Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. Remember that cruise ports such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, are actually part of the U.S. 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. 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. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Unvaccinated travelers may embark with a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. No. Kids two to five years old will still be required to wear masks in the kids club spaces and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. MORE: 8. A single shot of the Johnson & Johnson dose is ok, but still requires receiving it well in advance of sailing. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. For instance, a Panama Canal cruise making a stop in Colombia triggers vaccine requirements for ports later in the itinerary. Award-winning beer ninja. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port Virgin Voyages Vaccine Policy 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. There are exceptions, however, such as dining venues, where guests can eat and drink without face . 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. Disney said that changes to the policies are subject to local rules. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. 2. 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. In other health protocol-related news, last week Norwegian Cruise Line announced that as of today, it will be allowing unvaccinated kids under 12 to sail on its ships. Thats hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. Note: In order to be considered fully vaccinated, passengers must have received their final shot at least 15 days prior to embarkation. The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. But most major cruise lines dropped mask mandates earlier this year as COVID-19 cases worldwide dropped significantly. Most lines only accept vaccines recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cruise like a pro with expert tips from our editors. These included recommendations that ships continue to require pre-cruise testing and for passengers to be vaccinated. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed a new ship to its fleet, requires unvaccinated children to wear their masks when using shared onboard youth centers, and also asks all travelers to wear a mask at all times when at the cruise terminal. According to the Australian governments Department of Health and Aged Care, the country is experiencing a slight uptick in overall cases compared to previous months, with more than 54,000 new cases reported in the past week. 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. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. 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. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. 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. CDC recommends all eligible travelers be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Prospective guests of any cruise lines with upcoming sailings in Australia should stay in close contact with their cruise line for health and safety protocol updates and requirements. 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. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. Celebrity is not requiring booster shots for any passengers at this time. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. 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. For example, approximately 100 cases were reported onboard Coral Princess in early July during one of the first restart cruises, while more recently, local news services have reported more than 800 cases aboard Majestic Princess. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. All guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. Hell of a Cruise:Highlighting the panic, failures of the COVID early days. There are a few exceptions. 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. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. While some cruise lines state theyll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. 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. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. 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. Currently, more than 120 countries have dropped all restrictions, including many popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. 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. Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. 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. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes all guests regardless of vaccination status. MSC Cruises As of September 1, 2022, MSC Cruises no longer requires U.S. citizens to be vaccinated. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. Carnival Cruise LineOnly passengers on sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, plus cruises of 16 nights or more, need to be fully vaccinated. For now, none of the cruise lines that have a vaccine requirement have announced any plans to rescind that rule in the future. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. We expect approximately 90 percent of our guests will be vaccinated. Costa Cruises will also allow unvaccinated travelers to board sailings 14 nights or shorter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Oct. 8. Do Non-US Citizens Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. 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. 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. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. 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. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. 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. 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. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line began waiving vaccination and testing requirements in October. 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. 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. Now, a recent shift has led to cruise lines removing those hurdles as well. In other words, this is not something you want to put off until the last minute. Depending on the cruise line, fully vaccinated can mean having received the original series at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? As the health situation evolves, cruise lines are always adjusting their health and safety policies including whether guests need to wear masks onboard. You May Like: 7 Day Alaska Cruises From Seattle. 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. All passengers over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated. While some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, others may still require them. 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 an adults-only cruise line, Virgin required everyone on the ship to be vaccinated. As of the fall of 2022, many cruise line have dropped vaccination, testing and masking requirements. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. 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. Read Also: How Much Are Cruises Out Of Galveston. 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. In fact, the cruise line requires all passengers to have the shot to sail. That includes things like visiting restaurants or movie theaters, going to a sporting event, and of course, travel. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. - As of July 25, 2022, the line no longer requires pre-cruise testing unless . In compliance with U.K. guidance, Fred. 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.. You can also work with a local travel medicine clinic to determine what vaccinations or preventative measures are recommended based on your itinerary. Passengers can call the cruise line at 954-488-2955 to ask about sailing without having the shot. And, some cruise stops may then trigger requirements for ports of call later in the trip. 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. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Using the searchable directory at the International Society of Travel Medicinecan connect you with a provider based on your location or specific needs.When you book an appointment with a travel medicine clinic, theyll ask you for your specific itinerary and vaccination history, and can usually provide any necessary vaccines on-site. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. The good news is that given the vaccines, a milder variant, and prior cases, the amount of serious illness seems lower. 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. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. 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 policy now reads, out of an abundance of caution, for the time being, masks are required in public indoor spaces.. 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. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. 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. On Royal Caribbean, theyre also required for all kids two and older (regardless of vaccination status) in the Adventure Ocean kids program. Carnival Cruise Line is now requiring all guests and crew to wear masks aboard two vessels, and other cruise lines are doing the same. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. 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. 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. Cruise vacations are a great way to explore the world and have a fun and relaxing time. 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. One of the trickier questions to tackle is do cruises require vaccinations? 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. It's important to note that while some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, they still require travelers to follow other safety protocols. 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. And, I would say that nobody wearing or not wearing masks were ever made to feel uncomfortable. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Because this policy only impacts sailings in Australia, only two Carnival ships are currently affected: Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa. 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. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions . With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. The Cruise Lines International Association has 60 members including Carnival and MSC Cruises. 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. 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. Check your cruise lines website for more details. Not sure where to go? Cruising is slowly returning to the seas, and many cruise lines are now open or planning to reopen soon. Proud musicaholic. Read Also: When Is The Best Time To Cruise To Alaska, Floridas governor Ron DeSantis says cruise lines, other businesses cannot require proof of vacc, Norweigian Cruise Line to require COVID-19 vaccines, Ziprecruiter CEO says Employers are desperate, Cruises could still legally require proof of vaccination even if Florida bans vaccine passports, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, How To Get Off Viking Cruises Mailing List, Where Do River Cruise Ships Dock In Basel Switzerland, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers Health site, What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of San Francisco, some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, more than 120 countries have dropped all restrictions. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. But with the pandemic still ongoing, many cruise lines have implemented safety protocols, including the requirement to wear masks. It was most recently updated and republished on June 17, 2022. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. Children who are aged 4 or younger do not need vaccination proof or a COVID test. Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos . Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. 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. Note that in some cases, the restrictions may depend on your departure point and the ships home port so always check before sailing. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. Passengers are encouraged to wear them . 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. Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. That means having both doses of a two-dose shot 14 days before embarking on the ship. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. This simplifies the requirements to sail. For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. Generally, proof of inoculation must include your name, the type of vaccine you received and the dates on which you received all required doses. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. 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 isn't an easy decision, because it's partially about people's health and partially about keeping your business healthy. As well, no vaccine will be required if sailing from Europe. The changes are subject to local restrictions, such as those in Bermuda, Canada and Greece, and dont include voyages in Australia or trips that are 16 or more nights. 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 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. 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. Heres what the CDC currently recommends when it comes to vaccines. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 passengers on board and I would venture to guess that less than 2% wore masks. 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 you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard except in the medical center. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. There is no requirement for passengers to mask on board, but 100% of the crew is masked. 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 creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . Also called a bivalent booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. Heres what you need to know. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? If you dont have the shot, then cruise lines are easing rules in that you dont have to be vaccinated to sail in many cases.