Finally, some good news for cruisers worried about strict new boarding rules
Things are looking up for older travelers who love to cruise.
New rules that some cruise lines announced in March that would have restricted access to ships for some older travelers appear to be off the table.
The rules, which never went into effect due to the worldwide shutdown of cruising that same month, banned travelers ages 70 and up from cruising unless they had a letter from a qualified treating physician certifying they had no severe, chronic medical condition and were fit to travel.
Visit TPG's guide to all coronavirus news and updates
As recently as two days ago, the rules still were listed as being in effect at a Royal Caribbean Cruises portal for travel agents. But a spokesperson for the company and representatives from other cruise operators in recent days have told TPG the rules are unlikely to be implemented when cruising resumes.
Announced by such lines as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, the rules were a response to the growing coronavirus outbreak. Early data has shown that older people and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience complications from COVID-19.
The rules were part of a larger outbreak response plan that the cruise industry as a whole developed in March at the request of the White House Coronavirus Task Force. The industry was working through its main trade group, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Since cruising came to a halt in March, the industry has been working on a new version of the plan in consultation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In an extended "no-sail" order issued in April for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters, the CDC ordered cruise lines to develop a better plan than what was originally presented.
The CDC said the new plan must have further details of how the industry will provide for the acute care needs of critically ill passengers and crew on ships. It also must address laboratory sampling and testing of sick people on ships, onboard mitigation and prevention strategies, disinfection protocols, personal protective equipment, repatriation of foreign nationals and onshore transportation, including through contract medevac helicopters.
Related: 9 ways cruising will be different when it starts up again
In addition to new rules that would restrict some older travelers from cruising, Royal Caribbean and several other lines since March have discussed new rules that would restrict passengers of any age suffering from certain underlying medical conditions from sailing. The conditions would include things like diabetes, chronic heart disease and cancer. But several lines now say that such restrictions likely are off the table, too.
The lines noted that the final rules still were subject to change.
"We know that our 70-plus guests and those with chronic conditions are especially eager to understand what cruising will look like in the future," Royal Caribbean Cruises said Wednesday in a statement to TPG. "While subject to change, via the Cruise Lines International Association, we have confirmed that the previous restrictions were lifted in early April after cruise lines suspended service."
In the statement, Royal Caribbean Cruises said it was "laser-focused" right now on developing new safety enhancements that can be implemented when ships return to service.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
"To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association and our own team of medical experts," the statement said.
Royal Caribbean Cruises is the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara.
Additional resources for cruisers during the coronavirus outbreak:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.