Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. 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. 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.. Overall, it's just better to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before going on a cruise, said Dr. Russo. Viking Cruises has decided to eliminate pre-voyage testing. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. RELATED: NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail. In the event you or any member of your traveling party tests positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days before your cruise departs, or at the boarding terminal, you and your traveling p. 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. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? CDC, FDA Investigating PotentialBut 'Unlikely'Link Between Pfizer Booster and Stroke Risk, This Year's Flu Shot Is a 'Good Match,' CDC SaysBut Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare, Omicron Boosters Could Save 90,000 Lives This WinterBut Only if People Get Them. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. Lets get cruising! 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. 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. Health and safety is our top priority, and we will continue to modify our robust SailSafe program as the public health environment evolves. 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. Vaccine questions, answered. While some cruise lines state they'll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. Guests can expect to provide the following: We are closely monitoring the evolving global public health environment and to the extent any itineraries are affected, we will notify impacted guests in a timely fashion and update our booking requirements. Disney Cruise Line. Celebritys Healthy at Sea page makes it easy to track the specific requirements based on your cruises itinerary. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers ages 11 and under will not be subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. 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. I believe that eventually all cruise lines will drop as many restrictions as they can, Jones adds. It depends. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for those to or from Australia and on transatlantic and transpacific cruises. CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. 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. In addition to requiring our crew to be up-to-date with all their vaccinations, we will continue to evolve our already robust science-backed program to broaden our cleaning, sanitation and air filtration technologies across our fleet. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. The Coronavirus Outbreak Has Affected 4 Different Cruise ShipsHere's Why Illness Can Spread so Fast at Sea. In order to facilitate pre-cruise testing requirements, Norwegian has partnered with Inspired Diagnostics lab to ensure that guests have access to a quick, efficient and easy way to access the required FDA-approved proctored in-home antigen test prior to embarkation from the comfort of their own home. We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. 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. Additionally, starting this week, vaccinated passengers no longer need to test before embarking. The line doesn't allow kids younger than 8 years old to sail, so young-child exemptions aren't a . The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. This includes an increase in intensive care unit capacity, new and upgraded equipment, onshore medical institution partnerships, telemedicine capabilities and additional robust consultation and treatment options. Are children required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? There are still some cruise lines that have not yet indicated they will relax their COVID protocols, though their numbers are dwindling. Are there any restrictions on pre-existing health conditions or limitations for guests due to COVID-19? In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel. (If testing is required it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test, paid for by the passenger. 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. Most cruise lines kept requirements for vaccinations and precruise testing in place, but that changed in late July, after the CDC backed off even further from its monitoring of the cruise industry. Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. Precruise testing is required for all guests. 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). 2023 Cond Nast. So, if you're planning your next vacation to include traveling by cruise ship, consider staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be . The agency said that after working closely with the cruise industry for two years, it believed cruise lines had access to the necessary tools to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 onboard., While cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, consumers can make their own decisions as they would in any other setting, the agency said in a statement. Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. To make sure the experience remains safe only vaccinated adults will. Ad Choices. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. 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.. 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. Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. Check out our variety of itineraries. Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. 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. Will all guests be required to be vaccinated prior to the cruise? This website uses cookies. But now cruise lines are starting to drop those vaccine and testing requirements, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Unvaccinated guests are permitted to sail on most MSC voyages. 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. No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. Cruise ships often have food buffets, which can be easily contaminated and lead to the rapid spread of illnesses like norovirus. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. All guests must be vaccinated to sail with Viking. 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. 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. Here's what we know about cruising unvaccinated for now. For Europe and Tahiti, your last COVID-19 shot is now required within the last 270 days. READ NEXT: 18 Most Unique Cruise Ship Bars in 2022. Crystal Cruises. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Check with Carnival for specific cruise requirements. Medical news, pregnancy topics and health hacks that don't cost money. 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. 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. Temperature checks occur daily. For guests departing outside of the US who are cruising with Royal Caribbean, they may present a certificate of recovery. While some cruise lines operating in Europe have been requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, the C.D.C. Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. The big question is, what cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests to sail? Yes. 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. Yes, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be charged to the guests' account. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). Before CNET, she worked in local journalism covering public health issues, business and music. 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. Children under 5 leaving the U.S. or under 12 leaving Europe also dont need to test. 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. However, since cruise operations have resumed, a large portion of social media comments and discussions among cruise travelers have centered around vaccinations, and COVID-19 restrictions more broadly. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. We have increased intensive care units (ICU) capacity onboard and ICUs are equipped with infusion pumps, IV treatments, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, cardiac pacemakers and ventilators. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. - 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. If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the Cruise Line will help coordinate necessary onboard COVID-19-related medical consultation, standard/common prescription drugs, and required land-based quarantine. The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as well as for cruise travel. All passengers age 12 and up, who completed their primary vaccine series more than five months ago, are required to be boosted. 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. Cruise ships have been under the CDC's Conditional Sail Order since October 2020. 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). 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. Political buffoonery: Cruise lines head for showdown with DeSantis over vaccine requirement ban, Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated, Bayley said in the statement. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. For other agents, the business benefits remain to be seen. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. A line-by-line guide. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, ended the intense monitoring of the cruise industry, U.S. Citizens Will Need to Register to Travel to Europe in 2024, Lufthansa Unveils New Cabins With Over-the-Top First and Business SuitesHeres a First Look, Need a New U.S. Passport? Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has kept cruise lines from U.S. sailings since March 2020, has recommended that passengers, crew and port workers be vaccinated. 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. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.) Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). What completed travel documents do I need to board the ship? Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. It's also important to consider who's coming with you. A tidal wave has followed, with other cruise lines announcing similar changes. 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. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation date. So far, the CDC has approved nine ships for test cruises, operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Related: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? All rights reserved. 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. "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. On March 19, 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Millennium would begin cruises out of St. Maarten on June 5, 2021. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone.. Read our. 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. 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. How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? And the rules are constantly changing. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? 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. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? Previously, the number was 95 percent for passengers. All guests are advised to monitor and comply with applicable travel restrictions. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources. I will have a better idea at the end of this week.. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many say this move has to do with the CDC not wanting to get into a legal battle with Florida, the largest cruise hub in America. Royal Caribbean said it still needs to complete simulation cruises before getting approval for the sailings it announced Friday. 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. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. 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. On August 8, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced it was also loosening vaccine requirements. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, and COVID-19 and the common cold. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some. Lindblad Expeditions is among the shrinking number of cruise lines that continue to require vaccination and testing. Rules may be different depending on requirements of locales visited. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. If you chose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, can you still go on your favorite cruise vacation? The requirements depend on the cruise line. The changes began shortly. In many cases, yes. Precruise testing is required for all guests. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. Vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. is not required. Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available.