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Royal Caribbean Updates—As of 1/5/22 |
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NEW!—Announced January 5th
With the recent uptick of COVID-19 in the world and added Omicron variant concerns, we feel it prudent to temporarily tighten our onboard health protocols to require masks indoors at all times, unless actively eating or drinking. This new update also applies to vaccinated areas and venues.
We're sorry for any disappointment that this may cause you, but hope you understand that health and safety has and will always come first here at Royal Caribbean®. Despite the new requirement, we know that you will still have a great time onboard.
Announced March 31st
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. In order to allow additional time for our return to service preparations, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet through May 31st, 2021 – excluding sailings onboard Quantum, Spectrum, Voyager, and Odyssey of the Seas. Our plan is to resume further operation in June; however, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced February 9th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through April 30th, 2021 – excluding sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and Spectrum of the Seas in China. Our plan is to resume further operation in May; however, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
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Announced January 12th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through April 30th, 2021 – excluding sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and Spectrum of the Seas in China. Our plan is to resume further operation in May.
Announced November 10th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through December 31st, 2020, excluding sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas, with a plan to resume operation on January 1st, 2021. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced November 2nd
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through December 31st, 2020, excluding sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas, with a plan to resume operation on January 1st, 2021. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced October 6th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through November 30th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on December 1st, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced August 27th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through October 31st, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on November 1st, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced August 5th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through October 31st, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on November 1st, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced July 27th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through September 30th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on October 1st, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced July 16th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through September 30th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on October 1st, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced June 23rd
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through September 15th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on September 16th, 2020. However, the following circumstances have extended the suspension for the following ships and sailings:
Announced May 26th
At Royal Caribbean International, our guests and crew's safety and well-being are always our top priorities. After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings through July 31st, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations on August 1st, 2020. (China sailings will be suspended through June 30th, 2020).
Below are some options for you, including one that has been very well received by our guests, as it provides a little something extra to use when we all start cruising again!
As a result of this change, we’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with us by April 30th, 2022. Please re-book using your FCC by December 31st, 2021.
You can expect to receive your FCC by:
If you opted into the Cruise with Confidence 100% Future Cruise Credit, you do not qualify for this offer.
If you used a Cruise with Confidence certificate on this sailing, you’ll receive a new Future Cruise Certificate for 125% of your total cruise fare value paid, including the value of your original certificate.
If you used a Future Cruise Certificate on this sailing, you’ll receive a new Future Cruise Certificate. This will be for 125% of any new monetary funds paid on this sailing, plus the reactivated value of your original certificate at 100% of its worth, with an expiration date of December 31st, 2021 and a sail by date of April 30th, 2022.
What happens if the global cruise suspension already impacted you?
- Sailings through April 10th, 2020, and paid additional monetary funds on a new booking within this extended suspension period, you’ll receive two 125% Future Cruise Credits: one for the original booking and another equal to 125% of any monies paid towards cruise fare on the new booking. You are able to opt in to refund one or both via the process below.
- Sailings departing March 13th – July 31st, and paid additional monetary funds on a new booking within this extended suspension period, your original FCC’s will be reissued at the original amount, and then you’ll receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit for any new amount paid towards cruise fare for your cancelled booking. You are able to opt in to refund one or both via the process below.
Lift and Shift (Only available for sailings cancelled as part of our global suspension on May 20th, 2020) : If you prefer to move your existing booking to a 2021 sailing – we’re happy to move you! We will price protect the original pricing and/or promotion on the same itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category as your original sailing within 4 weeks (before or after) of the original sail date in 2021. For example, if you are moving from a July 30th, 2020 sailing, you can move to a sailing that is the same itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category, and the sail date between June 30th, 2021 – August 30th, 2021.
Please contact your Travel Advisor or call us by June 10th to move to a new sailing. If we don’t hear from you, we will automatically issue your Future Cruise Credit.
If you prefer the lower value in a full refund instead of the 125% Future Cruise Credit, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered:
• You may request a refund and your certificate will be deactivated. You must request your refund by:
◦ December 31st, 2021 for sailings departing March 13th – May 11th, 2020, plus Alaska sailings departing May 12th – June 30th 2020, Empress of the Seas June 1st, 2020 & June 12th, 2020 sailings, and May 2020 Voyager of the Seas sailings (excluding May 25th, 2020 sailing).
◦ December 31st, 2020 for sailing departing May 12th – July 31st, 2020.
• We’ll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits.
• To avoid waiting on the phone to cancel, please click here and we will get the process started for you.
• You can expect to receive your refund 45 days after you submit your request.
• Please note: If you used a Cruise with Confidence certificate on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we’ll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we’ll reinstate your original Cruise with Confidence certificate.
Announced April 16th
Dear valued Travel Partners,
Together, we are facing a truly unprecedented situation as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact our communities and our businesses. In accordance with the recent guidance provided by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has extended the suspension of all global operations for sailings departing on-or-before June 11th, 2020. Though hopeful that returning to service ahead of summer vacation plans would be an option, the current situation remains beyond our control and continued social distancing is an important step towards containing the further spread of this illness. To compensate for this inconvenience, provided below are a few options to consider for those confirmed on sailings departing between May 12th and June 11th, 2020, who have not previously canceled under our Cruise with Confidence offer..
OPTION 1 - Best Value | OPTION 2 - Lower Value | |
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OFFER | 125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to sail with us on or before Apr 30th, 2021 | 100% Refund of amount paid |
ACTION ITEMS | It's Simple—no Action Needed From You! FCC is Automatically issued to all impacted guests | Contact OVC to Request a Refund to begin this process |
COMMISSION PROTECTION | We've got you covered! Commission will be protected on both ends - the canceled reservation AND the future booking where the FCC is applied! | Commission will be protected on the canceled reservation. |
BEST VALUE: 125% Future Cruise Credit
Based on the total cruise fare paid per guest, a 125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) will be automatically issued to all impacted guests. FCCs can be expected via email on-or-before May 22nd, 2020. Taxes and fees, as well as any pre-purchased amenities or onboard packages will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment within 45 days from the cancellation date.
If you previously opted to take advantage of our Cruise with Confidence policy, the 100% FCC will stand, and this new option is ineligible. Additionally, if you redeemed their Cruise with Confidence FCC on a sailing that is now cancelled, their original FCC will be reinstated, plus 125% of any amount paid by the guest on the cancelled reservation.
LOWER VALUE: 100% Refund
Should you prefer a full refund of the original amount paid, we are happy to process this request on-or-before December 31st, 2020. The 125% Future Cruise Credit will remain active through its expiration date of December 31st, 2021 or until a refund request is submitted, at which time it will be deactivated.
If you redeemed a Cruise with Confidence Future Cruise Credit on an impacted sailing and would now prefer a refund instead, we are happy to process this request in the amount of any new funds paid above the original certificate and, in turn, will reinstate the Cruise with Confidence FCC for future use.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and patience through this challenging time. We look ahead to brighter days when we can, once again, welcome you and your clients onboard our award-winning ships to continue crafting vacation memories together.
Stay healthy and safe.
Announced April 15th
At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are always our top priorities. On March 13th, we made the decision to voluntarily suspend our sailings departing from US ports, and later on March 14th we decided to also suspend operations for the remainder of our sailings worldwide. On March 24th, we decided to extend our voluntary suspension until May 11th, 2020. Our goal is to resume operations for most of our ships on May 12th, 2020. Because of announced port closures, there are other itineraries we will be suspending.
As a result of this change, we’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with us by December 31st, 2021
Or, if you prefer the lower value in a full refund, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have plenty of time to make up your mind. You have until December 31st, 2021 to request a refund.
If you purchased Cruise Planner Items:
And, if you purchased air or hotel:
We know, this too shall pass, and we are optimistic that very soon you’ll be excited about planning your next cruise vacation. As always, the most important thing to us will always be the safety of our guests and crew. In the meantime, we’ll continue to monitor the global situation. We wish you good health and truly appreciate your continued loyalty.
Announced March 24th
Dear Valued Travel Partners,
This is an unprecedented time, and we know you and your clients are experiencing ripple effects across all facets of life. We're confident that all will be well in due time, but until then Royal Caribbean® continues to evaluate the current environment, as well as determine our best path forward. When considering global travel restrictions, port closures, and more significantly, the importance of practicing "social distancing," we have made the decision to extend our global suspension, with hopes of now returning to general service as of May 12th, 2020. The only known exceptions to this are the return date of July 2nd, 2020 for the kick-off of the Alaska season, as well as all sailings originating or ending in Canada. Likewise, Singapore departures resume operation beginning June 1st, 2020. Our intent was never to disappoint your clients, nor to disrupt their vacation plans, but the health, safety, and security of our guests and crew remain our utmost priority.
As a result of this change, we've prepared some options for your clients. These options are aligned with the compensation offered to support the original global suspension on sailings through April 10th, 2020.
OPTION 1 - Best Value | OPTION 2 - Lower Value | |
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OFFER | 125% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to sail with us on or before Dec 31st, 2021 | 100% Refund of amount paid |
ACTION ITEMS | It's Simple—no Action Needed From You! FCC is Automatically issued to all impacted guests | Contact OVC to Request a Refund to begin this process |
COMMISSION PROTECTION | We've got you covered! Commission will be protected on both ends - the canceled reservation AND the future booking where the FCC is applied! | Commission will be protected on the canceled reservation. |
BEST VALUE: 125% Future Cruise Credit: This Future Cruise Credit will be based on the total cruise fare paid at the guest-level and will be automatically issued to all impacted guests on-or-before April 30th, 2020 via email. Taxes and fees, as well as any pre-purchased amenities or onboard packages will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment within 30 days. You can opt-in to receive an Onboard Credit in the value of 125% of the total Cruise Planner purchases on your reservation by clicking here through April 8th, 2020.
If your client previously opted to take advantage of our Cruise with Confidence policy, the 100% FCC will stand and this new option is not applicable. Additionally, if your clients redeemed their Cruise with Confidence FCC on a sailing that is now cancelled, they will receive a new Future Cruise Credit valued at 125% of the total cruise fare paid, including the amount of the original certificate.
LOWER VALUE: 100% Refund: If a full refund is preferred, we are happy to process this request simply by clicking the link below and submitting the requested information. Given how fluid this situation is, we are allowing ample time for your client to choose the best option. The 125% Future Cruise Credit will remain active through its expiration date of December 31st, 2021 or until a refund request is submitted, at which time it will be deactivated. Your client can expect the refund approximately 30 days after requested.
If your client redeemed a Cruise with Confidence Future Cruise Credit on an impacted sailing and would now prefer a refund instead, we are happy to administer a refund in the amount of the new funds paid above the original certificate and, in turn, will reinstate the Cruise with Confidence FCC for future use.
We look forward to sailing again very soon and, rest-assured, our onboard staff and crew are preparing to welcome your clients back with great anticipation!
As always, we appreciate your patience and support during this time – stay safe and healthy!
Announced March 14th
After the decision was made on March 13th to voluntarily suspend our sailings departing from US ports, we've now made the decision to also suspend operations for the remainder of our sailings worldwide, effective at midnight, March 15th. If you are currently onboard a cruise, there’s no need to worry. Royal Caribbean will complete its current sailing and debark as planned. Its goal is to resume operations on April 11th, 2020.
As a result of this change, Royal Caribbean is providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail by December 31, 2021
• This amount will be based on your total cruise fare paid. And, it is giving you a little extra, knowing that this is such a unique circumstance.
• Royal Caribbean will automatically issue you your Future Cruise Credit by Monday, April 13th, 2020 via email. So, there’s nothing for you to do!
• Please know, if you pre-purchased any amenities and packages – like internet, beverage, dining, or RoyalUp Upgrade, those will be automatically refunded.
Or, if you prefer the lower value in a full refund, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have plenty of time to make up your mind. You have until December 31, 2021 to request a refund.
• Please contact us to start the refund process, if you’re willing to give up the higher value of your 125% Future Cruise Credit.
• We’ll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits.
• You can expect to receive your refund 30 days after you submit your request.
And, if you purchased air or hotel…
• via Royal Caribbean, these will also be automatically refunded to you.
• on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.
Announced March 12th
COVID-19 Health Screening and Boarding Protocols
We are closely monitoring global developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are being proactive when it comes to protecting the health of our guests, crew, and the communities where Royal Caribbean sails.
To comply with guidance from CDC, WHO, public health authorities around the world, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Royal Caribbean is enhancing its rigorous global boarding and screening measures to protect guests and crew. These measures are intentionally conservative and apply to anyone boarding their ships, guests and crew alike.
These temporary safety precautions will remain in place for a projected period of 30 days and will continue to be reviewed daily. Updates will be posted on this page as we receive them. Until further notice, all ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. fleet will adopt the following health screening protocols:
Mandatory temperature screenings using digital, non-touch scanners are being conducted with guests, crewmembers, and visitors on embarkation day prior to boarding any vessel. If temperature registers about 100.4°F (38°C), the person and his/her travel companions will be referred to a secondary health screening. Guests who are denied boarding due to screening results will receive compensation.
COVID-19 presents the most serious health risks to older individuals, the immunocompromised, and those with serious, underlying medical conditions. Therefore, effective Monday, March 16
Secondary, enhanced health screenings will be performed on:
In some cases, guests presenting certain symptoms in the specialized health screenings may be denied boarding.
All guests who are denied boarding due to these restrictions will receive full compensation.
Additional restrictions may be imposed based on local circumstances. For example, certain countries may deny visas or prohibit entry based on travel history or nationality.
Royal Caribbean has rigorous medical protocols in place to help guests and crew members who feel unwell while sailing. Its protocols include professional medical treatment; isolation of unwell individuals from the general ship population; and intensified ship cleaning, air filtration, and sanitization procedures..
Royal Caribbean continues to assess developments constantly and will update these measures as needed. Guests with questions may refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
Announced March 9th
Change your sail date at any time up to 48 hours before your sailing or receive a Future Cruise Credit.
Your cruise is covered by Royal Caribbean's new Cruise with Confidence Cancellation Program. That means you can change your sail date at any time up to 48 hours before your sailing, for itineraries departing up until 7/31/2020, or receive a Future Cruise Credit.
Responding to the ever-evolving challenge presented by Coronavirus since late January, you now have options for cancellations due to the unforeseen circumstances that this has caused.
Sailing Window: March 6 through July 31, 2020
- Future Cruise Credit (FCC) may be applied to any sailing through December 31, 2021.
Royal Caribbean's FAQs
https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-with-confidence
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