If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. 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. For domestic sailings, this will be entirely dependent on your chosen cruise line and their cruise vaccination requirements and the current laws of the state or territories you plan on travelling from/to. Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry. Which Cruise Lines Require Masks? - Cruise Radio All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. Hi, this may be of interest to you: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements. 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. The policy now reads, out of an abundance of caution, for the time being, masks are required in public indoor spaces.. Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Be Safe protocols for Australia sailings on November 17, 2022, reintroducing mandatory mask wearing. Yes. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. Here is a current list of cruise line that have, or will eliminate the vaccine requirement to sail on one of their cruise ships. 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. However, your cruise line will have more details about which specific shots they accept. Which Cruise Line Does Not Require Vaccine - CruiseInfoClub.com A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. The cruise line said it will accept an antigen, PCR, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test test. Dont Miss: What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? 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. 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. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to test prior to sailing. Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? Check out our recap of youth immunization policies for details on cruise vaccination requirements for kids. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. For more information about the Companys award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please call +1-888-NCL-CRUISE , contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. 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. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? Guests must also wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation processes. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. The change comes as major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, have dropped vaccine requirements for many sailings in recent weeks. 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. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. 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. 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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. 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. Dont Miss: Do Any Cruise Lines Allow Dogs. These included recommendations that ships continue to require pre-cruise testing and for passengers to be vaccinated. 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. You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here. For instance, a Panama Canal cruise making a stop in Colombia triggers vaccine requirements for ports later in the itinerary. While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away. As of last week, masks arent required for vaccinated guests on Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. 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. Cruise lines are gradually easing restrictions and resuming operations, with some already allowing unvaccinated passengers to disembark. 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. Others have eliminated both Covid vaccination requirements and testing requirements for some, but not all, passengers based on itineraries or cruise lengths. Disney rolled back its COVID vaccine requirement for passengers aged 5 to 11 in early September. Which Cruise Lines Require Passengers to Wear Masks? - Cruise Critic Note: In order to be considered fully vaccinated, passengers must have received their final shot at least 15 days prior to embarkation. Gov. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. For Royal Caribbean, the changes include sailings from Los Angeles, New Orleans, Galveston and Europe. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? 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. Award-winning beer ninja. While some cruise lines state theyll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. 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. Effective April 15, all guests five and older must be vaccinated to sail on Celebrity from the United States. 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. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. 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. There are a few exceptions. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port Virgin Voyages Vaccine Policy Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. Cruise Ships That Do Not Require Vaccine - CruiseInfoClub.com As of the fall of 2022, many cruise line have dropped vaccination, testing and masking requirements. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 passengers on board and I would venture to guess that less than 2% wore masks. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? Heres what you need to know. On sailings that visit Greece, they are required on the ship when indoors. There are a few exceptions. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is some good news on the horizon. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. To avoid the chance of you missing your next cruise, whether domestic or international, we suggest being fully vaccinated. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? But most major cruise lines dropped mask mandates earlier this year as COVID-19 cases worldwide dropped significantly. All guests on all sailings through the end of 2022 with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are required to be fully vaccinated. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, said Royal Caribbeans news release. 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. 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 line's. Remember that cruise ports such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, are actually part of the U.S. Do I need to wear a mask on my cruise? A line-by-line guide - MSN You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. Crew Vaccinated? Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. These Cruise Lines Will Still Require Face Masks This Summer 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. MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. You May Like: Are Greek Island Cruises Worth It. Around the same time, Celebrity Cruises went the opposite direction, lowering the age at which passengers must be vaccinated to sail on its ships. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. 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/. 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. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. 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. Hell of a Cruise:Highlighting the panic, failures of the COVID early days. 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. Do I need a vaccine to cruise? 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. Read Also: How Much Are Cruises Out Of Galveston. We expect approximately 90 percent of our guests will be vaccinated. Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. 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. 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.. With the update, Disney will require passengers aged 5 and older who are unvaccinated to provide a negative COVID test taken one to two days prior to embarkment. 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 well, even if not required, Royal Caribbean asks that you still bring proof of vaccination to your cruise. Masks are also now required in outdoors for any large crowded events where guests cannot appropriately distance, such as during deck parties, as well as while on shore tour buses or tenders, or while indoors on any shore excursion. READ NEXT: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. 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. Dont Miss: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of San Francisco. Also, most longer cruises will still require a vaccination. Editors note: This post has been updated with new information. This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. Vaccinated travelers will not need to test before embarkation. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. CDC recommends all eligible travelers be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. 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. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. Compare and find the best cruise deals. Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will Require Passengers - Yahoo! Cruise Industry Recovery: Is It Time to Set Sail Again? Since the Australian restart, however, several ships have reported large numbers of COVID-19 cases, including cases among both guests and crew members. Virgin Voyages is known for being adults-only, which means it's easier to require vaccines. 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. Despite Floridas law, Norwegian Cruise Line is also insisting it will require everyone on board its ships to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. 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. This article was originally published in February 2022. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, will welcome all travelers regardless of vaccination status beginning Sept. 5 as long as testing requirements are met, a spokesperson told USA Today. Details: Royal Caribbeans latest mask policy. 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. Now, a recent shift has led to cruise lines removing those hurdles as well. Azamara. No special request or exemption is need to sail unvaccinated. A single shot of the Johnson & Johnson dose is ok, but still requires receiving it well in advance of sailing. Australia has been one of the more strict regions of the world with respect to pandemic cruise travel restrictions. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Carnival Cruise Line Reintroduces Masks for Some Sailings 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 . Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. You May Like: 7 Day Alaska Cruises From Seattle. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. Check your airlines protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if youre flying before or after the cruise. In fact, the cruise line requires all passengers to have the shot to sail. Because the policy reads for the time being it is likely a temporary measure and will be redacted when possible. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Again, your cruise company will have the details you need based on your specific itinerary. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. 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. If you want to ensure you have a worry-free voyage, we strongly suggest reading these cruise health policies carefully. Dont Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To Tahiti. Amateur zombie evangelist. All passengers will undergo a complimentary COVID-19 test during the pre-cruise hotel stay prior to embarkation. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports still have vaccine rules in place. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. 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. 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. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. To Mask or Not - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Cruise Lines Without Vaccine Requirements - CruiseInfoClub.com In turn, each operator has prepared their own cruise vaccination policy that is designed to work across all destinations they service. 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. Unvaccinated travellers need to present the results of a medically administered PCR or antigen test taken less than 72 hours before boarding. Starting Sept. 6, Princess Cruises will require passengers on sailings of 16 nights or longer to take a test within three days of leaving, as well as those on full Panama Canal transits. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? 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. Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. For general information on testing, please refer to our article on cruise testing requirements. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? 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. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. There are exceptions, however, such as dining venues, where guests can eat and drink without face . Currently, booster shots are not required for any passengers. Thats because the short answer is, it depends! MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required?. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. Enjoy your cruise. 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. Testing is still required for some cruises. 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.