First Look: Royal Caribbean New Masks Policy for the Holidays

Royal Caribbean introduced new masks policy across their fleet due to concerns over the Omicron variant, and we were onboard Anthem of the Seas to see the policy in action first hand.

*Masks are now required in all public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.* **PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY**

Royal Caribbean shared an update on their website, as well as to guests currently aboard their ships that due to the Omicron variant concerns, they are stepping up onboard protocols to require masks indoors at all times, unless actively eating or drinking, even in a vaccinated-only area. Also, Royal Caribbean no longer allows smoking in the Casino onboard.

This new update came into effect on Anthem of the Seas, the ship we are currently on, today December 21st, 2021. A letter was placed in guests’ staterooms last evening.

Letter of the change was placed in guests cabins last evening. **PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY**

Around the ship

Royal Esplanade Mask Situation **PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY**

Guests had mixed reactions to this, but we saw many being compliant with this new rule. They were walking around with their masks on, some even went an extra step to don an N95 mask.

During the day at the Schooner Bar, everyone was masked up and enjoying their Christmas Holidays activities. You could still bring in a beverage at activities such as this one, but everyone defines actively drinking or eating differently.

We entered Two70 where a Meet the Cast session was going on, though everyone here was fully masked and compliant with the regulations. There was no one with a drink, perhaps because the Two70 Ice Bar was still not yet operating.

Inside Two70 during a Meet the Cast session **PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY**

The Casino Royale

Casino wise - they have indeed removed the smoking corner, making the entire Casino smoke free. A quick chat around shows guests have mixed reactions to this - some were in favour, even suggesting this change should stay after the Omicron fear passes.

You will also have to mask up throughout your time in the casino. As we can’t take photos inside the Casino Royale, there isn’t much for us to share, but during our time there, the few people were all masked up and enjoying their slot machines.

Pub & Bars

At the pub in the evening, even though this was designated as a Vaccinated Only Zone, guests will not have to wear their masks while enjoying their beverages, but will have to mask up when walking over to the bar to get a new one. Bar stools are still available at this moment.

Brass and Bock is a vaccinated-only zone onboard the Anthem. **PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY**

Bar stools are still available. **PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY**

Theatre

Most interesting change would have to be the Theatres. We took a walk into the headliner showtime in the Royal Theatre. In a previous Journeys entry during our live coverage of our cruise onboard Anthem of the Seas, we shared that vaccinated guests can sit on Deck 4 (lower deck of the theatre), and not have to wear masks and not social distance, while everyone else on Deck 5 (the higher deck) will have to comply with social distancing and mask up.

This has since changed as they had to be in compliance with the new rules. However, even though many were already masked up, some were still not masked, or just holding onto their drinks.

Conclusion

Christmas Tree onboard Anthem of the Seas PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY

With the holiday sailings coming up, ships are expecting an increased guest count, and with the initial reports of Omicron having increased transmissibility, it might be a good idea to mask up while onboard.

It is important to note that these rules are ONLY applicable to ships homeported in countries that DOES NOT impose their own rules on the ships. For example Quantum of the Seas from Singapore, and Spectrum of the Seas, in Hong Kong, require masks to be worn regardless of vaccination, in both indoors and outdoors settings.

Our Hong Kong counterparts, the Hong Kong Cruise Society, shared with us that on the Spectrum, guests will require masks while onboard, except when eating or drinking, or doing sports activities. This is similar to what we have on Quantum, currently sailing out from Singapore.

Regardless, if you are sailing this holiday season, mask up and stay safe! Happy Cruising.

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