Ultimate Abyss, aerial view of the cruise wake

Here's everything you need to know before your vacation — from vaccination and testing requirements to checking in, and other steps to help ensure a smooth boarding day experience.

GETTING READY TO CRUISE FROM U.S HOMEPORTS

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.

Read Detailed Vaccine FAQs

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.

  • Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
  • Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day.
  • Unvaccinated kids' pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids' test at the terminal.
  • Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test.

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

Read Detailed Testing FAQs

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.

  • Vaccinated guests age 12 and older must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day.
  • Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. Kids’ pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids’ test at the terminal.
  • Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test.

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

Read Our Detailed FAQ On Accepted Tests

Travel Documents Checklist

You'll need to have the following documents when you arrive to board the ship.

  • A Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is strongly recommended. If you do not have a Passport, you may present a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate (not a "baby feet" hospital certificate or baptismal paper). Guests age 16 and older that present a Birth Certificate will also need to provide a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the final dose of your vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. This is a requirement for all guests age 12 and older. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been fully vaccinated may present proof of vaccination and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests.
  • COVID-19 Test Result: Vaccinated guests age 12 and older must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative PCR test result only (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding. Read Detailed Testing FAQs
  • Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board.

Read Detailed Travel Documents FAQs

Cruise Ready Recap

Follow these steps for a smooth boarding day.

  • Get Vaccinated: It's required for guests 12 and older.
  • 30 to 90 Days Before: Book your Shore Excursions — they are required for travel parties with unvaccinated kids, in all ports of call, except Perfect Day at CocoCay; Labadee; and Port Canaveral, Florida.
  • 30 Days Before: Download the Royal Caribbean App and check in for your cruise. Once in the app, you’ll select a 30-minute arrival time slot for your boarding day. It is very important you stick to this arrival window, as we’re arranging the boarding and testing process to accommodate a certain number of guests at one time.
  • 2 or 3 Days Before: Get your pre-cruise test. Vaccinated guests age 12 and older must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding. Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative PCR test result only (not antigen) for a test taken no more than 3 days before boarding. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been fully vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests. Read Detailed Testing FAQs
  • 1 Day Before: All guests must complete our Health Questionnaire on the Royal App.

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.

  • We’ll guide you step by step on document validation.
  • For those parties traveling with unvaccinated guests, we will also guide you through the COVID-19 testing process. Expect a short wait time for results before boarding.
  • Make sure you wear your face mask at all times during the boarding process.

Read Detailed Boarding Day FAQs

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:

  • In open-air areas of the ship, unless you are in a crowded setting.
  • In the pool or any activity where they may become wet.
  • In your stateroom when you are with your traveling party.
  • While visiting our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless you are in a crowded setting.
  • By any guest under the age of 2.

Masks ARE required to be worn:

  • While indoors in public areas of the ship, unless seated and actively eating or drinking.
  • While visiting public ports of call, where local regulations may require them.

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?

Getting Ready To Cruise From Bridgetown, Barbados

Here are the latest protocols for our guests sailing from Barbados, which we will continue to update as public health situations evolve. Booked guests will be provided the latest full details prior to sailing.

Vaccination Requirement

All guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing. This is a requirement of Royal Caribbean to sail — guests who are unable to show proof of full vaccination will not be permitted to board.

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.

Due to the requirements of destinations on your Barbados itinerary, we can only accept vaccines that are authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Each guest’s regimen must include at least two doses of vaccine unless the guest received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 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.

Mixed Vaccines
For Barbados itineraries, we will accept a mixed mRNA vaccination series consisting of one dose of Pfizer and one dose of Moderna, as long as the doses were administered at least 28 days apart. Mixed vaccine regimens of brands other than Pfizer and Moderna are not permitted for this itinerary.

All crew onboard the ship and at our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, are fully vaccinated.

Read Detailed Vaccine FAQs

Testing Requirements

Required Pre-Arrival and Pre-Cruise Testing

Testing is required to enter Barbados and to board the ship. These requirements vary depending on guests’ age and vaccination status.

PCR Testing

  • All travelers age 5 and older require a negative PCR COVID-19 test result to fly into Barbados regardless of vaccination status. The test must be taken within the 3 days before the day you fly into the country. You must upload the result to Barbados’ online Immigration/Customs Form, and show it to authorities upon arriving. Learn more about island entry requirements at Visit Barbados
  • Unvaccinated guests age 2 to 11 must show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result at the cruise terminal for a test taken no more than 3 days before the day you board the ship. If timed properly, the same PCR test result provided for entry into Barbados can satisfy this requirement.

Additional Antigen Testing

  • All Royal Caribbean guests age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will take a COVID-19 antigen test at the terminal prior to boarding the ship. Royal Caribbean’s test provider will administer these, at no cost to our guests. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.

Guests under 2 years of age do not have any testing requirements to board the ship.


Required Testing to Debark in Barbados

All Royal Caribbean guests age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, will require a complimentary COVID-19 antigen test provided by Royal Caribbean’s test provider to re-enter Barbados. In most cases, this test could also satisfy re-entry requirements into guests’ home country. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your country’s specific requirements prior to traveling. More information on this test will be provided once onboard.

Read Detailed Testing FAQs

Travel Documents Checklist

You’ll need to have the following documents to travel to Barbados and board the ship.

Barbados Immigration/Customs Form
All travelers to Barbados, or their legal guardians, must complete the Immigration/Customs form to enter Barbados. This is available on the BIMSafe app, or at travelform.gov.bb, and should be completed 24-72 hours before you leave, including uploading your negative test result. Learn more

  • A Passport Book, valid for at least six months after your cruise.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the final dose of your vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. This is a requirement for all guests age 12 and older. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been fully vaccinated may present proof of vaccination as well and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests.
  • COVID-19 Test Result: All guests age 5 and older require a negative PCR test result to enter the country, regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated guests age 2 to 11 must also show a negative PCR COVID-19 test result at the cruise terminal.
  • Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board.

Read Detailed Travel Documents FAQs

Cruise Ready Recap

Follow these steps for a smooth boarding day.

  • Get Vaccinated: It’s required for guests 12 and older.
  • 30 to 90 Days Before: Book your Shore Excursions — they are required even for vaccinated visitors to visit certain ports of call, and for travel parties with unvaccinated kids for all ports of call.
  • 30 Days Before: Download the Royal Caribbean App and check in for your cruise. Once in the app, you’ll select a 30-minute arrival time slot for your boarding day. It is very important you stick to this arrival window, as we’re arranging the boarding and testing process to accommodate a certain number of guests at one time.
  • 2-3 Days Before: Get your pre-arrival PCR test required by Barbados to enter the country, and by Royal Caribbean to board the ship for unvaccinated guests age 2 to 11. 
  • 1-3 Days Before: Complete your Barbados Immigration/Customs Form, including uploading your negative test result.
  • 1 Day Before: All guests must complete our Health Questionnaire on the Royal App.

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.

  • We’ll guide you step by step on document validation.
  • We will also guide you through the COVID-19 testing process. Expect a short wait time for results before boarding.
  • Make sure you wear your face mask at all times during the boarding process.

Read Detailed Boarding Day FAQs

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:

  • In open-air areas of the ship, unless you are in a crowded setting.
  • In the pool or any activity where they may become wet.
  • In your stateroom when you are with your traveling party.
  • While visiting our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless you are in a crowded setting.
  • By any guest under the age of 2.

Masks ARE required to be worn:

  • While indoors in public areas of the ship, unless seated and actively eating or drinking.
  • While visiting public ports of call, where local regulations may require them.

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?

Getting Ready To Cruise From San Juan, Puerto Rico

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.

Read Detailed Vaccine FAQs

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.

  • All guests age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.

If you're flying in from an international country

  • All travelers age 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative result for a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to boarding their flight to San Juan.

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.

  • Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
  • Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day.
  • Unvaccinated kids' pre-cruise test cannot be taken on boarding day, because that may affect the sample taken during the kids' test at the terminal.
  • Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test.

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.

  • Guests extending their stay in Puerto Rico after sailing must complete a COVID-19 test after their cruise, and upload the results to Puerto Rico's TravelSafe Declaration form within 24 hours of departing the ship. You will be provided a complimentary test kit for this purpose.
  • Puerto Rico residents must complete a COVID-19 test after their cruise, at their own expense, and upload the results to Puerto Rico's TravelSafe Declaration form within 48 hours of departing the ship.
  • These requirements apply to all guests age 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status, and failure to meet this requirement can result in a $300 USD fine from Puerto Rico authorities.

Read Detailed Testing FAQs


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.

  • Quarantine Before: If you arrive in Puerto Rico 1 or more days prior to your cruise, any unvaccinated guests in the travel party must remain in quarantine for those days. These guests may only leave to head directly to the cruise terminal for check-in on boarding day.
  • Quarantine After: Any unvaccinated non-residents extending their stay in Puerto Rico post-cruise must quarantine for up to 7 days. If your flight departs prior to the completion of the 7 days, you must remain in the hotel and may only leave to proceed directly to the airport on the day of your flight.
  • These requirements applies to travelers age 2 and up.

 

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

  • A TravelSafe Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR Code will be provided once you complete the required Online Travel Declaration Form.
  • A Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is strongly recommended. If you do not have a Passport, you may present a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate (not a "baby feet" hospital certificate or baptismal paper). Guests age 16 and older that present a Birth Certificate will also need to provide a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the final dose of your vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. This is a requirement for all guests age 12 and older. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination as well and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests.
  • COVID-19 Test Result to Enter Puerto Rico: See details in the Testing Requirement section above.
  • COVID-19 Test Result to Board Ship: See details in the Testing Requirement section above. Read Detailed Testing FAQs
  • Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board.

Read Detailed Travel Documents FAQs

Cruise Ready Recap

Follow these steps for a smooth boarding day.

  • Get Vaccinated: It's required for guests 12 and older.
  • 30 to 90 Days Before: Book your Shore Excursions — they are required for travel parties with unvaccinated kids, in all ports of call, except Perfect Day at CocoCay; Labadee; and Port Canaveral, Florida.
  • 30 Days Before: Download the Royal Caribbean App and check in for your cruise. Once in the app, you'll select a 30-minute arrival time slot for your boarding day. It is very important you stick to this arrival window, as we're arranging the boarding and testing process to accommodate a certain number of guests at one time.
  • 1 or 2 Days Before: See details in the testing section above. Travelers age 2 and up need to show a test result to enter Puerto Rico and to board the ship. Read Detailed Testing FAQs
  • 1 Day Before: All guests must complete our Health Questionnaire on the Royal App.
  • Anytime before arriving in Puerto Rico: Complete your TravelSafe Declaration

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.

  • We’ll guide you step by step on document validation.
  • For those parties traveling with unvaccinated kids, we will also guide you through the COVID-19 testing process. Expect a short wait time for results before boarding.
  • Make sure you wear your face mask at all times during the boarding process.

Read Detailed Boarding Day FAQs

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:

  • In open-air areas of the ship, unless you are in a crowded setting.
  • In the pool or any activity where they may become wet.
  • In your stateroom when you are with your traveling party.
  • While visiting our private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, unless you are in a crowded setting.
  • By any guest under the age of 2.

Masks ARE required to be worn:

  • While indoors in public areas of the ship, unless seated and actively eating or drinking.
  • While visiting public ports of call, where local regulations may require them.

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?

Keeping Each Other Safe

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 Masks Must Haves

 

 

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)

 

Permitted Types
Fabric face masks, minimum two layers with ear loops
Disposable surgical masks
Plastic face shield, only with a face mask

Not Permitted
Neck gaiters
Bandanas/open chin handkerchiefs
Masks with valves or openings
Masks made from mesh or loose weave materials


 

Learn more about our new protocols

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.


Taking Care of You

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.


Learn more

Healthy Sail Center

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.


Learn more

 
 

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

 

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