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.. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? Delivered on weekdays. 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. Results need to be uploaded before boarding. 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. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. RELATED: Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Check out our variety of itineraries. This news is very exciting for us and our industry.. These regulations are continuously evolving and if an additional test is required at a port of call we will provide advanced notice to all guests. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. 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. 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. We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. Specific destinations still require testing such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . 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 . 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. People . When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? But like the latter lines, it'll still make you show proof of one for some sailings. When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. Carnival Cruise Line Only passengers on sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, plus cruises of 16 nights or more, need to be fully vaccinated. The cruise lines join Saga Cruises, a company catering to passengers 50 and older, which said last month it would require all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. Guests who have symptoms of COVID-19 whilst onboard should immediately contact the onboard medical centre for further instruction. COVID-19 shots are compulsory for all passengers cruising with Atlas, with proof of inoculation required before embarkation. Destination specific requirements will still need to be met. 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. The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. To find out more, please. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. Carnival Cruise Line: For cruises that are 15 days or less, the cruise line does not require vaccination and pre-board testing.Still, the cruise line encourages guests 5 and up to do both. And the CDC also recommends testing before boarding a cruise ship. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, shopping, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Womens Health, Self, Prevention, Forbes, Daily Beast, and more. 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. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don't require it. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. Fee is also hopeful that the remainder of cruise lines will follow suit soon. Before Norwegians announcement, both Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages indicated that they would accept unvaccinated passengers, but limited that population to up to 10% of their guest capacity. 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. Which Cruise Lines Require COVID-19 Vaccinations? Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine before your cruise is not only cost effective, but it could save your life. 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. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. This could include but is not limited to proof of a specific negative COVID-19 test result or Booster. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. The requirement was initially going to last until Oct. 31. On most sailings, kids and teens ages 17 and under do not have a vaccine requirement. 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. Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. While . SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 12, 2022) - Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is officially the first company to welcome unvaccinated travelers onboard its cruise brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises without any capacity limits, and the industry response is one largely of praise. 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. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. We will comply with all local regulations at all destinations we visit. The world has been reopening quickly and once more, we are pleased to welcome all travelers, of all ages, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the small, luxurious ships of Oceania Cruises.. And as in the noncruise world, the changes in regulations are happening quickly and travelers will need to stay updated on the latest. 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. The Crystal Symphony. 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. 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. 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? Presidents gain too much power when emergencies like covid hit, The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Three important studies shed light on long covid, We are not overcounting covid deaths in the United States, China, speeding through phases of covid, gets on with living with virus, FDA advisers favor retiring original covid shot and using newer version. What You Need to Know About Norwegian Cruise Lines Premium+ Drink Package, 12 Things to Know Before Sailing Royal Caribbean, Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements, NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail, Cruise News Recap | Week of February 5, 2023, Philippines Welcomes First International Cruise Ship in Three Years, Pre-Cruise Entertainment Reservations Now Available on Norwegian Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line. Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. Its pre-boarding tests requirements have also been scaled back. A tidal wave has followed, with other cruise lines announcing similar changes. Many major cruise lines require anyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully inoculated . Also, crew members may work multiple voyages, passing on germs transmitted from previous passengers. Precruise testing is required for all guests. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? Here are some of the latest cruise lines that are pulling back on pandemic measures. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. One Cruise Planners franchise owner in San Diego, Calif. has yet to record an immediate boost in bookings. They included vaccination requirements for anyone age 12 and up (some companies such as Disney Cruise Line later went with a 5 and up requirement as vaccinations became available for younger children), precruise testing requirements, mandatory masking in public areas, social distancing, and other measures the CDC said would help contain the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. For departures through 2022, proof of vaccination or certificate of recent recovery is no longer required, though testing protocols will still be in place. Also called a "bivalent" booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. Since then, cruise lines around the world have been cautiously dropping their pre-embarkation requirements. In a statement, the cruise lines president and CEO, Michael Bayley, thanked elected officials including Gov. To board Carnival ships, unvaccinated guests need to show a negative PCR or an antigen test within three days of boarding (self-tests are now accepted by Carnival for boarding purposes). By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. 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. 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. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some. Check the cruise lines websites for the most up-to-date information.). Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. Lindblad Expeditions is among the shrinking number of cruise lines that continue to require vaccination and testing. 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. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states bans. The Miami-based operator will not require passengers to be vaccinated. If you have a cruise booked, you should keep checking the cruise lines website or contact the line for the latest rules. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. While the Cruise Line will assist with arranging land-based quarantine accommodations if required, payment for all expenses incurred during any mandatory isolation period, including hotel stay, is the responsibility of the guest. 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). Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? That's hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? Wash your hands frequently. Windstar will also administer for each passenger a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to sailing. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. did not go that far. All onboard venues and activities will be available unless staffing or other challenges onboard prevent normal operations. Norwegian still strongly recommends that all guests be up to date on their vaccination status and test at their convenience before travel. Small ship company Windstar Cruises said Monday it also will require passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, The Miami Herald reported. CDC continues to recommend that cruise travelers remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get tested for COVID-19 before and after they travel, and after any known exposure to a person with COVID-19. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. 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. 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. 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. No documentation is required to board, but disclosure is required in advance, and those who are not vaccinated do still need to show a negative result on an antigen or PCR test within three days of departure. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Here's a quick breakdown of vaccination and testing policies as of December 2022 at several major cruise lines: At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020,cruise ships experienced major outbreaksof the SARS-CoV-2 virus as it spread across the globe. 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. On February 18, Crystal Cruises said it would require guests to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before a cruise. 2023 Cond Nast. 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.. In mid-June, Viking announced that 'travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test. Previously, the number was 95 percent for passengers. Guests can expect to provide the following: We are closely monitoring the evolving global public health environment and to the extent any itineraries are affected, we will notify impacted guests in a timely fashion and update our booking requirements. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies. The relaxation of protocols, coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. Read our. Political buffoonery: Cruise lines head for showdown with DeSantis over vaccine requirement ban, Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated, Bayley said in the statement. The just-announced cruises will depart from Florida, which has passed a law prohibiting companies from requiring proof of vaccination, and Texas, where lawmakers just passed a similar bill, according to the Texas Tribune. 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. Earlier this month, the Miami-based cruise line dropped vaccination requirements for passengersunless their cruise itinerary stops at ports in destinations that require the inoculation (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for those 12 and older; Galapagos for those three and older). Before CNET, she worked in local journalism covering public health issues, business and music. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. Are children required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? Children as young as age 5 are now able to get vaccinated, so your ability to cruise may depend on whether you've chosen to get your child vaccinated. Lets get cruising! Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. Should you need to locate a testing provider prior to beginning travel or while traveling prior to your cruise, please visit TestForTravel.com, an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. Disney Cruise LineBeginning 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. It depends. While some cruise lines operating in Europe have been requiring all passengers to be vaccinated, the C.D.C. 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. Should You Test for COVID Before Your Omicron Booster? Atlas Ocean Voyages Vaccine required? For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. AzamaraPrecruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests, except in ports where testing is required. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the cruise line said in a news release. 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. 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.. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has kept cruise lines from U.S. sailings since March 2020, has recommended that passengers, crew and port workers be vaccinated. Guests over the age of six will need to show a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours. All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing. 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. Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test in order to embark on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing? 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. Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. Are there any onboard activities that will not be available? Dont Delay, Wait Times Have Climbed, American Is Cutting 50,000 Summer Flights From These U.S. 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). Vaccinations are optional. Putting it all together: If your cruise line is even accepting medical exemptions around a COVID-19 vaccine, presenting valid proof of the exemption is critical. 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. 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. CDC, FDA Investigating PotentialBut 'Unlikely'Link Between Pfizer Booster and Stroke Risk, This Year's Flu Shot Is a 'Good Match,' CDC SaysBut Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare, Omicron Boosters Could Save 90,000 Lives This WinterBut Only if People Get Them. 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. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean, and select remote voyages, testing and vaccines are still required. If you're not comfortable vaccinating your child under 12, hold off on buying them a ticket or get confirmation on a timeline for requirements from your desired cruise line. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. Masks are no longer required. Check with Cunard for information on your specific sailing. Booster shots are not required. If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. 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). 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. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations that continue to require vaccinations. Related: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). Starting September 2, 2022, for voyages from United States and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line requires that all vaccine-eligible guests (ages 12 and older) be fully vaccinated in order to cruise, including children. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise? How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? People can also pick up pathogens from port visits and bring them back onto the ship, infecting others. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. CDC lifts some mask rules for vaccinated cruise passengers, This is it, Bayley said in the statement. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation date. All guests are advised to monitor and comply with applicable travel restrictions. Masks and social distancing are now also optional, but surgical masks are still required for the first seven days of trans-oceanic and World Tour itineraries.
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