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We finally have a glimpse at what cruising with Royal Caribbean during COVID-19 will look like! This comprehensive plan, called the Royal Promise, is currently only applicable to cruises in Singapore. However, it is likely that most of this plan will also be adopted on Royal Caribbean ships once cruising resumes in the United States.

Cruising With Royal Caribbean During the Pandemic

Quantum of the Seas Will Be the First Ship to Set Sail

Last week, Royal Caribbean revealed that Quantum of the Seas will begin cruising from Singapore starting in December. This unexpected announcement came just after the cruise line cancelled all global cruises through the end of November.

Royal Caribbean announced that these “pilot cruises” were the result of months of planning and working with government officials in Singapore to ensure proper health and safety protocols were put in place. These “Ocean Getaway” cruises are essentially cruises to nowhere.

Not to much surprise, Royal Caribbean will be implementing a number of recommendations from its Healthy Sail Panel report on these cruises. Finally, the company released the specific details for which we have all been waiting in what is being called the “Royal Promise”.

Pre-Cruise Testing

When cruising with Royal Caribbean during COVID-19, every guest and crew member will be required to test negative. Testing must be completed within 48 to 72 hours prior to boarding. Royal Caribbean will even cover the cost of tests for sailings in Singapore departing on or before January 30, 2021.

For cruises booked after the end date of Cruise with Confidence, guests can still receive 100% Future Cruise Credit in the event they contract COVID-19 within the three weeks before departure and are unable to cruise.

Aside from a positive test result, certain circumstances may also lead to guests being denied boarding. First and foremost, guests will have to affirm willingness to comply with all policies including wearing a face mask. Further, any guest who has multiple high temperature readings, symptoms reported in the health questionnaire, or contact tracing that reveals close contact with someone who tested positive may also be denied boarding.

Face Mask Requirements

Face masks will be required onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships by crew members and guests to help keep everyone safer. Masks are required in all indoor and outdoor spaces, with some exceptions. Face coverings must be a minimum of two layers with earloops. Plastic face shields may be worn only in addition to face masks.

In restaurants, bars, and lounges, guests are allowed to remove face masks only when seated at socially distanced tables. Masks should also not be worn in situations where they could get wet, like swimming in the pools. Further, guests will not be required to wear masks in their staterooms.

Related Post: Yes, You Will Have to Wear a Mask on a Cruise!

Cruising With Royal Caribbean During COVID-19 – Pool Deck

When cruising with Royal Caribbean during COVID-19, there will be a number of new protocols implemented on the pool deck to ensure health and safety of guests. These measures are as follows:

1. More Room to Swim – Pools are limited to 50% capacity to allow for physical distancing. Face masks should not be worn, as a wet mask can cause difficulty in breathing.
2. Spaced Out Seating – Pool chairs and day beds are disinfected daily and arranged to allow for sufficient space between your group and others.
3. Increased Sanitization – All public areas and bathrooms are regularly disinfected, including daily electrostatic spraying.
4. Towels – All pool towels are washed with hospital-grade detergents at high temperatures.
5. Clean Hands on Deck – Additional touchless Purell hand sanitizer and wipes dispensers are available for you.
6. Soak Up the Space – Whirlpools are limited in capacity so you can safely enjoy bubbles with your buds.
7. Less Things to Touch – Order drinks using QR codes to view menus on your phone. And no need to sign or deal with receipts for lower-cost transactions.
8. Soft Served to You – All self-service ice cream machines will be staffed by crew members.
9. Poolside Tables – Some tables will be blocked off to give you plenty of space to sit and snack.
10. Back on Track – Enjoy some exercise on the jogging track during dedicated mask-free hours.
11. Here for You – Safety ambassadors and crew members will help ensure everyone is safe and following recommendations.
12. Face Masks – Face masks are required in all areas of the pool deck unless you’re in the water, where you should continue to observe physical distancing

Cruising With Royal Caribbean During COVID-19 – Outdoor Activities

Further, similar health and safety measures will be implemented for the numerous outdoor activities on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. These activities include the FlowRider, waterslides, North Star, and RipCord by iFLY to name a few. All health measures are as follows:

Cruising With Royal Caribbean During COVID-19 – Indoor Areas

The same protocols utilized in outdoor areas will also be employed at indoor areas on the ship when cruising with Royal Caribbean during COVID-19. These include:

1. More Room for You – Indoor venues are limited to 50% capacity with floor markers and directional signage to safely guide you.
2. Increased Sanitization – All public areas are regularly disinfected including daily electrostatic spraying and frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces.
3. Getting Around – Elevators are limited to four people at a time or your travel group only. Stairs are available as usual and railings are cleaned frequently.
4. Clean Hands on Deck – Additional touchless Purell hand sanitizer and wipes dispensers are available for you.
5. Indoor Cafés and Restaurants – Tables and seating are sanitized regularly. Some tables will be blocked for physical distancing.
6. Bars and Lounges – Tables, seating and bar tops are sanitized regularly. Some seats will be blocked for physical distancing.
7. Virtual Queuing – Your phone will alert you when it’s your turn to be helped at the Guest Services or Shore Excursions desks.
8. Private Shopping – Stores will welcome a limited number of shoppers at once, and private appointments are available by request.
9. Less Things to Touch – Order food and drink using QR codes to view menus on your phone. And no need to sign or deal with receipts for lower-cost transactions.
10. 100% Fresh, Filtered Air – Fresh ocean air from outside is continuously supplied to all public spaces.
11. Here for You – Safety ambassadors and crew members will help ensure everyone is safe and following recommendations.
12. Face Masks– Face masks are required. In restaurants, bars and lounges, seated guests may eat and drink without masks.

Cruising With Royal Caribbean During COVID-19 – Staterooms

Finally, Royal Caribbean has also developed a number of health and safety measures for guest staterooms. These include:

1. Certified Cleaning Agents – Hospital-grade disinfectants are used daily to clean all high-touch surfaces.
2. Crisp, Clean Linens – All towels, bedding, and pillows are laundered with hospital-grade detergents at high temperatures.
3. 100% Fresh, Filtered Air – Fresh ocean air is continuously supplied to every stateroom from outside, with a total air change of up to 12 times per hour.
4. Daily Distanced Service – Your room is only serviced and sanitized by a stateroom attendant while you are out — and there are still towel animal surprises.
5. Room Service – We know Room Service is your favorite stateroom ritual. And new contactless delivery protocols ensure you’ll enjoy it safely.
6. Welcome Amenities – Complimentary face mask and hand sanitizing gel are provided upon your arrival.
7. Safety Briefing – Now you can watch the muster video from the comfort of your in-stateroom television.
8. Digital Daily Planner – Conveniently access your Cruise Compass from the Royal App on your phone.
9. Face Mask – Face masks are not required while in your stateroom or balcony.

Comments

What do you think of Royal Caribbean’s comprehensive new Royal Promise? Will you be Cruising With Royal Caribbean During COVID-19 if these same protocols are adopted on U.S. cruises? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on these newly released health and safety measures.