Carnival Cruise Line Carnival has joined the CDC programme so, effective with cruises departing March 1, masks on board will be recommended but not required on US sailings. Have no fear, we provide all the relevant links and information you need for all of the major cruise lines below. Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Major cruise lines that continue to have a masking policy in place for indoor public areas of their ships include Azamara, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Viking. When the first cruises allowing Americans restarted in spring 2021, all major lines were sailing with at least 90% of passengers vaccinated against COVID-19. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless theyre traveling from or to a destination that requires it. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. Now, a recent shift has led to cruise lines removing those hurdles as well. Booked guests can get up-to-date information using the Cruise Personalizer tool. MORE: 8. With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. Guests can also visit www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/cruise-travel-documents for more information about the required travel documentation they will need for their NCL voyage. However, with certain destinations still enforcing vaccine and/or testing requirements, be sure to research your cruise itinerary thoroughly before booking if you want to avoid potential restrictions in countries that have still not fully reopened to all travelers. Disney rolled back its COVID vaccine requirement for passengers aged 5 to 11 in early September. Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. Heres a quick breakdown of vaccination and testing policies as of December 2022 at several major cruise lines: These cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests but still have some form of testing requirement in place for those who elected to pass on the vaccine. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard except in the medical center. Because the policy reads for the time being it is likely a temporary measure and will be redacted when possible. Cruise lines have begun modifying their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19, with numerous cruise lines once again allowing unvaccinated passengers to set sail as of September 2022, provided they test negative for COVID-19 first. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. Carnival no longer requires masks on its ships. Aida Cruises, Ama Waterways, American Queen Steamboat Company, Azamara, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Viking are all open or planning to open soon. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on the ship when indoors. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? Note that in some cases, the restrictions may depend on your departure point and the ships home port so always check before sailing. Otherwise all guests must be fully vaccinated 14 days before departure. Alaska Disney River Viking Norwegian Caribbean Carnival Hawaii Viking Search CRUISEINFO CLUB CRUISEINFO CLUB Alaska Disney River Viking Norwegian Caribbean Carnival Hawaii Viking CRUISEINFO CLUB As a result, people are able to get back to the things they love and cruises have had a successful restart with millions heading back to sea. Proud musicaholic. The TSA no longer requires face. In addition, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian sail to a lot more ports than Virgin Voyages does, and cruise ships must also comply with local rules (and some destinations require vaccinations for anyone ages 12 and over even if they dont get off the ship. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. It's important to note that while some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, they still require travelers to follow other safety protocols. Additionally, many cruise lines are still enforcing social distancing measures onboard and in public areas.When planning a cruise vacation, it's important to research the safety protocols of each cruise line before booking. There is no definitive answer as to when a vaccine requirement to go on a cruise ship may go away, but at the very least it stands to reason not until the public health emergency ends. Carnival, for example, says itll accept some vaccine exemptions from those ages 12 and younger, as well as adults who have that they cant be vaccinated but only at their Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama ports until the end of March 2022. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required?. That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. For passengers who are 5 and older and fully vaccinated, a COVID test is not required, but proof of vaccination is needed. As of November 17, 2022, Princess Cruise Lines has also reinstituted mandatory masks onboard for Australia and New Zealand sailings, stating that masking requirements may change at any time, so we ask for flexibility from our guests., Similarly, Royal Caribbean International also states that all guests should wear a mask while travelling through the terminal and in public indoor spaces or crowded outdoor spaces onboard and that protocols are subject to change.. Carnival Cruise Line and local health authorities will continue to monitor local COVID-19 case levels and will make appropriate adjustments to the policy, as well as to other onboard protocols, to safeguard cruise guests, crew members, and port communities. Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Gov. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. The company requires vaccinated passengers to take a test only on sailings six nights or longer, but testing is still required for unvaccinated passengers on all sailings. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. Those requirements would not be necessary on the same cruise without a stop in Colombia. Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. Dont Miss: What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail. Carnival Cruise Line wont require unvaccinated guests to apply for an exemption to sail after Sept. 6. Masks are also now required in outdoors for any large crowded events where guests cannot appropriately distance, such as during deck parties, as well as while on shore tour buses or tenders, or while indoors on any shore excursion. I do not want to take a cruise where I am required to wear a mask the entire time I am indoors because that would not be a happy place for me. Crew Vaccinated? Carnival Cruise Line will no longer require pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests on voyages that are five nights or fewer beginning Aug. 4, the cruise line said Friday. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. 3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship, When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise, Spirit Of Washington Dc Sunset Dinner Cruise With Buffet, Toyota Fj Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition For Sale. Travelers can get tested three days before departure for trips six nights or more. Award-winning beer ninja. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel. There are, of course, also some passengers who have not sailed because they are not vaccinated or dont care to share their vaccination status with a cruise line. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. As the threat of Covid-19 begins to diminish, there is a possibility cruise lines may relax health protocols, including allowing unvaccinated people to go on a cruise ship. The cruise line said COVID vaccines will no longer be required for passengers 12 and older on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder cruise ships starting on Oct. 14. There is no definitive answer as to when a vaccine requirement to go on a cruise ship may go away, but at the very least it stands to reason not until the public health emergency ends. Generally, proof of inoculation must include your name, the type of vaccine you received and the dates on which you received all required doses. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. Again, your cruise company will have the details you need based on your specific itinerary. For all country specific travel requirements, travelers should visit www.ncl.com/travel-requirements-by-country. In the fall of 2022, many popular cruise lines dropped the requirement for passengers to be up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations. The new-to-the-fleet Spirit-class Carnival Luminosa can welcome 2,260 guests, and is offering a range of South Pacific, New Zealand, and Great Barrier Reef itineraries from Brisbane. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? Furthermore, all cruise travelers should be aware that any cruise line has the authority to update protocols in any region, for any sailing, at any time, should it be deemed necessary for public health and safety and the health and safety of those aboard a ship. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. These links are signposted with an asterisk. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. Younger passengers are not subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. Guests may also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test by an accredited third-party with results from within two days of embarkation, if they choose. The change comes as major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, have dropped vaccine requirements for many sailings in recent weeks. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed a new ship to its fleet, requires unvaccinated children to wear their masks when using the shared youth centers on board, and also asks all travelers to wear a mask at all times when at the cruise terminal. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. There are, of course, also some passengers who have not sailed because they are not vaccinated or dont care to share their vaccination status with a cruise line. No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. For all sailings 6 nights or longer, vaccinated guests must present a digital or physical copy of a supervised and negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to sailing. Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry. Cruise vaccination requirements will vary by cruise line, where you embark from and which ports of call you choose. These brands are Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Cruise lines are gradually easing restrictions and resuming operations, with some already allowing unvaccinated passengers to disembark. Its understandable why many voyagers can get muddled on what they need to do in relation to COVID-19 vaccination requirements for their next cruise. Using the searchable directory at the International Society of Travel Medicinecan connect you with a provider based on your location or specific needs.When you book an appointment with a travel medicine clinic, theyll ask you for your specific itinerary and vaccination history, and can usually provide any necessary vaccines on-site. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. One of the trickier questions to tackle is do cruises require vaccinations? Starting Sept. 3, 2022, unvaccinated passengers ages 12 and older (or guests who cannot or decline to present proof of vaccination), need to provide a medically administrated negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. Now, the cruise brand owned by billionaire Richard Branson has quietly decided to allow some unvaccinated sailors, as it calls its passengers, on its upcoming voyages. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? If youre flying to Caribbean islands like Barbados or the Bahamas, or Canadian homeports, such as Vancouver and Montreal, you will need to carry a passport. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. If you want to ensure you have a worry-free voyage, we strongly suggest reading these cruise health policies carefully. But most major cruise lines dropped mask mandates earlier this year as COVID-19 cases worldwide dropped significantly. Cruising in the Time of COVID: Are Cruise Lines Still Sailing? This simplifies the requirements to sail. The cruise line said it will accept an antigen, PCR, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test test. And, I would say that nobody wearing or not wearing masks were ever made to feel uncomfortable. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. In other health protocol-related news, last week Norwegian Cruise Line announced that as of today, it will be allowing unvaccinated kids under 12 to sail on its ships. Given the significant, positive progress in the public health environment, the Cruise Line updated its health and safety guidelines, which are now more aligned with other global travel organizations. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. According to the Australian governments Department of Health and Aged Care, the country is experiencing a slight uptick in overall cases compared to previous months, with more than 54,000 new cases reported in the past week. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except for in a few select indoor locations. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old . Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. COVID-19 vaccine exemptions at Carnivals Long Beach, California port will only be accepted for kids under age 12 and when required by US federal law due to religious beliefs or medical reasons. Starting in late February, Virgin Voyages adjusted its policies from requiring masks when indoors to going completely mask-free. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except in the medical center. First and foremost, unvaccinated passengers of any age are allowed to sail the cruise line without having to first apply for an exemption as was previously required. However, from December 1, Azamara will no longer require proof of vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the US or sailings starting and ending in Europe. The chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high because the virus spreads easily between people in close quarters aboard ships. Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, will welcome all travelers regardless of vaccination status beginning Sept. 5 as long as testing requirements are met, a spokesperson told USA Today. Get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before your trip and three to five days after your trip, regardless of your vaccination status. Go to Boards. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. Were still requiring that the majority of Sailors be vaccinated, but were opening up our voyages for a limited number of unvaccinated Sailors to join us. Costa Cruises will also allow unvaccinated travelers to board sailings 14 nights or shorter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Oct. 8. Keep in mind that even though face masks are no longer required for ships from the above cruise lines, they still may be required in specific venues such as the theater or kids clubs. For domestic sailings, this will be entirely dependent on your chosen cruise line and their cruise vaccination requirements and the current laws of the state or territories you plan on travelling from/to. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic, said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. Specifically, guests should wear face masks in nearly all public settings regardless of physical distancing measures but will not be required to wear face masks in their own stateroom. In addition to staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends that people who plan to cruise do the following: Dont Miss: Which Cruise Line Gives The Best Military Discount. Carnival Cruise Line won't require masks on board starting next month, making the company the latest cruise line to ditch mandatory face coverings. If you have received one of these shots, then you should be good to go. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. As the major cruise lines prepare to relaunch from U.S. ports this summer, they have not yet been as frank with unvaccinated passengers as they need to be about how their cruise experience will stack up next to that of their vaccinated cruise mates. Amateur web practitioner. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port Virgin Voyages Vaccine Policy AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. Vaccinated travelers will not need to test before embarkation. In fact, the cruise line requires all passengers to have the shot to sail. Can I Travel if I've Been Exposed to COVID-19? Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? Disney Cruise Line joins the majority of cruise operators that have done away with COVID-19 vaccination requirements on some ships. MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Those passengers or those who are partially vaccinated will need to provide results of a negative antigen or molecular PCR test taken within 48 hours of embarkation, according to a news release. Heres what you need to know. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. If Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian allow for unvaccinated adults but keep the 90% vaccinated number that could limit how many families can book cruises on those lines, which are marketed as family cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line. And the rules are constantly changing. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. In compliance with U.K. guidance, Fred. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. MSCs policy toward vaccination for sailing from the United States is that while kids under 12 years old are allowed to sail unvaccinated, those older than that must have the shot. Still, there are exceptions. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs.