05/08/2022
Good news and possible freedom from U.S. departures needing COVID testing!
As communicated through RCI's travel agent channels moments ago. Seems to be a thaw in the testing protocols. Note they are only speaking to cruises through August 14th, and are advising people to await updates for other future dates.
RCI's email begins:
"As the cruise sector continues to evolve and adapt to an everchanging environment, we look forward to moments where we can share progressive movement. While continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, we are excited to begin transitioning to a point that more closely aligns with other travel and hospitality sectors. With that, we are pleased to announce the easing of test requirements for most U.S. itineraries.
Testing Update: For your clients sailing from the U.S. August 8 - August 14th, 2022:
Fully vaccinated guests will only have to show a test result at boarding if the sailing is 6 nights or longer.
Unvaccinated children will still need to show a test result to board all sailings, regardless of length. However, they will not need to test again at the terminal.
Guests will now have the same test standard, regardless of vaccination status: You can show a negative test result from a supervised PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of boarding day.
This revision does not apply to guests whose itinerary visits Canada or Bermuda. These clients will still need to follow our current testing protocols until further notice.
Please note that guests confirmed on U.S. sailings departing on or before August 7, 2022, should adhere to protocols previously communicated.
For those clients booked after August 14, 2022, please await the specific protocol details from us related to those sailings.
As we begin to transition to a point where everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will be able to sail with us once again, we continue to work closely with our destination partners. Additional information will soon follow, however, until then, current vaccine guidance remains unchanged.
We look forward to providing you and your clients updates in the coming days."
End of RCI message.
