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. As delivering the best experience for our guests is always a top priority, after working closely with our destination partners, we anticipate that guests will be free to explore certain ports of call on their own. If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. But the CDC still maintained a close watch, publishing a color-coded chart of ship outbreaks that it updated regularly. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. 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. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test via a rapid or lab-based PCR or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, starting this week, vaccinated passengers no longer need to test before embarking. Related: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? All guests will continue to receive a COVID-19 test just prior to embarkation, arranged by Lindblad, and all guests must test negative to board. It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. The Miami-based operator will not require passengers to be 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.. A tidal wave has followed, with other cruise lines announcing similar changes. If you chose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, can you still go on your favorite cruise vacation? Yes, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. 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. Our CareTeam will assist with daily wellbeing check-ins . Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. 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. Celebritys Healthy at Sea page makes it easy to track the specific requirements based on your cruises itinerary. Check the cruise lines websites for the most up-to-date information.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. For full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean, and select remote voyages, testing and vaccines are still required. All guests are required to accept the terms and conditions in our guest ticket contract. Health and safety is our top priority, and we will continue to modify our robust SailSafe program as the public health environment evolves. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages. Specific destinations still require testing such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. All passengers must be vaccinated. People can also pick up pathogens from port visits and bring them back onto the ship, infecting others. You also might need to purchase travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage if you have an unvaccinated guest in your party and you're departing from a Florida or Texas port. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation date. Dont Delay, Wait Times Have Climbed, American Is Cutting 50,000 Summer Flights From These U.S. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don't require it. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages. NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. Read our. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. RELATED: NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail. Beginning 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. Do I need another booster? 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. The company announced the requirement as it plans. 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. 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. 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.. According to the CDC, "cruise ship travel presents a unique combination of health concerns.". 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. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. 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.. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be charged to the guests' account. Norwegian Cruise Line will review reimbursement submissions in the event your insurance carrier denies the claim or you do not have travel insurance. 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. 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. 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. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. Since late July, cruise lines have been further relaxing rules. 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. 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. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? Last week, the CDC announced new guidelines that won't require cruise lines to ask for proof of a COVID-19 vaccination from passengers. 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. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? In a statement, the cruise lines president and CEO, Michael Bayley, thanked elected officials including Gov. Vaccinations are optional. 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 requirements depend on the cruise line. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. All onboard venues and activities will be available unless staffing or other challenges onboard prevent normal operations. Get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before your trip and three to five days after your trip, regardless of your vaccination status. Wash your hands frequently. Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. Medical news, pregnancy topics and health hacks that don't cost money. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? If you have a cruise booked, you should keep checking the cruise lines website or contact the line for the latest rules. READ NEXT: 18 Most Unique Cruise Ship Bars in 2022. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. 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. We will comply with all local regulations at all destinations we visit. 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. 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. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. 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. 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. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. The changes began shortly. 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. Royal Caribbean said it still needs to complete simulation cruises before getting approval for the sailings it announced Friday. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. 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 slow return was impacted by low consumer confidence, continued health and safety concerns, and issues with air travel to and from ports., After all, the entire industry was paused in the early days of the pandemic. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. 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. Please keep in mind that this is largely dependent on the local health authorities and the evolving regulations, which are subject to change. Check your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise. The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as well as for cruise travel. For departures through 2022, proof of vaccination or certificate of recent recovery is no longer required, though testing protocols will still be in place. 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. 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. *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. The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. The first is scheduled to depart Miami on July 2, with more joining the fleet through Aug. 23. Are there any onboard activities that will not be available? Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. Atlas Ocean Voyages Vaccine required? 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). Bottom line: If you've been vaccinated against COVID-19 outside of the US, check with your cruise line to make sure they accept your vaccine before putting any money down. Here are some of the latest cruise lines that are pulling back on pandemic measures. Temperature checks occur daily. Ad Choices. NAAT test (i.e., PCR) within 48 hours of embarkation date. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. Can I buy travel insurance through Norwegian Cruise Line? Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. 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. This article was published more than1 year ago. 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. Unable to cruise. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. 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. 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. In the specific event that you have a child turning 5 during the voyage, check in with your cruise line before buying a ticket. Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 . Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It wasn't uncommon to see reports of outbreaks ofnorovirus, a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. The cruise line continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel. American Medical Association. 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. Unvaccinated people are now over 10 times more likely to get hospitalized with COVID-19 andover 10 times more likely to die from the diseasethan fully vaccinated people, according to a September CDC report. Were thrilled that NCLH has updated their sailing guidelines to welcome unvaccinated guests and adjust testing requirements.. All guests must be vaccinated to sail with Viking. Norwegian Cruise Line will require all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding at least through the end of the . Will I be required to take a COVID test to disembark the vessel? The Crystal Symphony. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Can You Get Omicron and Delta COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time? When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. The cruise line . However, we encourage all guests to follow the vaccination and testing guidance outlined above. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? As of today, 90 percent of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise.. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? 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. Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. CDC lifts some mask rules for vaccinated cruise passengers, This is it, Bayley said in the statement. All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing. Viking Cruises has decided to eliminate pre-voyage testing. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.) Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. 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. If you're an adult in the US, the answer is probably not, unless you're one of the few people with a medical or religious exemption (and whether you'll be offered an exemption depends on the cruise line). Our award-winning onboard medical centers are fully equipped with testing and treatment capabilities if needed. 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. The requirement was initially going to last until Oct. 31. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. 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. On March 19, 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Millennium would begin cruises out of St. Maarten on June 5, 2021. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. 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. Additionally, some cruise lines require unvaccinated people to present a negative test taken within a few days of boarding. Here's what you need to know about going on a cruise if you're notvaccinatedfor COVID-19. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. Vaccine questions, answered. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. After two years of first banning and then advising against cruising due to pandemic-related health and safety risks, in late March 2022, the CDC dropped its warning to travelers about the health risks of cruising during the COVID pandemic.