Freedom of the Seas July sailings Healthy Sail Requirements.

[sugcarol]

RCL as well as other lines are sending a clear message, get the damn vaccine and get on with life. If you don't want or can't get the vaccine, I'm sorry, you will need to find some other vacation until and unless the rules go away. You would think the way people talk, that the vax is made from rabid dragon spit, or some other nonsense. Many states would have reached herd 2 months ago, but there has been a slowdown in requests for vaccines, in fact so much they are selling them to other countries. I just don't understand people. The vaccines WORK that is why we are talking about upcoming cruises that we are booked on, how do you think we got to this point?? Because we did what they wanted us to do. I applaud people for seeing this for what it is. It is due to our efforts that we are crawling back to normalcy.

[sugcarol]

It will look like class distinction. You will  see where they are sitting in the dining room and the shows. Frankly I would be embarrassed having to go to a separate area, maybe that is why they are doing it, to encourage people to get the vax. I think ultimately people who don't want the vax will cave if they want to cruise.   

[Tree_skier]

1 hour ago, ChutChut said:

Why would anyone pay for this type of experience?

They won't and that is their intention.  Most of these sailing will sail 95% vac'd 

[satchimosmom]

3 hours ago, kruzerci said:

 
I agree. I am pissed. I am

vaccinated and booked this cruise with the understanding it would be all vaccinated. I’m not wearing a mask onboard because they chose more revenue over all else. 

We were previously booked on Allure for November out of Florida with the understanding vaccines would be required. When we discovered the rules had changed, we switched up to Adventure in September departing from the Bahamas.  Vaccines will be required and we’ll all have the freedom to be maskless.   

[Kaitlyntk]

What are you thoughts about how the protocols will affect vaccinated parents with children too young for the vaccine? My husband and I are fully vaccinated, but our ten year old can’t get the vaccine yet. Will we have to sit with the unvaccinated population throughout the cruise? That’s a scary thought. 

[CI66774]

Just now, Kaitlyntk said:

What are you thoughts about how the protocols will affect vaccinated parents with children too young for the vaccine? My husband and I are fully vaccinated, but our ten year old can’t get the vaccine yet. Will we have to sit with the unvaccinated population throughout the cruise? That’s a scary thought. 

Thought of this myself. It’s unclear from RCI’s statement whether they would be considered unvaccinated when it comes to dining, shows, etc.

[cured]

It says the vaxxed have to wear masks indoors. But then it goes on to say:

Masks won’t be required for vaccinated guests when in venues (bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment) or at events designated for vaccinated guests only.

 

No masks needed in bars, lounges, restaurants, or entertainment.  Looks like the only places the vaxxed have to wear masks is hallways and elevators.

Edited June 18, 2021 by cured

[Edinburghgirl1]

Looks like there will be separate dining areas for unvaccinated and those who are vaccinated have to west wrist bands

[Tolkmit]

2 hours ago, cured said:

It says the vaxxed have to wear masks indoors. But then it goes on to say:

Masks won’t be required for vaccinated guests when in venues (bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment) or at events designated for vaccinated guests only.

 

No masks needed in bars, lounges, restaurants, or entertainment.  Looks like the only places the vaxxed have to wear masks is hallways and elevators.

 

That's not what that is saying. The qualifier "designated for vaccinated guests only" applies to both events and venues. AKA no masks required at venues designated for vax only, & no mask required at events designated for vax only. We probably won't know which venues or events will be for vaccinated only until we get on board; because it is likely to change based on what percent of passengers are unvaccinated on each specific cruise.

[molly361]

6 hours ago, sandebeach said:

Since our July cruise is only a 4 day, we will try it and see if it is ok. If not, then we will use Cruise With Confidence to cancel our August sailing. 

Our August one is also 4 days, hoping the mask requirement goes away by then.  If not we might also cancel our September one 

[CI66774]

4 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

They won't and that is their intention.  Most of these sailing will sail 95% vac'd 

I understood that. My point is why would vaccinated guests pay for it. Seems like it’s going to be one big cluster....

[L454S]

No big deal.....we've cancelled a bunch already, will cancel what we have now with these protocols. Lot's of other things to do and see, and more opening every day.

 

I would like to resume sailing, but won't do it like this.

[molly361]

If you don't like the protocols i guess you can say you are unvaccinated and get your money back?

 

I thought even the CDC said if vaccinated masks are not needed indoors?

[nelblu]

9 hours ago, sandebeach said:

Since our July cruise is only a 4 day, we will try it and see if it is ok. If not, then we will use Cruise With Confidence to cancel our August sailing. 

My problem is a bit different.  I have 4 cabins booked on Anthem's Easter sailing and if these are the requirements, I'm planning on cancelling.  I have a granddaughters aged 7-15 at sail time and I'm not going to force them to take the jab.  These protocols do not make for a pleasant family vacation. 

 

I expect RCL to fully refund the cruise fare in it's entirety, including any FCCs used towards the fare.  I'm also expecting full refunds of any FCCs balances due because based on these conditions will not be able to utilize.

 

Note:  All adults are vaxxed.

 

 

Edited June 18, 2021 by nelblu

[shutterbug63]

I have no issue with wearing a mask even though I'm vaccinated. Small price to pay for my peace of mind.  I also don't have any issue with additional requirements/restrictions on unvaccinated people.  I'm glad to see these changes - it makes me feel a bit better about our upcoming cruise.  We're still trying to decide what to to do though and will wait and see what happens before making a decision to cancel - that is not off the table.

 

In my state, we are seeing the results of low vaccination rates in rural counties.  There are several outlying counties that are seeing a huge spike in the Delta variant.  That's not being seen in counties with a higher vaccination rate. That's a bit frightening to me.

 

1 hour ago, Casino Comp Chick said:

I feel bad for the people that can be killed by others without the vaccine. 

 

And this is why people that can get the vaccine should. It's not all about them.

Edited June 18, 2021 by shutterbug63

[Biker19]

44 minutes ago, nelblu said:

I'm also expecting full refunds of any FCCs balances due because based on these conditions will not be able to utilize.

Good luck, but unlikely that will happen. 

[danv3]

It's pretty clear that Royal is expecting the mask requirements to be relaxed for vaccinated passengers, and very soon:

 

In the coming days, we are expecting updated guidance from the CDC on mask policies for vaccinated guests and will update you at that time.

 

I would be quite surprised if many, or even any, sailings happen where vaccinated passengers are expected to wear masks.

[harkinmr]

7 hours ago, cured said:

It says the vaxxed have to wear masks indoors. But then it goes on to say:

Masks won’t be required for vaccinated guests when in venues (bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment) or at events designated for vaccinated guests only.

 

No masks needed in bars, lounges, restaurants, or entertainment.  Looks like the only places the vaxxed have to wear masks is hallways and elevators.

Mask wearing is not required in certain venues or at events designated for vaccinated guests only. Not all bars, lounges, restaurants and entertainment venues.  There will be public venues and areas that will mix vaccinated and unvaccinated persons where everyone will have to be masked.  

[molly361]

11 minutes ago, danv3 said:

It's pretty clear that Royal is expecting the mask requirements to be relaxed for vaccinated passengers, and very soon:

 

In the coming days, we are expecting updated guidance from the CDC on mask policies for vaccinated guests and will update you at that time.

 

I would be quite surprised if many, or even any, sailings happen where vaccinated passengers are expected to wear masks.

I certainly hope you are right.  Just read Carnival's new update, no masks for vaccinated people excpet for embarkation.

[harkinmr]

7 hours ago, CI66774 said:

Thought of this myself. It’s unclear from RCI’s statement whether they would be considered unvaccinated when it comes to dining, shows, etc.

It’s not unclear. Unvaccinated is unvaccinated, not “except for unvaccinated children of vaccinated parents”.
 

It appears if you are a parent of an unvaccinated child you will need to dine in designated unvaccinated dining rooms. Unvaccinated children won’t be allowed in vaccinated only areas. That may be a concern for some parents but it’s just the reality.

 

I think this whole system is going to be distasteful to a lot of cruisers, but I think RCI is trying to split the baby here. It may backfire and they may find it unmanageable. At that point they will revert to vaccinated only cruises. 

[Teeara]

11 hours ago, kearney said:

No matter what I do my mask fogs up.... I can stand it for short bursts...but find myself pulling at it to clear up the fog...yes I tried the kleenex to absorb moisture..works for short periods.... I can't see spending thousands for that... but I am only on Royal for Nassau...other cruises on X. If the Royal one isn't as much fun...will rent a condo at the beach...there I can go anywhere maskless...

Have you tried a mask bracket?  Wearing that with a mask that has the metal clasps at the nose have really helped me during the last year.  No fog and I can breath easy since the bracket keeps the mask away from my nose and mouth.  Got it on Amazon.

 

Edited June 18, 2021 by Teeara

[kearney]

1 minute ago, Teeara said:

Have you tried a mask bracket?  Wearing that with a mask that has the metal clasps at the nose have really helped me during the last year.  No fog and I can breath easy since the bracket keeps the mask away from my nose and mouth.

I use the surgical masks with the metal clip at the nose... I am going to see if I can get the anti fog wipes... I can't imagine what it will be like wearing one in Nassau in August... I will need a service dog to help me find my way....

[Teeara]

Thanks to the OP for what they sent you.  I don't sail until November 1st so I'm sure things will be changed by then, but I can at least be prepared just in case they don't.  We're fully vaxed, but I don't mind wearing a mask if it means I can cruise again.  Just watching the latest Chris Wong vlog with him standing on his balcony looking out at the ocean was enough to make me even more determined to get back onboard ship!

[Teeara]

5 minutes ago, kearney said:

I use the surgical masks with the metal clip at the nose... I am going to see if I can get the anti fog wipes... I can't imagine what it will be like wearing one in Nassau in August... I will need a service dog to help me find my way....

Since you're already in Georgia I'm sure you'll have plenty of practice prior to sailing in August.  The humidity must be brutal down there in the summer.  We're starting to hit higher humidity this next week up here in Massachusetts.  I might need that service dog to get me to work next week ;o)

[harkinmr]

3 hours ago, molly361 said:

If you don't like the protocols i guess you can say you are unvaccinated and get your money back?

 

I thought even the CDC said if vaccinated masks are not needed indoors?

They did. But with RCI doing a hybrid sailing they will be required to mandate mask wearing for unvaccinated passengers. They have obviously decided that the only way to adequately manage this process is to mandate mask wearing for all passengers and then designate certain areas where vaccinated passengers can get a break from the mandate.