Royal Caribbean eases face mask rules on ships

Royal Caribbean has updated its onboard face mask policy, announcing that masks will no longer be required in areas of its ship that are designated for vaccinated passengers on sailings departing after Feb. 14, 2022.

Posting an update to its Health Sail Centre website, Royal Caribbean notes that face masks are not required:

• In open-air areas of the ship, unless you are in a crowded setting
• In the pool or any activity where they may become wet
• At venues designated for vaccinated guests only, such as select bars, lounges, restaurants, shows and Casino Royale. But for cruises departing through Feb. 14, 2022, masks must be worn in vaccinated-only venues.
• In your stateroom when you are with your travelling party
• While visiting private destinations, unless you are in a crowded setting.

The new guidance applies to guests age two and up, the cruise line says. (Passengers under the age of two do not need to wear a mask).

READ MORE: Norwegian to drop mandatory face mask requirement

But face masks are required while indoors onboard ships, unless seated and eating or drinking and while visiting public ports of call where local regulations may require them, Royal Caribbean says. 

European departures, for now, may be subject to different rules.

“At this time, we have not yet determined our health and safety protocols for 2022 sailings departing from Europe,” Royal Caribbean says. “Guests will be advised of specific requirements via email before setting sail.”

The update follows news from Norwegian Cruise Line, which on Tuesday (Feb. 8) announced that it would drop onboard face mask requirements from March 1, 2022, for sailings out of U.S. ports.

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