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But as its ships prepare to leave port with passengers again, those who are unvaccinated will find the journey to be much more of an ordeal compared with that of their vaccinated counterparts — at least for those sailing from Florida. 

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What You Need To Know

-Cruising rules increase starting Aug. 1 and last through Dec. 31, 2021

-The new guidelines are a response to Florida's law regarding vaccinations

-Those not wishing to comply with these new guidelines can request a refund

-The new stiffer rules don't apply to vaccinated passengers

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Late Monday, Royal Caribbean updated its policies regarding cruises departing the Sunshine State, noting its policies for cruises departing before and after Aug. 1. 

Freedom of the Seas received its Conditional Sailing Certificate after successfully completing its simulated voyage earlier this month, Royal Caribbean President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bayley announced Tuesday on Facebook.

The aptly named ship will hold its first revenue-sailing cruise over the Independence Day holiday weekend, from July 2-5. It will depart from Miami and will visit Nassau in The Bahamas as well CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island. 

The ship, with its fully vaccinated crew, will be the first of the Royal Caribbean International cruise lines to set sail from the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the industry in March 2020.