Trevor James
As of 2022, most cruise lines require adults to be vaccinated before boarding. For example, Royal Caribbean International requires everyone aged 12 and older to show proof of vaccination, while Carnival cruises from Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, and Texas also require vaccination for passengers aged 12 and up. However, some cruise lines such as Margaritaville at Sea Paradise welcome all guests regardless of vaccination status, although testing requirements may vary. It's important to check the specific requirements of your desired cruise line, as policies may change over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | Almost all cruise lines require proof of vaccination for travellers over the age of 12 or 18. |
| Unvaccinated Guests | Unvaccinated guests may be denied boarding or treated differently for the duration of the cruise. |
| Testing Requirements | Vaccinated and unvaccinated guests may need to present negative COVID-19 tests taken within a certain timeframe before boarding. |
| Mask Mandates | Masks are encouraged or required in indoor public spaces and are often mandatory in specific areas. |
| Shore Excursions | Unvaccinated guests may be restricted from going onshore independently and may need to book "bubble tours" through the cruise line. |
| Capacity | Most ships are sailing below full capacity to encourage physical distancing. |
| Onboard Activities | Some activities, such as buffets, indoor dancing, karaoke, and nightclubs, may be modified or restricted. Spas and gyms may be limited to vaccinated guests only. |
| Insurance | Some cruise lines, like Carnival, require unvaccinated travellers over 12 to have insurance covering medical and evacuation costs. |
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What You'll Learn
Most cruise lines require proof of vaccination
Most cruise lines are requiring proof of vaccination for those over the age of 18, with some requiring it for those over 12. For example, Royal Caribbean International requires everyone aged 12 and older to show proof of vaccination before boarding, with no exceptions. This is also required by the governments of the Bahamas and St. Thomas. On its European cruises, only guests aged 18 and older must show proof of vaccination. Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America also require 100% of passengers to be vaccinated and are currently sailing without children under 12.
Carnival Cruise Line, the world's largest cruise company, generally requires proof of vaccination for those aged 12 and up, although its cruises from Long Beach allow exemptions for children and as required by law. Additionally, unvaccinated travellers over 12 departing from Florida or Texas must provide proof of insurance. Unvaccinated guests on Carnival cruises are restricted in their shore excursions, with similar restrictions in place for other cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
The specific requirements vary by cruise line and destination, so it is important to check with your chosen cruise line. Testing requirements also vary, with vaccinated guests typically needing to take a PCR or antigen test within two days of departure, while unvaccinated guests may need to take a PCR test three days prior and an antigen test at the pier.
Overall, while there may be some exemptions and variations, the majority of cruise lines are requiring proof of vaccination for the foreseeable future.
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Testing requirements vary by cruise line
Testing requirements and vaccination rules vary across different cruise lines and are subject to change. It is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen cruise line before travelling. Here are the testing and vaccination requirements for some of the major cruise lines:
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises generally requires all passengers over the age of 12 to be vaccinated. However, exemptions are allowed for children and in specific cases, such as medical risks and religious beliefs. Unvaccinated passengers on Carnival Cruises must provide proof of insurance, covering at least $10,000 per person in medical expenses and $30,000 for emergency evacuation costs. Additionally, unvaccinated travellers are typically not allowed to go onshore except on pre-booked "bubble tours".
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean requires all passengers aged 12 and above to be vaccinated for cruises departing from Florida, as mandated by the governments of the Bahamas and St. Thomas. On European cruises, only guests aged 18 and above must be vaccinated. They also have operational kids' clubs and nurseries.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line allows unvaccinated children on board but requires them to take a PCR test three days before sailing and an antigen test at the pier. The Disney Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for kids aged 3 to 12 are open, but masks are mandatory at all times.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America
Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America require all passengers to be vaccinated and currently do not allow children under 12 on board. Holland America strongly encourages shore excursions managed by the ship.
It is important to note that these requirements may change, and other cruise lines may have different testing and vaccination protocols. Always refer to the latest information provided by your chosen cruise line and follow the health protocols of the countries visited during the cruise.
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Unvaccinated travellers may have restricted access in ports
Most cruise lines require passengers to be vaccinated before boarding. However, the specific requirements vary by cruise line and destination. For example, on Royal Caribbean ships sailing from Florida, all passengers aged 12 and above must be vaccinated, as mandated by the governments of the destinations: the Bahamas and St. Thomas. On its European cruises, only guests aged 18 and above must show proof of vaccination. Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America also require 100% of their passengers to be vaccinated and currently do not allow children under 12 on board.
Carnival Cruise Line, the world's largest cruise company, generally requires proof of vaccination for passengers over the age of 12 departing from Florida or Texas. However, they offer exemptions for children and as required by law, mainly accommodating medical risks and religious beliefs. They also allow unvaccinated travellers from their Long Beach port of departure.
Unvaccinated travellers may face restricted access in ports of call. For instance, on Carnival cruises, unvaccinated passengers are not allowed to go onshore except on pre-booked "bubble tours". Royal Caribbean has a similar policy, requiring unvaccinated travellers to book tours through the cruise line if they wish to disembark the ship. These travellers are not permitted to explore ports independently or reserve tours from private companies.
It is important to note that testing requirements also vary by cruise line. Vaccinated guests may need to present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within two days of departure, while unvaccinated travellers may be required to take a PCR test three days before sailing and an additional antigen test at the pier. Therefore, travellers are advised to check the specific requirements and protocols of their chosen cruise line before departure.
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Some cruise lines limit spa and gym access to vaccinated guests only
While the specific requirements may vary across different cruise lines, being vaccinated is generally a prerequisite for going on a cruise. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination from the majority of their passengers. For instance, Royal Caribbean International mandates that all passengers aged 12 and above must be vaccinated on its cruises from Florida, as required by the governments of the Bahamas and St. Thomas. Similarly, on its European cruises, only guests aged 18 and above must be vaccinated. Other cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America, require all passengers to be vaccinated and currently operate without children under 12 on board.
Carnival Cruise Line, the world's largest cruise company, generally requires proof of vaccination for passengers above 12 on cruises from Florida and Texas. However, they offer exemptions for children and specific cases, such as medical risks and religious beliefs, on cruises from Long Beach. Additionally, unvaccinated passengers on Carnival cruises are typically restricted from going onshore unless they join a pre-booked "bubble tour."
To ensure the safety of all passengers, some cruise lines have implemented additional measures. For example, unvaccinated children on Disney Cruise Line must take a PCR test three days before sailing and an antigen test at the pier. Furthermore, some cruise lines limit access to certain onboard facilities, such as spas and gyms, to vaccinated guests only. These restrictions aim to maintain a safe environment for all travellers, allowing them to enjoy their vacation with added precautions.
It is important to note that the policies regarding vaccinations and testing requirements can vary across different cruise lines and destinations. Therefore, passengers are advised to check the specific requirements of their chosen cruise line and stay updated with any changes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruising experience.
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Unvaccinated children may be exempt from vaccination requirements
While most cruise lines have dropped or are dropping vaccination requirements, there are still some that require passengers to be vaccinated. These include Viking, which requires all passengers on its river, ocean, and expedition ships to be fully vaccinated, and Royal Caribbean International, which requires everyone aged 12 and older to show proof of vaccination before boarding. However, unvaccinated children may be exempt from vaccination requirements on some cruises.
For example, on Royal Caribbean cruises departing from Australia, children aged 11 and under do not need to be vaccinated, although it is highly recommended. Similarly, on Carnival cruises from Long Beach, exemptions are allowed for children, mainly to accommodate medical risks and religious beliefs. Disney Cruise Line also requires unvaccinated children to take a PCR test three days before sailing, followed by an antigen test at the pier.
P&O Cruises strongly recommends that eligible children under 12 be fully vaccinated, but they are not required to be. A minimum of 95% of guests must be fully vaccinated on each departure, and unvaccinated guests may board with a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation.
It's important to note that cruise lines have their own rules, and these may change over time. Additionally, the countries that cruise lines visit may have their own requirements, which can be stricter than those of the cruise line. Therefore, it's always best to check with the specific cruise line and review their health and safety protocols before booking a cruise.
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Frequently asked questions
Almost all cruise lines are requiring proof of vaccination for those over the age of 18, with some requiring it for those over 12.
Yes, some cruise lines are allowing exemptions for children and for medical or religious reasons.
If you have simply decided not to get vaccinated, you are ineligible to request a vaccine exemption for a cruise.
You will need to show your vaccine card or an electronic version at the terminal before boarding.
To go onshore, you must meet the health protocols of the country the ship visits. Some cruise lines, like Carnival Cruises, do not allow unvaccinated passengers to go onshore except with a pre-booked "bubble tour".
