Covid protocols for Bermuda / Vision of the Seas

[JLMoran]

I was reading through Bermuda's current Covid protocols for immunized visitors, and much of what I saw jibes with what I'd expect. On the flight in you have to be masked the whole time, proof of negative PCR test required, etc. But there's one part that I'm trying to reconcile in terms of how it will work in conjunction with being on a Vision sailing. From those protocols (emphasis added):

Quote

Pre-Arrival Test

• Immunised travellers WITH a valid negative, pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR test result must quarantine until they receive a negative result from their arrival COVID-19 PCR test. Following that they are no longer required to quarantine, but must test on day 4, 8 and 14. 

I'm trying to figure out how this would square with arriving the day of sailing, or even just a day before with a hotel stay, and then not being back on the island for the overnight until the final 2 days of the cruise. I'm hoping that it's going to be something like the following:

• Proof of negative covid PCR test on arrival
• Ship passengers must transport directly from airport to ship on embarkation day, no travel within the country allowed at that time; they will be in "quarantine" on the ship until it returns to Bermuda
• The time spent on Perfect Day will be counted as a violation of quarantine since only passengers from the ship and vaccinated island staff will be there
• On-board tests will be administered on the Bermuda-prescribed days to satisfy both the post-arrival and Day 4 testing, so that passengers will be allowed to disembark and be free to go anywhere on the island (hopefully without having to take a ship-hosted excursion)
• While on the island, all other protocols remain in effect as far as mask-wearing requirements, social distancing, etc.

This is one detail that I do wish was spelled out and clear now, just to have an expectation of what we'll need to do / what our experience will be. If not spelled out before booking, then I sincerely hope it's spelled out before final payment date (which on a late July sailing will be Real Soon Now -- somewhere around mid- or late April).

I know we have at least a couple Bermuda residents here who've answered some specific questions about life there before. Hoping they might have some knowledge about this.

[Ray]

Immunised travellers to Bermuda must follow the requirements set-out in the Quarantine (COVID-19) (No.3) Order 2020

 

Way i read this is that these measures are from last year and have not been updated to accommodate visitors for cruises as any updates should be dated as such.

 

 

[smokeybandit]

Man bermuda has some strict rules, even for the vaccinated 

[JLMoran]

6 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Man bermuda has some strict rules, even for the vaccinated 

You think that's strict? You should see what their rules are on becoming a non-native resident!

[JLMoran]

So I was talking about this with my TA this morning, while going over my strategy for booking one of these Vision sailings. She's also puzzled how on earth we'll be able to go out on excursions in Bermuda if the ship doesn't actually stay there for port days until the end of the sailing, when the current government protocols state that on arrival you have to quarantine while waiting for the results of the on-arrival PCR test.

We agreed that what is most likely to happen (though of course we'll still need to see formal documentation) is what I outlined above. A big giveaway will be if Air2Sea is offering day-of-embarkation flights; that would almost certainly mean that you land, get a nasal swab, and then by the time the ship is back that test result is available and you're clear to travel the island. Rationale being that everyone on the ship is vaccinated and also effectively "quarantined" on the ship the entire time. Coco Cay doesn't count as leaving quarantine because it's all RCI staff who are also vaccinated and haven't left CC.

If it turns out that Air2Sea is mandatory for booking flights (not yet known), and day-of-embarkation flights are the only option given, that's the real clue this is the protocol. That would mean all guests are taking Royal's transport from airport to ship, and the driver of that bus will likely also be vaccinated. This ensures all guests avoid potentially exposing Bermudians -- cab drivers, bus drivers and surrounding bus passengers, etc. -- while following Bermuda's protocol.

[monctonguy]

This why I am not even considering doing a cruise at this point...the amount of rules and regulations....not to mention so much can change in a day never mind a couple of months. WAY too much risk and stress to try and plan it all out.

 

Oh..and the $1500 inside cabin rate kinda hurts too......

 

Its all a big no-no for me....

[Matt]

33 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

If it turns out that Air2Sea is mandatory for booking flights (not yet known)

I don't know why it would be. That's not the case for Adventure, and there's been zero indication to expect it for Vision.

It's not even required for Celebrity.

[JLMoran]

38 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

This why I am not even considering doing a cruise at this point...the amount of rules and regulations....not to mention so much can change in a day never mind a couple of months. WAY too much risk and stress to try and plan it all out.

My wife apparently agrees with you, @monctonguy. Just had a talk with her, and between her concerns about these protocols, and the cost of airfare on top of the cruise ($1,000+ for the two of us, per Kayak; plus long-term parking or a car service), she's lost her desire to book this. So, no more cruise booking for 2021.  But at least we had that conversation now and not after I made a booking on Monday that would likely be NRD.

[AshleyDillo]

3 hours ago, Matt said:

I don't know why it would be. That's not the case for Adventure, and there's been zero indication to expect it for Vision.

It's not even required for Celebrity.

Bermuda has different entry/testing requirements than both the Bahamas and St. Maarten.  It's a bit harder to wrap your head around how they're going to handle cruise passengers at it's a little different than those who are flying in and remaining in Bermuda for a land vacation.  You have to have a negative a test before you fly and then they test again at the airport upon arrival.  You're supposed to quarantine at your accommodations until you get those results back.  Then they have tests required all throughout your stay.  

The cruisers are entering Bermuda and leaving Bermuda and then coming back again.  @JLMoran is trying to think of how they're handling this re-entry to Bermuda as a port visit and eventual debarkation. 

I'm sure since Royal is even offering Bermuda homeport cruises they have these things worked out with the Bermuda government since there's customs and immigration to be dealt with but we probably won't see any kind of procedures laid out until the cruises are closer as the situation is constantly changing.

[KathyC]

There must be a plan in place already for Bermuda to allow the ships to embark/disembark.  The plan is just not public knowledge as of yet.  Since everyone has to arrive by air, it will be easy to coordinate tests, transportation, etc.  Maybe the plan for everyone entering Bermuda at that time will be different, but the local government doesn't want to share that information with the citizens right now? June is still pretty far away to rile people up now.  LOL 

[twangster]

I called and spoke with the Ministry of Health COVD-19 Helpline this afternoon.

The Travel Authorization is $75 and should be submitted 5 days before.  This is in contrast to the website that says 1-3 days.  It sounds like they are backed up right now so it's taking longer.  You get a PCR test and apply for a travel authorization then wait for the approval before departing.  If you board a flight without an approved travel authorization there is a $300 penalty.

The $75 travel authorization fee includes the airport arrival PCR test as well as the other tests required on day 4, day 8 and day 14. This is premised on travelers staying on the island.   

She told me they haven't been given any instructions for cruise departure guests.  Absent of those I was told of the current process for all immunised travelers involves the tests upon arrival, day 4, day 8 and day 14.  Until they are informed differently this is the process.

As an immunised traveler you are expected to go immediately to your hotel and begin quarantine until the airport arrival PCR test results come back.  Assuming the results are negative you are then free to move about following all COVID-19 protocols and curfews that all residents abide by.   On day 4 you test again and remain free to move about following all protocols unless the test comes back positive.  On day 8 you test again and remain free to move about following all protocols unless the test comes back positive and so on.

What happens if you don't test on day 4 because you are on a cruise?  She didn't know telling me again the process for cruise ship guests hasn't been created yet.  

In retrospect I should have asked where does one go for the day 4, 8 & 14 tests but wasn't thinking about it because I was thinking of being on a ship and not being there to get tested.

Immunised travelers from the UK face other restrictions.

[PG Cruiser]

With all these varying restrictions and quarantine protocols in different port cities, a cruise to nowhere is the only "safe" alternative as far as disruptions to the cruising experience is concerned.  But then there is the issue about the law regarding US and foreign ports (I forgot the name of it).   What are we cruise addicts to do???

[twangster]

7 minutes ago, PG Cruiser said:

With all these varying restrictions and quarantine protocols in different port cities, a cruise to nowhere is the only "safe" alternative as far as disruptions to the cruising experience is concerned.  But then there is the issue about the law regarding US and foreign ports (I forgot the name of it).   What are we cruise addicts to do???

It's actually immigration law that prevents cruises to nowhere.  Foreign crew working with C-1/D crew VISAS can't stay in the US and/or work in the US.  When a ship does cruises to nowhere it effectively never leaves the US (dipping toes into international water doesn't count).  Therefore foreign crew violate their crew VISA when they work on cruises to nowhere. 

Cruises to nowhere would be a game changer in the restart but they are not in the deck of cards the cruise lines are forced to play with.

[johnny T]

Hey there,

I am chomping at the bit tho go on vacation since I only have a limited time to go.  I got a complimentary room through the casino.  I decided to take my parnets and a cousin.  They are older.  We are all vaccinated.  We booked through the air2sea program for flights and land at 2:45 pm when the cuttoff is 3 pm.  We booked there transfers.  I have been told the ship will be at reduced capicity.  I have been also told we might have to make a reservation etc to use like the gym or steam room   weird...  Anyways  I was not told anything about a covid test when we land.  I hope this goes smoothly.  I so need to have fun..    hit me up if going?  [email protected]

[Dan7]

I have the same flight on the July 3 and Air 2 Sea assured me it would be fine. 

[Matt]

Welcome to the message boards @Dan7!

Not sure what time your flight is, but I always advocate flying in at least a day early for many reasons.  Not saying you will encounter a problem if you fly same day, just about managing stress

 

[JLMoran]

On 4/30/2021 at 8:31 AM, johnny T said:

We booked through the air2sea program for flights and land at 2:45 pm when the cuttoff is 3 pm.  We booked there transfers. 

Interesting that your flights arrive so late. For my Aug 14 sailing the Air2Sea flight leaves EWR at 10 AM and arrives in Bermuda at 1:20 PM local time. Now, this is on United, so I’m half-expecting that we won’t actually take off until noon and then arrive at 3:20. Maybe Royal is expecting the same so that’s why it’s scheduled that way!

Regarding the transfers — I thought that A2S flight bookings always included transfer by Royal between airport and ship. Is that not the case? My TA did the A2S booking for me same time the cruise was booked, and I didn’t get any question from her about whether I also wanted their transfer.

[twangster]

4 hours ago, JLMoran said:

Regarding the transfers — I thought that A2S flight bookings always included transfer by Royal between airport and ship. Is that not the case? My TA did the A2S booking for me same time the cruise was booked, and I didn’t get any question from her about whether I also wanted their transfer.

Transfers are not included with A2S.  

Transfer options appear to be:

ARRIVAL ONLY $60.00 pp

DEPARTURE ONLY $60.00 pp 

R/T - $120.00 pp

 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

WE’LL SHUTTLE YOU TO YOUR SHIP

Royal Caribbean offers easy-to-purchase ground transfers to and from the cruise ship — just leave the details to us. 

Ease into your cruise adventure by letting Royal Caribbean safely get you to and from the ship with one of our easy-to-purchase ground transfers.

If you choose to make your own air arrangements or book air through our online ChoiceAir Travel Program you may wish to purchase ground transportation to the ship. Transfers are available for pre-purchase from the arrival airport to the pier on day of sailing and from the pier to the departure airport on debarkation day only. It is recommended that transfers are purchased two weeks prior to sailing. Please remember we require your flight information in order to promptly meet all guests.

To purchase your Royal Caribbean Guest Transfer or for additional information consult your travel agent or our Reservations Department at 1-800-327-6700.

[JLMoran]

11 hours ago, twangster said:

Transfers are not included with A2S.  

Transfer options appear to be:

ARRIVAL ONLY $60.00 pp

DEPARTURE ONLY $60.00 pp 

R/T - $120.00 pp

Well, poop. Guess I better put a reminder on my calendar for 2 weeks before sail date to go and buy at least the embarkation transport.

But the good part about that is it means Cathy and I are actually free to go to Horseshoe Bay that last morning before our flight. At least, if we can find a place to safely store our luggage. I’m sure Royal will be holding to the usual final GTFO around 9 AM so the crew can sanitize the ship before the next set of passengers start to arrive.