Harmony conformed to resume sailing from Barcelona

[Ourusualbeach]

As work continues towards our fleet-wide operational return, we are another step closer as we approach Harmony of the Seas’ sailing restart from Barcelona, Spain on August 15, 2021. As partners, we are committed to sharing the latest information with you, to ensure that you are able to assist your clients with their preparedness. We will continue to communicate any updates to the enclosed protocols, as all are subject to change based on the evolution of the public health situation. 

 

@John&LaLaLooks like the TA is on

[andreasfcb]

Royal Caribbean has announced very strict rules for the sailings:

 

TLDR:

 

1) All guests and crew must be vaccinated except kids.

2) Vaccinated guests need to get tested before boarding and after leaving the ship at the Barcelona Cruise Terminal.

3) All kids (2+) need to get tested before boarding, in the middle of the cruise and after leaving the ship in Barcelona.

4) Masks are required on all public spaces except pools and while eating in the restaurant.

 

Source: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise?dPort=barcelona

Edited July 8, 2021 by andreasfcb

[Jimbo]

Wow, even have to wear mask outside on the ship. That sucks! On the Boardwalk and even while watching a Aqua show and sun bathing on pool deck.

 

"All guests 6 years and older must wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, unless seated and actively eating or drinking or sitting beside the pool. Masks are not required in your stateroom if you are with your own travel party. Masks are not permitted in the pool or for any activity where they could become wet."

 

So glad we Lifted and Shifted to 2022............

[Kbonner]

For us, L&S is not possible anymore, but under these protocols we will cancel our 29Aug cruise under the CWC scheme-, better off to land-based vacation w/o these strict protocols., 

Also Spain encounters a dramatic out-of-control rise of Delta variants and the first EU countries will react and declare Spain a high risk country , so probably also a CWC case.....area soon.

 

For the booked TA- nobody knows----even fully vaccinated EU citizen are still not allowed to enter the USA. So presently TA w/o European guests (hope the EU commission will reciprocally renounce their unilateral admission to EU for US citizen until the USA moves and catches up)

[FamilyCruiserUK]

Also booked on the 29th going to give it a couple of weeks and make a decision then. Rules a re rubbish, well esp the masks the rest is as expected. But cases are going the wrong way both in spain and the UK

[ericfromri]

came in the email today for my 3 Harmony sailings.       We can't wait for you to join us on your Harmony of the Seas® cruise. As you get ready, here are the health protocols for your upcoming sailing. Please note, the following information is only for guests departing from Barcelona, Spain on Harmony of the Seas and is subject to change. Guidance for other ports and sailings is still in development with national and local authorities. Visit this link for additional details & save it for future reference. VIEW TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS If you have questions about these protocols or have any concerns about sailing as a result of them, please click here to contact your booking office. We will gladly answer your questions or work with you to reschedule or refund your cruise. As health standards continue to change, we’re committed to sharing updates with you as soon as we have them.

Know Before You Go: Vaccination Requirement All guests 18 years and older are required to be fully vaccinated on non-transatlantic sailings from Barcelona. For transatlantic sailings from Barcelona, all guests (regardless of age), must be fully vaccinated. Additionally, all crew members onboard will be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination requires that guests have all doses of their COVID-19 vaccine completed 14 days prior to sailing. Entry Requirements Make sure you review the travel guidance issued by each country you’ll be visiting on your sailing prior to travel:   Spain: https://www.spth.gob.es/faq?tab=2 France: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/deplacements Italy: https://infocovid.viaggiaresicuri.it/index_en.html Testing Pre-Cruise   Vaccinated guests who hold valid proof of vaccination will be able to travel to Spain without the need for a COVID-19 test.  Unvaccinated guests ages 12 to 17 years old, that are travelling from an area designated as high risk by Spain, will need to arrange and take a PCR test for COVID-19 at their own expense. This test must be taken no more than 48 hours before arriving in Spain and a negative test result must be presented to airport health control staff. This test is required by the Government of Spain to enter the country.   Guests living in Spain will not be required to take any pre-travel tests and should follow the requirements below. Boarding Day All guests age 2 and older must take a complimentary rapid antigen test at the cruise terminal in Barcelona and receive a negative result in order to sail. We will email instructions on how to register in advance approximately 2 weeks before your cruise. During the Cruise All unvaccinated guests ages 2 - 17 , must take a complimentary rapid antigen test towards the middle of the cruise. Once onboard, we’ll share the details. Before Returning Home All guests age 2 and older will need to take a complimentary test for COVID-19 before disembarking the cruise. This result is required for re-entry into Spain and can also be used for re-entry into your home country if needed. Additional details will be provided onboard. Guests under 2 years of age will not undergo any testing.

What You Need on Boarding Day Travel Documentation Checklist Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board. Passport/European ID Card is needed for all guests with a validity of at least 6 months after their sailing’s return date. EU Nationals may also present their European ID card. Visa should you require one to enter Spain and any of the ports of call included within the itinerary. Proof of Vaccine must be presented by guests. Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in the form of the original vaccination record document issued by your country’s health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination. Antigen Test Result for guests age 2 and older— including those who have been vaccinated — will need to take a complimentary antigen test on arrival at the port and present the negative test result. Spanish FCS (health control) form must be completed before travelling to Spain. You can complete this using the link here https://www.spth.gob.es/info-pcr

What to Expect During Your Cruise Face Masks   Outdoors & Indoors onboard: All guests 6 years and older, regardless of vaccine status, must wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, unless seated and actively eating or drinking or sitting beside the pool. Masks are not required in your stateroom as long as you are with your own travel party. Masks are not permitted in the pool or for any activity where they could become wet. At public ports of call, local mask guidelines apply. We’re continually evaluating our mask policy to align with the latest health standards. Shore Excursions   Travel parties with unvaccinated guests that wish to go ashore must purchase a local tour through Royal Caribbean, including parents traveling with unvaccinated children. Entirely vaccinated traveling parties may visit the port freely. This policy is subject to change as we continue to evaluate circumstances around the globe.  Be sure to check out our selection of curated shore excursions — we’ve worked closely with local tour operators to ensure that they are following the health protocols we have outlined, and to offer a variety to choose from for all interests and budgets. You can reserve tours now on Cruise Planner. When going into port, please observe all local mask and physical distancing regulations in place. On shore excursions, your guide will let you know when a mask is needed. Important note: Guests will also need to have completed the following documents prior to arriving in each country if they wish to debark. Fill these out ahead of time so that once you’re onboard, you can truly relax.   EU PLF: Guests of all ages visiting Italy must complete a Passenger Locator Form via the EUdPLF application. Visit:  https://app.euplf.eu/ French déclaration sur l’honneur: Guests of all ages visiting France must complete a ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) [https:/www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Attestation-de-deplacement-et-de-voyage]click here to learn more. Documentation is not required for visiting ports of call in Spain.

[ReneeFLL]

5 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Wow, even have to wear mask outside on the ship. That sucks! On the Boardwalk and even while watching a Aqua show and sun bathing on pool deck.

 

"All guests 6 years and older must wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, unless seated and actively eating or drinking or sitting beside the pool. Masks are not required in your stateroom if you are with your own travel party. Masks are not permitted in the pool or for any activity where they could become wet."

 

So glad we Lifted and Shifted to 2022............

It says you don’t have to wear one if you are sitting beside the pool.

Edited July 9, 2021 by ReneeFLL

[Kbonner]

1 hour ago, ReneeFLL said:

It says you don’t have to wear one if you are sitting beside the pool.

Don't you dare to forget your mask when using the porta potty next to the pool

[Kbonner]

France now declared Spain as high risk country and advises its citizen not to travel to Spain. Germany will follow soon.

Spanish tourist minister downplays the risk

[Ocean Boy]

2 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

It says you don’t have to wear one if you are sitting beside the pool.

And we all know how hard it is to get a lounger by the pool. The towels will be out early.

[Ocean Boy]

8 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Wow, even have to wear mask outside on the ship. That sucks! On the Boardwalk and even while watching a Aqua show and sun bathing on pool deck.

 

"All guests 6 years and older must wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, unless seated and actively eating or drinking or sitting beside the pool. Masks are not required in your stateroom if you are with your own travel party. Masks are not permitted in the pool or for any activity where they could become wet."

 

So glad we Lifted and Shifted to 2022............

You couldn't pay me to get on a ship under these conditions.

[steamboats]

@Kbonner Spain is regarded as risk area by Sunday (RKI just announced) but not as high risk area. But Cyprus is now a high risk area for Germany.

 

But as long as you are fully vaccinated - which you have to be for the cruise anyway - it doesn´t matter as you only have to fill in the ditigal Einreiseanmeldung (entry form). But there is no quarantine. You don´t even need a test before flying.

 

But by the end of August this could have already changed.

 

steamboats

Edited July 9, 2021 by steamboats

[drarill]

1 hour ago, Kbonner said:

France now declared Spain as high risk country and advises its citizen not to travel to Spain. Germany will follow soon.

Spanish tourist minister downplays the risk

I was watching the Spanish TV news and they are going through a "fifth wave" right now. They talked about France's recommendations and Great Britain letting their citizens go to Spain without needing to quarantine when they go back, something that doesn't make any sense.  BTW the worst numbers in Spain right now are in Barcelona and many restrictions  are coming soon.  https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-07-06/catalonia-introduces-new-restrictions-on-nighttime-venues-following-sharp-rise-in-coronavirus-cases.html

 

[BSocial]

Looks like they are not even allowing unvaccinated children on the TA:
 

from post 6 above 

“For transatlantic sailings from Barcelona, all guests (regardless of age), must be fully vaccinated.“

From Healthy sail Panel on website 

“For transatlantic cruises from Barcelona, all guests must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Guests without proof of vaccination will not be permitted to sail”

Edited July 9, 2021 by BSocial
Added

[drarill]

5 minutes ago, steamboats said:

@Kbonner Spain is regarded as risk area by Sunday (RKI just announced) but not as high risk area. But Cyprus is now a high risk area for Germany.

 

But as long as you are fully vaccinated - which you have to be for the cruise anyway - it doesn´t matter as you only have to fill in the ditigal Einreiseanmeldung (entry form). But there is no quarantine. You don´t even need a test before flying.

 

But by the end of August this could have already changed.

 

steamboats

true! they can change for the best or worst.  The numbers in Barcelona right now are not good.  BTW we were on the Apex maiden voyage three weeks ago and my biggest concern wasn't getting infected, I know the vaccine will protect me.  My concern was having to stay two weeks in a hotel until I turned negative. 

[ericfromri]

5 minutes ago, BSocial said:

Looks like they are not even allowing unvaccinated children on the TA 

 

“For transatlantic cruises from Barcelona, all guests must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Guests without proof of vaccination will not be permitted to sail”

thank God!!

[Jimbo]

3 hours ago, ReneeFLL said:

It says you don’t have to wear one if you are sitting beside the pool.

Doesn't say that at all, only time you don't have to where the mask around the pool is if you are "IN" the pool where it could get wet.

 

The mask you are wearing while in the lounger's sunning doesn't have a chance of getting wet. You will be required to wear it then.

 

"that sitting by the pool part", is meant only if you are eating or drinking times. Not just sitting there in the sun trying to get a tan.

 

Plus there are pool deck chairs on the deck above the pool, people in those deck chairs will be required to wear mask also in their chairs.

 

Not good!!

Edited July 9, 2021 by Jimbo

[BSocial]

5 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Doesn't say that at all, only time you don't have to where the mask around the pool is if you are "IN" the pool where it could get wet.

 

The mask you are wearing while in the lounger's sunning doesn't have a chance of getting wet. You will be required to wear it then.

Oh no - that would be miserable.  

[Ocean Boy]

17 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

 

Not good!!

That pretty much sums it up well.

[FamilyCruiserUK]

5 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Doesn't say that at all, only time you don't have to where the mask around the pool is if you are "IN" the pool where it could get wet.

 

The mask you are wearing while in the lounger's sunning doesn't have a chance of getting wet. You will be required to wear it then.

 

"that sitting by the pool part", is meant only if you are eating or drinking times. Not just sitting there in the sun trying to get a tan.

 

Plus there are pool deck chairs on the deck above the pool, people in those deck chairs will be required to wear mask also in their chairs.

 

Not good!!

I have emailed rcl to clarify their sunbed policy as can be seen here people have different interpretations as to what is ment "by the pool"

[CSHS1979]

6 hours ago, BSocial said:

Looks like they are not even allowing unvaccinated children on the TA:

 

You rarely see many kids onboard a TA anyway

[CSHS1979]

5 hours ago, Jimbo said:

Doesn't say that at all, only time you don't have to where the mask around the pool is if you are "IN" the pool where it could get wet.

 

The mask you are wearing while in the lounger's sunning doesn't have a chance of getting wet. You will be required to wear it then.

 

"that sitting by the pool part", is meant only if you are eating or drinking times. Not just sitting there in the sun trying to get a tan.

 

Plus there are pool deck chairs on the deck above the pool, people in those deck chairs will be required to wear mask also in their chairs.

 

Not good!!

 

Beside the pool is vague. Your interpretation isn't necessarily correct

 

 

 

Edited July 9, 2021 by CSHS1979

[smplybcause]

6 hours ago, BSocial said:

Looks like they are not even allowing unvaccinated children on the TA:
 

from post 6 above 

“For transatlantic sailings from Barcelona, all guests (regardless of age), must be fully vaccinated.“

From Healthy sail Panel on website 

“For transatlantic cruises from Barcelona, all guests must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Guests without proof of vaccination will not be permitted to sail”

 

Makes sense. Middle of the ocean so no ability to offload patients and the cruise is long enough that if you got infected right before you boarded you're on the ship long enough for you to be showing symptoms. 

[Jimbo]

1 hour ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

I have emailed rcl to clarify their sunbed policy as can be seen here people have different interpretations as to what is ment "by the pool"

Better email 6 more times, cause you can count on it you will get many different answers.

 

I would guess to all the loungers will be spaced out also, so that means some will be taken off the pool deck because it is so cramped already........that will mean people up on deck higher will be using those spaced out loungers too. No way are they really near the pool......those people will have to be wearing masks for sure.

[ukrccl_a]

Booked on it, and can't wait for it!!