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.

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

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.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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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.

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3 Ingredients to Cruising Future

What did it take to get cruising restarted in the United States? The following three ingredients were at the core that made cruise resumption possible.

New Protocols 

The Healthy Sail Panel, a group of the best minds and leaders in public health, biosecurity, epidemiology, hospitality and maritime operations presented their recommendations to the CDC on behalf of the entire cruise industry.  Their 65-plus-page report includes 74 detailed best practices to protect the public health and safety of guests, crew and the communities where cruise ships call. Recommendations include testing, the use of face coverings, and enhanced sanitation procedures on ships and in terminals.

The CDC has published a framework for return to cruising and the cruise lines worked together with them to finalize the actual requirements to be implemented.

Reassuring Safe to Cruise (Click to Read More)

Technology

Existing and new technological innovations augment health and safety.  Guests will complete health questionnaires and other documents in advance of arrival at the pier making it possible to expedite the embarkation process while maintaining social distancing.  The latest medical testing methods will screen for illness prior to embarkation and during the cruise.  The intent is for passengers to embark healthy and disembark healthy as well.  For the majority of cruises, there is a requirement that passengers, that are eligible, be fully vaccinated.

On board the ship, technology will make it possible for planning which dining venues and entertainment options guests which to choose (based on current availability).  Need to find someone on the ship? An app or other device will give you their location.  These are just a few of the ways technology will play a part.

Travel Advisors

Throughout the cruising shutdown, we have kept in contact with our cruise line partners and helped our guests navigate the waters of cancellations, refunds, future cruise credits, and rebooking options.  The situation has been very fluid, sometimes with things changing daily.   The cruise lines listened to our feedback and made adjustments as needed.

As we return to cruising, we will continue to be your core source of the latest information, provided to us by our travel partners.  We will be spending an entire week in conference with all the top cruise and land providers, learning about how they intend to keep passengers, crew, and the public safe and healthy.  Watch for posts live from Celebrity Apex staring November 13th.

This is not the time for you to try to navigate these waters on your own.  Helping our guests make the best decisions for their situation is why we are in this profession.    Cruising is already the best vacation value, but it will be even greater when you combine that with our experience and guidance, along with exclusive offers that we have been given, in recognition of our importance to the resumption of travel.

Looking to the Future ...

There's much more to the story, so be sure to follow us for our continuing posts on this and other important industry topics.

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

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.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Connect With Us On

    
    

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

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 afternoon at 4 PM Eastern for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

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.

Connect With Us On

       

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

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