Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Masks on NCL? - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. In other words, this is not something you want to put off until the last minute. With the easing of the Cruise Lines health and safety protocols, NCL will continue to follow the travel guidelines as required by the destinations it visits. For now, none of the cruise lines that have a vaccine requirement have announced any plans to rescind that rule in the future. Cruising in the Time of COVID: Are Cruise Lines Still Sailing? All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line began waiving vaccination and testing requirements in October. These links are signposted with an asterisk. This simplifies the requirements to sail. Also, fully vaccinated passengers now no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to setting sail on many voyages. 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. As with any rapidly changing scenario like this one, laws, and regulations change at a rapid pace, and this often affects your cruise vaccination requirements as well. Carnival Cruise Line updated its Have Fun. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. As of last week, masks arent required for vaccinated guests on Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. 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. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Connect with other cruisers before and after you set sail. Don't get me wrong, I totally support the wearing of masks in the general public because we don't know who is and is not vaccinated. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. Olsen passengers are required to wear a mask onboard when not in their staterooms, eating or drinking, or seated in a deck . Here is a current list of cruise line that have, or will eliminate the vaccine requirement to sail on one of their cruise ships. Check your cruise lines website for more details. Note: Some destinations still require it and cruises that visit these countries will still have the COVID-19 vaccination requirement due to local laws. Dont Miss: Do Any Cruise Lines Allow Dogs. Recommended Reading: What Is Included In Crystal Cruises. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . And the good news for many people? 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. Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Check with your specific cruise line for the latest information, keeping in mind that the rules can and do shift. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. 2. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. Read Also: Cruises In April 2022 From Florida. 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. Details: Holland Americas latest mask policy. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. However, Asia and Oceania, and some countries in Central and South America, still have stricter rules in place. Cruise like a pro with expert tips from our editors. In turn, each operator has prepared their own cruise vaccination policy that is designed to work across all destinations they service. Cruise lines have been making changes to their requirements for passengers in order to make cruise ships accessible to virtually everyone. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. COVID-19 Protocols, Listed by Cruise Line | TravelAge West However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is some good news on the horizon. The Cruise Lines International Association has 60 members including Carnival and MSC Cruises. That includes things like visiting restaurants or movie theaters, going to a sporting event, and of course, travel. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know, 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. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. Guests who choose not to be vaccinated or not willing to verify vaccination will be subject to testing and additional health protocols which will be at their expense. For the most up-to-date policies, always double-check with your cruise line of choice, as protocols change rapidly. 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. Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board - Travel Masks continue to be required for unvaccinated guests in indoor public areas. The Disney Magic cruise ship will make the change on Nov. 7. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. Booked guests can get up-to-date information using the Cruise Personalizer tool. We expect approximately 90 percent of our guests will be vaccinated. Cruise lines that don't require Covid vaccines | Cruise.Blog In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Also Check: 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line , the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective Oct. 4, 2022. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. 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. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. Because you may visit multiple locations on a cruise, you need to know the requirements for all your ports of call. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. Passengers can call the cruise line at 954-488-2955 to ask about sailing without having the shot. It must be noted, however, that there have been no reports of cases reported from cruise ships having severe symptoms or requiring hospitalization, with most individuals who return positive test results reporting no symptoms or only mild discomfort. CDC Eliminates Mask Requirement on Vaccinated Cruises - Cruise Fever 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. Vaccines, Masks and Testing: What Cruise Lines Require Now (2022) Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard except in the medical center. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on the ship when indoors. View Best Prices on Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line For cruises that depart on or after September 6, 2022, Carnival Cruise Line will allow all guests to once again sail on their Fun Ships. To avoid the chance of you missing your next cruise, whether domestic or international, we suggest being fully vaccinated. 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. It's important to note that while some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, they still require travelers to follow other safety protocols. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. 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. You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here. 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. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, said Royal Caribbeans news release. Do I Have to Wear a Mask on a Cruise? Policies For All Major Cruise Lines : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. Treat those flights as domestic travel. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. 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. 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. 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. 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. To Mask or Not - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. Disney rolled back its COVID vaccine requirement for passengers aged 5 to 11 in early September. Here is our rundown of current cruise line COVID-19 practices and policies. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port Virgin Voyages Vaccine Policy Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except for in a few select indoor locations. Heres what you need to know. Now, a recent shift has led to cruise lines removing those hurdles as well. Azamara. There is no mention of needing a reason to be eligible for an exemption. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. On Alaska voyages between Whittier and Vancouver, they are required on the ship when indoors. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Cruise lines have begun to get rid of their COVID-19 vaccine requirement that they have mandated over the past 15 months since cruises have restarted. Unvaccinated travelers may embark with a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. While each cruise line might accept different ones, the major vaccines Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca all seem to have wide acceptance. Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry. Traveler Alert: Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! 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. Carnival Cruise Line only restarted Australia guest operations in the past several weeks, first with Carnival Splendor setting sail on October 1, followed by Carnival Luminosas first sailing on November 6. And, some cruise stops may then trigger requirements for ports of call later in the trip. The restrictions requiring vaccines are dropping quickly. 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. Unvaccinated Guests: Are not permitted aboard. Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. View Best Prices on MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line was the first major cruise line to announce the elimination of a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless theyre traveling from or to a destination that requires it. 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. You May Like: 7 Day Alaska Cruises From Seattle. Kids two to five years old will still be required to wear masks in the kids club spaces and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Virgin Voyages is known for being adults-only, which means it's easier to require vaccines. Shes been on 10 cruises and counting, and her favorite onboard activities include trying out the water slides, spending time in the spas thermal suite, eating lots of food, and attending the love & marriage show. In the fall of 2022, many popular cruise lines dropped the requirement for passengers to be up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations. 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 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. Currently, booster shots are not required for any passengers. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. 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. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. Proud musicaholic. Crew Vaccinated? Cruise lines will have to mandate masks even by the pool and nix You can also work with a local travel medicine clinic to determine what vaccinations or preventative measures are recommended based on your itinerary. 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. As the health situation evolves, cruise lines are always adjusting their health and safety policies including whether guests need to wear masks onboard. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Because the policy reads for the time being it is likely a temporary measure and will be redacted when possible. Cruising is a popular way to explore the world, and many travelers are eager to get back on the open seas. 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. For passengers who are 5 and older and fully vaccinated, a COVID test is not required, but proof of vaccination is needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships on July 18, after which many cruise lines that had opted in eased their protocols. Do Non-US Citizens Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cruise Lines Without Vaccine Requirements - CruiseInfoClub.com 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. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. Testing is still required for some cruises. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Children who are aged 4 or younger do not need vaccination proof or a COVID test. Norwegian, which requires guests to bring proof of vaccination, responded to inquiries with a link to its latest press release from early June about its upcoming U.S. voyages. Not sure where to go? 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. There are a few exceptions. Do I need to wear a mask on my cruise? A line-by-line guide - MSN 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. For general information on testing, please refer to our article on cruise testing requirements. 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. This isn't an easy decision, because it's partially about people's health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Therefore, people who are vaccinated should not be worried about getting infected from those who arent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. 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. While some cruise lines state theyll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. 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. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. MSC Cruises As of September 1, 2022, MSC Cruises no longer requires U.S. citizens to be vaccinated. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. 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. However, as is the case with Cunard, these cruise lines stop . Olsen Cruise Lines. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes all guests regardless of vaccination status. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. Heres what the CDC currently recommends when it comes to vaccines. Which Cruise Lines Require Passengers to Wear Masks? - Cruise Critic But now, little more than a year later, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has withdrawn its opt-in guidance for cruise lines, and many are now allowing more unvaccinated passengers to sail. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. As Australia sees a rise in COVID-19 cases, policies are changing once again to try and prevent the spread of . As of December 2022, if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose, children as young as 6 months who completed the Moderna primary series can receive one updated bivalent booster dose. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. And, I would say that nobody wearing or not wearing masks were ever made to feel uncomfortable. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. 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. 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/. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. 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. 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. Cruise lines make it clear that passengers must be fully vaccinated. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. 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. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. It seems most cruise lines are following the CDCs definition of fully vaccinated, which means two weeks have passed since your second shot of Pfizer or Moderna, or since your one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. Others have eliminated both Covid vaccination requirements and testing requirements for some, but not all, passengers based on itineraries or cruise lengths. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. 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. U.S. Coast Guard Will Not Enforce Face Masks at Cruise Terminals Which Cruise Lines Do Not Require Vaccinations 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.