Royal Caribbean Expands COVID-19 Policy After 6 Guests Test Positive on Ship

The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas gets underway through the Government Cut shipping channel at Port Miami during the first U.S. trial cruise testing COVID-19 protocols in Miami, Fla., on June 20, 2021. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

U.S. cruise liner Royal Caribbean Group said on Friday only passengers with a negative COVID-19 test will be let aboard, after six guests on its Adventure of the Seas cruise ship  tested positive during routine testing.

The rule will apply to all guests departing on cruises that are five nights or longer, irrespective of their vaccine status, the company said.