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. Its possible a cruise line may accept one shot of a viral vector vaccine, such as AstraZeneca, and one shot of an mRNA vaccine, but this practice of mixing for a COVID-19 vaccine primary series isnt authorized yet in the US. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? As of the fall of 2022, many cruise line have dropped vaccination, testing and masking requirements. In most cases, no. 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. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? 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. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. This isn't an easy decision, because it's partially about people's health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. Unvaccinated Guests: Are not permitted aboard. 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. When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise and Get the Best Deals? 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. If you want to ensure you have a worry-free voyage, we strongly suggest reading these cruise health policies carefully. For general information on testing, please refer to our article on cruise testing requirements. Guests do not need to wear masks in their staterooms. The following cruise lines have dropped all restrictions, including vaccine, testing, and mask rules, with exceptions only for itineraries that visit countries with restrictions still in place. 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. Olsen passengers are required to wear a mask onboard when not in their staterooms, eating or drinking, or seated in a deck . Do I need a vaccine to cruise? This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. 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. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. Check with your specific cruise line for the latest information, keeping in mind that the rules can and do shift. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. The Cruise Lines International Association has 60 members including Carnival and MSC Cruises. 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. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. Dont Miss: What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail. To avoid the chance of you missing your next cruise, whether domestic or international, we suggest being fully vaccinated. 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. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. Therefore, people who are vaccinated should not be worried about getting infected from those who arent. Which Cruise Lines Do Not Require Vaccinations The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board - Travel Carnival Cruise Line is now requiring all guests and crew to wear masks aboard two vessels, and other cruise lines are doing the same. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. In fact, apart from vaccines and testing, the onboard experience has returned to exactly what it was before the pandemic. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions . Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. While each cruise line might accept different ones, the major vaccines Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca all seem to have wide acceptance. Crew Vaccinated? 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. 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. Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. Treat those flights as domestic travel. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. 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. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. Yes. To be considered vaccinated guests must have been vaccinated at least two weeks prior to boarding. Australia has been one of the more strict regions of the world with respect to pandemic cruise travel restrictions. 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. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements - Cruise Radio Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Dont Miss: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of San Francisco. For those who are unvaccinated, pre-embarkation testing is required. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. 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. Compare and find the best cruise deals. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 passengers on board and I would venture to guess that less than 2% wore masks. Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. Hell of a Cruise:Highlighting the panic, failures of the COVID early days. 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. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. 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. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date. In fact, the cruise line requires all passengers to have the shot to sail. Will masks be required on cruise ships in 2022? You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Here's the current list of cruise lines that do not require Covid vaccines to sail, for travelers who cannot or choose not to get the shot. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. 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. The cruise line said it will accept an antigen, PCR, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test test. The three major cruise lines sailing from U.S. ports Royal Caribbean International Get Free Report, Carnival Cruise Lines CCL, and Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH still require pre-cruise covid tests taken no more than two days before your cruise and that all guests ages 12-and-over provide proof of vaccination. 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.. 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. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. 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. Effective September 3, 2022, Regent Seven Seas will welcome guests of all ages back regardless of vaccination status. And, I would say that nobody wearing or not wearing masks were ever made to feel uncomfortable. 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. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed . Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port Virgin Voyages Vaccine Policy 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. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Amateur zombie evangelist. Cruise Ships That Do Not Require Vaccine - CruiseInfoClub.com Check your airlines protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if youre flying before or after the cruise. 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. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Details: Holland Americas latest mask policy. 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. Read Also: Cruises In April 2022 From Florida. Prior to the pandemic, the industry directly and indirectly supported nearly 160,000 jobs in Florida. Typical bacon geek. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. View Best Prices on NCL, Royal Caribbean Starting on September 5, 2022, guests who are not vaccinated will be able to sail on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the worlds largest cruise line. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Antibody tests are not accepted. MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. The changes are also subject to local requirements, and full vaccination requirements apply to passengers 12 and up while testing rules apply to those 5 and older. Vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers can go on all other cruises, with unvaccinated guests showing proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. What cruise line does not require masks? - AnswerParadise.net Heres what the CDC currently recommends when it comes to vaccines. Others have eliminated both Covid vaccination requirements and testing requirements for some, but not all, passengers based on itineraries or cruise lengths. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . In addition to the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide to individual travelers in preventing severe illness or death from COVID-19, having a high proportion of travelers on board who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines reduces the likelihood that cruise ships medical centers are overwhelmed by cases of COVID-19.. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test before boarding. The CDC says cruise lines can't allow "self-guided or independent exploration" at ports, and tour companies must still follow COVID-19 protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. All guests on all sailings through the end of 2022 with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are required to be fully vaccinated. Carnival Cruise Line wont require unvaccinated guests to apply for an exemption to sail after Sept. 6. With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. Dont Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To Tahiti. Most lines only accept vaccines recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norwegian, which mandates 100% of guests and crew be vaccinated to sail and did not previously require masks be worn, will now mandate face coverings for sailings through Dec. 19, according to the . Oceania CruisesFully vaccinated passengers aged 12 and older dont need a test to embark. 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. 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. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. 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. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? Carnival Cruise Line updated its Have Fun. Around the same time, Celebrity Cruises went the opposite direction, lowering the age at which passengers must be vaccinated to sail on its ships. Proud musicaholic. The three major cruise lines sailing from U.S. ports Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Lines CCL, and Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH still require pre-cruise covid tests taken no more than two days before your cruise and that all guests ages 12-and-over provide proof of vaccination. No. Cruise lines make it clear that passengers must be fully vaccinated. 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 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. Celebrity is not requiring booster shots for any passengers at this time. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. If Cruises Sail With Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Passengers, Is Everything Back to Normal? Royal Caribbean made headlines a week ago when it announced that it would begin sailing from Florida in early July with ships where vaccinations would be recommended but not required. These included recommendations that ships continue to require pre-cruise testing and for passengers to be vaccinated. The chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high because the virus spreads easily between people in close quarters aboard ships. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. 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. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. 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. These brands are Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn. 2. While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away. Also, most longer cruises will still require a vaccination. Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. - As of Dec. 1, 2022, guests traveling with Azamara no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on sailings starting and ending in the U.S. or Europe. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. No. For the most up-to-date policies, always double-check with your cruise line of choice, as protocols change rapidly. As well, even if not required, Royal Caribbean asks that you still bring proof of vaccination to your cruise. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on. Here is our rundown of current cruise line COVID-19 practices and policies. Cruising in the Time of COVID: Are Cruise Lines Still Sailing? While some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, others may still require them. 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. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. These Cruise Lines Will Still Require Face Masks This Summer - Travel Off Path, Mask mandate: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean set to drop masks, Cruise Lines Mandating Vaccines: What You Need to Know, Cruise Lines Reopening: What You Need to Know. 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. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. Cruise lines that don't require Covid vaccines | Cruise.Blog 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. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. However, as is the case with Cunard, these cruise lines stop . Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. General zombie trailblazer. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. U.S. Coast Guard Will Not Enforce Face Masks at Cruise Terminals Those indoor spaces include all lounges, corridors, elevators, theaters, casinos, and other spaces, unless guests are eating or drinking. Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. On sailings departing Singapore, masks are mandatory on the ship when indoors. And the rules are constantly changing. As protocols change rapidly, here is our rundown of current cruise line COVID-19 practices and policies: There are a number of vaccines available around the world. 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. Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. Also, fully vaccinated passengers now no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to setting sail on many voyages. It must be noted that at this time, this policy only impacts Carnival cruises in Australia, and masks are not required on any Carnival ships in other regions. But with the pandemic still ongoing, many cruise lines have implemented safety protocols, including the requirement to wear masks. For all country specific travel requirements, travelers should visit www.ncl.com/travel-requirements-by-country. You May Like: Are Greek Island Cruises Worth It. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. Heres what you need to know. Masks on NCL? - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Starting in late February, Virgin Voyages adjusted its policies from requiring masks when indoors to going completely mask-free. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. There is no mention of needing a reason to be eligible for an exemption. Vaccinated travelers will not need to test before embarkation. Cruise Lines That No Longer Require Masks All guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding. To Mask or Not - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. 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. Can I Travel if I've Been Exposed to COVID-19? This article was originally published in February 2022. From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard except in the medical center. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. Otherwise all guests must be fully vaccinated 14 days before departure. You May Like: Where To Find The Best Cruise Deals. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccines to Sail? No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. The cruise line currently requires unvaccinated guests to have a vaccine exemption before they sail.