Chloe Ramirez
As cruise lines follow the guidance of the CDC and the governments of the destinations they visit, their health and safety protocols, including vaccination requirements, are subject to change. Generally, most cruise lines require all passengers who are eligible to be vaccinated to be fully vaccinated to sail. However, there are varying requirements for children, with some cruise lines requiring children as young as five to be vaccinated and others allowing children under 12 to be unvaccinated. Additionally, certain cruise lines may have specific requirements, such as proof of insurance for unvaccinated travelers or exemptions for children under a certain age. It's important to check the latest information and requirements from the specific cruise line before booking or traveling on a cruise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | Vary by cruise line, destination, and age |
| Age Requirements | Most cruises require guests aged 12 and above to be vaccinated. Children under 5 do not need to be vaccinated. |
| Exemptions | Medical and religious exemptions are allowed on some cruises. |
| Testing Requirements | Vary by cruise line; vaccinated and unvaccinated guests may have different testing requirements. |
| Insurance Requirements | Some cruises require unvaccinated guests to have insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs. |
| Mask Requirements | Vary by cruise line and destination; masks may be mandatory indoors or in specific ports. |
| Yellow Fever Vaccine | Required for certain destinations; guests without the vaccine or a medical waiver will be denied boarding. |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise lines requiring vaccination
As of July 2025, most cruise lines have dropped or are soon dropping rules for both vaccinations and pre-cruise testing. However, some cruise lines still require passengers to be vaccinated before boarding. Here is an overview of some cruise lines and their vaccination requirements:
Viking Cruises:
Viking, which operates river, ocean, and expedition ships, still requires everyone onboard to be fully vaccinated.
Crystal Cruises:
Crystal Cruises requires all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. In addition, passengers must test negative for COVID-19 before boarding and wear masks when appropriate.
Grand Circle Cruise Line:
Grand Circle Cruise Line, which offers small ship and river cruises worldwide, requires all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding.
Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line, which operates big ocean cruises worldwide, previously required all guests to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding for sailings through October 31, 2021. It is unclear if this policy is still in place, so passengers should check the latest updates.
Royal Caribbean:
Royal Caribbean has had varying policies regarding vaccinations. Previously, they required all passengers on their UK summer sailings to be vaccinated at least seven days before boarding. They also designated certain areas as ""vaccinated venues" only. It is recommended to check their latest policies and requirements.
Cunard:
As of April 23, 2023, Cunard required vaccinations and testing on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and as of June 8, 2023, on the Queen Elizabeth. However, starting on these dates, vaccinations and testing are no longer required.
Disney Cruise Line:
For sailings embarking from the United States, which make up most of Disney Cruise Line's sailings, no vaccination or testing is required. However, Disney recommends that all guests be vaccinated and take a COVID-19 test two days before their cruise.
American Queen Voyages:
American Queen Voyages, which operates river, ocean, Great Lakes, and expedition ships, no longer requires pre-cruise testing or vaccinations. Face coverings are optional but recommended for symptomatic passengers.
Holland America Line:
Most Holland America Line itineraries do not require pre-cruise testing or vaccinations. However, there may be specific voyage requirements, so it is important to check before booking.
It is important to note that cruise lines' policies may change, and they often follow the guidance of the CDC and the governments of the destinations they visit. Therefore, passengers should regularly review the latest health and safety protocols and requirements before their trip.
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Exemptions for children
Royal Caribbean initially required unvaccinated children aged 2 to 11 to take a PCR test no more than two days before arrival and a complimentary antigen test at the pier. However, the cruise line later modified its policy, requiring unvaccinated children to take an antigen test no more than two days before arrival and another complimentary antigen test at the pier.
Disney Cruise Line was the first to set its vaccine requirement at age 5 and above for sailings after January 13, 2022. Passengers ineligible for vaccination, including those under 5, had to provide a negative PCR test result.
In Australia, the federal government announced the repeal of COVID protocols and vaccination requirements for the upcoming wave season. This decision was welcomed by passengers, as it removed the hassle of applying for exemptions for children.
It is important to note that each cruise line may have slightly different rules, and it is recommended to check with specific cruise lines before sailing to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
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Testing requirements
Some cruise lines, like Ambassador Cruise Line, only accept fully vaccinated guests. In this case, "fully vaccinated" means having received two initial doses of a vaccine, followed by a booster shot if more than five months have passed since the initial vaccination. Guests on these cruises must provide proof of vaccination in advance of the voyage.
Other cruise lines, like Carnival, do allow unvaccinated travellers but require proof of insurance for unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 departing from Florida or Texas. The insurance policy must cover at least $10,000 per person in medical expenses and $30,000 for emergency evacuation costs. Unvaccinated guests who cannot provide proof of insurance will be turned away and will not be refunded.
For unvaccinated children, testing requirements vary by age and cruise line. For example, Cunard accepts COVID-19 antigen tests for guests aged 5-17 who are not fully vaccinated, and the test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. On the other hand, children under 5 do not need to be vaccinated to sail on Norwegian, and children under 4 do not need to apply for an exemption on other cruise lines.
In addition to COVID-19 testing, some countries that are ports of call on cruises may require a Yellow Fever vaccine or a medical waiver to sail. Guests without the Yellow Fever vaccine or a waiver will be denied boarding.
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Insurance requirements
When it comes to cruising, insurance requirements vary across different companies and destinations. Here are some key points regarding insurance requirements for cruising:
Purchasing Insurance
It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance before embarking on a cruise, especially during a pandemic. This ensures coverage for any unexpected events, such as testing positive for COVID-19, which may require quarantine and additional expenses. Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, encourage guests to purchase third-party travel insurance and review the specific coverage terms and policies offered by the provider. MSC Cruises requires unvaccinated travellers on their US-based ships to buy their travel insurance and COVID-19 protection services, which include additional testing and onshore 'bubble' excursions.
Insurance Coverage
When selecting travel insurance, it is crucial to choose a policy that meets the cruise line's requirements. Ensure that your insurance covers both medical expenses and COVID-19-specific situations. This includes coverage for emergency medical transportation, medical treatment, land-based quarantine, and transportation home. Additionally, some insurance policies, like Princess Vacation Protection, offer reimbursement for COVID-19-related expenses, subject to their plan terms.
Cruise Line Requirements
Different cruise lines have their own insurance requirements. For example, P&O Cruises mandates travel insurance for their UK coastal cruises, ensuring compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination policy for guests of all ages. On the other hand, Princess Cruises allows guests to book back-to-back cruises, but they are responsible for obtaining the necessary insurance coverage for both trips.
Destination Requirements
When cruising to international destinations, it is essential to understand the insurance requirements of each country. For instance, Greece may not require a COVID-19 test for vaccinated travellers, but a specific cruise line sailing to Greece might mandate a negative PCR test within a certain timeframe before arrival. Always review the latest requirements for each destination and be prepared to adhere to their insurance-related mandates.
Repatriation Considerations
The State Department cautions against relying solely on potential repatriation flights arranged by the U.S. government. Without adequate insurance, travellers could face unexpected costs for flights, accommodation, meals, and medical treatment. It is prudent to select an insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage to mitigate these potential expenses.
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Onboard experience
The onboard experience of a cruise varies depending on the cruise line and the destination. Here are some key points to note:
Vaccination and Testing Requirements:
Cruise lines have different policies regarding vaccination and testing. Some, like Carnival Cruise Line, require all passengers to be vaccinated, with limited exceptions for medical exemptions and children under 12. Other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, have specific requirements for different age groups. For example, teens and tweens aged 12 and above must be fully vaccinated, while vaccination is recommended but not mandatory for children aged 11 and under. Certain cruise lines may also require negative COVID-19 tests before boarding and additional testing during the cruise, especially for unvaccinated individuals.
Onboard Protocols:
Onboard protocols may include wearing face masks in specific areas, such as indoor spaces and theatres. Social distancing and contact tracing measures may also be implemented. Cruise lines are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their guests and crew. For example, UnCruise Adventures has adopted a fully vaccinated cruises policy, combining vaccinations with testing to enhance safety.
Shore Excursions:
Shore excursions may have specific requirements, such as vaccinated and health and safety-trained guides. Guests are typically required to stay with their designated shore excursion groups and not wander off on their own. Failing to adhere to these guidelines may result in guests being unable to reboard the ship. Additionally, non-vaccinated passengers may need to remain onboard if the ship stops in a country that does not allow unvaccinated visitors.
Country-Specific Regulations:
The onboard experience may also be influenced by the regulations of the countries included in the cruise itinerary. Some countries may have mask mandates, curfews, or specific testing requirements for disembarking passengers. It is essential to research and comply with the requirements of each destination to ensure a smooth cruising experience.
Insurance Requirements:
Some cruise lines mandate comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation coverage, and COVID-19-related expenses. Ensure you review the insurance requirements and have the necessary documentation before boarding.
It is important to stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines provided by the specific cruise line and the destinations included in your itinerary. By following the necessary protocols, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable onboard experience during your cruise vacation.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the cruise line and the destination. While some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival require proof of vaccination, others like Norwegian and Holland America do not allow any unvaccinated passengers on board. Additionally, certain destinations may require vaccination for entry, such as Western Australia. It's important to check the specific requirements of your chosen cruise line and destination.
Yes, exemptions are generally made for children who are too young to be vaccinated and adults who are medically ineligible for the vaccine. For example, Carnival cruises allow unvaccinated children and accommodate medical risks and religious beliefs. However, if you have chosen not to get vaccinated, you are typically ineligible for a vaccine exemption.
Yes, there may be some differences in experiences. For example, unvaccinated travellers might have to book specific tours through the cruise line and follow additional mask requirements. Royal Caribbean has designated certain areas as "vaccinated venues", where only vaccinated guests are allowed and masks are not required. It's best to check with your cruise line for specific policies.
