We’ve all heard that cruising should be resuming soon, but media reports are saying that Royal Caribbean has received approval from the CDC to conduct “test cruises.”
RoyalCaribbeanblog.com is reporting, “Royal Caribbean has received permission from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to start test cruises in preparation for regular revenue sailings.
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley shared the good news that Freedom of the Seas will sail her test cruises from PortMiami.
Royal Caribbean had teased over the weekend that it had submitted a proposal to the CDC in order to sail a test cruise, and just two business days later, they received permission.
According to the letter by the CDC shared by Mr. Bayley, the test cruise can commence on June 20-22, 2021.
The CDC also stipulated a few key requirements before the test cruises can begin:
- List how the maximum number of passengers on the first two restricted sailings.
- There needs to be at least 10% of the maximum number of passengers on the first two restricted voyagers.
- Volunteers need to be advised of the CDC’s Travel Health Notice for Covid-19 and Cruise Ship Travel prior to the cruise
- Freedom of the Seas must retain an approved color-coded status with the CDC leading up to the test cruise.
- CDC requirements related to testing and quarantine of crew and passengers
- Any deficiencies during the cruise must be documented
- Essentially, a significant departure from the protocols that may occur onboard.
It’s great to learn that we are moving closer to cruises resuming. As I’ve stated on multiple occasions, I have received the two Pfizer vaccines about a month ago. Being fully vaccinated is one of the keys to safely cruising. I know that many Americans are strongly “anti-vax”, so they can take advantage of all-inclusive resorts!
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