As well, 'Working with the CDC, we'll start removing many of the protocols that exist today and it will become easier and simpler for our customers,' the Royal Caribbean International president and CEO said Friday.
Many see protocols as a positive
He added that many customers view these protocols as a positive. Bayley said around 10m people visit the Royal Caribbean website each month and about 400,000 go to the 'Healthy Sail' section.
On Dec. 30, with Omicron spiking in the US and cases rising on ships, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its cruise travel warning to Level 4, the highest, and advised Americans against cruising, regardless of their vaccination status.
Much has changed since then.
Only 'handful' of cases in last seven-day cruises
Royal Caribbean Group has experienced 'only a handful of cases' during its last seven-day cruises, President/CEO Jason Liberty told analysts during the company's earnings call.
According to Bayley, 99% of crew who tested positive during the Omicron surge were asymptomatic while 1% had minor symptoms.
Destinations starting to ease up
Bayley added that many destinations are beginning to ease their entry requirements — he cited the UK, Denmark and Norway. 'We believe we'll see more and more of that,' he said.
0.19% positivity rate in 2021
Of 1.3m passengers carried by Royal Caribbean Group's five brands in 2021, there were 2,500 COVID cases, Liberty said, a 0.19% rate, with 'nearly all symptomatic or mild symptoms.'
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