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

Heres what you need to know. Currently, booster shots are not required for any passengers. Using the searchable directory at the International Society of Travel Medicinecan connect you with a provider based on your location or specific needs.When you book an appointment with a travel medicine clinic, theyll ask you for your specific itinerary and vaccination history, and can usually provide any necessary vaccines on-site. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. And, some cruise stops may then trigger requirements for ports of call later in the trip. A number of cruise lines have reviewed their policies following the change. View Best Prices on MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line was the first major cruise line to announce the elimination of a COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Heres what the CDC currently recommends when it comes to vaccines. Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. The Splendor-class Carnival Splendor, with a guest capacity of 3,012, is offering both short and long cruises from Sydney, including ports of call such as Tasmania, New Zealand, and Queensland, as well as short getaways to nowhere. 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. 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. Also Check: What Is The Best Cruise Out Of Galveston. As Australia sees a rise in COVID-19 cases, policies are changing once again to try and prevent the spread of . Those passengers or those who are partially vaccinated will need to provide results of a negative antigen or molecular PCR test taken within 48 hours of embarkation, according to a news release. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. If youre flying to Caribbean islands like Barbados or the Bahamas, or Canadian homeports, such as Vancouver and Montreal, you will need to carry a passport. 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/. Since the Australian restart, however, several ships have reported large numbers of COVID-19 cases, including cases among both guests and crew members. 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. Compare and find the best cruise deals. And, I would say that nobody wearing or not wearing masks were ever made to feel uncomfortable. 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. A single shot of the Johnson & Johnson dose is ok, but still requires receiving it well in advance of sailing. Unvaccinated cruises passengers must wear masks, while vaccinated passengers dont. 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. Award-winning beer ninja. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Most major cruise lines still require passengers to be fully vaccinated, including having the relevant booster jabs. Currently, more than 120 countries have dropped all restrictions, including many popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. Passengers are encouraged to wear them . If you want to ensure you have a worry-free voyage, we strongly suggest reading these cruise health policies carefully. Recommended Reading: What Is Included In Crystal Cruises. This article was originally published in February 2022. "Effective with sailings departing March 1 . Other cruise lines have also slowly restarted operations in Australia, including Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Also called a bivalent booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. There is no mention of needing a reason to be eligible for an exemption. Other sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers Health site that maintains up-to-date information on current health situations around the world, general healthy travel tips and help in finding a travel health clinic. 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. However, as is the case with Cunard, these cruise lines stop . Azamara is one of the cruise lines that no longer requires passengers to wear masks on their ships, although they still recommend them. 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. 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. Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know, 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. Keep in mind that each cruise line determines its own health and wellness protocols. 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. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. - 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. 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 . Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. 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. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Our Crew will remain fully vaccinated as they are now. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks are not required. 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 . No. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. You May Like: How Big Are The Disney Cruise Ships. 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. A. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Is A Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Test Required? Unvaccinated Guests: Are not permitted aboard. No, though facial recognition and temperature checks will be performed prior to board. The following cruise lines have dropped all restrictions, including vaccine, testing, and mask rules, with exceptions only for itineraries that visit countries with restrictions still in place. Amateur web practitioner. No special request or exemption is need to sail unvaccinated. We previously reported in our guide to cruise lines mask policies article that a large number of brands would be dropping all mask requirements onboard their ships as of today. Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports still have vaccine rules in place. Travelers can get tested three days before departure for trips six nights or more. Additionally, it's important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions for your destination before booking a cruise. Its understandable why many voyagers can get muddled on what they need to do in relation to COVID-19 vaccination requirements for their next cruise. Cruise lines have continued to modify their vaccination and testing policies surrounding COVID-19. Thats hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Otherwise all guests must be fully vaccinated 14 days before departure. Disney rolled back its COVID vaccine requirement for passengers aged 5 to 11 in early September. First-time cruisers:3 things to know before stepping foot on the ship, Recommended Reading: Cruise Capital Of The World. Norwegian Epic (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line) Oceania Cruises Policy: In general, masks are not required onboard. Cruise lines have been making changes to their requirements for passengers in order to make cruise ships accessible to virtually everyone. That creates a peace of mind you dont get on other types of vacations. The CDC updated its guidelines on July 18 so that vaccination is no longer a requirement instead, its merely recommended. 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. VERIFY: Do cruise passengers have to show proof of vaccination? Vaccines are also required to be administered at least 14 days prior to travel. As the threat of Covid-19 begins to diminish, there is a possibility cruise lines may relax health protocols, including allowing unvaccinated people to go on a cruise ship. With more and more cruise lines dropping all COVID-related travel requirements, its back to cruising as usual. While each cruise line might accept different ones, the major vaccines Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca all seem to have wide acceptance. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. That includes things like visiting restaurants or movie theaters, going to a sporting event, and of course, travel. Cruise vaccination requirements will vary by cruise line, where you embark from and which ports of call you choose. On sailings departing Singapore, masks are mandatory on the ship when indoors. Do Non-US Citizens Need to Be Vaccinated to Enter the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q& As happening daily! You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. Testing is not required of vaccinated guests. - As of July 25, 2022, the line no longer requires pre-cruise testing unless . 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. 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. Princess Cruises will remove vaccination requirements on Sept. 6 for most voyages that are less than 16 days. Cruise vacations are a great way to explore the world and have a fun and relaxing time. These Cruise Lines Are Requiring Passengers To Wear Masks Again All The Details. The guidance also makes it clear that 90% is what a high proportion of travelers means. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. Will Lines Still Require a Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Test Before a Cruise? 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. The reintroduced policy is effective immediately, and there is no announced end date for when it may be relaxed. Generally, proof of inoculation must include your name, the type of vaccine you received and the dates on which you received all required doses. It's important to note that while some cruise lines have relaxed their mask policies, they still require travelers to follow other safety protocols. 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. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. As always, your safety is our first priority, so we will continue with our other protocols to keep you well while enjoying your relaxing vacation, the cruise line shared in the email. For domestic sailings, this will be entirely dependent on your chosen cruise line and their cruise vaccination requirements and the current laws of the state or territories you plan on travelling from/to. Dont Miss: What Cruise Lines Go To Tahiti. Heres what you need to know. As well, Sir Richard Bransons new cruise line Virgin Voyages also dropped its masking policy as of yesterday, February 28. The restrictions requiring vaccines are dropping quickly. Mask-wearing requirements were common on cruise ships through much of 2021 and into early 2022 as COVID-19 spread across the globe in several major waves. Costa Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises have also dropped their vaccination policies with some exceptions. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes all guests regardless of vaccination status. 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. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Booster jabs are required where eligible and are considered effective immediately. 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. Some of its current passengers have chosen to sail because every adult onboard has been tested and vaccinated. As well, even if not required, Royal Caribbean asks that you still bring proof of vaccination to your cruise. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Because the policy reads for the time being it is likely a temporary measure and will be redacted when possible. Check your airlines protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if youre flying before or after the cruise. The TSA no longer requires face. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. Hi, this may be of interest to you: 8 Cruise Lines Drop Their Face Mask Requirements. This simplifies the requirements to sail. Yes. These links are signposted with an asterisk. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they dont require it. For Australians, anyone currently looking to sail internationally will need to be fully vaccinated. Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, will welcome all travelers regardless of vaccination status beginning Sept. 5 as long as testing requirements are met, a spokesperson told USA Today. Azamara. 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. Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Cruise Line. 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. All guests on all sailings through the end of 2022 with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are required to be fully vaccinated. The cruise line has a limited but growing presence in the U.S., with cruises from Florida and New York. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except for in a few select indoor locations. Vaccine requirements are starting to change, however. 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships on July 18, after which many cruise lines that had opted in eased their protocols. Until recently, Virgin Voyages had a simple policy. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. In most cases, no. 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. All passengers will undergo a complimentary COVID-19 test during the pre-cruise hotel stay prior to embarkation. That meant they required just about everyone on board to have their shots, with few exceptions allowed for young children and people who cant be vaccinated due to medical conditions or religious beliefs. MSC is a popular choice for passengers looking for relatively affordable fares. 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. Carnival will now allow all passengers including those who are unvaccinated to sail freely as of September 6, 2022. The good news is that given the vaccines, a milder variant, and prior cases, the amount of serious illness seems lower. The cruise line currently requires unvaccinated guests to have a vaccine exemption before they sail. Be Safe protocols for Australia sailings on November 17, 2022, reintroducing mandatory mask wearing. 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. 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. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. As the health situation evolves, cruise lines are always adjusting their health and safety policies including whether guests need to wear masks onboard. View Best Prices on Celebrity, Read Also: Last Minute Cruise Deals Tampa. Still, there are exceptions. Pre-boarding tests are not required for vaccinated guests. Fully vaccinated passengers do not have to test prior to sailing. From the moment you board the ship, you'll be surrounded by activities, entertainment, and delicious food. As the major cruise lines prepare to relaunch from U.S. ports this summer, they have not yet been as frank with unvaccinated passengers as they need to be about how their cruise experience will stack up next to that of their vaccinated cruise mates. 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AzamaraPassengers no longer need to take pre-travel Covid tests except where required by local restrictions. The three major cruise lines sailing from U.S. ports Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Lines CCL, and Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH still require pre-cruise covid tests taken no more than two days before your cruise and that all guests ages 12-and-over provide proof of vaccination. : Yes American Queen is even vaccinating its shoreside employees. Virgin Voyages is known for being adults-only, which means it's easier to require vaccines. 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. This new polic went into effect yesterday, September 3, 2022. 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. Again, your cruise company will have the details you need based on your specific itinerary. Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. Check out our recap of youth immunization policies for details on cruise vaccination requirements for kids. Effective September 3, 2022, Regent Seven Seas will welcome guests of all ages back regardless of vaccination status. And the good news for many people? Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. As of November 17, 2022, Princess Cruise Lines has also reinstituted mandatory masks onboard for Australia and New Zealand sailings, stating that masking requirements may change at any time, so we ask for flexibility from our guests., Similarly, Royal Caribbean International also states that all guests should wear a mask while travelling through the terminal and in public indoor spaces or crowded outdoor spaces onboard and that protocols are subject to change.. However, some cruise lines have recently revoked the obligation to wear masks on certain ships this summer. Policy: Masks are not required onboard, except in the medical center. 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. You can view Virgin Voyages latest policies here. The policy now reads, out of an abundance of caution, for the time being, masks are required in public indoor spaces.. It must be noted that at this time, this policy only impacts Carnival cruises in Australia, and masks are not required on any Carnival ships in other regions. However, before they cruise, those without the shot will need to have a negative test taken within three days of cruising . 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. Masks and Physical Distancing Requirements: Masks may be required in public areas on the ship . Masks continue to be required for unvaccinated guests in indoor public areas. So, will you need a vaccine to cruise? While some cruise lines state theyll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. The agency currently recommends cruise passengers be up to date with their vaccinations including their most recent recommended booster dose and take a test a maximum of three days before embarkation no matter their vaccination status, according to its website. As of last week, masks arent required for vaccinated guests on Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Guests may also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test by an accredited third-party with results from within two days of embarkation, if they choose. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required?. Because you may visit multiple locations on a cruise, you need to know the requirements for all your ports of call. 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.. Cruise lines make it clear that passengers must be fully vaccinated. Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. However, Asia and Oceania, and some countries in Central and South America, still have stricter rules in place. 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. Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 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. Is A Pierside, Pre-Embarkation COVID-19 Test Required? Dont Miss: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of San Francisco. 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. These included recommendations that ships continue to require pre-cruise testing and for passengers to be vaccinated. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. It must be noted, however, that there have been no reports of cases reported from cruise ships having severe symptoms or requiring hospitalization, with most individuals who return positive test results reporting no symptoms or only mild discomfort. The cruise line said it will accept an antigen, PCR, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test test. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. Antibody tests are not accepted. Some people waited to cruise until masks were no longer required while others wont step onboard until every covid-related protocol goes away. Who Needs to Be Vaccinated: All passengers, no exceptions, need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Norwegian, which requires guests to bring proof of vaccination, responded to inquiries with a link to its latest press release from early June about its upcoming U.S. voyages. 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. 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