Royal Caribbean has announced new closed-loop cruise passport requirements for passengers traveling on their ships. This change comes as part of the cruise line’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all guests aboard their vessels.
Under the new closed-loop cruise passport requirements, all passengers traveling on Royal Caribbean cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port will be required to have a valid U.S. passport. This means that passengers will no longer be able to use other forms of identification, such as birth certificates or driver’s licenses, to board the ship.
“We believe that requiring all passengers to have a valid U.S. passport for closed-loop cruises is an important step in enhancing the security of our voyages,” said a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean. “This change will help us ensure that all guests aboard our ships have the proper documentation to travel and will help us streamline the boarding process for our passengers.”
The new closed-loop cruise passport requirements will go into effect on all Royal Caribbean cruises starting in 2023. This will give passengers ample time to obtain their passports if they do not already have one. Passengers who do not have a valid U.S. passport will not be able to board the ship.
“We understand that this change may inconvenience some passengers, but we believe it is necessary to ensure the safety and security of everyone aboard our ships,” said the spokesperson. “We encourage all passengers to take the necessary steps to obtain a valid U.S. passport before their cruise to avoid any delays or disruptions to their travel plans.”
In addition to the new closed-loop cruise passport requirements, Royal Caribbean is also implementing other safety measures to protect passengers and crew members from COVID-19. These measures include enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, mandatory mask-wearing in certain areas of the ship, and social distancing guidelines.
“We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests aboard our ships,” said the spokesperson. “We are continuously monitoring the situation and will adjust our protocols as needed to ensure the health and well-being of everyone on board.”
Passengers who have already booked a closed-loop cruise with Royal Caribbean are encouraged to visit the cruise line’s website for more information on the new passport requirements and to learn how to obtain a U.S. passport if they do not already have one. Royal Caribbean will also be reaching out to passengers directly to inform them of the new requirements and provide assistance in obtaining a passport if needed.
Overall, the new closed-loop cruise passport requirements are just one of the many ways that Royal Caribbean is working to enhance the safety and security of its passengers and crew members. By requiring all passengers to have a valid U.S. passport for closed-loop cruises, the cruise line is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for everyone on board.
