The Dos and Don’ts of Caribbean Cruise Travel During COVID-19

*Editor’s Note:

Any travel during this pandemic is considered high risk. People who are thinking about traveling should first check local government rules, regulations, travel requirements, and safety precautions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in both their destination country, as well as the country they are traveling from. COVID-19 related regulations are subject to change at any time.

Dreaming about sun-bathing with an ice-cold drink in hand, in a pool, on a deck, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, but the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is slowing you down? Great news! We’ve got you covered with all the dos and don’ts that you need to know before booking your cathartic cruise in the Caribbean Sea.

DO get vaccinated. For those sailing from the United States, during COVID-19, only guests who are 12 years old and older must be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. However, these might differ depending on your country of origin and where you’ll be traveling to. For most cruises, in order for passengers to board, at least 95% of people and personnel must exhibit evidence of immunization against the coronavirus.

Important note: You will only be considered fully vaccinated if it has been more than 14 days since your last dose.

DON’T book a cruise if you are unvaccinated, or are at high risk of contracting severe side effects of the coronavirus due to underlying health conditions. This has been inforced because of the cruises being such a high-risk means of travel. With their buffets, singles mixers, and tight-compartment casinos, cruises are especially vulnerable to viral transmission because of their design.

DO provide a negative COVID-19 test that was done no more than two days prior to your departure date. This is now mandatory for travelers aged 12 years old and above, regardless of vaccination status, if traveling for 5 nights or longer. The vaccinated on four-night cruises or less may display their vaccination records before boarding instead of getting a coronavirus test.

Unvaccinated children, between the ages of 2 to 11, must show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before boarding day. Children cannot have their COVID-19 test on boarding day as that might affect the results of the sample taken at the terminal. Children under 2 years of age do not need to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to departure.

Important note: The following are the 2 types of COVID-19 tests widely accepted for cruises:

1. A molecular test (PCR or NAAT tests)
2. An antigen/rapid antigen test

DON’T wait until you get to your Caribbean destination to take a test, it is necessary upon arrival. Additionally, avoid using the following test results for your COVID-19 required test as they aren’t accepted:

1. Antibody tests
2. Home tests – these can only be used if they meet these requirements: A vaccine must be administered beforehand. Live supervision is needed for the self-test process on a video call with a telehealth representative. The telehealth provider must issue you a result document that includes proof of all necessary information.

DO keep a mask at all times. You will be required to wear your mask while indoors, in poorly ventilated areas, in large crowds on board the ship, unless actively eating or drinking. Additionally, while visiting public ports of call, masks will also be necessary during boarding and debarkation.

You DON’T have to wear your mask:

• In open areas on-board, unless in a crowded setting 
• In the pool or doing an activity where they might get wet
• In places restricted to only vaccinated travelers
• In your cabin/cabins of your travel group
• Are under the age of 2

DO wash your hands before eating, and before exiting and entering the cruise ships at ports, and your suites. Keeping sanitizer on hand at any moment is highly recommended.

DON’T touch your face, this spreads bacteria from your hands to your face. Additionally, try to avoid using communal restrooms, and instead, go back to your cabin.

DO research on your specific cruise line’s policy on COVID-19. On top of regular travel regulations, for cruise travel, there may be stricter requirements.

DON’T forget to check regularly for updates on requirements and the latest news on the coronavirus after you have booked, leading up to, and during your cruise. This also includes testing and quarantining requirements for the country you will be returning to, after your blissful time on board.

DO quarantine for two weeks prior to departure to decrease the risk of spreading even further. COVID-19 tests are required just before, but quarantining will ensure your safety, and all the people aboard, even further. 

DON’T go socializing upon arriving home, assuming that you have not contracted the coronavirus. It’s best to prepare for quarantine at the end of your stay too, that way you can bask in the after-effects of a beautiful holiday, while still keeping your loved ones safe upon your return.

DO look for booking with cruises that require 100% fully vaccinated COVID-19 passengers and crew, and limit the number of passengers to a bare minimum. The smaller, the better. 

DON’T book a cruise with lots of group excursions, or where social distancing can’t happen. If you limit excursions to those with your travel group, your chances of having a COVID-safe holiday increase.

DO check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website prior to booking and before departure. They assign color-coded safety ratings to cruise ships, green, yellow, orange, and red, based on reports of COVID-19 or COVID-like illness. The CDC also informs passengers about ongoing investigations into ship outbreaks. Before traveling or booking a cruise, check the CDC’s website for the vessel’s current safety rating and any Covid-related warnings.

DON’T ignore any warnings provided by the CDC or the World Health Organization (WHO). In the event that your cruise might be canceled, remain flexible to the idea that you may have to postpone your trip.

DO check booking, cancellation, and refund policies. If there is another surge of cases of COVID-19 onboard cruise ships, cruises will very likely have to be put on hold. Some cruises are offering full refunds if people have to cancel last-minute due to a positive coronavirus test, and some are even going as far as paying for flights if a positive test were to occur while onboard. Remember the point above to stay up to date on this. 

DON’T assume that because requirements and offers may differ, that it should be expected that every cruise line adheres to the same precautions. It’s a good idea to double-check to prevent disappointments.

DO follow all orders and pay attention during the Muster Drill when you arrive, as well as any information from the captain and crew. It is critical to follow the precautions and health guidelines for cruise travel during COVID-19.

DON’T think that if you have traveled on a cruise ship before, that you can skip any announcements or the Muster Drill. This is a requirement for all passengers.

Some other information regarding COVID-19 restrictions, visa requirements, travel insurance, and other travel-related regulations during COVID-19, can be found here. Now for the more fun ways to keep COVID-safe while onboard…

DO take a light snack with you to avoid the buffet rush while embarking. Everyone arrives hungry for lunch and a taste of cruise decadence on embarkation day, it’s one of the most crowded areas onboard. Instead, look into outdoor dining alternatives. Other restaurants may be open for a first-day lunch and may not be as crowded.

DON’T share food, drinks, cutlery, or anything else with other guests and crew members.

DO pack your bathing suit in your carry-on and take a dip in the pool or hot tub when you arrive. On the first day, they’re often less crowded. Why wait to begin your cruise fun? The pool is open!

DON’T use the lift. On embarkation day, the lifts are extremely sluggish and packed with passengers and crew transporting luggage between decks. Take the stairs instead of using the lifts and have no regrets when you eat your dessert at supper afterward.

DO plan activities and excursions that are low-risk, such as eating outside at all times, and choosing a cruise with fewer stops on the itinerary. 

DON’T get complacent while basking in that cruise glow, keep coronavirus safety precautions in mind at all times. And lastly, DO have the best time exploring the Wonders of the Caribbean…