Tag Archives: protocols

Royal Caribbean Ends Pre-Covid Testing for all Guests

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Independence of the Seas in Southampton, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Royal Caribbean has become the latest line to simplify its Covid-19 protocols as restrictions on travel continue to ease around the world.

Guests will no longer have to test for Covid-19 prior to departure, regardless of their vaccination status – except for where testing is required by local law.

The changes, which came into effect on Wednesday (2 November), come after the line scrapped testing on sailings of five days or less in August.

A spokesperson for the line said: “The cruise line’s additional layers of health and safety measures exceed other vacation experiences, including the routine monitoring and vaccination of all crew members and keeping them up to date with boosters when they are eligible, enhanced testing and treatment capabilities in our onboard medical facilities, and more.”

Holland America Line (HAL) has removed the need for guests on “most voyages”

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MS Nieuw Amsterdam arriving early morning into Vancouver, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Effective immediately, unvaccinated guests sailing on “standard protocol” voyages will no longer need a test prior to disembarkation.

Guests will also not have to provide evidence of vaccination unless they are required to do so by a destination.

“Our guests continue to show their excitement to return to cruising, and this is another step toward making it as easy as possible for them to safely explore the world in a way they love,” said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL.

“Standard protocol” voyages now also include Panama Canal transits up to 15 nights and guests on “enhanced protocol” voyages will be provided additional information about protocols based on ports visited. 

Barbados Drops all COVID-19 Protocols for Entry

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The Barbados government has announced changes to the island’s travel entry protocols.

Effective midnight, Thursday, September 22, 2022, Barbados discontinued all COVID-19-related travel protocols. Therefore, according to a statement, there will be no testing requirements to enter Barbados whether travellers are vaccinated or unvaccinated. 

In addition, the wearing of masks generally will now be optional. Mask wearing only remains mandatory for persons working in and visiting healthcare facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and senior citizen’s homes; persons travelling on public transportation; and for persons who are COVID-19 positive.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Sen. The Hon. Lisa Cummins stated, “This is the last step for us which reflects our position as fully open for business following the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors to our shores to experience all of the new and returning events slated for the rest of the year, and into early 2023,” she said.