The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. To make sure the experience remains safe only vaccinated adults will. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? COVID-19 vaccine exemptions at Carnival's Long Beach, California port will only be accepted for kids under age 12 and when "required by US federal law" due to religious beliefs or medical reasons. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Unable to cruise. Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. Here are some of the latest cruise lines that are pulling back on pandemic measures. Cruise lines can skip that step if they will have 95 percent of crew and passengers vaccinated. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests . Travelers ages 11 and under will not be subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In addition to staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends that people who plan to cruise do the following: Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. Latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Schedule an on-line proctoring consultation, Any documentation required from the country where the guest is embarking. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. 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. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. Cruise ship travel during COVID-19. Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). 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). Regent Seven Seas CruisesAs with sister lines Norwegian and Oceania, vaccinated guests age 12 are not required to have any precruise COVID-19 testing or other protocols. 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. Travel is making its grand comeback, and were looking forward to the continued momentum from consumers around the world, Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said last month. Precruise testing is required for all guests. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) Were thrilled that NCLH has updated their sailing guidelines to welcome unvaccinated guests and adjust testing requirements.. Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. Some countries issue "certificates of recovery" if someone has been infected with COVID-19 and recovered, issuing a certificate that proves a positive COVID-19 test and recovery, instead of vaccination as someone's proof of immunity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. CDC Shares New Real-World Data on Updated Shots. People . Earlier this month, the Miami-based cruise line dropped vaccination requirements for passengersunless their cruise itinerary stops at ports in destinations that require the inoculation (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for those 12 and older; Galapagos for those three and older). If you're not comfortable vaccinating your child under 12, hold off on buying them a ticket or get confirmation on a timeline for requirements from your desired cruise line. For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. 2023 Cond Nast. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . Mask Policy Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors. Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? While other cruise lines may not officially require vaccinations for kids that young yet, they may in the future. This doesnt apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. 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. Before you book -- and especially if you're looking at cruises months ahead -- it's important to consider the spread of COVID-19 in countries or ports where your ship will stop, and that's regardless of your vaccination status. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for those in Australia or some that are 16 nights or longer. "Traveling Party" means (1) your family members living with you in the same household and (2) traveling companions assigned to your stateroom on the ship. In the specific event that you have a child turning 5 during the voyage, check in with your cruise line before buying a ticket. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, and COVID-19 and the common cold. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? Read our. No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. Or will NCL offer testing onboard to meet travel requirements for guests flying back to countries that require negative COVID-19 test results to re-enter the country post cruise? And if you're not vaccinated, it's important to check the guidelines for your cruise line. Guests who fail to agree to these terms and conditions will not be permitted to board. For other agents, the business benefits remain to be seen. 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). But this past July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropped its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, letting individual cruise lines set their own standards. 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 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. Unvaccinated people are now over 10 times more likely to get hospitalized with COVID-19 andover 10 times more likely to die from the diseasethan fully vaccinated people, according to a September CDC report. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.) Many major cruise lines require anyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully inoculated . And the rules are constantly changing. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? Royal Caribbean Reported a COVID-19 Outbreak on the World's Biggest Cruise Ship, A US Cruise Ship Had a COVID Outbreak Even Though Full Vaccination Was RequiredHere's What You Should Know, CDC Stops Reporting COVID-19 Cases on Cruise ShipsHere's How You Can Still Stay Safe. Earlier this month, Oceania dropped testing requirements for vaccinated passengers; unvaccinated guests need to show proof of a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 72 hours. The world has been reopening quickly and once more, we are pleased to welcome all travelers, of all ages, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the small, luxurious ships of Oceania Cruises.. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Results need to be uploaded before boarding. As of June 10, Viking highly recommends, but no longer requires, a pre-departure COVID-19 testunless one is required by the destination, Viking said in an updated statement about health and safety protocols. They included vaccination requirements for anyone age 12 and up (some companies such as Disney Cruise Line later went with a 5 and up requirement as vaccinations became available for younger children), precruise testing requirements, mandatory masking in public areas, social distancing, and other measures the CDC said would help contain the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships. If you're not in the US and have a certificate of recovery, contact your desired cruise line before purchasing the cruise. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages. Precruise testing is required for all guests. As of today, 90 percent of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise.. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. For guests departing outside of the US who are cruising with Royal Caribbean, they may present a certificate of recovery. Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best-in-class brands, said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of NCLH. All passengers must be vaccinated. Celebritys Healthy at Sea page makes it easy to track the specific requirements based on your cruises itinerary. Overall, it's just better to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before going on a cruise, said Dr. Russo. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. For Europe and Tahiti, your last COVID-19 shot is now required within the last 270 days. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. Ron DeSantis whose staff has said cruise lines could be fined $5,000 per violation for requiring proof of vaccination for their support and for helping crew get vaccinated. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. 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. Unvaccinated guests are permitted to sail on most MSC voyages. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. 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.. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the cruise line said in a news release. Masks and social distancing are now also optional, but surgical masks are still required for the first seven days of trans-oceanic and World Tour itineraries. Even if your particular cruise line does not have a pre-travel testing requirement, test one to three days before your trip anyway to minimize the risk to others. 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. If you have a cruise booked, you should keep checking the cruise lines website or contact the line for the latest rules. As with so many cruises around the world, requirements will vary by itinerary, but new policies that went into effect earlier this month eliminated vaccination requirements for trips departing the U.S., as long as they dont stop in Bermuda or Canada. Before Norwegians announcement, both Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages indicated that they would accept unvaccinated passengers, but limited that population to up to 10% of their guest capacity. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. The US doesn't issue certificates of recovery at this time, so telling the cruise line you already had COVID-19 won't get you a vaccine exemption. Putting it all together: If your cruise line is even accepting medical exemptions around a COVID-19 vaccine, presenting valid proof of the exemption is critical. NAAT test (i.e., PCR) within 48 hours of embarkation date. 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. If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). While some cruise lines operating in Europe have been requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, the C.D.C. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. 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. This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on August 17, 2022, with current information. Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests and these guidelines will make it a simpler process and make cruising accessible to those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival. These guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols that we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months, Carnivals president Christine Duffy said in a statement last month. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Related: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? What You Need to Know About Norwegian Cruise Lines Premium+ Drink Package, 12 Things to Know Before Sailing Royal Caribbean, Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements, NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail, Cruise News Recap | Week of February 5, 2023, Philippines Welcomes First International Cruise Ship in Three Years, Pre-Cruise Entertainment Reservations Now Available on Norwegian Cruise Line. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Specific destinations still require testing such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. The first is scheduled to depart Miami on July 2, with more joining the fleet through Aug. 23. For cruises longer than 15 nights, a medically supervised COVID-19 test is required for all guests, and most passengers are required to be vaccinated. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. They are dependent, however, on the requirements of the places they are stopping at., This means that two different itineraries on the same cruise line may not have the same rulesso its more essential than ever to check testing, vaccination, and booster requirements specifically for each departure. How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? As of this month, the majority of cruise passengers are required to be both fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 before getting on a ship; some exceptions to the vaccination rules applied only for kids under age 12 and a very small number of adults seeking exemptions. On ocean, lakes, and expedition ships that visit Canada, there is a free COVID-19 test (antigen) at the precruise hotel check-in on the day prior to embarkation until further notice. CDC continues to recommend that cruise travelers remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get tested for COVID-19 before and after they travel, and after any known exposure to a person with COVID-19. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. COVID-19 requirements may differ in destinations that have specific mandates, such as Canada, Greece and Bermuda. As is true for most travel restrictions these days, your ability to book a cruise may depend on your vaccination status. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. COVID-19 shots are compulsory for all passengers cruising with Atlas, with proof of inoculation required before embarkation. The world's second-largest cruise line late Friday said that effective Sept. 6 it no longer would require passengers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for all voyages except those . The cruise line continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel. Royal CaribbeanAll passengers are welcome regardless of vaccine status as of September 5, on select routes such as cruises from Los Angeles, Galveston (though those age 12 and up need to be vaccinated to go ashore in Grand Cayman), and New Orleans (same rule with Grand Cayman), and in most destinations in Europe. Lindblad Expeditions is among the shrinking number of cruise lines that continue to require vaccination and testing. Temperature checks occur daily. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is officially the first company to welcome unvaccinated travelers onboard its cruise brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises without any capacity limits, and the industry response is one largely of praise. Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to requirepassengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. "Currently, COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests for all sailings departing on March 13, 2021, through April 10, 2021, at this time," American Cruise Lines said in a statement. 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. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. Last week, the CDC announced new guidelines that won't require cruise lines to ask for proof of a COVID-19 vaccination from passengers. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except for those that visit destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (If testing is required it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test, paid for by the passenger. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. Some ships can hold more than 5,400 passengers at two to a room. 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 slow return was impacted by low consumer confidence, continued health and safety concerns, and issues with air travel to and from ports., After all, the entire industry was paused in the early days of the pandemic. The change allowed more unvaccinated children who didnt yet qualify for a vaccine (currently those under the age of five) or had not obtained a vaccine to come onboard during the summer. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states bans. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. Will I be required to take a COVID test to disembark the vessel? Since late July, cruise lines have been further relaxing rules. Delivered on weekdays. It's also important to know that while all adults in the US are now eligible for boosters, the definition of "fully vaccinated" hasn't changed and you don't need an extra shot to be considered fully vaccinated. 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. How do I know if there are any travel restrictions that could impact my cruise? Starting September 2, 2022, for voyages from United States and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line requires that all vaccine-eligible guests (ages 12 and older) be fully vaccinated in order to cruise, including children. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. Vessels are equipped with an onboard laboratory, which can administer Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Blood Chemistry, Coagulation tests, and Influenza tests.