Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, both part of the Royal Caribbean Group, are making it easier for vaccinated guests to board their ships.

Effective August 8, 2022, vaccinated guests on both cruise lines, on sailings departing the U.S. that are five nights or less, are no longer required to test for COVID-19 prior to embarkation.

“We are currently developing updated protocols that provide for the continued safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit, better align with the travel and hospitality sector, and meet destination regulations. This means we’re transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us,” reads a statement on Celebrity Cruises‘ and Royal Caribbean’s websites.

Testing requirements are still in place for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer, as well as for unvaccinated guests on all sailings. All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, and tested regularly.

The eased measures follow the CDC’s decision earlier this month to drop its COVID-19 program for cruise ships. Since then, Azamara, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line have all announced the elimination of pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

Source: Travelweek