But most major cruise lines dropped mask mandates earlier this year as COVID-19 cases worldwide dropped significantly. 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. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. The TSA no longer requires face. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. As well, no vaccine will be required if sailing from Europe. While some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, others may still require them. 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. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Read Also: Cruises In April 2022 From Florida. Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. Dont Miss: Cruise Ship With Go Kart Track. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. So, will you need a vaccine to 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. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy. 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. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. The three major cruise lines sailing from U.S. ports Royal Caribbean International Get Free Report, Carnival Cruise Lines CCL, and Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH still require pre-cruise covid tests taken no more than two days before your cruise and that all guests ages 12-and-over provide proof of vaccination. 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. Check your airlines protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if youre flying before or after the cruise. 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. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports still have vaccine rules in place. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. Be Safe protocols for Australia sailings on November 17, 2022, reintroducing mandatory mask wearing. Heres what you need to know. Treat those flights as domestic travel. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. The three major cruise lines sailing from U.S. ports Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Lines CCL, and Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH still require pre-cruise covid tests taken no more than two days before your cruise and that all guests ages 12-and-over provide proof of vaccination. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. Aida Cruises, Ama Waterways, American Queen Steamboat Company, Azamara, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Viking are all open or planning to open soon. : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? 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. Guests do not need to wear masks in their staterooms. 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. Connect with other cruisers before and after you set sail. 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. As well, even if not required, Royal Caribbean asks that you still bring proof of vaccination to your cruise. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. As the United States has opened up again following the worst of the pandemic, many people have returned to a normal way of life. 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. Now, a recent shift has led to cruise lines removing those hurdles as well. This isn't an easy decision, because it's partially about people's health and partially about keeping your business healthy. 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. 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 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. 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. - As of Dec. 1, 2022, guests traveling with Azamara no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on sailings starting and ending in the U.S. or Europe. In the fall of 2022, many popular cruise lines dropped the requirement for passengers to be up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccinations. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. 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. Dont Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To Tahiti. 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. If you know a bit about which brands belong to which company, youll recognize that these are all cruise lines under the Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings umbrellas. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. It was most recently updated and republished on June 17, 2022. Cruise lines are gradually easing restrictions and resuming operations, with some already allowing unvaccinated passengers to disembark. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. These included recommendations that ships continue to require pre-cruise testing and for passengers to be vaccinated. Therefore, people who are vaccinated should not be worried about getting infected from those who arent. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. Which Cruise Lines Require That Kids Be Vaccinated? Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. 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. Yes. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. 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. To be considered vaccinated guests must have been vaccinated at least two weeks prior to boarding. The guidance also makes it clear that 90% is what a high proportion of travelers means. Vaccinated passengers dont need to test unless visiting Canada, Bermuda, Greece or Australia and on trips of 16 nights or longer. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? 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.. 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. 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. 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. 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. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. 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. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Younger passengers are not subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compare and find the best cruise deals. The chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is high because the virus spreads easily between people in close quarters aboard ships. 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. Norwegian Epic (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line) Oceania Cruises Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. 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 Disney Magic cruise ship will make the change on Nov. 7. Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. 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. And the good news for many people? We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 passengers on board and I would venture to guess that less than 2% wore masks. You May Like: Are Greek Island Cruises Worth It. Kids two to five years old will still be required to wear masks in the kids club spaces and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. But with the pandemic still ongoing, many cruise lines have implemented safety protocols, including the requirement to wear masks. Thats hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. 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. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. All guests and crew will be required to wear a mask onboard. Currently, more than 120 countries have dropped all restrictions, including many popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. All guests on all sailings through the end of 2022 with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are required to be fully vaccinated. Currently, booster shots are not required for any passengers. Hi, this may be of interest to you: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Note that in some cases, the restrictions may depend on your departure point and the ships home port so always check before sailing. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. That means having both doses of a two-dose shot 14 days before embarking on the ship. 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. When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise and Get the Best Deals? No. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. As the health situation evolves, cruise lines are always adjusting their health and safety policies including whether guests need to wear masks onboard. Dont Miss: What Time Does The Victory Casino Cruise Sail. Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic? Testing is still required for some cruises. 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. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. If you have received one of these shots, then you should be good to go. Otherwise all guests must be fully vaccinated 14 days before departure. Cruising is a popular way to explore the world, and many travelers are eager to get back on the open seas. This isnt an easy decision, because its partially about peoples health and partially about keeping your business healthy.