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Royal Caribbean to require proof of vaccination on cruises from Florida
Ashley Kosciolek
Senior cruise writer
In addition to cruising, Ashley is obsessed with reading, lawn gnomes, pizza, cats, CrossFit, SEO and proper grammar.
Aug. 23, 2021
•
3 min read
Royal Caribbean to require proof of vaccination on cruises from Florida
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Royal Caribbean cruisers ages 12 and older will now have to show proof of vaccination to sail from Florida, the line told its passengers on Friday.
Royal Caribbean, which isn't sailing with as high a percentage of vaccinated passengers as some other lines, was previously allowing travelers to opt out of showing proof on sailings from Florida, thanks to an executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis to prohibit businesses from requiring vaccinations in order to render services in the Sunshine State.
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Due to changing vaccine regulations in the Bahamas, which is a frequent stop for many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean's policy for voyages leaving from Florida will now be the same as its policy for those from all other U.S. embarkation ports -- proof of inoculation is required -- from Sept. 3 through at least Nov. 1, 2021.
"Travelers unable to show proof of vaccination will be unable to sail," the line said in a media statement Friday. "... Guests under 12, who are currently ineligible for the vaccine, can still cruise with us as long as they continue to provide a negative test result at boarding and follow certain health and safety protocols."
Those health and safety protocols involve Royal Caribbean's decision to prohibit unvaccinated passengers from entering certain onboard areas, such as the spa, casino, specific decks in the theater, certain dining areas and select bars and lounges. They also require unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in all indoor public areas unless eating or drinking.
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Supporting the move is the fact that, earlier this month, a Florida judge issued a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit Norwegian Cruise Line filed against the state of Florida, arguing that DeSantis' executive order limited the line's ability to require vaccine proof as a way to keep passengers safe.
Likely also playing into the line's decision are the updated guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for cruisers which advise that "people who are not fully vaccinated avoid travel on cruise ships...."
The CDC's COVID-19-related operating protocols for cruise lines are now just recommendations, following the ruling in a separate lawsuit between DeSantis and the CDC. A judge said the CDC was overstepping its authority in mandating the protocols; the lines have since said they plan to continue following the agency's recommendations anyway.
Featured photo by Ashley Kosciolek/The Points Guy.
Featured image by ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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| 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. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
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- 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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.