Healthy Cruising and the Royal Promise

"The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew, and the communities we visit, is our top priority. In response to COVID-19, Royal Caribbean is evaluating every last detail of our operations to develop unprecedented standards that will keep you safe and healthy. That’s why we have assembled the Healthy Sail Panel, a group of the best minds and leaders in public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, hospitality and maritime operations. Their insights and recommendations are helping to drive our way forwards as we work to strengthen our current procedures and create new ones across the entire cruise experience. The panel will work alongside our new Public Health & Chief Medical Officer, Dr Calvin Johnson, who will lead the company’s public health initiatives and oversee our response to health crises. Our collective efforts will be shared with the cruise industry and other industries that may benefit from our findings – because we’re all in this together."

Healthy Return to Sailing

Royal Caribbean Group continues to collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel, epidemiologists, health authorities and various governments around the globe to ensure a healthy and safe return to cruising for guests, crew and the communities visited. The Company also continues to prepare and develop its plan to meet the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for US sailings. Meanwhile most sailings remain suspended.

In December, Quantum of the Seas started operating out of Singapore.  The CDC  requested Royal Caribbean provide information about two of their COVID-19 safety technologies being used on Quantum.  We wrote about the first one, Muster 2.0 in a previous post.  With that technology, passengers no longer gather in large groups to complete the mandatory safety drill before sailing.

The second technology, the Tracelet™ is a patented technology which allows for contact tracing.

 

What is a Tracelet™? 

Tracelet™         Courtesy Royal Caribbean Singapore

Who needs to wear it? 

What if I cannot wear it on my wrist? 

The Tracelet™ is a comfortable, water-resistant, hypoallergenic wearable worn by all guests and crew during the cruise. The Tracelet™ helps Royal with contact tracing in the unlikely event of an onboard health concern. Therefore, everyone onboard regardless of age, needs to wear it. 

Should you be unable to wear it on your wrist, they will find another way for you to wear it. Any guest who chooses not to wear the Tracelet™ will be unable to sail.

As cool as the Tracelet™ is, you might want to take it with you, but unfortunately you'll have to leave it onboard when the cruise ends for the next guests to use.   

What Happens if Someone Tests Positive Onboard?

Courtesy Royal Caribbean - Click to Enlarge

That's an excellent question that is on the minds of most perspective passengers.  First of all, since everyone eligible (currently 12 and over)  is starting out the cruise fully vaccinated and/or with a negative test, odds are in your favor that this won't happen.  But if it does, Royal Caribbean Group (all brands) has your back.  The following information should ease your mind.

Upgraded Medical Facilities & Expert Care 

"There’s nothing more important than your health and safety. Our high-quality medical care includes doctors and nurses onboard each sailing and state-of-the-art equipment onboard. And in the event of a suspected case of COVID-19, we’re fully prepared with immediate medical evaluations, rapid COVID-19 testing and dedicated zones for COVID-19 care, more critical care beds on each ship, and robust treatment plans."   Read More (click here).

Identification / Containment / Providing Care & Assistance

These are the pillars behind Royal Caribbean's protocols to handle a medical emergency of this nature.  Thanks to the Tracelet™  and the technology behind the scenes,  Royal Caribbean can quickly determine who you've been in contact with and take steps to contain further infection.   By definition that means anyone that was within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more which can be determined by the technology.

Editor Note:   Think about this:   If you tested positive at home - would you know who you were in contact with and for how long?

We've already mentioned that they have upgraded their medical facilities and can isolate patients as necessary.   The next thing they do may be unexpected.

Medical Evacuation

When a passenger is identified with COVID-19, the Royal Caribbean Care Team onboard takes over.  The team will get them the necessary treatment onboard and arrange for private transportation back home.

Transportation will be provided by private air ambulance paid for by Royal Caribbean.  Even if you are not exhibiting symptoms, this arrangement is used to ensure you have proper care should you need it in transit.   You will be delivered to your doorstep by the transport team assuring that you are completely cared for.

Editor Note: Can you think of another hospitality provider that would provide this level of care?  While this is for all brands of cruise lines that are part of Royal Caribbean Group, other lines have similar care that they can provide.  Check with your travel professional during your cruise planning.

 

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Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

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Candid Chat with Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain

We just attended an industry briefing with Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support & Services Celebrity Cruises and her special guest Richard Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group.

Before we get to today's chat, we'd like to personally thank Royal Caribbean Group and Richard Fain in particular,  for his leadership and constantly keeping their travel partners updated throughout the entire pandemic crisis.  His videos, communications, and guest appearances on weekly briefings from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises has been crucial to our ability to keep our guests updated on latest developments.

Dondra began the chat by thanking Richard for joining us and for his continued communications throughout the pandemic.  She then asked him if he would have done anything differently.   Richard said it's important to "look forward and not back".   

He said that he knew that communication would be key.   He knew that people wanted to know what they were thinking and transparency was key.   He feels he got great value from the communication because it forced him to think about where they were going.

He cited the creation of the Healthy Sail Panel with experts in many fields was a critical step in the return to service.

Celebrity Edge Returns to Service

An Emotional Return to Service on Celebrity Edge

Next Dondra asked him about his experience on the first sailing of Celebrity Edge as it returned to service.   Richard said "it was a very emotional moment".  He was onboard one day before passengers, essentially alone with the crew.   As crew greeted him, they were in tears.  

Day 2 of his time onboard, they greeted the first guest which again was very emotional.   The passengers on this first sailing included Celebrity's most loyal guests, trade and press, and Royal Caribbean employees. 

The consensus of the guests was that it was an emotional moment, but also it felt so normal. 

Continual Improvement - Not a "New Normal"

Many protocols are behind the scenes, such as the improved ventilation systems and enhanced medical facilities.   Guests don't even notice the difference.  With the enhanced protocols we could live life normally.

He acknowledged that there have been isolated cases, but it has been better than you'll find across the United States today.   The reason for that is that they control the environment.   Guests are fully vaccinated, social distancing is possible while still allowing for a great vacation experience.  It's one of the safest vacations you can take today.

2021 - 2022 Sailings Open for Booking

This is a unique time in the history of the cruise industry.   The industry has always put health and safety first, but with the new protocols, they have taken it to new heights.  The industry will be better for the improvements made to date and those that will follow.

Ships are sailing with fewer passengers allowing for an even more personal experience as the happy crew are eager to provide the best vacation experience possible.   Why not check out some of the current offers below and let us plan your next cruise vacation?

Current Celebrity Cruises Offers

Current Royal Caribbean Offers

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Starting July 7, 2021 our new time will be 4 PM Eastern

Come Sail Away with Royal

We look at the current state of the cruise industry through the lens of a CEO of one of the largest cruise lines. We end with an optimistic video, which was made almost a year ago, by their entertainment department .

Industry Update

As a professional travel advisor, part of my job is to stay informed, so that I can keep my guests updated with the latest information during these unprecedented times.

This morning I attended the 49th trade update presented by Royal Caribbean since the pandemic started.  These weekly updates have been very beneficial to me and the rest of the trade industry.  Thank you Royal Caribbean Group for your ongoing commitment and efforts during these times. 

Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, was guest speaker for this session. This image captured his expressions during his various past appearances, with the latest one reflecting joy about the progress made in resuming operations safely.

In fact, Royal Caribbean Group has already had 100,000 guests onboard. With the new protocols in place, mainly testing and contract tracing, they have only had 10 positive cases of COVID-19 without any major disruption to other passengers or countries visited.  This is mainly due to the ability to isolate anyone that is showing symptoms and identify anyone they were in contact with.  The industry as a whole has had 350,000 guests sailing successfully since gradually resuming sailings.

We Control the Environment

You might be wondering why there has been such a low percentage of positive cases among these 100,000 passengers.   Richard Fain explained that since they are in control of the environment, everyone is tested and contract tracing can identify any possible risk from exposure.  He went on to say that the contract tracing technology being used is more effective that what is used on land.   There you would be contacted by phone by someone and most likely you wouldn't even know who you had been in contact with.  On the ship, they can determine who you were in contact with, and for how long, using the technology put in place.  Impacted individuals can quickly be identified and isolated keeping the remaining guests safely protected and not impacting their vacations.

Time to Move On

Back in October, 2020, CDC issued a Conditional Sail Order which consisted of four phases.  We are still in Phase 1 with no direction regarding remaining phases.  This plan is out of date, therefore Royal Caribbean has been working with health experts and various governments to put safe cruising protocols in place.

The various Public Health agencies have detailed information about infectious illnesses and the cruise lines have the data about the cruise industry and protocols.   Cooperation and dialog has been very valuable, as well as science and technology, in creating a revised plan to safely resume sailing.

Royal Caribbean has announced homeport changes which will allow them to continue their gradual return to sailing.  The latest announcement has sailings embarking from Bermuda starting in June (more on that in another post).

Delivering Great Experience

As you can imagine there were many questions during this session.  One agent asked how crew members were holding up.  Mr. Fain acknowledged that it had been hard on everyone, especially in the beginning with flight restrictions preventing crew members from getting home.  He said that "while the men and women that deliver the great cruise experience had it very difficult, their response was a joy to behold."  Royal Caribbean recently had a survey and within 12 hours they had overwhelming responses with the crew anxious to return.  He said "I often say that I have the best job in the world.  I work with a team that really cares."

Passengers who are disembarking the cruises, that have begun, are giving Royal Caribbean high marks.  The cruise experience that Royal is known for is still being delivered.  Another technology item that is making a difference is Muster 2.0, which allows passengers to view the safety video at their leisure and checkin at the muster station during a pre-defined period of time.  This eliminates social distancing issues while still maintaining the mandatory safety requirements.

Who is Cruising Now

There had been an assumption made that when cruising resumed, the majority of the cruisers would be well-seasoned veteran cruisers.  In Singapore for example, 80% of the guests are first time cruisers.  In Germany, first time cruisers are at or above the level they were at prior to COVID-19.

What Destinations 

Several questions were asked about various cruise destinations.   He indicated that there will be a Europe season this summer, but it won't be the same as usual.  Royal Caribbean is still working through the various regulatory hurdles.   He mentioned that MSC and Costa are currently operating in Europe and Royal Caribbean's Israel to Greece itinerary will be very popular.

Alaska's cruise season is still in question.  There has been support by several members of Congress and others, mostly on behalf of businesses in Alaska.   The cruise season is short, so you can't just postpone it for a few months.  One issue is the it takes months to prepare a ship's sailing so getting timely permissions is crucial. 

Royal Caribbean Entertainment

A year ago the world learned about Zoom meetings and soon they discovered you perform music as well.  The Royal Caribbean Entertainment team produced this video with performers all over the world to share an inspirational message.  The video ends with "We'll Be Back".  

This is the last time this video will be seen in its current form.   Royal Caribbean is Back (sailing again)!!

 

Related Posts 

Cruise Industry Leaders Share Their Vision
CDC Publishes Conditional Sailing Order

Reassuring Safe to Cruise

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Royal Caribbean COVID-19 Impact

Royal Caribbean Group reported financial results on Monday for the fiscal year of 2020 and commented on the business considering the global COVID-19 pandemic.

 "The COVID-19 pandemic is having a painful and profound impact on our world and our business; unquestionably, this crisis is the most difficult in the Company's history. But we have been impressed and grateful for the resourcefulness and agility of our team in responding to these unprecedented challenges. More importantly, we remain confident about the ability of our Company to recover and return to the positive trajectory we were on previously," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO. "We are encouraged to see the sharp decline in cases and the growing availability of vaccines. We can't wait to get back to the business of showing people the world and making great memories." 

Full Year 2020 results: 

As part of the global containment effort resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented a voluntary suspension of its cruise operations beginning March 13, 2020, which has been extended for most ships through at least April 30, 2021. 

For the full year, the Company reported US GAAP Net Loss of $(5.8) billion or $(27.05) per share compared to US GAAP Net Income of $1.9 billion or $8.95 per share in the prior year. The Company also reported Adjusted Net Loss of $(3.9) billion or $(18.31) per share for full year 2020 compared to Adjusted Net Income of $2.0 billion or $9.54 per share in the prior year.

Healthy Return to Sailing

Royal Caribbean continues to collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel, epidemiologists, health authorities and various governments around the globe to ensure a healthy and safe return to cruising for guests, crew and the communities visited. The Company also continues to prepare and develop its plan to meet the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for US sailings. Meanwhile most sailings remain suspended.

In December, Quantum of the Seas started operating out of Singapore.  The CDC has requested Royal Caribbean provide information about two of their COVID-19 safety technologies being used on Quantum.  We wrote about the first one, Muster 2.0 in a previous post.  With that technology, passengers no longer gather in large groups to complete the mandatory safety drill before sailing.

The second technology, the Tracelet™ is a patented technology which allows for contact tracing.

 

What is a Tracelet™? 

Tracelet™         Courtesy Royal Caribbean Singapore

Who needs to wear it? 

What if I cannot wear it on my wrist? 

According to Royal Caribbean's Singapore website, the Tracelet™ is a comfortable, water-resistant, hypoallergenic wearable worn by all guests and crew during the cruise. The Tracelet™ helps us with contact tracing in the unlikely event of an onboard health concern. Therefore, everyone onboard regardless of age, needs to wear it. 

Should you be unable to wear it on your wrist, we will find another way for you to wear it. Any guest who chooses not to wear the Tracelet™ will be unable to sail.

The press release also details financial steps taken by the company and details the impact on past and future bookings.  Read entire Press Release here.

Looking to 2022

Royal Caribbean has released its Short Caribbean sailings for Summer 2022 - Winter 2023, which are now available for booking.  Three Freedom class ships, Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas will operate from Florida and sail 3-4 night cruises to the Bahamas including a stop at their private island sensation Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

Mariner of the Seas will sail 4-5 night cruises to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at Coco Cay from Port Canaveral.  Adventure of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas will offer short cruises from Galveston.  Brilliance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will sail 4-5 night cruises to Western Caribbean from Tampa.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat