Madison Clarke
As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise industry is making a comeback. However, the virus is still a concern, and many cruise lines are implementing vaccine policies to protect their passengers and crew. While every cruise line has its own set of rules, most require passengers to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding. Some lines, such as Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, are now adjusting their testing and vaccination requirements. Others, like Cunard, Viking, and Holland America Line, have had strict vaccine policies in place since 2021. These policies have been effective in containing the spread of the virus, with multiple cruise lines reporting no cases despite the ongoing health crisis. While vaccination rules may relax in the future, for now, they offer a safer cruising experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cruise lines requiring vaccination for all passengers | Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian, Viking, Holland America Line, Windstar |
| Exceptions | Children under 12, teens and adults with a medical condition |
| Additional requirements | Negative COVID-19 test within 2-4 days of boarding, proof of vaccination |
| Onshore requirements | Meet health protocols of the country the ship visits, e.g. Bahamas requires full vaccination for cruise visitors |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise lines with 100% vaccination requirements
As of November 2021, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and all cruise lines currently operating required passengers to be fully vaccinated. Princess Cruises, for example, stated that "cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise, and proof of vaccination." Similarly, Viking Cruises stated that "all of Viking's sailings are available exclusively for vaccinated guests, until further notice."
Some cruise lines have gone to great lengths to require proof of vaccination. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, has required that 100% of its passengers be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine. They even went to court to be able to require proof of vaccination when sailing from Florida. Today, all guests and crew must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.
Cunard Line also requires all guests of all ages to be fully vaccinated in order to travel on voyages departing from October 13, 2021, up to and including April 17, 2022, for voyages on the Queen Mary 2 and May 17, 2022, for voyages on the Queen Elizabeth.
Holland America Line has similar requirements, stating that "vaccinated cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination." They further emphasize that those without proper proof of vaccination will not be able to cruise and will not receive a refund.
While most cruise lines require full vaccination, some allow exceptions for children. For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows unvaccinated guests over the age of two to cruise if they provide a recent negative COVID-19 test result. However, they charge a fee of $150 per unvaccinated guest.
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Exceptions for children
Most cruise lines require all passengers to be vaccinated to board. However, some cruise lines make exceptions for children. For instance, the world's largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean, exempts children under the age of 12 from its vaccine requirement on most sailings. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line, the world's second-largest cruise brand, also exempts children under 12 from its vaccine requirement. MSC Cruises has the same exemption for children under 12. Unvaccinated children on these cruises must present negative COVID-19 test results and submit to mandatory testing at the port on the day of embarkation.
Some cruise lines have stricter rules and do not allow children who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to sail. These include Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, Silversea Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.
There are also some cruise lines that have dropped pre-cruise testing requirements for at least some sailings, such as Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line. Virgin Voyages has loosened testing rules the most and allows up to 10% of passengers on any given sailing to be unvaccinated.
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Proof of vaccination needed
Proof of vaccination is needed for many cruise lines. For example, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Carnival, and Celebrity Cruises all require proof of vaccination. Cunard also requires all passengers to have their Covid vaccine, regardless of age.
Norwegian Cruise Line also requires all passengers to be vaccinated, and the company even went to court to defend its ability to require proof of vaccination for sailings from Florida.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all passengers be fully vaccinated before boarding a cruise ship. The world's largest cruise companies now require passengers leaving U.S. ports to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions.
Some countries also require cruise visitors to be fully vaccinated. For example, the government of the Bahamas requires all cruise visitors to be fully vaccinated, with exceptions for those under 12 and those with medical exemptions.
It is important to note that vaccination requirements may vary depending on the cruise line, the port of departure, and the date of departure. It is always best to check the latest information and requirements for your specific cruise line and destination.
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Negative COVID-19 test requirements
As of June 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lifted its requirement for air travellers to test negative for COVID-19 before entering the US. However, individual cruise lines may have their own specific COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers.
For example, Royal Caribbean has approved COVID-19 testing procedures in place, with pre-booked passengers receiving email updates regarding changes in testing requirements. Their approach aims to be clear and concise to build trust and ensure a seamless cruise experience.
Similarly, Holland America Line requires all fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative, medically observed viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days of their embarkation.
Princess Cruises requires guests to have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and provide proof of vaccination.
It is important to note that cruise lines may change their testing requirements, and passengers are advised to check the latest guidelines and stay informed about evolving entry requirements.
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Vaccination and testing policies
As of March 2023, all cruise lines require most passengers to be vaccinated, with some exceptions for children and medical exemptions. For instance, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Viking Cruises have vaccine policies in place that passengers must abide by. While Carnival initially required all passengers to be vaccinated, they have recently adjusted their policies for testing and vaccinations. Similarly, Royal Caribbean now requires guests to have received at least two doses of the vaccine, unless they have received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Some cruise lines require all passengers to be vaccinated, with no exceptions for children. For example, Norwegian requires all passengers, regardless of age, to be vaccinated before boarding. Likewise, Cunard mandated that all guests of all ages must be fully vaccinated to travel on voyages departing from October 13, 2021, up to and including April 17, 2022, for voyages on the Queen Mary 2 and May 17, 2022, for voyages on the Queen Elizabeth.
Additionally, some cruise lines require proof of a negative COVID-19 test in addition to vaccination. For instance, Royal Caribbean mandates that guests aged 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination and a negative test taken within 14 days of sailing for cruises departing from specific locations. UnCruise Adventures requires all guests over 18 to be fully vaccinated and those under 18 to present proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within four days of boarding. Furthermore, some countries, such as the Bahamas, require all cruise visitors to be fully vaccinated, except for those under 12 and individuals with medical exemptions.
While vaccination and testing policies vary across cruise lines and destinations, these measures are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and crew. It is essential to review the specific requirements of your chosen cruise line and destination to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all cruise lines require most passengers to be vaccinated. However, there may be exceptions for children and teens under a certain age, as well as adults with medical conditions.
As of 2021, the following cruise lines required all passengers to be fully vaccinated: Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, Norwegian, Viking, Holland America Line, and Windstar.
Vaccination requirements may vary depending on the port of departure and the destinations included in the cruise itinerary. For example, cruises departing from the United States and its territories may require full vaccination for all passengers over the age of 12. Additionally, some countries, such as the Bahamas, require all cruise visitors to be fully vaccinated, except for those under a certain age or with medical exemptions. It is important to check the specific requirements for your desired cruise line and itinerary.
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