CDC's COVID-19 Guidance to Become Optional for Cruise Lines What to Know 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, said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, in announcing that the cruise line would be dropping its vaccine requirements as of September 6, 2022. 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%. 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. River cruise line Avalon Waterways is requiring that prior to sailing, passengers show proof of COVID-19 vaccination completed at least 14 days before travel, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, or proof of recovery from a COVID-19 diagnosis within three months of travel. For Europe and Tahiti, your last COVID-19 shot is now required within the last 270 days. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing. In addition to staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends that people who plan to cruise do the following: Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. The exception are trips on the Disney Magic that depart New York City from September 30 through October 31 that may have different requirements. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. Before you book -- and especially if you're looking at cruises months ahead -- it's important to consider the spread of COVID-19 in countries or ports where your ship will stop, and that's regardless of your vaccination status. The requirements depend on the cruise line. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Earlier this month, Oceania dropped testing requirements for vaccinated passengers; unvaccinated guests need to show proof of a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 72 hours. All Contents Copyright 2022 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. Otherwise, you will need a booster. Norwegian Cruise Line will review reimbursement submissions in the event your insurance carrier denies the claim or you do not have travel insurance. 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. Travelers ages 11 and under will not be subject to any vaccination requirements or testing protocols. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. Temperature checks occur daily. 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. Additionally, some cruise lines require unvaccinated people to present a negative test taken within a few days of boarding. Since late July, cruise lines have been further relaxing rules. Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Vaccine Requirement Through End - Travel All Rights Reserved. Florida banned vaccination proof requirements. Not all cruise lines Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? I will have a better idea at the end of this week.. NAAT test (i.e., PCR) within 48 hours of embarkation date. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. 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.. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Carnival Cruise Line: For cruises that are 15 days or less, the cruise line does not require vaccination and pre-board testing.Still, the cruise line encourages guests 5 and up to do both. If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. Norovirus. On most sailings, kids and teens ages 17 and under do not have a vaccine requirement. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust to the evolving global situation, Celestyals Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden said in a statement. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. On February 18, Crystal Cruises said it would require guests to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before a cruise. Can I go on a cruise without being vaccinated or take a pre-boarding 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog. The changes began shortly. C.D.C. Issues New Guidance for Cruise Lines - The New York Times This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. 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. Royal Caribbean announces cruises with no vaccine requirement - The Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. So, if you're planning your next vacation to include traveling by cruise ship, consider staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Masks are optional in all areas. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. *Please note, in the event a port included as part of an itinerary requires additional COVID-19 testing in order for guests to disembark, Norwegian Cruise line will facilitate the testing onboard. 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? Unvaccinated guests are welcome but required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. Which Cruise Lines Have a COVID Vaccine Requirement? Should You Test for COVID Before Your Omicron Booster? It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. Or will NCL offer testing onboard to meet travel requirements for guests flying back to countries that require negative COVID-19 test results to re-enter the country post cruise? Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies. READ NEXT: 18 Most Unique Cruise Ship Bars in 2022. Drug-sniffing dogs and $500 fines: Carnival tries to tame cruises, Battery fire on Spirit flight to Florida sends 10 to hospital, In a crowded place, a face mask or respirator keeps the virus away, The investigation into covids origins must continue, Your questions about covid-19, answered by Dr. Leana Wen, Lab leak report energizes Republicans covid probes, We are asking the wrong question about the origins of covid, Doctors who touted ivermectin as covid fix now pushing it for flu, RSV, First combination home test for flu and covid cleared by the FDA. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? 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. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some. The cruise industries have seen a slower return to normal since the pandemic, but are definitely making a comeback, says Dr. Jan Jones of the University of New Havens hospitality and tourism department. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. While . That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. All guests will continue to receive a COVID-19 test just prior to embarkation, arranged by Lindblad, and all guests must test negative to board. Precruise testing is required for all guests. Disney Cruise Line. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states bans. - 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. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Looking for a family cruise on Disney's cruise line? Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages.