Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. 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. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes all guests regardless of vaccination status. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? The cruise line currently requires unvaccinated guests to have a vaccine exemption before they sail. No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. 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. The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. Also Check: What Cruises Leave From Miami, As of August 8, 2022 only children under 12 are welcome as unvaccinated guests on Celebrity cruise lines when leaving the United States. 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. With the update, Disney will require passengers aged 5 and older who are unvaccinated to provide a negative COVID test taken one to two days prior to embarkment. One of the trickier questions to tackle is do cruises require vaccinations? Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. As of the fall of 2022, many cruise line have dropped vaccination, testing and masking requirements. 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. In turn, each operator has prepared their own cruise vaccination policy that is designed to work across all destinations they service. Typical bacon geek. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. There is no mention of needing a reason to be eligible for an exemption. As the cruise industry has made its way back from its covid-related March 2020 through July 2021 closure, a lot of people have put off cruising until it returned to normal. Thats a relative word, however, as your normal and my normal may not be the same. 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. Costa Cruises will also allow unvaccinated travelers to board sailings 14 nights or shorter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Oct. 8. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? There is no requirement for passengers to mask on board, but 100% of the crew is masked. Crew Vaccinated? Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. While cruising restarted in other regions in mid-2021, Australia only reopened for cruises in mid-2022. Because this policy only impacts sailings in Australia, only two Carnival ships are currently affected: Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa. 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. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control stopped tracking the presence of covid on ships and issued a new set of guidelines for the cruise industry. For the most up-to-date policies, always double-check with your cruise line of choice, as protocols change rapidly. Treat those flights as domestic travel. Some lines, however, may still require one or more protocols to be adhered to, either on a voyage-by-voyage basis or on a destination-basis. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. 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. For passengers who are 5 and older and fully vaccinated, a COVID test is not required, but proof of vaccination is needed. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. Editors note: This post has been updated with new information. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Check your cruise lines website for more details. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, : For Freedom, Odyssey, Allure, Symphony and sailing out of Florida ports in July and August we are strongly recommending all guests eligible for vaccines are fully vaccinated. 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. 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. The testing and masking requirement specifics may differ by cruise or length of sail, but everyone age 2 and older should be prepared to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding, or during the journey when applicable, regardless of vaccination status. Dont Miss: Cruise Ship With Go Kart Track. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. Carnival Cruise Line updated its Have Fun. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? 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. Vaccinated passengers dont need to test unless visiting Canada, Bermuda, Greece or Australia and on trips of 16 nights or longer. Starting in late February, Virgin Voyages adjusted its policies from requiring masks when indoors to going completely mask-free. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Carnival Splendor setting sail on October 1, Carnival Luminosas first sailing on November 6, approximately 100 cases were reported onboard, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port. Proud musicaholic. Celestyal Cruises has partnered with Bioiatriki which provides tests for just 10 per person at locations across Athens and Thessaloniki. However, your cruise line will have more details about which specific shots they accept. 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. 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. Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. The cruise line said it will accept an antigen, PCR, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test test. View Best Prices on Carnival, Celebrity Cruises Starting on Monday, September 5, 2022, all guests will be able to sail on Celebrity cruise ships, even if not vaccinated. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. Other sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers Health site that maintains up-to-date information on current health situations around the world, general healthy travel tips and help in finding a travel health clinic. 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 Go to Boards. Unvaccinated travellers need to present the results of a medically administered PCR or antigen test taken less than 72 hours before boarding. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on the ship when indoors. 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. There are exceptions, however, such as dining venues, where guests can eat and drink without face . That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. As of last week, masks arent required for vaccinated guests on Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. 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. In the fall of 2022, many popular cruise lines dropped the requirement for passengers to be up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations. However, Asia and Oceania, and some countries in Central and South America, still have stricter rules in place. Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Around the same time, Celebrity Cruises went the opposite direction, lowering the age at which passengers must be vaccinated to sail on its ships. If you want to ensure you have a worry-free voyage, we strongly suggest reading these cruise health policies carefully. Those indoor spaces include all lounges, corridors, elevators, theaters, casinos, and other spaces, unless guests are eating or drinking. Olsen passengers are required to wear a mask onboard when not in their staterooms, eating or drinking, or seated in a deck . Will masks be required on cruise ships in 2022? A single shot of the Johnson & Johnson dose is ok, but still requires receiving it well in advance of sailing. The Splendor-class Carnival Splendor, with a guest capacity of 3,012, is offering both short and long cruises from Sydney, including ports of call such as Tasmania, New Zealand, and Queensland, as well as short getaways to nowhere. If Cruises Sail With Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Passengers, Is Everything Back to Normal? Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? 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. 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 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. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. Guests do not need to wear masks in their staterooms. Oceania CruisesFully vaccinated passengers aged 12 and older dont need a test to embark. Testing and vaccination requirements will differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from destinations with specific local health regulations, including the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, and Greece. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. "Effective with sailings departing March 1 . Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. 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 agency currently recommends cruise passengers be up to date with their vaccinations including their most recent recommended booster dose and take a test a maximum of three days before embarkation no matter their vaccination status, according to its website. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. 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. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. That includes things like visiting restaurants or movie theaters, going to a sporting event, and of course, travel. Most lines only accept vaccines recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. In compliance with U.K. guidance, Fred. 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. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return. 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 Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q& As happening daily! This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to test prior to sailing. Keep in mind that each cruise line determines its own health and wellness protocols. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. All Contents Copyright 2022 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. This is the link: Cruise News Today March 1, 2022 [VIDEO], Bookings Open For Royal Caribbeans 2023-24 Caribbean Cruises, guide to cruise lines mask policies article, Cruise News Recap | Week of February 5, 2023, Philippines Welcomes First International Cruise Ship in Three Years, Pre-Cruise Entertainment Reservations Now Available on Norwegian Cruise Line, https://cruiseradio.net/8-cruise-lines-drop-their-face-mask-requirements/. 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. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. Currently, booster shots are not required for any passengers. Despite Floridas law, Norwegian Cruise Line is also insisting it will require everyone on board its ships to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . As well, no vaccine will be required if sailing from Europe. Booked guests can get up-to-date information using the Cruise Personalizer tool. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port Virgin Voyages Vaccine Policy Here is our rundown of current cruise line COVID-19 practices and policies. Disney said that changes to the policies are subject to local rules. While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. This article was originally published in February 2022. Do Non-US Citizens Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. 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. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port. Also Check: What Is The Best Cruise Out Of Galveston. Get Expert Tips. Dont Miss: What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail. This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. Celebrity is not requiring booster shots for any passengers at this time. These Cruise Lines Are Requiring Passengers To Wear Masks Again All The Details. You May Like: 7 Day Alaska Cruises From Seattle. 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 lines sailings in Australia. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. And the good news for many people? Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. 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. All guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding. Children who are aged 4 or younger do not need vaccination proof or a COVID test. Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. Major global cruise lines no longer require passengers to wear masks.2 days ago. 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. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. 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. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. You can also work with a local travel medicine clinic to determine what vaccinations or preventative measures are recommended based on your itinerary. 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. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York.