The information in this story is accurate as of press time. Get your annual flu shot and get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. The reasons for the changes are clear: 1) the CDC is no longer requiring specific COVID protocols for cruising; 2) cruise lines want more business. The company announced the requirement as it plans. Otherwise, you will need a booster. And other cruise brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, currently make way for select exemptions, but they have yet to permit them across the board. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation date. 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. 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. 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. A tidal wave has followed, with other cruise lines announcing similar changes. 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. Unvaccinated guests are permitted to sail on most MSC voyages. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. The added Florida requirement comes on the heels two unvaccinated passengers under age 16 tested positive for COVID on board the cruise line's Adventure of the Seas ship and after sister. Chances are if you're unvaccinated, you'll need to book a specific tour with the cruise line, such as Carnival's "bubble tour" for unvaccinated guests, which is mostly families with children who are too young to be vaccinated. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. 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. 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. It's also important to consider who's coming with you. 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. As of December 2022, if it has been at least2 monthssince their last dose, children as young as 6 months who completed the Modernaprimary series can receive one updated bivalent booster dose. Are there any onboard activities that will not be available? River cruise line Avalon Waterways is requiring that prior to sailing, passengers show proof of COVID-19 vaccination completed at least 14 days before travel, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, or proof of recovery from a COVID-19 diagnosis within three months of travel. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple. In May, the CDC scaled back slightly on its tough restrictions for cruise lines by allowing ships to declare themselves as highly vaccinated if 90 percent of passengers and at least 95 percent of crew were vaccinated. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the cruise line said in a news release. Cruise ship travel during COVID-19. - 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. As is true for most travel restrictions these days, your ability to book a cruise may depend on your vaccination status. Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. 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. 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. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. Viking Cruises has decided to eliminate pre-voyage testing. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? Guests can rest assured that their health and safety are our top priority and measures will be communicated in a timely manner ahead of our return to sailing., Latest on the cruise comeback: Rogue wave incident | Overboard passenger saved | Covid hits Sydney cruise | Carnival fining unruly passengers | Unvaccinated passengers welcomed | Cheap cruises | No more CDC stats | Record bookings | Rape lawsuit | Carnival fire | Passenger bill of rights | CDC drops cruise warnings | Passenger overboard | Crystal ships seized. Do I need another booster? 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. Viking CruisesAll passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Vikings river and ocean shipswithout exception. 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. Crystal Cruises. No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. This includes vaccines. 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. Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? Despite the law, two of the biggest cruise lines, Carnival and Norwegian have decided to impose proof-of-vaccination requirements, according to information published on their websites.. 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. 2023 Cond Nast. How do I know if there are any travel restrictions that could impact my cruise? 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. 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. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. 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. Its pre-boarding tests requirements have also been scaled back. People . Lets get cruising! We know from our advisors that their unvaccinated clients have been waiting for this announcement, and I have no doubt that we will see a spike in cruise bookings, Fee said. For an easy to use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visit www.testfortravel.com. But the CDC still maintained a close watch, publishing a color-coded chart of ship outbreaks that it updated regularly. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be charged to the guests' account. All rights reserved. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. When cruise lines restarted operations in summer 2021, after being banned by the CDC from operating for 15 months due to COVID-19-related safety concerns, it was with strict CDC-imposed regulations. The Greece-based company announced this week it will remove all COVID protocols for sailings starting on or after March 2, 2023, with the exception being if the local regulations of a destination deem otherwise. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states bans. According to the CDC, "cruise ship travel presents a unique combination of health concerns.". 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone:(201) 902-2000. Children may or may not be able to cruise, depending on the ship. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. Unvaccinated children five to 11 years old will no longer need the vaccine to sail. 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). Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel. Also, crew members may work multiple voyages, passing on germs transmitted from previous passengers. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. *Please note, in the event a port included as part of an itinerary requires additional COVID-19 testing in order for guests to disembark, Norwegian Cruise line will facilitate the testing onboard. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. Vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. is not required. Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. And documented guests ages 12 and older who are fully vaccinated (according to the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to) no longer need to be tested for the coronavirus prior to sailing. 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 wasn't uncommon to see reports of outbreaks ofnorovirus, a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. 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. The changes began shortly. When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. Lets leave the covid origin mystery to scientists, Covid, flu, RSV declining in hospitals as tripledemic threat fades. 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). All rights reserved. People can also pick up pathogens from port visits and bring them back onto the ship, infecting others. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Results need to be uploaded before boarding. 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. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. Celestyal also recommends all passengers over 60and guests of any age with an underlying conditionto check with their doctors first to ensure theyre fit to travel. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Sign Up for Our Monthly Cruise Newsletter. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. In order to keep our guests as safe as possible, we highly recommend taking our company organized shore excursions as a more controlled environment for you to enjoy your time in each of the destinations. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine before your cruise is not only cost effective, but it could save your life. 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. Check with Carnival for specific cruise requirements. 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. How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? While some cruise lines operating in Europe have been requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, the C.D.C. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? Precruise testing is required for all guests. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. Boosters are required for those age 18 and up who completed tests more than nine months prior to the cruise. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for those in Australia or some that are 16 nights or longer. All passengers age 12 and up, who completed their primary vaccine series more than five months ago, are required to be boosted. 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). No, guests will not be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test before continuing on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing unless symptomatic, unvaccinated or if a specific country requires it. Also called a "bivalent" booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. Guests who have symptoms of COVID-19 whilst onboard should immediately contact the onboard medical centre for further instruction. 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. While . We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. The reality is even if you booked a cruise with the assumption you were going to be on a ship where everyone is vaccinated and tested, that may no longer be the case. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. Delivered on weekdays. I believe that eventually all cruise lines will drop as many restrictions as they can, Jones adds. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . did not go that far. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don't require it. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. While the Cruise Line will assist with arranging land-based quarantine accommodations if required, payment for all expenses incurred during any mandatory isolation period, including hotel stay, is the responsibility of the guest. And as in the noncruise world, the changes in regulations are happening quickly and travelers will need to stay updated on the latest. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. 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. The requirements depend on the cruise line. FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD. In addition, guests will be required to agree to abide by all of the cruise line's health and safety protocols and acknowledge the risks associated with COVID-19 during their voyage and shoreside experiences. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. 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. All passengers must be vaccinated. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment, said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, in announcing that the cruise line would be dropping its vaccine requirements as of September 6, 2022. (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? Spice up your small talk with the latest tech news, products and reviews. Cruises that are 16 nights or longer may have additional requirements based on the itinerary. 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? Two ships, operated by Royal Caribbean sister line Celebrity Cruises, will go straight to voyages with paying passengers since the company has said it will meet the vaccine threshold. Effective for sailings 10/4/22 and beyond, all guests regardless of vaccination status are able to sail and with no testing requirements. If you chose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, can you still go on your favorite cruise vacation? A line-by-line guide. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as well as for cruise travel. Guests who fail to agree to these terms and conditions will not be permitted to board. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? Check the cruise lines websites for the most up-to-date information.). A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. The line doesn't allow kids younger than 8 years old to sail, so young-child exemptions aren't a . In many cases, yes. Carnival Cruise Line: For cruises that are 15 days or less, the cruise line does not require vaccination and pre-board testing.Still, the cruise line encourages guests 5 and up to do both. Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. Precruise testing is required for all guests. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD, Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What completed travel documents do I need to board the ship? Paul Gauguin CruisesVaccinations are required for all passengers over age 5. Carnival, for example, says it'll accept some vaccine exemptions from those ages 12 and younger, as well as adults who have "written confirmation from their medical provider" that they can't be vaccinated -- but only at their Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama ports until the end of March 2022. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. Travelers ages 11 and under will not be subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. The cruise industries have seen a slower return to normal since the pandemic, but are definitely making a comeback, says Dr. Jan Jones of the University of New Havens hospitality and tourism department. 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. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. 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.. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. For specific country requirements, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? This is the news weve been waiting for, said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. Here's a quick breakdown of vaccination and testing policies as of December 2022 at several major cruise lines: At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020,cruise ships experienced major outbreaksof the SARS-CoV-2 virus as it spread across the globe. Norwegian still strongly recommends that all guests be up to date on their vaccination status and test at their convenience before travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. 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. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. Like many businesses attempting to regain shape as we close out year two of a global pandemic, cruise lines have started setting sail again -- with some strict health measures in place. Can You Get Omicron and Delta COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time? Medical centers will be equipped to test for COVID-19 onboard and if a positive case is identified, contact tracing for that individual will begin immediately and occur at the same time as treatment. 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. Since September 6, passengers on itineraries that are 16 nights or less, and who show proof of vaccination, no longer have to test before boarding. Precruise testing is required for unvaccinated passengers. For guests departing outside of the US who are cruising with Royal Caribbean, they may present a certificate of recovery. Trips that are 16 days or longer will still require a medically supervised COVID test with written results within three days of travel.Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment, the companys president Gus Antorcha said in a statement last month. 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. This doesnt apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia.