Six passengers were denied entry to their cruise from Seattle to Alaska if they have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The company states that all Royal Caribbean passengers who travel to the United States from any US port other than Florida must be fully immunized.
Royal Caribbean's first sail since over a year was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It set sail in June.
Insider Healthcare: Get the latest news and analysis in healthcare Loading Click to sign up for marketing emails from Insider and other partners. You also agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
KIRO 7 News reported that at least six Royal Caribbean passengers were left waiting on Seattle's dock because they didn't receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
According to KIRO 7, the passengers who were barred from the Ovation of the Seas liner to Alaska believed they needed to only show a negative COVID test within 72 hours.
Marilyn Sylver was one of those passengers who had the trip planned for over two years. She and other passengers who were not permitted to board the ship Friday said that Royal Caribbean didn't make them feel welcome.
Sylver said over the telephone that "they're not talking as if they are going to assist us in any way." According to reports, she expected to be allowed onboard the ship with restricted access.
Insider asked Royal Caribbean for comment but they did not respond. KIRO 7 was told by a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean that the policy should have been known to passengers.
Royal Caribbean International's updated vaccine policy, which was last updated August 1, requires that all passengers traveling on cruises leaving from any US port other than Florida be fully vaccinated for coronavirus. Passenger under 18 who is not eligible for vaccination must prove that they have passed a COVID test.
The policy states that passengers who travel out of Florida without being vaccinated are subject to routine testing and additional health protocols at the passenger's expense.
After being shut down in the US by the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established guidelines and restrictions for cruise liner to follow to allow them to sail for more than one year. Florida officials claim that the CDC rules are too restrictive, and could prevent most cruises ever reaching the sea.
Royal Caribbean's first cruise ship left the US port in June after 15 months of planning and preparations.
