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. Travelers can get tested three days before departure for trips six nights or more. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here. Cruising is slowly returning to the seas, and many cruise lines are now open or planning to reopen soon. 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. Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. 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. 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. For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. As well, no vaccine will be required if sailing from Europe. 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. 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. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. Olsen passengers are required to wear a mask onboard when not in their staterooms, eating or drinking, or seated in a deck . Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. 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. Hi, this may be of interest to you: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on the ship when indoors. Cruises from Florida and other ports of departure will still require the shot for those 12 and older in order to sail for the time being. 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. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. The Cruise Lines International Association has 60 members including Carnival and MSC Cruises. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. 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. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. 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. Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test before boarding. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. Costa Cruises will also allow unvaccinated travelers to board sailings 14 nights or shorter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Oct. 8. No. Carnival Cruise Line. Also called a bivalent booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. 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. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. 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. For now, none of the cruise lines that have a vaccine requirement have announced any plans to rescind that rule in the future. Recommended Reading: What Is Included In Crystal Cruises. 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. To be considered vaccinated guests must have been vaccinated at least two weeks prior to boarding. 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. Details: Holland Americas latest mask policy. Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic? The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. To avoid the chance of you missing your next cruise, whether domestic or international, we suggest being fully vaccinated. Crew Vaccinated? Carnival Cruise Line is now requiring all guests and crew to wear masks aboard two vessels, and other cruise lines are doing the same. For passengers who are 5 and older and fully vaccinated, a COVID test is not required, but proof of vaccination is needed. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Be Safe protocols for Australia sailings on November 17, 2022, reintroducing mandatory mask wearing. 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. Those indoor spaces include all lounges, corridors, elevators, theaters, casinos, and other spaces, unless guests are eating or drinking. For now, none of the cruise lines that have a vaccine requirement have announced any plans to rescind that rule in the future. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to test prior to sailing. 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. 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. 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. 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/. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required?. 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. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. For all sailings 5 nights or less, no testing is required for vaccinated guests. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? All guests and crew will be required to wear a mask onboard. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. Dont Miss: Do Any Cruise Lines Allow Dogs. 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. There is no requirement for passengers to mask on board, but 100% of the crew is masked. Amateur zombie evangelist. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. 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. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. Disney Cruise Line joins the majority of cruise operators that have done away with COVID-19 vaccination requirements on some ships. Masks continue to be required for unvaccinated guests in indoor public areas. 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. This article was originally published in February 2022. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, accept vaccines recommended or approved by the World Health Organization as well as the CDC. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. Recommended Reading: When Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again. Despite Floridas law, Norwegian Cruise Line is also insisting it will require everyone on board its ships to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. 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. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. 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 ensures you can sail stress-free knowing you wont have your voyage cut short due to any cruise vaccination policy when entering another state or territory. Check your cruise lines website for more details. Also, fully vaccinated passengers now no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to setting sail on many voyages. Not sure where to go? Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. "Effective with sailings departing March 1 . The TSA no longer requires face. 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. MSC Cruises As of September 1, 2022, MSC Cruises no longer requires U.S. citizens to be vaccinated. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. You May Like: Where To Find The Best Cruise Deals. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return. 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. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. Vaccinated passengers dont need to test unless visiting Canada, Bermuda, Greece or Australia and on trips of 16 nights or longer. Passengers are encouraged to wear them . 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. Hell of a Cruise:Highlighting the panic, failures of the COVID early days. And the good news for many people? 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. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. 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. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. Gov. As Australia sees a rise in COVID-19 cases, policies are changing once again to try and prevent the spread of . This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. 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. Unvaccinated Guests: Are not permitted aboard. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Keep in mind that each cruise line determines its own health and wellness protocols. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port. Also Check: 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise. Cruise vacations are a great way to explore the world and have a fun and relaxing time. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. Around the same time, Celebrity Cruises went the opposite direction, lowering the age at which passengers must be vaccinated to sail on its ships. Disney said that changes to the policies are subject to local rules. That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. 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.