which cruise lines do not require masks
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. 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. Vaccinated passengers dont need to test unless visiting Canada, Bermuda, Greece or Australia and on trips of 16 nights or longer. In turn, each operator has prepared their own cruise vaccination policy that is designed to work across all destinations they service. 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. Carnival Cruise Line is now requiring all guests and crew to wear masks aboard two vessels, and other cruise lines are doing the same. Heres what you need to know. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Cruise vaccination requirements will vary by cruise line, where you embark from and which ports of call you choose. Norwegian, which requires guests to bring proof of vaccination, responded to inquiries with a link to its latest press release from early June about its upcoming U.S. voyages. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Compare and find the best cruise deals. Also Check: 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise. 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. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. 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. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. As of November 17, 2022, Princess Cruise Lines has also reinstituted mandatory masks onboard for Australia and New Zealand sailings, stating that masking requirements may change at any time, so we ask for flexibility from our guests., Similarly, Royal Caribbean International also states that all guests should wear a mask while travelling through the terminal and in public indoor spaces or crowded outdoor spaces onboard and that protocols are subject to change.. Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? 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. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. These Cruise Lines Are Requiring Passengers To Wear Masks Again All Carnival no longer requires masks on its ships. If Cruises Sail With Vaccinated & Unvaccinated Passengers, Is Everything Back to Normal? MORE: 8 Tips For Preparing to Cruise in 2022. Hi, this may be of interest to you: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements. What Cruise Lines Do Not Require Vaccines - CruiseInfoClub.com All passengers will undergo a complimentary COVID-19 test during the pre-cruise hotel stay prior to embarkation. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 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. Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccines to Sail? 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. You May Like: Where To Find The Best Cruise Deals. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless theyre traveling from or to a destination that requires it. Also, fully vaccinated passengers now no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to setting sail on many voyages. These links are signposted with an asterisk. 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. fred o. Fred. Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry. 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. Kids two to five years old will still be required to wear masks in the kids club spaces and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Cruise lines will have to mandate masks even by the pool and nix All passengers will undergo a complimentary COVID-19 test during the pre-cruise hotel stay prior to embarkation. No. When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise and Get the Best Deals? Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? Heres what you need to know. For all sailings 6 nights or longer, vaccinated guests must present a digital or physical copy of a supervised and negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to sailing. Here is a current list of cruise line that have, or will eliminate the vaccine requirement to sail on one of their cruise ships. Massport, the organization behind Logan Airport and Flynn Cruise Port in Boston, said masks are no longer mandatory in their terminals: " Masks are optional. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships on July 18, after which many cruise lines that had opted in eased their protocols. Which Cruise Lines Require Vaccinations - CruiseInfoClub.com 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. A. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. Dont Miss: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of San Francisco. Also called a bivalent booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. Not sure where to go? You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Carnival Cruise Line will no longer require pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests on voyages that are five nights or fewer beginning Aug. 4, the cruise line said Friday. Virgin Voyages is known for being adults-only, which means it's easier to require vaccines. Yes. 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.. 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. "Effective with sailings departing March 1 . And, some cruise stops may then trigger requirements for ports of call later in the trip. If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. 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. Proud musicaholic. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. 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 age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. Vaccinated travelers will not need to test before embarkation. From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. 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 . Until recently, Virgin Voyages had a simple policy. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. The cruise line said it will accept an antigen, PCR, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test test. These Cruise Lines Will Still Require Face Masks This Summer Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. 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. 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. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. 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. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to show a negative test for all trips. Thats been one of the biggest questions in a return to sailing. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. U.S. Coast Guard Will Not Enforce Face Masks at Cruise Terminals We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? 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. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. 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. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions . And the rules are constantly changing. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. Have no fear, we provide all the relevant links and information you need for all of the major cruise lines below. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. To Mask or Not - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. Details: Royal Caribbeans latest mask policy. Read Also: Cruises In April 2022 From Florida. 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. 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. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. Thats because the short answer is, it depends! You May Like: 7 Day Alaska Cruises From Seattle. Keep in mind that even though face masks are no longer required for ships from the above cruise lines, they still may be required in specific venues such as the theater or kids clubs. Check your airlines protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if youre flying before or after the cruise. 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. 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. Still, there are exceptions. Antibody tests are not accepted. 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. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except for in a few select indoor locations. DeSantis To Appeal Preliminary Injunction Allowing Norwegian Cruises To Require Vaccines. It's important to note that while some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, they still require travelers to follow other safety protocols. But now, little more than a year later, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has withdrawn its opt-in guidance for cruise lines, and many are now allowing more unvaccinated passengers to sail. 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. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . Norwegian Cruise Line*, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean* International, for example, are all headquartered in the US, which means they must follow the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even when theyre sailing outside of the country. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Note: In order to be considered fully vaccinated, passengers must have received their final shot at least 15 days prior to embarkation. Every other cruise line has a tough decision to make. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. Will masks be required on cruise ships in 2022? Carnival Cruise LineOnly passengers on sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, plus cruises of 16 nights or more, need to be fully vaccinated. That meant they required just about everyone on board to have their shots, with few exceptions allowed for young children and people who cant be vaccinated due to medical conditions or religious beliefs. Carnival Cruise Line updated its Have Fun. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. 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. If youre flying to Caribbean islands like Barbados or the Bahamas, or Canadian homeports, such as Vancouver and Montreal, you will need to carry a passport. Because the policy reads for the time being it is likely a temporary measure and will be redacted when possible. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? 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. Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. On sailings departing Singapore, masks are mandatory on the ship when indoors. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on. Cruise lines make it clear that passengers must be fully vaccinated. The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. Details: Holland Americas latest mask policy. Depending on the cruise line, fully vaccinated can mean having received the original series at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot. Which Cruise Line Does Not Require Vaccine - CruiseInfoClub.com Which Cruise Lines Require Masks? - Cruise Radio Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. Carnival Cruise Line and local health authorities will continue to monitor local COVID-19 case levels and will make appropriate adjustments to the policy, as well as to other onboard protocols, to safeguard cruise guests, crew members, and port communities. 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. As the COVID-19 pandemic slows down, eight cruise lines have just dropped their mask policies as of yesterday, February 28, and today, March 1, 2022. Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers. The cruise line currently requires unvaccinated guests to have a vaccine exemption before they sail. Traveler Alert: Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! Also Check: What Cruises Leave From Miami, As of August 8, 2022 only children under 12 are welcome as unvaccinated guests on Celebrity cruise lines when leaving the United States. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. Effective April 15, all guests five and older must be vaccinated to sail on Celebrity from the United States. Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines - Travel + Leisure Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! If you have received one of these shots, then you should be good to go. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. Also, most longer cruises will still require a 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.