Royal Caribbean cruise expects all guests to be vaccinated: CEO

The chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Richard Fain, released a new video update this week, where he discussed the hot catch points that everyone is talking about regarding cruises that are starting up again for the 2021 season.

Mr Fain began by stating that he was "a very happy camper" following the restart plans for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.

The predominant question over the past two weeks has shifted from 'when do cruises start?' to "how and can cruise lines require the Covid-19 vaccine?".

Mr Fain was a big supporter of the Covid-19 vaccines and even went so far in his latest video as to urge more Americans to be vaccinated, especially those who think they don't need to.

"But today, as we are vaccinated, we are not only helping ourselves, we are also helping the people around us."

"Even though we do not feel we need the protection for ourselves, we must still do it to help our friends and neighbours."

Most of its update addressed whether Royal Caribbean would need the vaccine and Florida law banning businesses from asking anyone if they are vaccinated.

When Royal Caribbean announced their return to service last week, they did not say the vaccine would be needed but rather 'strongly recommended' to be vaccinated.

According to the announcement, guests are strongly advised to be fully vaccinated if they are eligible.

"We want all our guests to be vaccinated."

"We want it because we believe it makes us all safer, and we want it because our guests want it."

He pointed to the survey of the travelling guests showing that "the vast majority" have already been vaccinated or are about to do so.

Mr Fain acknowledged that there are exceptions to all who are vaccinated on a cruise ship, such as children under the age of 12.

He did not say come out and explicitly say that Royal Caribbean International needs the vaccine. Instead, he seemed to lean on the given fact that their data shows that most adults will be vaccinated.

"So our plan remains that virtually everyone who qualifies for a vaccine will have one."

"On some of our ships with fewer children, including Celebrity and Silversea's and some international Royal Caribbean ships, we will ensure that the percentage vaccinated will be more than 95 percent."

"On other ships, we expect almost everyone older than 12 to be vaccinated."

"The details are confusing, and it will undoubtedly be the different details over the coming weeks."

In his first public statement on Florida's ban on companies seeking proof of vaccination against Covid-19, Richard Fain shared his views on the regulation.

"This unique law only applies in Florida. While we obviously have to comply with state law, we do not believe that we will have a significant amount of unvaccinated for various reasons."

Mr. Fain explained that most want to be vaccinated, and the additional obstacles for those who have not been vaccinated may be a catalyst to get them vaccinated.

"Remember, most of our guests want vaccinations, and in most cases, they do too. Due to the health and legal requirements of many jurisdictions, those who are not vaccinated will have to undergo additional tests and other restrictions. "It necessarily adds to their cost and adds speed restrictions for those who choose not to be vaccinated."

He added that there are no additional costs for children who are not eligible for the vaccine.