New, as of June 17, US Rules--especially Florida!

[bajathree]

1 minute ago, schittenden said:

They should give wristbands to the vaccinated. Otherwise, the unvaccinated will just cut them off. They could also flag their cruise card and have it come up every time it’s swiped for any reason. Require swipes at venues to enter, etc. 

This is from a set of similar rules that were sent out on the Royal side....but I will assume this same one will follow on the Celebrity side.....

Please note, the SeaPass card will be required to access lounges, shows and dining venues, so keep it handy at all times during the cruise. 

[schittenden]

1 minute ago, bajathree said:

This is from a set of similar rules that were sent out on the Royal side....but I will assume this same one will follow on the Celebrity side.....

Please note, the SeaPass card will be required to access lounges, shows and dining venues, so keep it handy at all times during the cruise. 

I wonder how this will apply to non-FL sailings with unvaccinated children. Will their parents have to sit in an unvaccinated section? The policy doesn’t read like there will be an unvaccinated section. 

[Irene225]

6 minutes ago, schittenden said:

They should give wristbands to the vaccinated. Otherwise, the unvaccinated will just cut them off. They could also flag their cruise card and have it come up every time it’s swiped for any reason. Require swipes at venues to enter, etc. 

this is what some of the islands are doing right now. I just had clients in St Lucia (land trip,  not cruise obviously) and vaccinated travelers are given wristbands and allowed to travel freely on the island.  Those who don’t  show a vaccination card don’t get the wristband and can only go on pre approved  excursions. My group of vaccinated travelers felt they got better service. 

Edited June 18, 2021 by ashirene225

[Cruising89143]

9 minutes ago, journeymore said:

I agree with your husband. For me it’s not so much covid but also I haven’t had cold, flu nor bronchitis since I started wearing a mask. Yes I’m vaccinated. 

Agree. None of the garbage that I usually pick up somewhere other than home. I usually pick up some type of garbage on a ship. 

[AtlantaCruiser72]

25 minutes ago, cruisingator2 said:

Celebrity is stating upfront that they plan to cruise with at least 95% vaccinated and then they break down the rules for Florida due to the Florida law.

 

Following CDC guidelines we will sail with all crew vaccinated and at least 95% of guests will be fully vaccinated.

 

All guests age 16 and above must be fully vaccinated (at least two weeks prior to sail date). As of August 1, 2021, all guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2-15 will require a complimentary SARS-CoV -2 test at the terminal. 
 

 

For Sailings from Florida
Guests over 16 years old (over 12 for any sailing on or after August 1st) who decline or are unable to show proof of vaccination at boarding will be treated as unvaccinated and subject to additional protocols, restrictions, and costs for COVID-19 testing. 

Additional requirements for unvaccinated guests 16 +

• You will need to arrive for embarkation with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours in advance of arrival to the terminal.  
• You will be subject to an antigen test at the pier.
• A mid cruise antigen test onboard will be required. 
• An antigen test will be required at the end of the cruise.  Please do not make early travel plans on the day of debarkation to allow time for the required testing process. 
• The per person cost for these antigen tests is $178 and will be applied to your onboard folio. 
• Masks will be required at all times onboard except while eating or drinking. 
• Depending on local government requirements, unvaccinated guests may be restricted while ashore.  
• And unvaccinated guests will have designated seating areas in some venues such as the dining rooms, casino, theatre, etc.  

 

So if they plan on applying the 95/5% rule they run the risk of denied boardings, how will that be handled?  If a passenger travels all the way to Florida and is willing to jump through all the hoops and hurdles to meet the guidelines and is denied boarding because of an occupancy cap for non-vaccinated individuals will they be given a refund or any other compensation for the denied boarding?  That is not spelled out or addressed anywhere I can see.  I still interpret this as a "carve-out" from the 95/5% CDC rule to run end around Desantis, still be be compliant with the spirit of CDC guidance, and that if they have more than 5% present for boarding as willing to travel unvaccinated they will have to allow them to travel.  That's just my interpretation.

[Cruising89143]

6 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

 

So if they plan on applying the 95/5% rule they run the risk of denied boardings, how will that be handled?  If a passenger travels all the way to Florida and is willing to jump through all the hoops and hurdles to meet the guidelines and is denied boarding because of an occupancy cap for non-vaccinated individuals will they be given a refund or any other compensation for the denied boarding?  That is not spelled out or addressed anywhere I can see.  I still interpret this as a "carve-out" from the 95/5% CDC rule to run end around Desantis, still be be compliant with the spirit of CDC guidance, and that if they have more than 5% present for boarding as willing to travel unvaccinated they will have to allow them to travel.  That's just my interpretation.

The CDC will shut them down if found to be skirting the rules. No way will they take the chance. We were asked when booking if we were vaccinated and if we would present the necessary proof at check in. We were placed in the vaccinated category. My Celebrity TA stated that the cruise line will be reaching out to anyone booking through the website to ask the same questions. I assume that Celebrity will handle internally those who do not make the five percent cut.  

[Tee & Chilli]

6 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

 

So if they plan on applying the 95/5% rule they run the risk of denied boardings, how will that be handled?  If a passenger travels all the way to Florida and is willing to jump through all the hoops and hurdles to meet the guidelines and is denied boarding because of an occupancy cap for non-vaccinated individuals will they be given a refund or any other compensation for the denied boarding?  That is not spelled out or addressed anywhere I can see.  I still interpret this as a "carve-out" from the 95/5% CDC rule to run end around Desantis, still be be compliant with the spirit of CDC guidance, and that if they have more than 5% present for boarding as willing to travel unvaccinated they will have to allow them to travel.  That's just my interpretation.

Prior to the pandemic cruise lines had to submit a list of passengers 48 hours prior to sailing. If this is still accurate, people may be notified in advance of their denial.

[Jeremiah1212]

6 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

 

So if they plan on applying the 95/5% rule they run the risk of denied boardings, how will that be handled?  If a passenger travels all the way to Florida and is willing to jump through all the hoops and hurdles to meet the guidelines and is denied boarding because of an occupancy cap for non-vaccinated individuals will they be given a refund or any other compensation for the denied boarding?  That is not spelled out or addressed anywhere I can see.  I still interpret this as a "carve-out" from the 95/5% CDC rule to run end around Desantis, still be be compliant with the spirit of CDC guidance, and that if they have more than 5% present for boarding as willing to travel unvaccinated they will have to allow them to travel.  That's just my interpretation.

 

I don't think so at all. The elusiveness is part of the plan. What you are describing would put them squarely in a position to do one test cruise, get approval, and sail with whatever ratio they wanted. 

 

They're not putting in the effort to create elaborate systems and bidding processes to accommodate 5% of their guests on purpose. Celebrity flat out denied an explanation on the last TA call because there isn't going to be a procedure. Priority goes to vaccinated parents with kids and everyone else...we'll get back to you. Or not. Or just read between the lines. They simply do not want you on board right now. 

[bajathree]

19 minutes ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

 

So if they plan on applying the 95/5% rule they run the risk of denied boardings, how will that be handled?  If a passenger travels all the way to Florida and is willing to jump through all the hoops and hurdles to meet the guidelines and is denied boarding because of an occupancy cap for non-vaccinated individuals will they be given a refund or any other compensation for the denied boarding?  That is not spelled out or addressed anywhere I can see.  I still interpret this as a "carve-out" from the 95/5% CDC rule to run end around Desantis, still be be compliant with the spirit of CDC guidance, and that if they have more than 5% present for boarding as willing to travel unvaccinated they will have to allow them to travel.  That's just my interpretation.

That is correct. If you are denied boarding due to a failed test or occupancy cap you will be refunded. Celebrity is making it very clear....if you are of age you need to be vaccinated. 

Edited June 18, 2021 by bajathree

[keels81]

5 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

I don't think so at all. The elusiveness is part of the plan. What you are describing would put them squarely in a position to do one test cruise, get approval, and sail with whatever ratio they wanted. 

 

They're not putting in the effort to create elaborate systems and bidding processes to accommodate 5% of their guests on purpose. Celebrity flat out denied an explanation on the last TA call because there isn't going to be a procedure. Priority goes to vaccinated parents with kids and everyone else...we'll get back to you. Or not. Or just read between the lines. They simply do not want you on board right now. 

This.

If you're willing to travel to board the cruise unvaccinated, you've been told you need to submit additional paperwork to Disability Assistance 30 days before sailing as to why you can't be vaccinated and will learn if you will have to opportunity to board. This is only exceptions for medical and religious reasons AND only if there is space within the 5%.

 

If you take it upon yourself to show up and refuse to show proof of vaccination, they will put you behind the line of people in that pre-approved 5-percent that can't be vaccinated and your refusal to board will have nothing to do with denial of service, its that they can not accommodate you given their decision with the CDC. 

 

If you're lucky enough that there's a spot for you? You pay for testing, wait until the last minute to board, have to wear a mask and get restricted from areas. 

 

[Sascol]

3 hours ago, gerelmx said:

$178 per test X 3 test per cruise X 2PAX = $1,068 in your onboard account

 

Not $178 per test.....$178 total per person

Edited June 18, 2021 by Sascol

[jelayne]

I don’t get it.  They said they would start cruising at 95/5 and reduced capacity.  If the Edge starts sailing at about 30- 35%  roughly 1000 passengers thats 950 vaccinated and 50 not vaccinated.   When I go out to dinner at home, or stand in the grocery check out line, or go to the movie at home I think I have a greater chance of being seated next to a unvaccinated person that on a ship.   Not to mention that the person boarding the ship has been & will be tested.   I can’t say that for the people in the grocery, restaurant or movie.

We are vaccinated and are comfortable that should we get the virus the vaccine will do it’s job.  The only thing I’m unhappy about is we aren’t booked until October.

[marieps]

Please =X=, post that OBC may not be used to pay for the tests.   Cash or credit only, and the passenger has to file his/her own insurance.

[jelayne]

3 minutes ago, marieps said:

Please =X=, post that OBC may not be used to pay for the tests.   Cash or credit only, and the passenger has to file his/her own insurance.

Your insurance may be different but ours will not pay for a test unless we are exhibiting symptoms.

[harkinmr]

4 hours ago, Sykes said:

For their Freedom OTS sailings, Royal Caribbean is providing wristbands to vaccinated passengers and punching a hole in the SeaPass card of unvaccinated passengers. It's a bit different because they're not sailing under the 95% vaccinated protocols, but I expect Celebrity will do something similar.

Freedom’s protocols were sent to passengers this evening. ALL passengers (vaccinated and unvaccinated) have to wear masks indoors except when seated and eating/drinking. There will be certain venues (bars, restaurants, entertainment) dedicated to vaccinated folks only, where masks and social distancing are not required. So because RCI has chosen to not go 95% vaccinated everyone is subject to masking except in those designated areas. I have no idea how Celebrity intends to identify unvaccinated people. 
 

EDIT: I did see in updates to the CSO that if a ship has 95% passengers and crew vaccinated, the cruise line has the discretion to do away with protocols and restrictions for everyone on board. Don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. 

Edited June 18, 2021 by harkinmr

[rteng]

Cruise lines are fighting a pandemic and politics for survival. The science shows the vaccines will  reduce the severity of covid but not prevent it. There is going to be covid on board and I think test cruises not requiring vaccines are unnecessarily raising the risk they may be severe. Celebrity clearly does not want unvaccinated to sail and to me that's understandable. Lets get the industry restarted first.  

[Nymich]

Summer is the slow season for Florida cruising.  It is good that they are making the sausage now.  I mean people complaining about Florida can go up to Canada, NY or NJ to take a traditional port summer cruise.

[iamaqt2]

15 minutes ago, Nymich said:

Summer is the slow season for Florida cruising.  It is good that they are making the sausage now.  I mean people complaining about Florida can go up to Canada, NY or NJ to take a traditional port summer cruise.

Actually they can't.  Canada doesn't want us, so all Atlantic seaboard cruises north are cancelled.

[Nymich]

26 minutes ago, iamaqt2 said:

Actually they can't.  Canada doesn't want us, so all Atlantic seaboard cruises north are cancelled.

No they can't but they can complain about Florida which smartly during the slow season for cruising is working on things.  Get me some answers on when Canada, NY and NJ will crank up their traditional summer schedules and I will listen to people complain about Florida.

[Citymom92]

12 hours ago, basenji56 said:

You basically are adding $1068 to the cost of the cruise for the unvaccinated.  More if they have older kids along.  Plus requiring masks and segregating them.

 

Not sure if this will be enough of a deterrent to the wealthy.

. . . Or enough of a deterrent to the ignorant anti-vaxxers. But hopefully they’ll start getting turned away at port once the ship check in hits 5% and maybe they’ll start to wonder if it’s worth it. Personally I’m mad my vaccine didn’t make me magnetic or whatever else the stupid conspiracy theory they have going this week. 

[Citymom92]

8 hours ago, jelayne said:

I don’t get it.  They said they would start cruising at 95/5 and reduced capacity.  If the Edge starts sailing at about 30- 35%  roughly 1000 passengers thats 950 vaccinated and 50 not vaccinated.   When I go out to dinner at home, or stand in the grocery check out line, or go to the movie at home I think I have a greater chance of being seated next to a unvaccinated person that on a ship.   Not to mention that the person boarding the ship has been & will be tested.   I can’t say that for the people in the grocery, restaurant or movie.

We are vaccinated and are comfortable that should we get the virus the vaccine will do it’s job.  The only thing I’m unhappy about is we aren’t booked until October.

Being exposed to someone in a grocery store is vastly different than on a ship. I believe the concern isn’t that vaccinated people will get sick from Covid. It’s the fear that a ship with Covid positive travelers (vaccinated or not) could infect people on islands still struggling to get the virus under control and/or overwhelm the medical staff on ship. Plus the concern that the ship won’t be allowed to disembark really sick passengers makes it everyone’s problem whether you’re vaccinated or not. 

[cluso]

11 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

If you choose a cruise as your vacation, and still feel the need for a mask even though you're vaccinated and 95% of other cruisers are vaccinated, then you maybe, possibly, might have chosen the wrong type of vacation.

 

Covid isn't the only reason people wear masks...

[npb]

Wish Celebrity would answer all the questions and clarify their policy.

[terrydtx]

14 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/us-travel-requirements

 

Required vaccinations EXCEPT Florida with it's ridiculous "cant ask" rule.

For Florida, if you are unvaccinated or DECLINE to show proof, you will:

1) need to be Covid tested three times per cruise

2) Pay an additional $178 per person to cover test costs

3)  Be restricted to unvaccinated sections in dining rooms, theaters, etc.

4)  Required to wear masks if not eating.

 

Personally, it isn't enough as far as I am concerned.  I am NOT worried about the risk of MY catching Covid from these people.  I AM worried that enough of THEM catch it that the ship becomes considered a hot spot and ports don't let us disembark...

I don't care if unvaccinated folks ruin their own cruise...I worry about them ruining mine...

I agree and the answer is to not do any cruises that leave Florida ports. Get vaccinated or stay home, I do not want more than 5% unvaccinated on my cruise but even 5% is risky.

Edited June 18, 2021 by terrydtx

[bajathree]

19 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

I agree and the answer is to not do any cruises that leave Florida ports. Get vaccinated or stay home, I do not want more than 5% unvaccinated on my cruise but even 5% is risky.

I will respectfully have to disagree that not sailing from FL ports is the answer.