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. But like the latter lines, it'll still make you show proof of one for some sailings. 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. CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages. Cruise ship travel during COVID-19. Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests . It's also important to consider who's coming with you. The Crystal Symphony. Results need to be uploaded before boarding. While much of the travel industry has returned to a pre-pandemic state, cruising has been slower to rebound from some of the tightest restrictions over the last two and a half years. 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. Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations? When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. For those departing Europe or for longer U.S. itineraries, self-administered tests will be accepted (with the exception of those that stop in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Greece or New Zealand). For Europe and Tahiti, your last COVID-19 shot is now required within the last 270 days. Masks are no longer required. 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. While some cruise lines state they'll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. 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. This news is very exciting for us and our industry.. 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). Guests requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test to return to their home country are directed to visit a clinic near the disembarkation terminal or airport. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Celebritys Healthy at Sea page makes it easy to track the specific requirements based on your cruises itinerary. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. If you chose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, can you still go on your favorite cruise vacation? 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. Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. 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. 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. 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.. Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test in order to embark on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing? 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. 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. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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 exception are trips on the Disney Magic that depart New York City from September 30 through October 31 that may have different requirements. With eased restrictions that went into effect September 6 for most trips up to 15 nights, vaccinated passengers over the age of five no longer have to test, and unvaccinated guests can use a self-administered test within three days of departureexcept in areas where local restrictions deem otherwise (like Canada, Greece, and Australia) and on certain itineraries (like Panama Canal crossings, trans-ocean trips, and certain remote locales). But the CDC still maintained a close watch, publishing a color-coded chart of ship outbreaks that it updated regularly. 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. Cruise lines can skip that step if they will have 95 percent of crew and passengers vaccinated. 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.. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old (Pfizer's vaccine was authorized for kids ages 5 to 11 at the beginning of November). All guests 18 and older must be vaccinated to sail, plus one booster shot if eligible. Depending on the cruise line, fully vaccinated can mean having received the original series at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot. The CDC director answered your questions. Temperature checks occur daily. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) All vessels will have COVID-19 testing capabilities on board and results onsite. Crystal Cruises. And the rules are constantly changing. All rights reserved. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. 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? Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. 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. That's because cruise ships, with their tight quarters, buffet-style living and international travel, can be a breeding ground for the coronavirus. CDC lifts some mask rules for vaccinated cruise passengers, This is it, Bayley said in the statement. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. Precruise testing is required for all guests. Unvaccinated passengers are welcome to sail on all cruises departing from Europe and the U.S. Vaccination continues to be required on voyages to or from Australia, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. 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. 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. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Unvaccinated guests are welcome with a medically supervised or self-test within three days of sailing. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, and COVID-19 and the common cold. Should You Test for COVID Before Your Omicron Booster? 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. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. Since then, cruise lines around the world have been cautiously dropping their pre-embarkation requirements. 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. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be charged to the guests' account. Last week, the CDC announced new guidelines that won't require cruise lines to ask for proof of a COVID-19 vaccination from passengers. COVID-19 requirements may differ in destinations that have specific mandates, such as Canada, Greece and Bermuda. Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. 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. Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. And as in the noncruise world, the changes in regulations are happening quickly and travelers will need to stay updated on the latest. I will have a better idea at the end of this week.. Additionally, starting this week, vaccinated passengers no longer need to test before embarking. Consequently, most cruise lines opted to make masks optional. Cruise ships often have food buffets, which can be easily contaminated and lead to the rapid spread of illnesses like norovirus. 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. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. What completed travel documents do I need to board the ship? All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. For other agents, the business benefits remain to be seen. That's hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. 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. One Cruise Planners franchise owner in San Diego, Calif. has yet to record an immediate boost in bookings. Travel tips you can trust. 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. Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? Children may or may not be able to cruise, depending on the ship. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.) Delivered on weekdays. The cruise line . Windstar will also administer for each passenger a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to sailing. To find out more, please. People . 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. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? 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. Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. 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. 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. To make sure the experience remains safe only vaccinated adults will. Its hard to say how this will affect me, advisor Adam Martindale said. If you have a cruise booked, you should keep checking the cruise lines website or contact the line for the latest rules. The protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia, and Greece. Related: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? All rights reserved. Check your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for those to or from Australia and on transatlantic and transpacific cruises. 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. All guests are advised to monitor and comply with applicable travel restrictions. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. Carnival Cruise Line Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except. How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on August 17, 2022, with current information. Guests under the age of 12 dont have any vaccination or testing requirements. On March 19, 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Millennium would begin cruises out of St. Maarten on June 5, 2021. While . For specific country requirements, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. This doesnt apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. Yes. Norwegian still strongly recommends that all guests be up to date on their vaccination status and test at their convenience before travel. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. It's also possible that cruise lines could ease up on their pandemic measures in the near future and stop requiring proof of vaccination for passengers. 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. 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 ship travel. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. Looking for a family cruise on Disney's cruise line? All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. - 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. 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. Vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. is not required. Will all guests be required to be vaccinated prior to the cruise? 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. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. 2023 Cond Nast. 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. 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. Rules may be different depending on requirements of locales visited. 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. 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. American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust to the evolving global situation, Celestyals Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden said in a statement. Detours with locals. NAAT test (i.e., PCR) within 48 hours of embarkation date. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing. Vaccination will be critical in the safe resumption of cruising . 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. (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. Fee is also hopeful that the remainder of cruise lines will follow suit soon. 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. Health and safety is our top priority, and we will continue to modify our robust SailSafe program as the public health environment evolves. 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.. Lets get cruising! Check out our variety of itineraries. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. 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. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? 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. It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. 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. 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? It seems most cruise lines are following the CDC's definition of fully vaccinated, which means two weeks have passed since your second shot of Pfizer or Moderna, or since your one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. Vaccines heavily reduce the chances that you'll become infected in the first place. Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. Are children required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. These rules apply to cruises of under 16 nights. All passengers must be vaccinated. Viking will continue to do onboard testings for any passengers who report symptoms. 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. No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. 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. Our CareTeam will assist with daily wellbeing check-ins . Norwegian Cruise Line will review reimbursement submissions in the event your insurance carrier denies the claim or you do not have travel insurance. While other cruise lines may not officially require vaccinations for kids that young yet, they may in the future. 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. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. Unable to cruise. Drug-sniffing dogs and $500 fines: Carnival tries to tame cruises, Battery fire on Spirit flight to Florida sends 10 to hospital, In a crowded place, a face mask or respirator keeps the virus away, The investigation into covids origins must continue, Your questions about covid-19, answered by Dr. Leana Wen, Lab leak report energizes Republicans covid probes, We are asking the wrong question about the origins of covid, Doctors who touted ivermectin as covid fix now pushing it for flu, RSV, First combination home test for flu and covid cleared by the FDA. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. (Unvaccinated guests will have to undergo special testing onboard to visit Spain or Greece.) For an easy to use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visit www.testfortravel.com. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation date. People can also pick up pathogens from port visits and bring them back onto the ship, infecting others.