Sarah Bennett
As of August 2022, some cruise lines still require passengers to be vaccinated, while others are easing rules and allowing unvaccinated passengers to sail freely. However, it's important to note that vaccine policies can change quickly and may differ depending on the cruise ship, region, and port of call. For example, cruises from Australia or those 16 nights or longer typically require passengers to be vaccinated. Additionally, certain ports, such as Greece, Canada, Bermuda, and Australia, have their own testing and vaccination requirements. It's recommended to check the latest policies and requirements directly with the specific cruise line or travel agent before booking a cruise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need a vaccine to go on a cruise? | Some cruise lines still have vaccine requirements for some cruises. |
| Which cruise lines require vaccines? | Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruise Lines, Norwegian, Holland America Line. |
| Are there any exceptions to the vaccine requirement? | Yes, some cruise lines allow unvaccinated passengers of any age to sail without having to apply for an exemption. However, they may need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of cruising. |
| Are there any age-related considerations? | Yes, children under 5 years of age do not need to be vaccinated. Children between 5 and 11 years of age may be unvaccinated but will need to go through an exemption process and may be subject to additional testing. Children under 12 years of age are generally exempt from vaccine requirements. |
| What proof of vaccination is required? | Original proof of vaccination is required at cruise check-in, including the guest's name, vaccination dates, and the administering facility's name. A digital record or image of the vaccination card may be accepted. |
| Are there any testing requirements for vaccinated individuals? | Vaccinated passengers may not need to test unless visiting specific countries (e.g., Canada, Bermuda, Greece) or on longer trips. |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise lines have different vaccination policies
As of August 2022, some cruise lines still have vaccine requirements for certain cruises. This is because cruise lines travel to multiple countries and must adhere to the rules set out by each country. Therefore, a cruise line may permit unvaccinated passengers on some cruises but not on others. Each cruise line has its own set of policies, which can be challenging for passengers to understand.
For example, Carnival allowed all passengers, including those unvaccinated, to sail freely from September 6, 2022. However, unvaccinated passengers needed to present a negative test taken within three days of cruising. There were exceptions for cruises from Australia and those 16 nights or longer, which still required vaccination. Similarly, Princess, part of Carnival Corporation, also allowed passengers to sail without vaccination from September 2022, provided they were tested before sailing.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean Cruises required all guests to be vaccinated with at least two doses, with no exceptions for countries that authorized a single-dose regimen. Norwegian Cruise Line also required all guests to be fully vaccinated.
It is important to note that vaccine policies can change quickly, and each cruise line will be the final authority on what is required for a specific sailing. Passengers should check directly with their chosen cruise line or travel agent for the most up-to-date information.
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Vaccine requirements for children
As of August 2022, some cruise lines still had vaccine requirements for some cruises. However, these requirements are usually relaxed for children under 12, with most cruise lines allowing passengers under 12 to sail without needing a vaccine. For example, Carnival allowed all passengers, including those unvaccinated, to sail freely from September 6, 2022, although unvaccinated passengers needed to present a negative test taken within three days of cruising (excluding passengers under five years, who were exempt from testing). Princess, part of Carnival Corporation, implemented a similar policy, allowing passengers to sail without a vaccine from September 2022 with a negative test before sailing.
It is important to note that vaccine policies can change quickly, and each cruise line has its own set of policies, which can make it challenging for passengers to understand the requirements. Therefore, it is essential to check with the specific cruise line for the most up-to-date information.
In the United States, there has been some controversy surrounding the CDC's imposition of vaccine requirements for cruise ships, which some argue is unlawful and discriminatory against families with children. As of August 2025, updated COVID-19 shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are approved for all seniors. However, their use for younger adults and children has been limited to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. Novavax's vaccine is only available to those 12 and older, while Pfizer's vaccine is no longer authorized for any child under 5. Moderna's Spikevax vaccine is approved for children as young as 6 months, but only for those with serious health problems.
These changing requirements and limitations can create barriers to vaccination and cause confusion for families planning cruise vacations. Therefore, it is advisable to stay informed about the latest policies and guidelines from the respective cruise lines and health authorities.
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Testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers
The testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers vary across different cruise lines and countries. Here are the testing protocols for unvaccinated individuals on cruises:
Testing Protocols for Unvaccinated Individuals:
- Carnival Cruise Line: Unvaccinated passengers of any age are allowed to sail without needing a vaccine or an exemption. However, they must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of cruising. Passengers under five years old are exempt from testing. For cruises departing from Australia or lasting 16 nights or longer, vaccination is mandatory for all passengers.
- Disney Cruise Line: Unvaccinated children aged 5-11 years old are allowed to sail without vaccination but must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken between three days and 24 hours before the sail date. Testing requirements may vary based on the itinerary and destination countries.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and older must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of boarding. Fully vaccinated individuals do not need to undergo testing before embarkation.
- Royal Caribbean: Unvaccinated guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within three days before embarkation. All guests departing from Australia must be fully vaccinated, with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing.
- Other Cruise Lines: While specific policies vary, some cruise lines may require unvaccinated passengers to undergo testing within a specified timeframe before departure. These tests are usually at the passenger's expense. It is important to carefully review the health and safety protocols of your chosen cruise line and comply with the requirements of the countries on your itinerary.
It is important to note that cruise lines and countries may have different definitions of "fully vaccinated," and passengers may need to meet specific criteria to be considered fully vaccinated. Additionally, testing requirements can change frequently, so it is recommended to stay updated and review the latest information before your cruise.
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Vaccine requirements for cruises leaving from the US
As of April 2021, the CDC still gave cruise ship travel its highest warning—Level 4—and recommended against boarding due to the high risk of catching COVID-19. However, this has not stopped the cruise industry, which has incurred billions of dollars in losses, from preparing to set sail again.
Vaccine Requirements
Cruise lines' policies vary, but nearly all include testing of passengers before boarding, intensive cleaning processes, mask requirements in indoor areas, and quarantine procedures. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Lines, have vaccination requirements for all passengers. Others, like Crystal Cruises, have not yet confirmed whether they will require passengers to be vaccinated.
Additional Requirements
In addition to providing proof of vaccination, some cruise lines may require a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. For example, Princess Cruises requires fully vaccinated guests to provide proof of a negative test along with their vaccination status. Unvaccinated guests on certain itineraries must also upload proof of a negative test on the MedallionClass® app before boarding.
Exemptions and Accommodations
Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, offer exemptions for guests who cannot provide proof of vaccination. These guests may still be able to board but will undergo additional testing and may be subject to other protocols and fees. Celebrity Cruises also mentions that guests can submit a vaccination accommodation request if they meet certain requirements.
Destinations
It's important to note that some destinations, such as Canada, may not allow unvaccinated individuals to enter. In such cases, unvaccinated passengers will have to remain onboard and may need to undergo additional testing before re-boarding the ship.
As the situation is constantly evolving, it is recommended to check the specific requirements and policies of your chosen cruise line before booking.
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Proof of vaccination
While specific vaccine policies vary across different cruise lines and change over time, proof of vaccination is generally required for passengers over a certain age. For instance, Royal Caribbean Cruises requires guests to present an accepted form of identification based on their nationality and country of citizenship. Similarly, some cruise lines mandate proof of vaccination for passengers over 18 years of age, with exceptions for younger travellers. It is important to consult your chosen cruise line for their latest policies, as they are subject to change.
To prove your vaccination status, it is recommended to retain the physical CDC vaccination card received at the time of vaccination. Making a copy, both digital and physical, ensures that you have a backup in case the original is misplaced. Some cruise lines may accept a digital record or an image of your vaccination card, but all lines will accept the physical card as the easiest and most reliable form of proof.
In addition to proof of vaccination, certain cruise lines may have specific testing requirements. For instance, unvaccinated passengers may need to present a negative test result obtained within a specified timeframe before cruising. These requirements may also vary depending on the ports of call during the cruise, with certain destinations like Greece, Canada, Bermuda, and Australia mandating vaccine and testing protocols.
It is worth noting that some cruise lines have adjusted their policies to allow unvaccinated passengers to sail freely without prior exemption requests. However, these policies can change quickly, and it is always advisable to review the latest updates from your chosen cruise line before departure. The specific cruise ship and its region of sailing may also influence the vaccine and testing requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the cruise line and the country of departure. Some cruise lines have dropped vaccine requirements, while others still require proof of vaccination. Certain countries, especially in Europe, may also require a booster shot. It is best to check the latest policies of your chosen cruise line and country of departure.
Yes, some cruise lines allow unvaccinated passengers to board with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the cruise line and the ports of call.
Yes, vaccine requirements are typically relaxed for children under 12 years old. Some cruise lines may require passengers over 12 or 18 years old to be vaccinated or provide a negative COVID-19 test result.
You can show your physical or digital vaccination card, or an image of your shot card. The CDC vaccination card is widely accepted as proof of vaccination. It is recommended to keep the original card in a safe place and make copies for travel purposes.
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