Vaccine policy reversal for Royal Caribbean cruises

Royal Caribbean has reversed its vaccine policy, making double vaccination optional for most of its cruises out of the US, says Travel and Leisure.

The new policy was announced as the cruise line detailed summer sailings out of Florida and Texas. It says unvaccinated passengers will be allowed to board a Royal Caribbean cruise as long as they ‘undergo testing and follow other protocols’.

An exception to the new policy, says Travel and Leisure, is those boarding a ship to Alaska where the cruise line will still require guests 16 and older to be vaccinated, and 12 and older starting Aug. 1.

In general, Royal Caribbean says guests ‘are strongly recommended’ to have been vaccinated before boarding, and all crew will be vaccinated.