Royal Caribbean announced that it would not require all passengers to show proof of vaccination to depart on a trip with the cruise line.
“Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date,” a press release from the company stated.
However, Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain told BBC, “We expect all of our guests who are eligible for a vaccine to have it.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been publicly critical of some cruise lines’ vaccine requirements, and recently signed a bill that could fine companies operating in his state up to $5,000 for each person who is requested to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Despite disagreeing on vaccination requirements, DeSantis has fought for cruise lines to resume operations. The Florida Governor previously filed a lawsuit against The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the restrictions that it placed on cruise companies.
President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, Micheal Bayley, thanked Governor DeSantis and others for “their steadfast support of our industry and for providing access to vaccines to the thousands of crew on our ships off the eastern seaboard.”
