Effective January 5, Royal Caribbean International will no longer offer free PCR tests for international travellers - including Canadians - who need them to return home.
The free tests had been a selling point for travel advisors, as PCR tests are costly, often $200 or more per person.
The change can be found on Royal Caribbean's website.
"For Guests Sailing before January 5, 2022
You can schedule a COVID-19 test onboard prior to debarkation day to complete your International Re-Entry Testing requirement. Details on scheduling your test will be provided once onboard.
For Guests Sailing on or after January 5, 2022
Optional onboard testing to satisfy your International Re-Entry Testing requirement will no longer be available. However, if your country requires a COVID-19 test, you have various ways to complete this testing requirement nearby upon debarking the ship. Note that Royal Caribbean is not affiliated with these providers in any way. Testing costs vary by location and should be paid directly to the provider. These options will be communicated to you once onboard in greater detail.
At the Terminal -- For your convenience, you can take a rapid PCR or antigen COVID-19 test right at the terminal upon debarking the ship and depart. Results will be emailed to you shortly after.
At the Airport -- Guests traveling directly to the airport can schedule their rapid PCR or antigen COVID-19 test to be taken on-site with a test provider at the airport.
Local Testing Sites -- If you're staying in the area, there are various locations close to the terminal, the airport and hotels in the area where you can complete PCR or antigen COVID-19 testing."
In comments to a story on the unofficial Royal Caribbean Blog, some Canadian travellers expressed their dismay at the change.
Pauline Henry Barnard wrote: "We are travelling in January and need the PCR test to return to Canada. We have flights booked and we really need to find out the logistics around this.Will we be able to make our flights? How long will the test results take if we take them at the cruise port? What will the cost be? We need answers soon. There are nine of us travelling and this is a real concern for us. It could change everything."
Another commenter, Tanner Maurice stated: "I understand this move logistically, financially, etc. It's really just an unfortunate blow to have now likely book another hotel night and sort out the logistics instead of just flying home right after the cruise. We'll see how it goes to jump through these hoops and we'll see just how many international traveller Royal may lose in the short term."
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