Royal Caribbean Group to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for Crew Members

Royal Caribbean Group’s three brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, have joined the list of cruise lines that will require the COVID-19 vaccines for crew members before sailings resume.

“The health of our crew and guests remains our number one priority. At this point in our planning, based on science and the guidance of our experts, we are shifting from a strategy based primarily on protocols to one that is based on vaccines, supported by protocols,” a spokesperson told Travel Market Report.

Crew Center first reported that an email was sent to crew members to inform them that Royal Caribbean expects to vaccinate its crew prior to returning to work on their ships.

“So far, several vaccines have shown to be effective at preventing both mild and severe symptoms of COVID-19, and we intend to make them a key component of our healthy return to service,” the email said.

Royal Caribbean’s decision comes just weeks after Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced it would require that all crew members to be vaccinated before the company begins sailing again. 

U.S. river cruise lines, including American Queen Steamboat and Victory Cruise, have announced it will require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations from all passengers and crew members administered at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Globus family of brands’ Avalon Waterways will require passengers proof of COVID-19 vaccines, a negative test result or virus immunity