While some cruise lines state they'll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. 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 . 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. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. I need help securing a pre-cruise COVID-19 test, does NCL offer any testing services? Vessels are equipped with an onboard laboratory, which can administer Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Blood Chemistry, Coagulation tests, and Influenza tests. This website uses cookies. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Please refer to. 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. Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. All guests 18 and older must be vaccinated to sail, plus one booster shot if eligible. CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.. Unvaccinated guests are permitted to sail on most MSC voyages. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Do I need another booster? Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. There are still some cruise lines that have not yet indicated they will relax their COVID protocols, though their numbers are dwindling. Starting in September, a larger number of unvaccinated travelers will be allowed onboard cruise ships both big and small on select routes but will be required to be tested for COVID first. 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. New Details Released, What to Know About Riding on the Alaska Railroad, 14 of the Best New Cruise Ships Launching in 2023, Katmandu Park Punta Cana Is Opening March 15, The Top Hotels in Mexico for a Romantic Getaway. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . did not go that far. Check your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise. Vaccines are still required for cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean; precruise testing is not required for vaccinated guests on cruises of less than six nights. Cruise Ship Travel | Travelers' Health | CDC Yes, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. Carnival Cruise Line drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for most All passengers age 12 and up, who completed their primary vaccine series more than five months ago, are required to be boosted. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. And the rules are constantly changing. Ad Choices. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Disney Cruise LineBeginning 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. If you have a cruise booked, you should keep checking the cruise lines website or contact the line for the latest rules. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. For guests departing outside of the US who are cruising with Royal Caribbean, they may present a certificate of recovery. The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.. FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD. Booster shots are not required. 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. Check with Cunard for information on your specific sailing. Every ship has a team of experienced doctors and nurses trained to manage a broad range of medical conditions, including COVID-19. Before you book, contact the cruise line to see if it'll accept an exemption and also look into the local laws of where you'll be visiting if and when you get off the ship for an excursion. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. While some cruise lines operating in Europe have been requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, the C.D.C. However, we encourage all guests to follow the vaccination and testing guidance outlined above. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. 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. Cruise lines can skip that step if they will have 95 percent of crew and passengers vaccinated. All onboard venues and activities will be available unless staffing or other challenges onboard prevent normal operations. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. It can be confusing to keep track of which lines require what, and in which regions unvaccinated guests can sail if there are still destination limitations. Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? A line-by-line guide 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. 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. RELATED: Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? Guests under the age of 12 dont have any vaccination or testing requirements. 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? Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations? 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. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. That's because cruise ships, with their tight quarters, buffet-style living and international travel, can be a breeding ground for the coronavirus. 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. Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test in order to embark on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing? The cruise line . These rules apply to cruises of under 16 nights. The Crystal Symphony. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Vaccine Requirement Through End - Travel Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? 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. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, shopping, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Womens Health, Self, Prevention, Forbes, Daily Beast, and more. 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. 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. 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. That's hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Since then, cruise lines around the world have been cautiously dropping their pre-embarkation requirements. Cruisers have been patiently waiting and there is pent-up demand. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. Viking will continue to do onboard testings for any passengers who report symptoms. Midway COVID tests and daily temperature checks have also been eliminatedhowever, there are exceptions for itineraries that include Spain, Barbados, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, and Morocco. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean International on Friday announced plans to bring back six more ships including some of its largest for U.S. sailings starting July 2. Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel. 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. All guests are required to accept the terms and conditions in our guest ticket contract. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? Oceania CruisesVaccinated guests age 12 are not required to procure a precruise COVID-19 test, and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations, beginning on September 3, 2022. 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. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. Not only will being fully vaccinated help protect you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19, but it can also help protect those around you,Thomas Russo, MD,professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, toldHealth. 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. 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. We have also enhanced our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing 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. 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. In a statement, the cruise lines president and CEO, Michael Bayley, thanked elected officials including Gov. Should you need to locate a testing provider prior to beginning travel or while traveling prior to your cruise, please visit TestForTravel.com, an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world. 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. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. (Unvaccinated guests will have to undergo special testing onboard to visit Spain or Greece.) 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. Our crew will continue to maintain our stringent hygiene protocols based upon the most up-to-date guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Greek health authorities.. 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. Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise? All departures from the U.S. that are nine nights or less dont require any testing, unless they stop in Canada or Bermuda. 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. (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). The first is scheduled to depart Miami on July 2, with more joining the fleet through Aug. 23. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. These 3 Cruise Lines Don't Require Vaccination Against COVID-19 (If testing is required it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test, paid for by the passenger. Masks are optional in all areas. It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. 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). 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. How do I know if there are any travel restrictions that could impact my cruise? 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. In mid-June, Viking announced that 'travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test. 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. For other agents, the business benefits remain to be seen. Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to requirepassengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. Delivered on weekdays. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except for those that visit destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. 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 CDC has said vaccinated cruise passengers can remove their masks outdoors unless theyre in a crowd. 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). It wasnt clear Friday how many people would be able to sail on each of the just-announced cruises, which will visit the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Precruise testing is required for all guests. Norwegian Cruise Line | Sail Safe | Health & Safety Protocols Under pandemic-era rules for restarting cruising, ships need to take volunteers on a test cruise to show they can mitigate the risks of covid-19. We will comply with all local regulations at all destinations we visit. Otherwise, you will need a booster. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog. 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. Lets get cruising! How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? Once booked and on board, passengers should take the appropriate precautions, but they should also remember to have funit is a vacation!. Read our. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations that continue to require vaccinations. 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. 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. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Many US-based cruise lines say they're currently following the regulations put forth by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and those are subject to change as the coronavirus pandemic does. These U.S. Cruise Lines Will Require Passengers Be Vaccinated - Travel Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. 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. The changes began shortly. All guests must be vaccinated to sail with Viking. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. Wash your hands frequently. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. But now cruise lines are starting to drop those vaccine and testing requirements, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Which Cruise Lines Have a COVID Vaccine Requirement? Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. It's also important to consider who's coming with you. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test via a rapid or lab-based PCR or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). 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. To find out more, please. Check the cruise lines websites for the most up-to-date information.). Cruise ships will not have to require vaccinations, CDC says but some For Europe and Tahiti, your last COVID-19 shot is now required within the last 270 days. NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. Unable to cruise. We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. 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. All Rights Reserved. And as in the noncruise world, the changes in regulations are happening quickly and travelers will need to stay updated on the latest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. 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. Our CareTeam will assist with daily wellbeing check-ins . Guests aged three and older may embark without testing or vaccination, if providing documentation that he/she has recovered from COVID-19 between ten to 90 days prior to the departure date. For full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean, and select remote voyages, testing and vaccines are still required. Health Protocols & FAQs | Holland America Line Cruises Vaccine questions, answered. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available. Vaccines heavily reduce the chances that you'll become infected in the first place. Windstar will also administer for each passenger a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to sailing.