which cruise lines do not require masks which cruise lines do not require masks

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. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. As the health situation evolves, cruise lines are always adjusting their health and safety policies including whether guests need to wear masks onboard. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! 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. However, the cruise line did recently relax testing requirements for vaccinated passengers, with a reference that vaccine rules could also drop sometime in the future: MSC Cruises will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and port requirements outside of the U.S., with a goal to relax testing and vaccination protocols to open cruising to all guests, while prioritizing the health and safety of its guests, crew and destinations.. Can I Travel if I've Been Exposed to COVID-19? And, some cruise stops may then trigger requirements for ports of call later in the trip. In turn, each operator has prepared their own cruise vaccination policy that is designed to work across all destinations they service. Also Check: What Is The Best Cruise Out Of Galveston. Disney said that changes to the policies are subject to local rules. What is the Average Cost of a 7-Day 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. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. Effective April 15, all guests five and older must be vaccinated to sail on Celebrity from the United States. Costa Cruises will also allow unvaccinated travelers to board sailings 14 nights or shorter in the Caribbean and Mediterranean beginning Oct. 8. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. 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. Until recently, Virgin Voyages had a simple policy. Antibody tests are not accepted. Oceania CruisesFully vaccinated passengers aged 12 and older dont need a test to embark. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? Cruise lines make it clear that passengers must be fully vaccinated. Guests must also wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation processes. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. 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. Heres a quick breakdown of vaccination and testing policies as of December 2022 at several major cruise lines: These cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests but still have some form of testing requirement in place for those who elected to pass on the vaccine. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. For general information on testing, please refer to our article on cruise testing requirements. 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. No. Olsen passengers are required to wear a mask onboard when not in their staterooms, eating or drinking, or seated in a deck . 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. Pre-boarding tests are not required for vaccinated guests. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise 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. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. While cruising restarted in other regions in mid-2021, Australia only reopened for cruises in mid-2022. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to show a negative test for all trips. Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. 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. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. 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. 2. While some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, others may still require them. 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. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Because this policy only impacts sailings in Australia, only two Carnival ships are currently affected: Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa. CDC recommends all eligible travelers be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. 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. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. This simplifies the requirements to sail. This simplifies the requirements to sail. But with the pandemic still ongoing, many cruise lines have implemented safety protocols, including the requirement to wear masks. 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. Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election. Now that policy has changed to 90% of passengers, allowing 10% of those onboard to sail unvaccinated with an exemption. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. Go to Boards. Most lines only accept vaccines recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can view Carnivals latest policies here. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. Recommended Reading: When Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again. 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. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? However, from December 1, Azamara will no longer require proof of vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the US or sailings starting and ending in Europe. Remember that cruise ports such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, are actually part of the U.S. For the most up-to-date policies, always double-check with your cruise line of choice, as protocols change rapidly. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 passengers on board and I would venture to guess that less than 2% wore masks. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. The Disney Magic cruise ship will make the change on Nov. 7. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? 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. Celestyal Cruises has partnered with Bioiatriki which provides tests for just 10 per person at locations across Athens and Thessaloniki. Cruising is a popular way to explore the world, and many travelers are eager to get back on the open seas. Effective September 3, 2022, Regent Seven Seas will welcome guests of all ages back regardless of vaccination status. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. 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. 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. Compare and find the best cruise deals. While some cruise lines state theyll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. Despite Floridas law, Norwegian Cruise Line is also insisting it will require everyone on board its ships to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. Check out our recap of youth immunization policies for details on cruise vaccination requirements for kids. For instance, a Panama Canal cruise making a stop in Colombia triggers vaccine requirements for ports later in the itinerary. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. Get Expert Tips. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required?. Now, a recent shift has led to cruise lines removing those hurdles as well. In fact, apart from vaccines and testing, the onboard experience has returned to exactly what it was before the pandemic. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. 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. The guidance also makes it clear that 90% is what a high proportion of travelers means. 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. 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. This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. Amateur zombie evangelist. That means having both doses of a two-dose shot 14 days before embarking on the ship. Booked guests can get up-to-date information using the Cruise Personalizer tool. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except in the medical center. 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. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. Also called a bivalent booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port. Heres what you need to know. 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. Children who are not old enough to be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine must present a negative antigen or PCR test result taken within 72 hours of embarkation. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. 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. Cruise vacations are a great way to explore the world and have a fun and relaxing time. Cruise lines are gradually easing restrictions and resuming operations, with some already allowing unvaccinated passengers to disembark. According to Royal Caribbeans website, the cruise line is working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries.. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. Check your cruise lines website for more details. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. 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. Vaccines are also required to be administered at least 14 days prior to travel. 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 lines sailings in Australia. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test before boarding. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. 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. All guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding. It's important to note that while some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, they still require travelers to follow other safety protocols. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Read Also: Cruises In April 2022 From Florida. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . Details: Holland Americas latest mask policy. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports still have vaccine rules in place. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. For Royal Caribbean, the changes include sailings from Los Angeles, New Orleans, Galveston and Europe. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? 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 . Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? And the rules are constantly changing. Keep in mind that each cruise line determines its own health and wellness protocols. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. 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. 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. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. 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. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. In most cases, no. Thats because the short answer is, it depends! 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. 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. View Best Prices on Carnival, Celebrity Cruises Starting on Monday, September 5, 2022, all guests will be able to sail on Celebrity cruise ships, even if not vaccinated. Celebrity Cruises However, as is the case with Cunard, these cruise lines stop . This isn't an easy decision, because it's partially about people's health and partially about keeping your business healthy. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. 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 . 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. All guests on all sailings through the end of 2022 with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are required to be fully vaccinated. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. For now, none of the cruise lines that have a vaccine requirement have announced any plans to rescind that rule in the future. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Note that in some cases, the restrictions may depend on your departure point and the ships home port so always check before sailing. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed . 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. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend 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. Guests who choose not to be vaccinated or not willing to verify vaccination will be subject to testing and additional health protocols which will be at their expense. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Still, there are exceptions. Connect with other cruisers before and after you set sail. This article was originally published in February 2022. Testing is still required for some cruises. Unvaccinated Guests: Are not permitted aboard. 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. Unvaccinated travellers need to present the results of a medically administered PCR or antigen test taken less than 72 hours before boarding. 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. 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. 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. 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. For example, many cruise lines require passengers to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding and may also require them to quarantine for a period of time before embarking. If your vacation planning includes taking an international or domestic cruise, theres more than just a packing list to consider or which drinks package fits you best. The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is some good news on the horizon. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away. 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. 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. Starting in late February, Virgin Voyages adjusted its policies from requiring masks when indoors to going completely mask-free. In other words, this is not something you want to put off until the last minute. 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. Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. A single shot of the Johnson & Johnson dose is ok, but still requires receiving it well in advance of sailing. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. 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.