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. There is no requirement for passengers to mask on board, but 100% of the crew is masked. 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? 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. Amateur zombie evangelist. Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. 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. The governor is dictatorially imposing his will on Florida businesses trying to protect their customers, including cruise lines on whom our agriculture industry depends for millions in food sales, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement to NBC News. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. 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. Disney Cruise Line joins the majority of cruise operators that have done away with COVID-19 vaccination requirements on some ships. And the rules are constantly changing. Prior to the pandemic, the industry directly and indirectly supported nearly 160,000 jobs in Florida. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless theyre traveling from or to a destination that requires it. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Amateur web practitioner. Guests must also wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation processes. But most major cruise lines dropped mask mandates earlier this year as COVID-19 cases worldwide dropped significantly. 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. This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. 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. The line also warns that masks could be required by some ports of call its ships visit. To avoid the chance of you missing your next cruise, whether domestic or international, we suggest being fully vaccinated. Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election. No special request or exemption is need to sail unvaccinated. Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. Treat those flights as domestic travel. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here. 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. Therefore, people who are vaccinated should not be worried about getting infected from those who arent. The cruise line said COVID vaccines will no longer be required for passengers 12 and older on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder cruise ships starting on Oct. 14. Otherwise all guests must be fully vaccinated 14 days before departure. First and foremost, unvaccinated passengers of any age are allowed to sail the cruise line without having to first apply for an exemption as was previously required. Carnival Cruise Line wont require unvaccinated guests to apply for an exemption to sail after Sept. 6. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. Cruise lines will have to mandate masks even by the pool and nix Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Cruising is slowly returning to the seas, and many cruise lines are now open or planning to reopen soon. Keep in mind that each cruise line determines its own health and wellness protocols. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. Recommended Reading: When Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again. Unvaccinated travellers need to present the results of a medically administered PCR or antigen test taken less than 72 hours before boarding. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. 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. 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. Oceania CruisesFully vaccinated passengers aged 12 and older dont need a test to embark. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? In fact, the cruise line requires all passengers to have the shot to sail. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. Carnival Cruise Line. 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. Traveler Alert: Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. Cruise Ships That Do Not Require Vaccine - CruiseInfoClub.com We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. This simplifies the requirements to sail. Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. We expect approximately 90 percent of our guests will be vaccinated. 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. 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. Go to Boards. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 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. 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. Effective April 15, all guests five and older must be vaccinated to sail on Celebrity from the United States. Norwegian Epic (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line) Oceania Cruises Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. 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. Note: Some destinations still require it and cruises that visit these countries will still have the COVID-19 vaccination requirement due to local laws. Cruise Lines Without Vaccine Requirements - CruiseInfoClub.com This simplifies the requirements to sail. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Dont Miss: Cruise Ship With Go Kart Track. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. 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 . Do I Have to Wear a Mask on a Cruise? Policies For All Major Cruise Lines That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. Not sure where to go? 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. You can also work with a local travel medicine clinic to determine what vaccinations or preventative measures are recommended based on your itinerary. As of September 5, 2022, Royal Caribbean will no longer require passengers to be vaccinated to sail if departing from ports in California, Louisiana, and Texas. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to test prior to sailing. 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. Can I Travel if I've Been Exposed to COVID-19? 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. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed . In most cases, no. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . 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. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except in the medical center. 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. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. What is the Average Cost of a 7-Day Cruise? Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Guests do not need to wear masks in their staterooms. Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. Crew Vaccinated? Azamara. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . Celebrity Cruises 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. 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. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. 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 Princess Cruises will remove vaccination requirements on Sept. 6 for most voyages that are less than 16 days. 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 . These Cruise Lines Will Still Require Face Masks This Summer UPDATED: October 3, 2022 Margaritaville at Sea Margaritaville at Sea Paradise welcomes all guests onboard regardless of vaccination status. While some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, others may still require them. 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 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Dont Miss: What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. 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. Carnival no longer requires masks on its ships. Celebrity is not requiring booster shots for any passengers at this time. If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. The guidance also makes it clear that 90% is what a high proportion of travelers means. 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. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. Thats because the short answer is, it depends! 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. 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. 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. Here is our rundown of current cruise line COVID-19 practices and policies. Dont Miss: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of San Francisco. 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. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. It was most recently updated and republished on June 17, 2022. Currently, booster shots are not required for any passengers. When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise and Get the Best Deals? CDC recommends all eligible travelers be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Others have eliminated both Covid vaccination requirements and testing requirements for some, but not all, passengers based on itineraries or cruise lengths. 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.