The Royal Caribbean Group’s European brand, Oceania Cruises is requiring passengers to receive a booster shot of hepatitis A and B before boarding their ships. The company began the vaccination requirement in response to an outbreak of Hepatitis A on one cruise ship last year that left dozens sickened. Travellers will be required to submit proof of vaccinations for either or both viruses upon arrival at ports for all itineraries departing from Europe between now and late 2019.
The “royal caribbean vaccine policy” is a new policy that will be implemented by the Royal Caribbean Group. The new policy requires passengers to have booster shots before boarding their cruise ship.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, a German cruise company that Royal Caribbean Group owns 50% of, has stated that starting in February, customers would be required to get a booster injection if it has been more than three months since their last immunization.
Since autumn 2021, all passengers 18 and older must be completely vaccinated with either a two-course or one-shot vaccine, according to the cruise line’s existing policy. Beginning February 1, the vaccination age requirement (excluding boosters) will be lowered to 12 years old.
Nature of the Hanseatic League (Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd)
All travelers above the age of 18 who had their first vaccination more than three months previous to the commencement of the trip will be required to get a booster.
For sailings beginning on these dates, booster injections will be required:
- Cruises on the Europa 2 begin on February 14th and end on February 28th.
- Sailings on the Hanseatic Spirit begin on February 19 and end on March 6.
- The voyages of Hanseatic Nature begin on February 19 and end on March 8.
- Cruises aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration begin on February 24th and end on March 16th.
- The Europa cruises begin on February 24th and end on March 9th.
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Upon embarkation, proof of basic COVID-19 immunization as well as the booster must be produced, either on a physical vaccination certificate or a digital vaccination certificate. Confirmation of recovery without further proof of immunization, according to Hapag-Lloyd, is insufficient.
Guests who have been fully vaccinated with either a two-dose course or the one-dose Johnson&Johnson shot less than three months prior to the sailing do not need a booster to sail. Passengers must be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to sailing.
Spirit of Hanseatic (Photo courtesy of VARD)
The new requirement is being implemented with the goal of “further strengthening safety for passengers and staff, and based on the current STIKO vaccine advice, which requires a booster immunization after three months,” according to the airline.
Because various locations may have different criteria, Hapag-Lloyd said visitors will get detailed guidelines for each trip with their travel papers.
Until further notice, the vaccine and booster requirements will remain in effect.
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The “Royal Caribbean Group’s European Brand to Require Booster Shots” is a story about Royal Caribbean, which will be requiring passengers on their cruises in Europe to get booster shots of the measles vaccine. Reference: royal caribbean mask policy.
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