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

All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. In addition to staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends that people who plan to cruise do the following: Dont Miss: Which Cruise Line Gives The Best Military Discount. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 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. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It was most recently updated and republished on June 17, 2022. There are exceptions, however, such as dining venues, where guests can eat and drink without face . American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. The Cruise Lines International Association has 60 members including Carnival and MSC Cruises. Treat those flights as domestic travel. 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. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test taken within three days prior to embarkation. As the United States has opened up again following the worst of the pandemic, many people have returned to a normal way of life. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Here is a current list of cruise line that have, or will eliminate the vaccine requirement to sail on one of their cruise ships. It seems most cruise lines are following the CDCs 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. For the most up-to-date policies, always double-check with your cruise line of choice, as protocols change rapidly. The changes are also subject to local requirements, and full vaccination requirements apply to passengers 12 and up while testing rules apply to those 5 and older. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. Despite Floridas law, Norwegian Cruise Line is also insisting it will require everyone on board its ships to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. Main photo: a cruise ship docked near Grand Turk Island. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Cruising in the Time of COVID: Are Cruise Lines Still Sailing? No special request or exemption is need to sail unvaccinated. Here, we go over the major cruise lines in the U.S. and tell you which ones are currently requiring face coverings onboard. Carnival Cruise Line and local health authorities will continue to monitor local COVID-19 case levels and will make appropriate adjustments to the policy, as well as to other onboard protocols, to safeguard cruise guests, crew members, and port communities. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel. For instance, Princess Cruises maintains a list of Enhanced Guidelines Voyages, and its CruiseHeath look-up tool is available to anyone. The question for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian becomes which changes will lead to the most passengers on their ships? Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Were still requiring that the majority of Sailors be vaccinated, but were opening up our voyages for a limited number of unvaccinated Sailors to join us. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. A single shot of the Johnson & Johnson dose is ok, but still requires receiving it well in advance of sailing. Passengers can call the cruise line at 954-488-2955 to ask about sailing without having the shot. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Cruise vaccination requirements will vary by cruise line, where you embark from and which ports of call you choose. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. Norwegian, which mandates 100% of guests and crew be vaccinated to sail and did not previously require masks be worn, will now mandate face coverings for sailings through Dec. 19, according to the . The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. According to Royal Caribbeans website, the cruise line is working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries.. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return. When asked how Carnival intends to handle Floridas new law, a spokesperson did not comment on the decision to break from the law and instead referred NBC News to its frequently-asked-questions page, which states that guests will be asked to confirm their status as fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination in advance of boarding, unless a vaccination exemption is given in advance. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. Children who are not old enough to be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine must present a negative antigen or PCR test result taken within 72 hours of embarkation. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 passengers on board and I would venture to guess that less than 2% wore masks. Note: Some destinations still require it and cruises that visit these countries will still have the COVID-19 vaccination requirement due to local laws. And the good news for many people? Carnival Cruise Line will no longer require pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests on voyages that are five nights or fewer beginning Aug. 4, the cruise line said Friday. Get Expert Tips. For those who are unvaccinated, pre-embarkation testing is required. 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. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. The cruise line will still administer a COVID-19 antigen test to each guest prior to boarding, free of charge, and masks are required in public areas. 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. The good news is that given the vaccines, a milder variant, and prior cases, the amount of serious illness seems lower. There are a few exceptions. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line began waiving vaccination and testing requirements in October. If you know a bit about which brands belong to which company, youll recognize that these are all cruise lines under the Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings umbrellas. As of December 2022, if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose, children as young as 6 months who completed the Moderna primary series can receive one updated bivalent booster dose. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Note: In order to be considered fully vaccinated, passengers must have received their final shot at least 15 days prior to embarkation. Others have eliminated both Covid vaccination requirements and testing requirements for some, but not all, passengers based on itineraries or cruise lengths. 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. Again, your cruise company will have the details you need based on your specific itinerary. AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. On sailings departing Singapore, masks are mandatory on the ship when indoors. 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. Most lines only accept vaccines recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You May Like: 7 Day Alaska Cruises From Seattle. Masks will now be required in all indoor public spaces or in any crowded venue, indoors or outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. The line also warns that masks could be required by some ports of call its ships visit. Thats been one of the biggest questions in a return to sailing. Check with your specific cruise line for the latest information, keeping in mind that the rules can and do shift. In other words, this is not something you want to put off until the last minute. As protocols change rapidly, here is our rundown of current cruise line COVID-19 practices and policies: There are a number of vaccines available around the world. Because you may visit multiple locations on a cruise, you need to know the requirements for all your ports of call. 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. In compliance with U.K. guidance, Fred. 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. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . Are Any Unvaccinated Passengers Able to Sail? Recommended Reading: When Can You Book Excursions On Disney Cruise. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. These Cruise Lines Will Still Require Face Masks This Summer - Travel Off Path, Mask mandate: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean set to drop masks, Cruise Lines Mandating Vaccines: What You Need to Know, Cruise Lines Reopening: What You Need to Know. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. There are, of course, also some passengers who have not sailed because they are not vaccinated or dont care to share their vaccination status with a cruise line. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Cruise Industry Recovery: Is It Time to Set Sail Again? In fact, the cruise line requires all passengers to have the shot to sail. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Testing is still required for some cruises. Heres a quick breakdown of vaccination and testing policies as of December 2022 at several major cruise lines: These cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests but still have some form of testing requirement in place for those who elected to pass on the vaccine. Travelers can get tested three days before departure for trips six nights or more. 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. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes all guests regardless of vaccination status. Also Check: Best Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port. The TSA no longer requires face. 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. And you may have to be vaccinated or not. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Vaccines are also required to be administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions . One of the trickier questions to tackle is do cruises require vaccinations? Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos . 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. 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. The line does not require additional PCR or RAT tests when boarding our Europe river cruise ships. To avoid the chance of you missing your next cruise, whether domestic or international, we suggest being fully vaccinated. The company requires vaccinated passengers to take a test only on sailings six nights or longer, but testing is still required for unvaccinated passengers on all sailings. All guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding. Guests do not need to wear masks in their staterooms. Virgin Voyages is known for being adults-only, which means it's easier to require vaccines. 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. Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Those requirements would not be necessary on the same cruise without a stop in Colombia. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. Booked guests can get up-to-date information using the Cruise Personalizer tool. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. Cruise lines have been making changes to their requirements for passengers in order to make cruise ships accessible to virtually everyone. For example, many cruise lines require passengers to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding and may also require them to quarantine for a period of time before embarking. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. Pre-boarding tests are not required for vaccinated guests. As an adults-only cruise line, Virgin required everyone on the ship to be vaccinated. While most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated right now, unvaccinated readers want to know when the vaccine mandate may go away. These links are signposted with an asterisk. Editors note: This post has been updated with new information. Given the significant, positive progress in the public health environment, the Cruise Line updated its health and safety guidelines, which are now more aligned with other global travel organizations. 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. In addition to the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide to individual travelers in preventing severe illness or death from COVID-19, having a high proportion of travelers on board who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines reduces the likelihood that cruise ships medical centers are overwhelmed by cases of COVID-19.. 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. For now, none of the cruise lines that have a vaccine requirement have announced any plans to rescind that rule in the future. 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. I do not want to take a cruise where I am required to wear a mask the entire time I am indoors because that would not be a happy place for me. However, your cruise line will have more details about which specific shots they accept. These included recommendations that ships continue to require pre-cruise testing and for passengers to be vaccinated. The governor is dictatorially imposing his will on Florida businesses trying to protect their customers, including cruise lines on whom our agriculture industry depends for millions in food sales, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement to NBC News. As of last week, masks arent required for vaccinated guests on Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Celebrity Cruises However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Guests must also wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation processes. Were still requiring that the majority of Sailors be vaccinated, but were opening up our voyages for a limited number of unvaccinated Sailors to join us. 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. Cruise lines have their own rules countries have their own rules. Carnival has also removed the mask mandate from its ships. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. Enjoy your cruise. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. Amateur web practitioner. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. And, some cruise stops may then trigger requirements for ports of call later in the trip. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test before boarding. As with any rapidly changing scenario like this one, laws, and regulations change at a rapid pace, and this often affects your cruise vaccination requirements as well. The cruise industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is some good news on the horizon. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic? Keep in mind that each cruise line determines its own health and wellness protocols. Carnival Cruise LineOnly passengers on sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, plus cruises of 16 nights or more, need to be fully vaccinated. Now that policy has changed to 90% of passengers, allowing 10% of those onboard to sail unvaccinated with an exemption. For all sailings 6 nights or longer, vaccinated guests must present a digital or physical copy of a supervised and negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to sailing. 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. Starting in late February, Virgin Voyages adjusted its policies from requiring masks when indoors to going completely mask-free. Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election. There are, of course, also some passengers who have not sailed because they are not vaccinated or dont care to share their vaccination status with a cruise line. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except in the medical center. Virgin does not allow children on its ships, so it was sailing with 100% vaccination rates. 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. The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. Click on your favorite cruise line below to find out. Aida Cruises, Ama Waterways, American Queen Steamboat Company, Azamara, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Viking are all open or planning to open soon. If you have received one of these shots, then you should be good to go. Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Also, fully vaccinated passengers now no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to setting sail on many voyages. Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. MORE: 8. Yes. Now, the cruise brand owned by billionaire Richard Branson has quietly decided to allow some unvaccinated sailors, as it calls its passengers, on its upcoming voyages. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? 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. 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. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. 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. This article was originally published in February 2022. However, with certain destinations still enforcing vaccine and/or testing requirements, be sure to research your cruise itinerary thoroughly before booking if you want to avoid potential restrictions in countries that have still not fully reopened to all travelers. Don't get me wrong, I totally support the wearing of masks in the general public because we don't know who is and is not vaccinated. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. Just a few weeks prior, the line had opened its ships up to unvaccinated kids under 5. 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 A. Traveler Alert: Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip! 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Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. Many other cruise line operators and brands made similar protocol changes, including Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. As the COVID-19 pandemic slows down, eight cruise lines have just dropped their mask policies as of yesterday, February 28, and today, March 1, 2022. Not sure where to go? The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. Currently, more than 120 countries have dropped all restrictions, including many popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. For all country specific travel requirements, travelers should visit www.ncl.com/travel-requirements-by-country. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. Dont Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To Tahiti. You May Like: Are Greek Island Cruises Worth It. Olsen Cruise Lines. As well, no vaccine will be required if sailing from Europe. Norwegian Cruise Line takes Florida to court over vaccine mandate ban, Celebrity Cruise Lines will not require proof of vaccination. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except for in a few select indoor locations. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Disney Cruise Lines joins Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line, which no longer require vaccinations on most sailings. READ NEXT: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know. This is the link: Cruise News Today March 1, 2022 [VIDEO], Bookings Open For Royal Caribbeans 2023-24 Caribbean Cruises, guide to cruise lines mask policies article, 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, https://cruiseradio.net/8-cruise-lines-drop-their-face-mask-requirements/. These links are signposted with an asterisk. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control stopped tracking the presence of covid on ships and issued a new set of guidelines for the cruise industry. Crew Vaccinated? On Alaska voyages between Whittier and Vancouver, they are required on the ship when indoors. Vaccinated passengers dont need to test unless visiting Canada, Bermuda, Greece or Australia and on trips of 16 nights or longer. 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. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? When is the Best Time to Book a Cruise and Get the Best Deals? Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. And the rules are constantly changing. 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.