Royal Caribbean Starts Process Towards Less Strict Measures
Royal Caribbean is rolling back several measures the company implemented in December 2021. From February 15, guests will no longer be required to wear a mask in the vaccinated-only areas on the Royal Caribbean cruise ships. These include a selection of bars and lounges, restaurants, shows in the theaters onboard, and the casino.
Situations where masks are no longer needed include when guests are in open-air areas of the ships, unless these become overly crowded, in the pool or other areas where masks may become wet, in the vaccinated only areas onboard, in staterooms, in private destinations, and when guests are under the age of two.
HEDONISM II EXPANDS “PARTY SAFELY” MEASURES TO INCLUDE PROOF OF COVID-19 TESTING FOR ALL GUESTS
According to the CDC, viral tests (those that detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid or antigens) are valid to enter the U.S. The latest order requires all air passengers arriving to the US from Jamaica to get tested no more than 1 day before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Canadian restrictions require a negative PCR result before boarding their flight back to Canada. That means travelers should be able to take either a PCR or rapid antigen test, as long as written documentation of test results (paper or electronic copy) can be provided to the airline.
If a guest’s test results are positive, Hedonism II will provide complimentary quarantine accommodations at the resort for the mandatory wait period of 5 days. In the event the guest health deteriorates further the Ministry of Health may insist that the guest(s) be transferred to an on-island medical facility – until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result.
Effective September 1, 2021, there will be a charge for covid-19 on-site testing.
The cost will be as follows:
• Rapid-Antigen – U$20.00
• PCR – U$90.00
Travel agent rates and comp stays do not apply. Policies are subject to be reviewed and amended accordingly and updates will be communicated in a timely manner.
The Jamaican Government has requested that we remind everyone to use only COVID approved, inspected, insured and licensed transportation companies to and from the resort. We ask that you comply with this directive for your own safety and for the safety of our staff and other guests.
IMPORTANT: For the latest Jamaican Government requirements go to www.visitjamaica.com. All visitors arriving to Jamaica are also required to obtain a Travel Authorization prior to arrival, which can be applied for online at: https://travelauth.visitjamaica.com.
NEGRIL, JAMAICA – AUGUST 2021 – Since its re-opening on July 1st, Hedonism II has rigorously implemented safety and sanitation measures, following the directives and recommendations of both Jamaican and international organizations. Now, in an effort to further protect resort visitors, Hedonism II is expanding upon Jamaica’s mandatory testing procedures to apply to all guests arriving to and staying at the resort.
Currently, per Jamaican government protocol, all travellers ages 12 and up regardless of nationality are required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR or Antigen test result from an accredited lab within 3 days of the intended travel date.
Proof of test results will be required at check in. Should a guest not have the necessary documentation upon arrival, they will be directed to a government approved clinic for testing – at their expense - and be required to quarantine in designated rooms at the resort until results are received.
All visitors arriving to Jamaica are also required to obtain a Travel Authorization prior to arrival, which can be applied for online at: https://travelauth.visitjamaica.com.
Hedonism II follows all mandated protocol as put forth by the Ministry of Health and is a Protocol Compliant Approved accommodation as listed on the www.VisitJamaica.com website.
The resort’s ongoing enhanced health and safety procedures and preventative measures, referred to as the PARTY SAFELY program, also includes:
• PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
o Enforcement of mandated social distancing in all common areas, including the lobby, restaurants, bars, and pools.
o Temperature checks using infrared sensors.
o Buffet now allows self-service. However, guests MUST wear a mask while at the buffet.
• CONSTANT SANITATION:
o Continuous and effective disinfection of in room surfaces and air conditioners.
o Frequent sanitizing of high contact areas.
o Detailed disinfection of luggage at time of arrival.
• PROTECTION SERVICES & MATERIALS:
o Personal protection equipment supplies for each guest. Masks are mandatory per the Jamaican Government.
o Anti-bacterial gel stations in all areas throughout the resort and staff offering anti-bacterial gel to guests on a regular basis.
o Upgrade of on-property medical team including specially trained nurses in the detection and care of potential COVID-19 cases.
o 24-hour medical service.
• ADDITIONAL STAFF PROTOCOLS:
o Continuous training about preventative measures and disinfection processes for rooms and common areas.
o The use of mandatory facemasks and personal protection equipment.
o Guaranteed use of correct hand washing techniques.
o Regular temperature checks.
• GROUPS BOOKING THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ON THE RESORT:
o Government protocols are enforced for all indoor locations as of September 1, 2021:
Disco – based on the approximate 700 square feet, only 40 persons maximum including staff are allowed in this space
Kama Sutra Palace – based on the approximate 1290 square feet, only 35 persons maximum including staff are allowed in this space. Available for rental ONLY – no classes are currently being offered by Hedonism
o Continuous training about preventative measures and disinfection processes for rooms and common areas.
o The use of mandatory facemasks and personal protection equipment.
o Guaranteed use of correct hand washing techniques.
o Temperature checks.
Jamaica Tourism Update December 10 2021
1. Fully vaccinated cruise ship crew members are allowed to leave the vessel and go into the TPDCo managed spaces and TPDCo COVID-19 certified entities.
2. Allowable Capacity
- The capacity of licensed tourism transportation has been increased to 100% capacity. However, no passenger is to be seated beside the driver.
- The capacity for all common areas and watersports operations has been increased to 85% capacity.
- The capacity for beaches has been increased to 100% capacity.
3. Saunas are now allowed to operate. We encourage you to view the COVID-19 Safety
4. All patrons (cruise passengers, land-based visitors and locals) allowed access to TPDCo
5. Minibar and in-room refrigerators can now be resumed.
6. Self-service on the buffet lines can now be resumed. Of note is the following guidelines:
i. Ensure patrons are wearing masks and sanitizing on entry to the Buffet area. Chefs and servers should be around the buffets to assist and make sure designated tools are used.
ii. Buffet watchers should be in place to monitor queues.
7. Physical distancing requirement has been changed to a minimum of 3ft in common areas.
We would like to underscore that there has been no adjustment to the requirement of mask
wearing and sanitization mechanisms. This must be strictly adhered to in all instances.
Biden Administration reveals new travel rules - Effective Monday, December 6, 2021
CDC posted this today, December 3, 2021
"If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight."
SUMMARY
In response to the omicron COVID variant, the Biden Administration today released new guidelines for inbound travelers to the U.S., including U.S. citizens. Effective Monday, December 6, all U.S. citizens, regardless of vaccination status, will need to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 1 day of travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight to the U.S. The “mask mandate” for interstate transportation and international travel was also extended through March 2022. This comes on the heels of a ban on foreign travelers from eight countries in southern Africa that was put in place last week.
DETAILS Below and at Link
See details published by CDC December 3, 2021: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Resorts Adapt to New CDC Guidelines
CDC Guidelines | Hedonism II | Temptation | Desire
World Exotic Travel keeps customers first. We want you to feel comfortable traveling and are committed to providing you up to date and accurate information regarding travel developments surrounding Covid-19. I know you are probably tired of this pandemic already and would like to travel again. We are here to help you when you are ready to travel and want to provide the information that you need to make and an informed and safe decision for yourself. We honestly understand that there are many that are not comfortable traveling just yet, and that’s ok – we will help you when you are. For the others that want to travel, just give us a call and we will assist.
Hedonism II - Negril, Jamaca
Q - Do I need a Negative test to travel to Jamaica?
A - Yes
• You must visit visitjamaica.com and fill out a travel authorization.
• You must also obtain one of the following tests inside 10 days before travel.
Accepted Test Types
o A Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR)
o A Nucleic Acid Amplification test (NAA)
o An RNA or molecular test
o An Antigen test
Q - Will the resort offer a way to be tested for our return trip to the USA?
A - Yes
According to the CDC, viral tests (those that detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid or antigens) are valid to enter the U.S. The new order requires all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. That means travelers should be able to take either a PCR or rapid antigen test, as long as written documentation of test results (paper or electronic copy) can be provided to the airline. In anticipation of the CDC’s new order, which goes in to effect on January 26, Hedonism II will provide complimentary FDA-approved antigen (rapid) tests to paying guests on site at the resort.
Guests may arrange the testing appointment with our concierge upon arrival at the resort.“We want to let our valued guests know that there is no need to cancel a reservation due to this new CDC order, as we are working to ensure that everyone can meet this government requirement in anticipation of their return home in a seamless and timely fashion. These complimentary tests are available for guests traveling through March 31, 2021 for paying guests only.
"We want everyone to enjoy their stay at Hedonism II without any added stress or concern. We’ll take care of the logistics so our guests can focus on enjoying their time with us,”
stated Dermot De Loughry, General Manager.
Q - What happens if I test Positive in Jamaica?
A- You will have to quarantine
If a guest's test results are positive, Hedonism II will provide quarantine accommodations at the resort for the mandatory wait period of 14 days. In the event the guest health deteriorates further the Ministry of Health may insist that the guest(s) be transferred to an on-island medical facility - until a doctor certifies clearance for travel with a negative test result.
Temptation - Cancun, Mexico
Q - Do I need a Negative test to travel to Temptation Resort in Mexico?
A - No - At this time there is no requirement to have a test before you travel to Mexico.
Q - Will the resort offer a way to be tested for our return trip to the USA?
A - Yes
Great news: we are extremely speedy when it comes to providing guests with a sexy, worry-free Temptation experience; so, here it is: COVID-19 top-quality antigen tests by Hospiten, a renowned international hospital group, will be available in house at no additional cost for guests staying minimum 3 nights in any room category and checking out as of Jan. 26 (limited to 2 guests per room). If your clients are staying less than 3 nights, don’t sweat, tests will be available to them at a preferential temptationers-only rate of $50 USD per test. Tests results are delivered on a same-day basis.
Q - What happens if I test Positive at Temptation?
A- You will have to quarantine
In the event of a positive test, guests have our full support. After receiving confirmation of a positive result, guests will spend the 14-day period required in a specially designated room at a special rate of $75 USD per person, per night.
Desire - Cancun, Mexico
Q - Do I need a Negative test to travel to Desire Resorts in Mexico?
A - No - At this time there is no requirement to have a test before you travel to Mexico.
Q - Will the resort offer a way to be tested for our return trip to the USA?
A - Yes
Great news: we are extremely speedy when it comes to providing guests with a sexy, worry-free Temptation experience; so, here it is: COVID-19 top-quality antigen tests by Hospiten, a renowned international hospital group, will be available in house at no additional cost for guests staying minimum 3 nights in any room category and checking out as of Jan. 26 (limited to 2 guests per room). If your clients are staying less than 3 nights, don’t sweat, tests will be available to them at a preferential temptationers-only rate of $50 USD per test. Tests results are delivered on a same-day basis.
Q - What happens if I test Positive at Desire Resorts?
A- You will have to quarantine
In the event of a positive test, guests have our full support. After receiving confirmation of a positive result, guests will spend the 14-day period required in a specially designated room at a special rate of $125USD per person, per night.
CDC Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19. This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more efficiently protects the health of Americans.
Variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge in countries around the world, and there is evidence of increased transmissibility of some of these variants. With the US already in surge status, the testing requirement for air passengers will help slow the spread of the virus as we work to vaccinate the American public.
Before departure to the United States, a required test, combined with the CDC recommendations to get tested again 3-5 days after arrival and stay home for 7 days post-travel, will help slow the spread of COVID-19 within US communities from travel-related infections. Pre-departure testing with results known and acted upon before travel begins will help identify infected travelers before they board airplanes.
Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
“Testing does not eliminate all risk,” says CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, “but when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations.”
This order was signed by the CDC Director on January 12, 2021 and will become effective on January 26, 2021.
