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. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations that continue to require vaccinations. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. RELATED: NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD, Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. Depending on the cruise line, fully vaccinated can mean having received the original series at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot. 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. 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. 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. All vessels will have COVID-19 testing capabilities on board and results onsite. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for those to or from Australia and on transatlantic and transpacific cruises. 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.. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. The protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia, and Greece. But like the latter lines, it'll still make you show proof of one for some sailings. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? Before you book, contact the cruise line to see if it'll accept an exemption and also look into the local laws of where you'll be visiting if and when you get off the ship for an excursion. The requirements depend on the cruise line. In many cases, yes. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While other cruise lines may not officially require vaccinations for kids that young yet, they may in the future. 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. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. Viking will continue to do onboard testings for any passengers who report symptoms. If you chose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, can you still go on your favorite cruise vacation? CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Will I be required to take a COVID test to disembark the vessel? The cruise line continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. Destination specific requirements will still need to be met. Yes, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.. Norwegian Cruise Line will require all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding at least through the end of the . Temperature checks occur daily. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine before your cruise is not only cost effective, but it could save your life. 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. 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. 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. Trips that are 16 days or longer will still require a medically supervised COVID test with written results within three days of travel.Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment, the companys president Gus Antorcha said in a statement last month. COVID-19 requirements may differ in destinations that have specific mandates, such as Canada, Greece and Bermuda. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carnival Cruise Line was very upfront about its motivations in announcing its decision to let anyone, vaccinated or not, to come onboard most of its sailings. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. Self-tests are accepted in some cases, but it's best to check the specifics on the site. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Regent Seven Seas CruisesAs with sister lines Norwegian and Oceania, vaccinated guests age 12 are not required to have any precruise COVID-19 testing or other protocols. Fee is also hopeful that the remainder of cruise lines will follow suit soon. This doesnt apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? Check the cruise lines websites for the most up-to-date information.). Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to requirepassengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Unvaccinated children five to 11 years old will no longer need the vaccine to sail. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) 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. 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. Once booked and on board, passengers should take the appropriate precautions, but they should also remember to have funit is a vacation!. To make sure the experience remains safe only vaccinated adults will. 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. Consequently, most cruise lines opted to make masks optional. 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.. In mid-June, Viking announced that 'travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test. Royal Caribbean Reported a COVID-19 Outbreak on the World's Biggest Cruise Ship, A US Cruise Ship Had a COVID Outbreak Even Though Full Vaccination Was RequiredHere's What You Should Know, CDC Stops Reporting COVID-19 Cases on Cruise ShipsHere's How You Can Still Stay Safe. 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. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. All rights reserved. The CDC also has detailed recommendations for travel during the pandemic, both for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers as well as for cruise travel. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . Our Health Screening Measures (listed in section 2 below) promote health and safety onboard and help minimise the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Every ship has a team of experienced doctors and nurses trained to manage a broad range of medical conditions, including COVID-19. 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? Like many businesses attempting to regain shape as we close out year two of a global pandemic, cruise lines have started setting sail again -- with some strict health measures in place. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. All guests 18 and older must be vaccinated to sail, plus one booster shot if eligible. Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Precruise testing is required for all guests. As Disney Cruise Line (we, us) returns to sailing following the public health threat of COVID-19, we are changing some of our usual practices. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Overall, it's just better to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before going on a cruise, said Dr. Russo. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. On March 19, 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Millennium would begin cruises out of St. Maarten on June 5, 2021. 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.. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. This includes an increase in intensive care unit capacity, new and upgraded equipment, onshore medical institution partnerships, telemedicine capabilities and additional robust consultation and treatment options. All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing. The information in this story is accurate as of press time. It wasn't uncommon to see reports of outbreaks ofnorovirus, a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some. For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. Cruisers have been patiently waiting and there is pent-up demand. Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? Unvaccinated passengers will need to test via a rapid or lab-based PCR or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As to what percentage of his clients he thinks are unvaccinated and will be affected by this announcement, he estimates no higher than around 10%. Small ship company Windstar Cruises said Monday it also will require passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, The Miami Herald reported. Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test in order to embark on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing? Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? All Rights Reserved. But this past July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropped its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, letting individual cruise lines set their own standards. The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. 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. Precruise testing is required for unvaccinated passengers. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. The changes began shortly. 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 (Pfizer's vaccine was authorized for kids ages 5 to 11 at the beginning of November). The company also recently relaxed its mask-wearing policies, making them optional, even in indoor and crowded settings. Check with Carnival for specific cruise requirements. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean International on Friday announced plans to bring back six more ships including some of its largest for U.S. sailings starting July 2. Here are some of the latest cruise lines that are pulling back on pandemic measures. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. The family-focused cruise line has been rolling out new regulations this month. In the specific event that you have a child turning 5 during the voyage, check in with your cruise line before buying a ticket. 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. When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. Vaccinations are optional. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The Coronavirus Outbreak Has Affected 4 Different Cruise ShipsHere's Why Illness Can Spread so Fast at Sea. Guests who fail to agree to these terms and conditions will not be permitted to board. In order to keep our guests as safe as possible, we highly recommend taking our company organized shore excursions as a more controlled environment for you to enjoy your time in each of the destinations. There are a few reasons why viruses and diseases can spread quickly on cruise ships. Last week, the CDC announced new guidelines that won't require cruise lines to ask for proof of a COVID-19 vaccination from passengers. All guests are advised to monitor and comply with applicable travel restrictions. 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. 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. For other agents, the business benefits remain to be seen. Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't allow children under the age of 5 to cruise, for example, because they can't get vaccinated yet. Please keep in mind that this is largely dependent on the local health authorities and the evolving regulations, which are subject to change. Delivered on weekdays. Boosters are required for those age 18 and up who completed tests more than nine months prior to the cruise. Also enacted earlier this month on September 3, the Miami-based company will now allow guests over the age of 12 who are not vaccinated to board if they have a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. "Traveling Party" means (1) your family members living with you in the same household and (2) traveling companions assigned to your stateroom on the ship. And the rules are constantly changing. The big question is, what cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests to sail? However, we encourage all guests to follow the vaccination and testing guidance outlined above. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise? If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the Cruise Line will help coordinate necessary onboard COVID-19-related medical consultation, standard/common prescription drugs, and required land-based quarantine. Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. "We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive, Oceanias president and CEO Howard Sherman said in a statement. Unvaccinated people are now over 10 times more likely to get hospitalized with COVID-19 andover 10 times more likely to die from the diseasethan fully vaccinated people, according to a September CDC report. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. These guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols that we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months, Carnivals president Christine Duffy said in a statement last month. Lets get cruising! The change allowed more unvaccinated children who didnt yet qualify for a vaccine (currently those under the age of five) or had not obtained a vaccine to come onboard during the summer. 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. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. Vaccine questions, answered. Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. 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. NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. 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. While some cruise lines state they'll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. Vaccinated guests are required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test in addition to vaccination documentation, as listed above, only when embarking in Australia. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. 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. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. 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). - 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. So far, the CDC has approved nine ships for test cruises, operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. This includes vaccines. While much of the travel industry has returned to a pre-pandemic state, cruising has been slower to rebound from some of the tightest restrictions over the last two and a half years. Are there any restrictions on pre-existing health conditions or limitations for guests due to COVID-19? Disney Cruise Line. Travelers ages 11 and under will not be subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. But now cruise lines are starting to drop those vaccine and testing requirements, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. RELATED: Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements. If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). As with so many cruises around the world, requirements will vary by itinerary, but new policies that went into effect earlier this month eliminated vaccination requirements for trips departing the U.S., as long as they dont stop in Bermuda or Canada. Norwegian Cruise Line will review reimbursement submissions in the event your insurance carrier denies the claim or you do not have travel insurance. Read our. Viking CruisesAll passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Vikings river and ocean shipswithout exception. On most sailings, kids and teens ages 17 and under do not have a vaccine requirement. The added Florida requirement comes on the heels two unvaccinated passengers under age 16 tested positive for COVID on board the cruise line's Adventure of the Seas ship and after sister. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. According to the CDC, "cruise ship travel presents a unique combination of health concerns.". Effective for sailings 10/4/22 and beyond, all guests regardless of vaccination status are able to sail and with no testing requirements. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. With the relaxation of travel requirements around the world, were thrilled to welcome all guests back on our ships to cruise freely to the places theyve been dreaming of regardless of vaccination status and with no testing requirements. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. Some countries issue "certificates of recovery" if someone has been infected with COVID-19 and recovered, issuing a certificate that proves a positive COVID-19 test and recovery, instead of vaccination as someone's proof of immunity. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . 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. The agency provided the cruise lines with greater leeway to set and monitor their own policies. And documented guests ages 12 and older who are fully vaccinated (according to the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to) no longer need to be tested for the coronavirus prior to sailing.