Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 40 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: They technically did. It's now 3 if you're up to date on vaccines. I can’t find that anywhere? Did I miss it? oops sorry, didn’t read the whole thread! ok now I did & have another question. That is from the CDC. Has it been confirmed by Royal as the new rules? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammy79 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 It looks like unvaccinated kids can get antigen test, instead of pcr. That would make things easier for us since we have a 3 year old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 It's depends how you count it , even today it's three days but it includes the boarding day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Templecruiser Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 9 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/covid19-operations-manual-cso.html So what’s the difference between being fully vaccinated and up to date Covid-19 vaccine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 5 minutes ago, Templecruiser said: So what’s the difference between being fully vaccinated and up to date Covid-19 vaccine? Having your booster Templecruiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevendom57 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Thanks, Smokey. How does "Passengers Who Are Fully Vaccinated" differ from "Passengers Up To Date with COVID-19 Vaccines"? Is being boostered in the second column?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 5 minutes ago, Pooch said: Having your booster Or not yet being booster eligible (which primarily would be kids under 12, but some adults with recent first-time vaccinations, too) Pooch 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 5 minutes ago, stevendom57 said: Thanks, Smokey. How does "Passengers Who Are Fully Vaccinated" differ from "Passengers Up To Date with COVID-19 Vaccines"? Is being boostered in the second column?? Boostered or not yet eligible for your booster. stevendom57 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Can I assume (yeah I know) that masks are/will still be required at the terminal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 6 minutes ago, Pooch said: Can I assume (yeah I know) that masks are/will still be required at the terminal? Yes, since that's still part of federal law for transportation hubs. Though I wouldn't be surprised for that to go away in the next couple months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Back to my earlier question, you quoted CDC recommendations for pre-cruise testing. Have you seen anything indicating Royal is making the change too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGTLH Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 12 minutes ago, sammy79 said: It looks like unvaccinated kids can get antigen test, instead of pcr. That would make things easier for us since we have a 3 year old. The embarkation testing is the factor. Royal has opted to provide antigen for the embarkation test. Policy states that at least one of the tests has to be a NAAT type. On the screenshot provided this is what the "[*]" says: [*] Either the pre-embarkation day test or the embarkation day test must be NAAT. sammy79 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 I’m not so sure of their quarantine policy. sammy79 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 5 minutes ago, Pooch said: Back to my earlier question, you quoted CDC recommendations for pre-cruise testing. Have you seen anything indicating Royal is making the change too? I would be surprised if RC didn't update its protocols to fully match the new CSO. WAAAYTOOO and Pooch 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WannaCruise Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 13 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: I am so torn. Like @Vancity Cruiser I am so excited for a mask free cruise but that darn need for a negative return test to Canada is hanging over my head. Same. I know I am minority, but was a bit disappointed when I saw the email this morning....only for the fact that we need a negative test to return home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Our almost 2 years in the making cruise is looking much better! I really didn’t have a problem with masking as we still wear ours in stores and other indoor settings but I am no longer worried it won’t happen! An extra day to get testing done would be helpful as all of us are vaxxed & boosted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonOasis Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 49 minutes ago, danv3 said: Does the CDC actually require pre-cruise testing of all passengers? Admittedly, their program is about as clear as you'd expect from a government agency, but as far as I can tell, the new CDC voluntary program only requires embarkation tests for crew, with pax only required to test in the case of close contact or when experiencing symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/management/technical-instructions-for-cruise-ships.html I assumed screening passengers was the same thing as testing passengers perhaps that is my mistake. How else can you screen for COVID-19 except by have the person take a test? Either way I don't think the CDC would look to favorably on cruise lines dropping the pre-test requirement any time soon whether it is mandatory or voluntary. I think as long as the CDC classifies COVID-19 a pandemic cruise lines have to continue to walk a tight rope because the CDC and Fauci would like nothing more than for the industry to give them a reason to shut them down again. Most Americans might be ready to classify COVID-19 as endemic but so far there has been no indication that the CDC is even willing to entertain the idea of moving from pandemic to endemic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowTieBrigade Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 1 hour ago, smokeybandit said: I sure hope they change that Adventure Ocean policy. This very much upsets me. I can only imagine walking around unmasked with my kids in tow asking why they have to wear theirs. I really hope this changes before my next (July) sailing… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zurc Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 I admit that I did not read this thread from the beginning. I picked up with yesterday’s posts about opting in to Highly Vaccinated (95% +). At the time, I was happy to read masks not required for vaccinated! Then the happiness subsided when I saw all youth (vaccinated or not) would still be required to wear masks in Adventure Ocean. After some thought, I realize this is not the news I expected from CDC and the cruise lines. I honestly felt there would be a point this year (2022) where all protocols were listed as optional - including vaccines. My family is vaccinated, but this does effect others who may not be. @Matt, I am trying to keep to the “No arguments of masks or vaccine rule” with my statement above. I truly felt most protocols would end soon. With the new CDC opt-in categories, I see that is not going to happen. Guess I did not have realistic expectations ? WAAAYTOOO and BowTieBrigade 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 It's still early though. By mid-summer it's entirely possible more and more protocols get removed. The new CSO seems to be a bridge to that, especially with how drastically the new CSO changed in the past week. The draft format would have been a disaster. The format cruise lines opted into is definitely a step in the right direction. Zurc and BowTieBrigade 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zurc Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 @Matt or Moderators, we have 2 threads - one yesterday under news and rumors, and this thread under discussions. is there any way to merge both under Discussions? Easier to follow combined Thanks! Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 7 minutes ago, Zurc said: @Matt or Moderators, we have 2 threads - one yesterday under news and rumors, and this thread under discussions. is there any way to merge both under Discussions? Easier to follow combined Thanks! Done WAAAYTOOO, Zurc, Curt From Canada and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlena Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 When we cruised end of nov and mask mandates were for everyone inside I did not see one child be told to wear a mask when running around the promenade etc. I dont have faith that if 5-12 don't have a vaccine mandate they will enforce masks for the unvaxxed as they state. ( and this is not an anti kids rant as I am the mother of an almost 7 year old. Just that I never saw mask enforcement for children) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jzx1103 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 So regarding kids having to wear masks in Adventure Ocean, my kids actually don't mind having to wear a mask. But was extremely disappointed on our last cruise that they only let them spent 8 hours in AO for the entire cruise. I'm hoping they took away that limitation or is that still in place? Does anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanderlust876 Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 My question is, how and when do they determine the 95% vaccinated status for kids? We are booked for April. All are vaxxed except the 5 year old. How are they keeping of with the percentage of unvaxxed kids and knowing when they reach the threshold? Pattycruise 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 I believe kids under 5 and not currently eligible for a vaccination do not count against the 5%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchy Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Last summer, they were sending emails to people as they closer to sailing, asking them to voluntarily fill out a survey indicating who was vaccinated and not. Perhaps they will resurrect that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 2 hours ago, BowTieBrigade said: This very much upsets me. I can only imagine walking around unmasked with my kids in tow asking why they have to wear theirs. I really hope this changes before my next (July) sailing… The vaccinated kids don't have to wear them unless they're in AO. That's what makes it more maddening. Neesa and Zurc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Alt Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 4 hours ago, twangster said: Updated protocols for sailings departing the U.S. and Puerto Rico on or after February 25, 2022 Royal Caribbean International will participate in the U.S. CDC's voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. waters, beginning with sailings departing on or after February 25th, 2022 from the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). We will be operating under the Highly Vaccinated category defined by the CDC. To be considered Highly Vaccinated, requirements include sailing with 95% of crew members fully vaccinated, which we already meet with 100% of our crew. And, 95% of guests eligible for the vaccine must be fully vaccinated as well. The updated protocols will include face masks being optional for all fully vaccinated guests and expected for unvaccinated children. All kids will be required to wear face masks during Adventure Ocean youth program activities. We are thoughtfully working through the details and other changes to our health and safety measures to share with our guests and travel advisors before February 25, 2022. As a reminder, our health and safety protocols are subject to change. i received this email from RCCL for my cruise next week. twangster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 31 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: The vaccinated kids don't have to wear them unless they're in AO. That's what makes it more maddening. IMHO and IMHO ONLY, AO is much more likely to have unvaxxed kids in an indoor space, hence the mask mandate. Not arguing right or wrong, just suggesting that as the reason. FJ28 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 59 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: The vaccinated kids don't have to wear them unless they're in AO. That's what makes it more maddening. For months prior to Omi all vaccinated adults had to wear masks because of unvax kids. It has long been the only reason Royal was below 95% was because of unvax kids. Those were the policies and we all accepted it and masked up. The new mask policy is a step in the right direction but not the end game. The nature of AO and the confined indoor spaces can lead to higher exposure opportunities. If vaccinated kids need to wear masks in AO for a few months so be it. Once the numbers trend low for kids on board they can revisit and revise the mask policy. AO is not required to cruise. Don’t put your kids in AO if they can’t mask up like we all had to for several months just to cruise. FJ28, DunwoodyDad, Marc and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 42 minutes ago, Pooch said: IMHO and IMHO ONLY, AO is much more likely to have unvaxxed kids in an indoor space, hence the mask mandate. Not arguing right or wrong, just suggesting that as the reason. Oh I'm sure that's what they're using as justification. But it still doesn't make sense in such a controlled environment as a cruise ship Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 7 minutes ago, twangster said: AO is not required to cruise. Don’t put your kids in AO if they can’t mask up like we all had to for several months just to cruise. Being allowed to smoke in a casino isn't required to cruise, either. But we saw the uproar over that ChrisK2793 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 RC sent another email clarifying that the under 5s don't count towards the 95% and that they are not adding a 5-11 vaccine mandate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlena Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 Anyone think they will function like carnival? I believe they treat it as a lottery style for all unvaxxed kids to make sure enough people are in the vaxxed category. Because I’m sure some weeks may have a higher then 5% unvaxxed rate . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooch Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 10 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: RC sent another email clarifying that the under 5s don't count towards the 95% and that they are not adding a 5-11 vaccine mandate. So my reading is that the under 5 set, who are NOT ELIGIBLE for a vax, do not count toward the 95%. Kids 5-11, who are ELIGIBLE, are not required to be vaxxed but then WILL count against the 95%. MichelleB1234, WAAAYTOOO and Marc 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 5 minutes ago, Pooch said: So my reading is that the under 5 set, who are NOT ELIGIBLE for a vax, do not count toward the 95%. Kids 5-11, who are ELIGIBLE, are not required to be vaxxed but then WILL count against the 95%. That's how I read it. 9 minutes ago, Marlena said: Anyone think they will function like carnival? I believe they treat it as a lottery style for all unvaxxed kids to make sure enough people are in the vaxxed category. Because I’m sure some weeks may have a higher then 5% unvaxxed rate . I think there will be unofficial "allowances" for cruises that end up under 95% but if the CDC is going to be strict about the very arbitrary 95% number, then it will be interesting to see what RC has to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 14 minutes ago, Marlena said: Anyone think they will function like carnival? I believe they treat it as a lottery style for all unvaxxed kids to make sure enough people are in the vaxxed category. Because I’m sure some weeks may have a higher then 5% unvaxxed rate . Royal knows the numbers of vax/unvax now and through March with a high degree of accuracy. They wouldn’t have done this if it meant adopting the Carnival lottery system. It’s possible a very small number would be potentially impacted and I’m sure they have plans to deal with it. They could even send out targeted casino or CAS offers for guests they know are vax to increase the ratio. If they are short 50 guests to get to 95% just invite known vax guests or travel agents or land based employees to pad the numbers. SebagoSue 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonOasis Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 2 hours ago, twangster said: Royal knows the numbers of vax/unvax now and through March with a high degree of accuracy. They wouldn’t have done this if it meant adopting the Carnival lottery system. It’s possible a very small number would be potentially impacted and I’m sure they have plans to deal with it. They could even send out targeted casino or CAS offers for guests they know are vax to increase the ratio. If they are short 50 guests to get to 95% just invite known vax guests or travel agents or land based employees to pad the numbers. Do you happen to know what is the highest capacity any Royal Caribbean ship is currently sailing at? I know my Symphony Cruise sailed somewhere near 60% and that was before Omicron and our Anthem cruise set sail at 34% capacity according to the cruise director. Are there any ships sailing now higher than 60% capacity? The reason I'm asking is heading into spring and summer as Royal increases capacity could that increase capacity result in them employing a Carnival style lottery system to insure they hit 95% vaccination rate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted February 19, 2022 Report Share Posted February 19, 2022 28 minutes ago, JasonOasis said: Do you happen to know what is the highest capacity any Royal Caribbean ship is currently sailing at? I know my Symphony Cruise sailed somewhere near 60% and that was before Omicron and our Anthem cruise set sail at 34% capacity according to the cruise director. Are there any ships sailing now higher than 60% capacity? The reason I'm asking is heading into spring and summer as Royal increases capacity could that increase capacity result in them employing a Carnival style lottery system to insure they hit 95% vaccination rate I think that ever since vaccines were approved for 5-17 year olds Carnival has not had to employ the ‘lottery ststem’. Under this new program where children under 5 are not included in the 95% I don’t know how Royal could fall under the threshold of 95%. They require all eligible passengers to provide proof of vaccination so where would the 5% unvaxxed even come from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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