Hell of a Cruise:Highlighting the panic, failures of the COVID early days. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Now that policy has changed to 90% of passengers, allowing 10% of those onboard to sail unvaccinated with an exemption. "There may, however, be certain venues and events where masks will be required," said the brand. 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. That number has come down from 95% and it was generally believed to be a number to account for kids too young to get vaccinated to be onboard. That means having both doses of a two-dose shot 14 days before embarking on the ship. Prior to the pandemic, the industry directly and indirectly supported nearly 160,000 jobs in Florida. 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. The TSA no longer requires face. 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. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. 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. Antibody tests are not accepted. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers. Also called a bivalent booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. In other words, this is not something you want to put off until the last minute. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. 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. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. We expect approximately 90 percent of our guests will be vaccinated. 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. 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. If Cruises Sail With Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Passengers, Is Everything Back to Normal? Compare and find the best cruise deals. 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. Traveler Alert: Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! Starting in late February, Virgin Voyages adjusted its policies from requiring masks when indoors to going completely mask-free. 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. 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. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. 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. Vaccinated passengers dont need to test unless visiting Canada, Bermuda, Greece or Australia and on trips of 16 nights or longer. The line also warns that masks could be required by some ports of call its ships visit. Recommended Reading: What Is Included In Crystal Cruises. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. As well, no vaccine will be required if sailing from Europe. 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. Those indoor spaces include all lounges, corridors, elevators, theaters, casinos, and other spaces, unless guests are eating or drinking. To be considered vaccinated guests must have been vaccinated at least two weeks prior to boarding. 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. Remember that cruise ports such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, are actually part of the U.S. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. Here is a current list of cruise line that have, or will eliminate the vaccine requirement to sail on one of their cruise ships. Norwegian Epic (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line) Oceania Cruises Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Connect with other cruisers before and after you set sail. 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. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except for in a few select indoor locations. 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. For all country specific travel requirements, travelers should visit www.ncl.com/travel-requirements-by-country. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Recommended Reading: When Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. 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 company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. Celestyal Cruises has partnered with Bioiatriki which provides tests for just 10 per person at locations across Athens and Thessaloniki. Also, fully vaccinated passengers now no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to setting sail on many voyages. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. 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. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. However, Asia and Oceania, and some countries in Central and South America, still have stricter rules in place. This isn't an easy decision, because it's partially about people's health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old . Last week, Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to require passengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. Heres what the CDC currently recommends when it comes to vaccines. 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. 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. Guests can also visit www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/cruise-travel-documents for more information about the required travel documentation they will need for their NCL voyage. All guests and crew will be required to wear a mask onboard. Where Are Norwegian Cruise Ships Registered, Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Reykjavik Iceland, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Which Side Of The Ship Is Better For Alaska Cruise, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Highlighting the panic, failures of the COVID early days, ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, ropped the pre-cruise testing requirement, Which Cruise Line Gives The Best Military Discount, What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail, which requires guests to bring proof of vaccination, www.ncl.com/travel-requirements-by-country, www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/cruise-travel-documents, some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, Last Minute Cruise Deals For Florida Residents, Toyota Fj Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition For Sale, Do Mississippi River Cruises Have Casinos. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required?. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Passengers are encouraged to wear them . 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. Travelers can get tested three days before departure for trips six nights or more. The chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high because the virus spreads easily between people in close quarters aboard ships. 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. 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. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. This article was originally published in February 2022. Until recently, Virgin Voyages had a simple policy. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to show a negative test for all trips. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. 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 . You May Like: Where To Find The Best Cruise Deals. All passengers over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated. As of the fall of 2022, many cruise line have dropped vaccination, testing and masking requirements. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed . While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away.