Royal Caribbean Caves to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Vaccine Dispute

Royal Caribbean Caves to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Vaccine Dispute

Royal Caribbean to require guests be vaccinated on all cruises – except those setting sail from Florida

In an online statement, the cruise line said it “requires all guests 16 years of age or older to be fully vaccinated, and from Aug. 1, all guests 12 years of age or older must be fully vaccinated. Younger travelers not yet eligible for the vaccine will be able to sail with a negative test result and must follow certain protocols.”

Guests departing from Florida ports are still strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated.

Royal Caribbean clarified its vaccine policy this week, stating that it will require certain guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on cruises departing from all United States ports — except those in Florida.

Those that are eligible to receive a vaccine and are not fully vaccinated or able to show proof of vaccination “will be subject to testing and additional health protocols at their own expense,” according to Royal Caribbean.

Children under 12 will be subject to complimentary testing and health protocols.

Gov. Ron DeSantis took executive action in April to ban the requirement of so-called “vaccine passports” in the state. Days later, DeSantis filed a lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal government, demanding the reopening of the cruise industry.

For more information, please visit Royal Caribbean’s website.