Royal Caribbean Is Requiring COVID-19 Vaccine Before Sailing From The Bahamas This Summer

If you want to take a cruise with Royal Caribbean International or its sister cruise line, Celebrity Cruises, you will have to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to USA Today, the cruise line requires both passengers and cruise members to be vaccinated when they start sailing to the Caribbean in June.

The first cruise is set to depart from Nassau, the Bahamas, on June 12. The company announced the seven-night cruises on Adventure of the Seas will open their doors to adults and crew members who have been fully vaccinated. Those under the age of 18 will have to present a negative COVID-19 test.

The company hasn’t confirmed a return to sailing in U.S. waters or if vaccines will be required on ships leaving from the U.S.

“That is still under consideration,” Lyan Sierra-Caro, spokesperson for the cruise line told USA TODAY. “We will continue to follow the science, and we will evolve alongside the data.”

President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, said the company is looking forward to sailing both “gradually and safely.”

“The vaccines are clearly a game-changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice,” Bayley said.

“We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.”

Bookings are set to open Wednesday for those who wish to travel from June 12 through August 31.

Passengers must also meet the Bahamas entry requirements, including a negative PCR test taken no more than five days before arrival.

Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert A. Minnis released a statement saying he expects a “vibrant” tourism season in the Bahamas.

“I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes,” Minnis said. “This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants, and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead.