which cruise lines do not require masks which cruise lines do not require masks

Is an Alaska Cruise Worth the Investment? Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. First and foremost, unvaccinated passengers of any age are allowed to sail the cruise line without having to first apply for an exemption as was previously required. MSCs policy toward vaccination for sailing from the United States is that while kids under 12 years old are allowed to sail unvaccinated, those older than that must have the shot. Because the policy reads for the time being it is likely a temporary measure and will be redacted when possible. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. Australia has been one of the more strict regions of the world with respect to pandemic cruise travel restrictions. MIAMI, Oct. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ Norwegian Cruise Line , the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective Oct. 4, 2022. No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. How long will the vaccine requirement be in place for cruise passengers? The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? These brands are Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn. On Royal Caribbean, theyre also required for all kids two and older (regardless of vaccination status) in the Adventure Ocean kids program. Proud musicaholic. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. 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. Cruise vacations are a great way to explore the world and have a fun and relaxing time. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. Princess Cruises will remove vaccination requirements on Sept. 6 for most voyages that are less than 16 days. Because this policy only impacts sailings in Australia, only two Carnival ships are currently affected: Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa. Testing is still required for some cruises. No special request or exemption is need to sail unvaccinated. Royal Caribbean made headlines a week ago when it announced that it would begin sailing from Florida in early July with ships where vaccinations would be recommended but not required. And, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, vaccination requirements shift as well. Alaska Disney River Viking Norwegian Caribbean Carnival Hawaii Viking Search CRUISEINFO CLUB CRUISEINFO CLUB Alaska Disney River Viking Norwegian Caribbean Carnival Hawaii Viking CRUISEINFO CLUB If Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian allow for unvaccinated adults but keep the 90% vaccinated number that could limit how many families can book cruises on those lines, which are marketed as family cruise lines. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic, said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. All passengers will undergo a complimentary COVID-19 test during the pre-cruise hotel stay prior to embarkation. Unvaccinated Guests: Are not permitted aboard. Olsen passengers are required to wear a mask onboard when not in their staterooms, eating or drinking, or seated in a deck . However, your cruise line will have more details about which specific shots they accept. In other health protocol-related news, last week Norwegian Cruise Line announced that as of today, it will be allowing unvaccinated kids under 12 to sail on its ships. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. As of September 5, 2022, Royal Caribbean will no longer require passengers to be vaccinated to sail if departing from ports in California, Louisiana, and Texas. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. 3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship, When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise, Spirit Of Washington Dc Sunset Dinner Cruise With Buffet, Toyota Fj Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition For Sale. As the cruise industry has made its way back from its covid-related March 2020 through July 2021 closure, a lot of people have put off cruising until it returned to normal. Thats a relative word, however, as your normal and my normal may not be the same. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Pre-voyage testing is not required for guests with proof of vaccination unless local regulations stipulate otherwise. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Do Non-US Citizens Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Judge sides with Norwegian in bid to require COVID-19 vaccination, What Is Included In Concierge Class On Celebrity Cruises, What Cruise Lines Sail From Jacksonville Florida, You can view Carnivals latest policies here, You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here, ropped the pre-cruise testing requirement. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Masks are also now required in outdoors for any large crowded events where guests cannot appropriately distance, such as during deck parties, as well as while on shore tour buses or tenders, or while indoors on any shore excursion. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. MSC Cruises As of September 1, 2022, MSC Cruises no longer requires U.S. citizens to be vaccinated. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Recommended Reading: When Are Cruise Ships Sailing Again. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. View Best Prices on NCL, Royal Caribbean Starting on September 5, 2022, guests who are not vaccinated will be able to sail on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the worlds largest cruise line. On ocean, lakes, and expedition ships that visit Canada, there is a free COVID-19 test at the precruise hotel check-in on the day prior to embarkation until further notice. In late July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) withdrew its COVID-19 Program for cruise ships, allowing individual cruise lines to set their own standards. Disney rolled back its COVID vaccine requirement for passengers aged 5 to 11 in early September. The company shared that information in an email that was sent to people booked on upcoming sailings. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. Cruise lines have begun to get rid of their COVID-19 vaccine requirement that they have mandated over the past 15 months since cruises have restarted. Until recently, Virgin Voyages had a simple policy. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. There are a few exceptions. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. Cruise lines have been making changes to their requirements for passengers in order to make cruise ships accessible to virtually everyone. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Remember that cruise ports such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, are actually part of the U.S. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. Starting Sept. 6, Princess Cruises will require passengers on sailings of 16 nights or longer to take a test within three days of leaving, as well as those on full Panama Canal transits. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Also Check: What Cruises Leave From Miami, As of August 8, 2022 only children under 12 are welcome as unvaccinated guests on Celebrity cruise lines when leaving the United States. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. For the most up-to-date policies, always double-check with your cruise line of choice, as protocols change rapidly. - As of July 25, 2022, the line no longer requires pre-cruise testing unless . From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. Norwegian Cruise Line , the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced that it has updated its global health and safety protocols by removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective Oct. 4, 2022. The cruise line currently requires unvaccinated guests to have a vaccine exemption before they sail. Dont Miss: Cruise Ship With Go Kart Track. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic. Here's the current list of cruise lines that do not require Covid vaccines to sail, for travelers who cannot or choose not to get the shot. Editors note: This post has been updated with new information. In most cases, no. MSC currently offers cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. There is no mention of needing a reason to be eligible for an exemption. As long as Covid-19 remains a pandemic, it seems unlikely cruise lines will change protocols. 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. For Celebrity, that means cruises leaving from Los Angeles, the U.K. and Europe but not Ireland. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, You May Like: Luxury River Cruise Lines Europe. Check out our recap of youth immunization policies for details on cruise vaccination requirements for kids. Cruising is a popular way to explore the world, and many travelers are eager to get back on the open seas. Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic, said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. Guests who choose not to be vaccinated or not willing to verify vaccination will be subject to testing and additional health protocols which will be at their expense. Cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer do still require a passenger be vaccinated to sail. If you want to ensure you have a worry-free voyage, we strongly suggest reading these cruise health policies carefully. You can view Carnivals latest policies here. Cruise like a pro with expert tips from our editors. For more information about the Companys award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please call +1-888-NCL-CRUISE , contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com. For those who are unvaccinated, pre-embarkation testing is required. As well, even if not required, Royal Caribbean asks that you still bring proof of vaccination to your cruise. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. One of the trickier questions to tackle is do cruises require vaccinations? Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Prospective guests of any cruise lines with upcoming sailings in Australia should stay in close contact with their cruise line for health and safety protocol updates and requirements. 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. When the first cruises allowing Americans restarted in spring 2021, all major lines were sailing with at least 90% of passengers vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions . View Best Prices on Celebrity, Read Also: Last Minute Cruise Deals Tampa. Cruises from Florida and other ports of departure will still require the shot for those 12 and older in order to sail for the time being. - 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. The line also warns that masks could be required by some ports of call its ships visit. This simplifies the requirements to sail. View Best Prices on Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line For cruises that depart on or after September 6, 2022, Carnival Cruise Line will allow all guests to once again sail on their Fun Ships. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. MSC also requires unvaccinated children between 2 and 5 to wear a mask when indoors. Norwegian Cruise Line*, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean* International, for example, are all headquartered in the US, which means they must follow the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even when theyre sailing outside of the country. 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. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Passengers are encouraged to wear them . When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise and Get the Best Deals? Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? Oceania CruisesFully vaccinated passengers aged 12 and older dont need a test to embark. The cruise line said COVID vaccines will no longer be required for passengers 12 and older on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Wonder cruise ships starting on Oct. 14. The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is some good news on the horizon. Vaccinated travelers will not need to test before embarkation. While the pandemic has made most of us equate vaccine with Covid-19, depending on where you travel, protecting your health by getting or boosting vaccinations for things hepatitis, yellow fever and other diseases may be required or recommended. Carnival Splendor setting sail on October 1, Carnival Luminosas first sailing on November 6, approximately 100 cases were reported onboard, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. Typical bacon geek. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers can go on all other cruises, with unvaccinated guests showing proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation. Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic? If you dont have the shot, then cruise lines are easing rules in that you dont have to be vaccinated to sail in many cases. Also Check: 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise. Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. Carnival no longer requires masks on its ships. Guests do not need to wear masks in their staterooms. Virgin Voyages, a fledgling cruise line sailing one of its two ships, the Scarlet Lady, out of Miami, dropped the pre-cruise testing requirement after the CDC stopped monitoring covid on cruise ships. On sailings departing Singapore, masks are mandatory on the ship when indoors. A. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line began waiving vaccination and testing requirements in October. But now, little more than a year later, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has withdrawn its opt-in guidance for cruise lines, and many are now allowing more unvaccinated passengers to sail. On voyages that visit Greece or Italy, they are required on the ship when indoors. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to test prior to sailing. Booked guests can get up-to-date information using the Cruise Personalizer tool. Furthermore, all cruise travelers should be aware that any cruise line has the authority to update protocols in any region, for any sailing, at any time, should it be deemed necessary for public health and safety and the health and safety of those aboard a ship. Gov. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. There are exceptions, however, such as dining venues, where guests can eat and drink without face . Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. The new-to-the-fleet Spirit-class Carnival Luminosa can welcome 2,260 guests, and is offering a range of South Pacific, New Zealand, and Great Barrier Reef itineraries from Brisbane. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Norwegian Epic (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line) Oceania Cruises Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Cruise lines are gradually easing restrictions and resuming operations, with some already allowing unvaccinated passengers to disembark. 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. The CDC says cruise lines can't allow "self-guided or independent exploration" at ports, and tour companies must still follow COVID-19 protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing. With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. In an abundance of caution in response to recent cases reported onboard cruise ships, Carnival Cruise Line has reintroduced mandatory mask wearing policies for the cruise line's. No. As Australia sees a rise in COVID-19 cases, policies are changing once again to try and prevent the spread of . Major cruise lines that continue to have a masking policy in place for indoor public areas of their ships include Azamara, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Viking. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. Award-winning beer ninja. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. COVID-19 vaccine exemptions at Carnivals 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. For general information on testing, please refer to our article on cruise testing requirements. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Around the same time, Celebrity Cruises went the opposite direction, lowering the age at which passengers must be vaccinated to sail on its ships. On sailings that visit Greece, they are required on the ship when indoors. If your vacation planning includes taking an international or domestic cruise, theres more than just a packing list to consider or which drinks package fits you best. This simplifies the requirements to sail. What was true for your friend who took a Viking cruise in fall 2022 may not apply to the cruise you booked for a 2023 voyage on Carnival. There is no definitive answer as to when a vaccine requirement to go on a cruise ship may go away, but at the very least it stands to reason not until the public health emergency ends. However, from December 1, Azamara will no longer require proof of vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the US or sailings starting and ending in Europe. Thats been one of the biggest questions in a return to sailing. What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. Its possible a cruise line may accept one shot of a viral vector vaccine, such as AstraZeneca, and one shot of an mRNA vaccine, but this practice of mixing for a COVID-19 vaccine primary series isnt authorized yet in the US. Carnival, for example, says itll accept some vaccine exemptions from those ages 12 and younger, as well as adults who have that they cant be vaccinated but only at their Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama ports until the end of March 2022. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. General zombie trailblazer. Most lines only accept vaccines recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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 . Antibody tests are not accepted. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Aug. 14, 2022 Four major cruise lines are dropping their COVID-19 vaccination requirements for some sailings next month, according to USA Today. First-time cruisers:3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship, Recommended Reading: Cruise Capital Of The World. Disney Cruise Line, which recently welcomed a new ship to its fleet, requires unvaccinated children to wear their masks when using the shared youth centers on board, and also asks all travelers to wear a mask at all times when at the cruise terminal.