How Cruise Lines are Tackling Restrictive COVID Vaccine Laws

In what can only be described as a battle between David and Goliath, U.S. Cruise lines operating our of Florida are bracing for impact over divisive state law that goes into effect July 01, 2021. According to this state law, signed by Governor Ron Desantis, any business operating out of Florida is prohibited from requiring guests to show proof of vaccination (or a COVID-19 vaccine passport) at the cost of a $5,000 per violation fine - including any and all cruises sailing from Florida ports. This law runs in stark contrast to the current (as of this publishing) CDC guidance that requires that cruise lines verify that 95% of all guests and crew are vaccinated, or register for volunteer - reduced-capacity cruises with social distancing and mask mandates in place.

Working smart, not hard

While some cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have opted to move forward with vaccine-less test cruises (which has already gotten off to a rocky start), others in the cruise industry have other plans. Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian are among those moving forward with vaccine requirements - and court battles - to protect their guests, crew and brand. Others such as Celebrity Cruise Line have different plans. Rather than require that guests show proof of vaccination upon boarding, guests are given the option to show proof of vaccination or not which does not hinder that guest's ability to board the ship.

Freedom of Choice... but at what cost?

Should a guest opt not to provide proof of vaccination upon boarding a Celebrity Cruise ship, there will be some ramifications... and costs.. Passengers who identify as vaccinated against COVID-19 or not during the online booking process, but guests over the age of 16 (increasing to 12 in August) who do not voluntarily show proof of vaccination upon boarding will be expected to do the following:

• Show proof of a a negative PCR test taken within the 72-hour period ahead of arrival at the terminal as part of the embarkation - at each guest's expense
• Agree to Antigen test at the pier - again at each guest's expense with an estimated cost of $178 per test
• Mid-cruise antigen test - another $178 expense.
• And one final $178 Antigen test at the end of the cruise. 
• Masks for unvaccinated or unverified guests are required at all times on board except when actively eating or drinking.
• Unvaccinated or unverified guests may not be allowed to disembark at some ports of call dependent on local requirements of the port.
• Unvaccinated and unverified passengers will be restricted to certain seating areas in on-board venues and assigned to specific dining times and seating areas in on-board restaurants.

Guests who are vaccinated are expected to be able to move through the cruise ships as usual without any restrictions. I don't know about you, but if I were vaccinated, I would be more than willing to show proof of vaccination to avoid those additional costs and restrictions, but that's just me.

Are you considering cruising anytime soon? What are your thoughts on being aboard a ship that is not requiring vaccination? Whether you're only looking for fully-vaccinated or vaccination-optional travel, I'm here to help and would love to help you plan your next sea-faring adventure! Reach out to me via Facebook or em        ail any time!