local authorities' requirements, face masks will be worn onboard by crew members and guests to help keep everyone safer. Face masks are required in indoor and outdoor spaces, with some exceptions. In restaurants, cafes, bars or lounges, seated guests may eat and drink without masks. Masks should not be worn in situations where they could get wet, such as at the pool. Masks should not be worn during strenuous exercise, but are required for light workouts. You do not need to wear a mask in your stateroom or on your balcony. Any time you remove your mask, take care to maintain physical distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) between your travel party and others.
Location | Mask Requirements | Notes |
---|---|---|
In stateroom | Face masks not required | Also not required on your stateroom balcony |
Open air decks | Face masks not required | Face masks must be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained with people outside your travel group |
Pools & Whirlpools | Face masks not required | Face masks cannot be worn in pools and whirlpools, as a wet mask could cause breathing issues. Always maintain physical distance. |
Waterslides & FlowRider | Face masks not required | No face mask needed while riding any water ride, but should be worn in line |
Sports deck | Face masks may be required | Some activities like the zip line, rock climbing, table tennis and sports court will require a face mask |
Indoor spaces | Face masks required May be removed while seating, to actively eat and drink | May be removed while seating, to actively eat and/or drink |
Location | Mask Requirements |
---|---|
In stateroom | Face masks not required, also not required on your stateroom balcony |
Open air decks | Face masks not required when observing physical distancing must be worn when engaging crew or other travel parties |
Pools | Face masks not required when observing physical distancing must be worn when engaging crew or other travel parties |
Whirlpools | Face masks not required Only one travel party at a time allowed in each tub |
Waterslides & FlowRider | Face masks not required |
Indoor spaces | Face masks required May be removed while seating, to actively eat and drink |
Face Mask Must-Haves
• At least two layers of tight-weave fabric
• Loops that go around ears
• Covers nose and mouth
• Fits face closely
• Allows you to breathe easily
• New face mask each day (or washed daily)
In partnership with our Healthy Sail Panel, we’ve developed comprehensive protocols for every part of the ship — as well as measures to keep you safe even while you’re exploring onshore. So all you have to focus on is having your best vacation.
We’re fully prepared with immediate medical evaluations, rapid testing and more critical care beds on each ship in the event of a suspected case of COVID-19.
We’ve partnered with expert medical and scientific minds to guide us in the development of comprehensive protocols to protect you and the ones you love.
Still have questions about our health & safety standards?
From pre-boarding testing to getting you back home safely, we've got answers.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions
or call us at +1-305-341-0204