These links are signposted with an asterisk. 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 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. 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. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. In an abundance of caution in response to recent cases reported onboard cruise ships, Carnival Cruise Line has reintroduced mandatory mask wearing policies for the cruise line's. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Pre-boarding tests are not required for vaccinated guests. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. As always, your safety is our first priority, so we will continue with our other protocols to keep you well while enjoying your relaxing vacation, the cruise line shared in the email. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, You May Like: Luxury River Cruise Lines Europe. In most cases, no. The good news is that given the vaccines, a milder variant, and prior cases, the amount of serious illness seems lower. According to Royal Caribbeans website, the cruise line is working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries.. 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. 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. The governor is dictatorially imposing his will on Florida businesses trying to protect their customers, including cruise lines on whom our agriculture industry depends for millions in food sales, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement to NBC News. Guests must also wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation processes. All passengers will undergo a complimentary COVID-19 test during the pre-cruise hotel stay prior to embarkation. First-time cruisers:3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship, Recommended Reading: Cruise Capital Of The World. READ NEXT: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know. The cruise line will still administer a COVID-19 antigen test to each guest prior to boarding, free of charge, and masks are required in public areas. Again, your cruise company will have the details you need based on your specific itinerary. Hi, this may be of interest to you: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements. 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. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. 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. As Australia sees a rise in COVID-19 cases, policies are changing once again to try and prevent the spread of . We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Costa Cruises will also allow unvaccinated travelers to board sailings 14 nights or shorter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Oct. 8. The Cruise Lines International Association has 60 members including Carnival and MSC Cruises. 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. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. 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. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. In late July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) withdrew its COVID-19 Program for cruise ships, allowing individual cruise lines to set their own standards. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. We previously reported in our guide to cruise lines mask policies article that a large number of brands would be dropping all mask requirements onboard their ships as of today. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. 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. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Australia has been one of the more strict regions of the world with respect to pandemic cruise travel restrictions. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes all guests regardless of vaccination status. 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. 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. Details: Holland Americas latest mask policy. Amateur zombie evangelist. Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. Also Check: 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise. No. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. 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. 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. 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. As of September 5, 2022, Royal Caribbean will no longer require passengers to be vaccinated to sail if departing from ports in California, Louisiana, and Texas. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. Thats hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election. Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. Despite Floridas law, Norwegian Cruise Line is also insisting it will require everyone on board its ships to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. This simplifies the requirements to sail. In fact, apart from vaccines and testing, the onboard experience has returned to exactly what it was before the pandemic. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. However, Asia and Oceania, and some countries in Central and South America, still have stricter rules in place. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. What was true for your friend who took a Viking cruise in fall 2022 may not apply to the cruise you booked for a 2023 voyage on Carnival. Recommended Reading: What Is Included In Crystal Cruises. When asked how Carnival intends to handle Floridas new law, a spokesperson did not comment on the decision to break from the law and instead referred NBC News to its frequently-asked-questions page, which states that guests will be asked to confirm their status as fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination in advance of boarding, unless a vaccination exemption is given in advance. From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is some good news on the horizon. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Thats been one of the biggest questions in a return to sailing. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Crew Vaccinated? You can also work with a local travel medicine clinic to determine what vaccinations or preventative measures are recommended based on your itinerary. Be Safe protocols for Australia sailings on November 17, 2022, reintroducing mandatory mask wearing. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. And, I would say that nobody wearing or not wearing masks were ever made to feel uncomfortable. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Mask-wearing requirements were common on cruise ships through much of 2021 and into early 2022 as COVID-19 spread across the globe in several major waves. 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. That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. 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. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. 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. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. For Royal Caribbean, the changes include sailings from Los Angeles, New Orleans, Galveston and Europe. Celebrity is not requiring booster shots for any passengers at this time. 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. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. Kids two to five years old will still be required to wear masks in the kids club spaces and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line*, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, for example, are all headquartered in the US, which means they must follow the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even when theyre sailing outside of the country. These links are signposted with an asterisk. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions . 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. Heres what the CDC currently recommends when it comes to vaccines. Starting Sept. 6, Princess Cruises will require passengers on sailings of 16 nights or longer to take a test within three days of leaving, as well as those on full Panama Canal transits. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Typical bacon geek. This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? Virgin Voyages, a fledgling cruise line sailing one of its two ships, the Scarlet Lady, out of Miami, dropped the pre-cruise testing requirement after the CDC stopped monitoring covid on cruise ships. On Alaska voyages between Whittier and Vancouver, they are required on the ship when indoors. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line began waiving vaccination and testing requirements in October. MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. Oceania CruisesFully vaccinated passengers aged 12 and older dont need a test to embark. Cruise lines are gradually easing restrictions and resuming operations, with some already allowing unvaccinated passengers to disembark. Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. 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. Others have eliminated both Covid vaccination requirements and testing requirements for some, but not all, passengers based on itineraries or cruise lengths. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Effective September 3, 2022, Regent Seven Seas will welcome guests of all ages back regardless of vaccination status. Can I Travel if I've Been Exposed to COVID-19? We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test before boarding. If Cruises Sail With Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Passengers, Is Everything Back to Normal? We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. - As of July 25, 2022, the line no longer requires pre-cruise testing unless . What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. The TSA no longer requires face. On ocean, lakes, and expedition ships that visit Canada, there is a free COVID-19 test at the precruise hotel check-in on the day prior to embarkation until further notice. Check out our recap of youth immunization policies for details on cruise vaccination requirements for kids. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they dont require it. For example, approximately 100 cases were reported onboard Coral Princess in early July during one of the first restart cruises, while more recently, local news services have reported more than 800 cases aboard Majestic Princess. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. The policy now reads, out of an abundance of caution, for the time being, masks are required in public indoor spaces.. Still, there are exceptions. View Best Prices on Celebrity, Read Also: Last Minute Cruise Deals Tampa. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. For all sailings 5 nights or less, no testing is required for vaccinated guests. Bottom line: If youve been vaccinated against COVID-19 outside of the US, check with your cruise line to make sure they accept your vaccine before putting any money down. Keep in mind, however, that policies on testing and vaccination requirements vary from cruise line to cruise line, and that sailings to, from, or calling on ports in Canada, Bermuda, Greece, Australia and New Zealand will still require most passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity, also rolled back its testing requirements this month, following the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports still have vaccine rules in place. 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. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here. That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. For instance, a Panama Canal cruise making a stop in Colombia triggers vaccine requirements for ports later in the itinerary. The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q& As happening daily! No. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. 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. 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. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. At this date, Regent will adopt the following pre-cruise testing requirements, subject to local regulations: Explore Regent Seven Seas current health and safety protocols here. Cruising is slowly returning to the seas, and many cruise lines are now open or planning to reopen soon. Click on your favorite cruise line below to find out. Cruise lines make it clear that passengers must be fully vaccinated. Connect with other cruisers before and after you set sail. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. As well, even if not required, Royal Caribbean asks that you still bring proof of vaccination to your cruise. Passengers are encouraged to wear them . Also Check: What Is The Best Cruise Out Of Galveston. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Judge sides with Norwegian in bid to require COVID-19 vaccination, What Is Included In Concierge Class On Celebrity Cruises, What Cruise Lines Sail From Jacksonville Florida, You can view Carnivals latest policies here, You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here, ropped the pre-cruise testing requirement. Its also important to know that while all adults in the US are now eligible for boosters, the definition of fully vaccinated hasnt changed and you dont need an extra shot to be considered fully vaccinated. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. Disney said that changes to the policies are subject to local rules. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless theyre traveling from or to a destination that requires it. What is the Average Cost of a 7-Day Cruise? Depending on the cruise line, fully vaccinated can mean having received the original series at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot. While some cruise lines state theyll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port.