Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. As Guidelines Change, Heres What Its Like to Cruise Right Now, The 2023 Cruise Itineraries to Book Before They Sell Out, The Best New Cruises in the World: 2022 Hot List, These Airlines Are Finally Letting Families Sit Together, Free of Charge, A Proposed Federal Law Could Give Bumped Airline Passengers At Least $1,350 in Compensation, dropped its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, guests who are vaccinated will no longer have to take a pre-boarding antigen test. But the CDC still maintained a close watch, publishing a color-coded chart of ship outbreaks that it updated regularly. Viking Cruises has decided to eliminate pre-voyage testing. All Rights Reserved. The line doesn't allow kids younger than 8 years old to sail, so young-child exemptions aren't a . Booked guests will be provided full details specific to their port of departure before sailing, Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Lyan Sierra-Caro said in an email. Vaccination will be critical in the safe resumption of cruising . We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests . Starting with departures from October 8, 2022, guests who are vaccinated will no longer have to take a pre-boarding antigen test 48 hours before departure, if the itinerary starts in South America, the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, and the Mediterranean (with the exception of Greece). Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. FDA Panel Endorses Updated COVID Shots for All, Regardless of Vaccination Status, When To Get Boosted After Having a COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection, How Effective Are the Bivalent Boosters? Guests on cruises longer than 16 nights will have to test if stopping in destinations that require tests locally (like Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia; these destinations require the tests to be supervised). CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In mid-June, Viking announced that 'travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test. Booster shots are not required. Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. Political buffoonery: Cruise lines head for showdown with DeSantis over vaccine requirement ban, Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated, Bayley said in the statement. Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to requirepassengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. The relaxation of protocols, coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.. The cruise line . More than 14 months after cruising restarted following a long pandemic pause, and with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) having last month ended the intense monitoring of the cruise industry that began in March 2020, major cruise lines are dropping both vaccine requirements and precruise testing of vaccinated passengers. Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise? Guests over the age of six will need to show a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours. All passengers must be vaccinated. SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 12, 2022) - Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated. Also called a "bivalent" booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. Apparently, Dolven is referring to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signing into law a ban on Covid-19 "vaccine passports." That means, as of July 1, the Florida state government could. All onboard venues and activities will be available unless staffing or other challenges onboard prevent normal operations. Results need to be uploaded before boarding. Ad Choices. While guests over the age of five previously had to be vaccinated, starting in early September, unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 are now allowed to board. Can You Get Omicron and Delta COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time? Precruise testing is required for all guests. 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. First Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises all announced they would eliminate precruise testing requirements for vaccinated guests on cruises of six nights or less, while hinting that there would be additional loosening of requirements once they got the necessary approvals from the governments of countries the ships visit. You also might need to purchase travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage if you have an unvaccinated guest in your party and you're departing from a Florida or Texas port. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. This is the news weve been waiting for, said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. Please refer to. The changes began shortly. Consequently, most cruise lines opted to make masks optional. Beginning September 2, for sailings departing U.S. and Canadian ports, guests ages 12 and older are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has kept cruise lines from U.S. sailings since March 2020, has recommended that passengers, crew and port workers be vaccinated. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. With the relaxation of travel requirements around the world, were thrilled to welcome all guests back on our ships to cruise freely to the places theyve been dreaming of regardless of vaccination status and with no testing requirements. Presidents gain too much power when emergencies like covid hit, The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Three important studies shed light on long covid, We are not overcounting covid deaths in the United States, China, speeding through phases of covid, gets on with living with virus, FDA advisers favor retiring original covid shot and using newer version. NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. Temperature checks occur daily. Disney Cruise Line. In the event you or any member of your traveling party tests positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days before your cruise departs, or at the boarding terminal, you and your traveling p. CDC, FDA Investigating PotentialBut 'Unlikely'Link Between Pfizer Booster and Stroke Risk, This Year's Flu Shot Is a 'Good Match,' CDC SaysBut Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare, Omicron Boosters Could Save 90,000 Lives This WinterBut Only if People Get Them. Detours with locals. Unvaccinated guests are welcome but required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. The just-announced cruises will depart from Florida, which has passed a law prohibiting companies from requiring proof of vaccination, and Texas, where lawmakers just passed a similar bill, according to the Texas Tribune. Bottom line: If you've 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. At long last, cruise lines are finally starting to drop their vaccine mandates and allow all passengers inoculated or not to sail on their ships. It depends. Norwegian Cruise Line will require all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding at least through the end of the . Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. All departures from the U.S. that are nine nights or less dont require any testing, unless they stop in Canada or Bermuda. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. American Medical Association. Previously, the number was 95 percent for passengers. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Cruise ships have been under the CDC's Conditional Sail Order since October 2020. Specific destinations still require testing such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as well as for cruise travel. Royal Caribbean just announced a flood of summer cruises. To board Carnival ships, unvaccinated guests need to show a negative PCR or an antigen test within three days of boarding (self-tests are now accepted by Carnival for boarding purposes). Precruise testing is required for unvaccinated passengers. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Norwegian Cruise Lines Also enacted earlier this month on September 3, the Miami-based company will now allow guests over the age of 12 who are not vaccinated to board if they have a negative. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. If you're an adult in the US, the answer is probably not, unless you're one of the few people with a medical or religious exemption (and whether you'll be offered an exemption depends on the cruise line). Paul Gauguin CruisesVaccinations are required for all passengers over age 5. International travel requirements and restrictions continue to evolve. Starting Sept. 3, 2022, unvaccinated passengers ages 12 and older (or guests who cannot or decline to present proof of vaccination), need to provide a medically administrated negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding. 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.. Yes. Cruise lines can skip that step if they will have 95 percent of crew and passengers vaccinated. Precruise testing is required for all guests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. And the CDC also recommends testing before boarding a cruise ship. Were thrilled that NCLH has updated their sailing guidelines to welcome unvaccinated guests and adjust testing requirements.. For departures through 2022, proof of vaccination or certificate of recent recovery is no longer required, though testing protocols will still be in place. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Guests under the age of 12 dont have any vaccination or testing requirements. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the cruise line said in a news release. How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? Here's what we know about cruising unvaccinated for now. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except for those that visit destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. The cruise lines join Saga Cruises, a company catering to passengers 50 and older, which said last month it would require all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. "We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive, Oceanias president and CEO Howard Sherman said in a statement. This article was published more than1 year ago. Masks are optional in all areas. With that in mind, weve put together this list of cruise lines allowing unvaccinated guests to sail, as well as what the other lines currently require regarding vaccinations. Will all guests be required to be vaccinated prior to the cruise? Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. I believe that eventually all cruise lines will drop as many restrictions as they can, Jones adds. As delivering the best experience for our guests is always a top priority, after working closely with our destination partners, we anticipate that guests will be free to explore certain ports of call on their own. Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? The requirement was initially going to last until Oct. 31. How do I know if there are any travel restrictions that could impact my cruise? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . The protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia, and Greece. Also, crew members may work multiple voyages, passing on germs transmitted from previous passengers. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. cruise lines have started setting sail again, "mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccines, written confirmation from their medical provider, over 10 times more likely to die from the disease, doesn't allow children under the age of 5 to cruise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The company also recently relaxed its mask-wearing policies, making them optional, even in indoor and crowded settings. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? Effective for sailings 10/4/22 and beyond, all guests regardless of vaccination status are able to sail and with no testing requirements. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules. While some cruise lines operating in Europe have been requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, the C.D.C. The cruise line continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, accept vaccines recommended or approved by the World Health Organization as well as the CDC. However, we encourage all guests to follow the vaccination and testing guidance outlined above. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on most voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations with local regulations that may continue to require vaccination including Australia. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, and COVID-19 and the common cold. This news is very exciting for us and our industry.. Vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. is not required. If you feel ill in the days before your cruise, you should not travel. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. With Sail Safe, our industry leading Health & Safety Program, we will continue to put our guests and our crew members first by keeping everyone safe and healthy on board our ships and in the communities we visit. We have increased intensive care units (ICU) capacity onboard and ICUs are equipped with infusion pumps, IV treatments, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, cardiac pacemakers and ventilators. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. Additionally, the following services offer a verified third party or medically supervised at home testing:eMed or BioReference-Scarlett Concierge testing service BioReference sends a trained Scarlet Health Professional to your home to collect your COVID-19 test specimen.