Even if your particular cruise line does not have a pre-travel testing requirement, test one to three days before your trip anyway to minimize the risk to others. All onboard venues and activities will be available unless staffing or other challenges onboard prevent normal operations. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. Masks are no longer required. Unvaccinated people are now over 10 times more likely to get hospitalized with COVID-19 andover 10 times more likely to die from the diseasethan fully vaccinated people, according to a September CDC report. Monitor yourself for symptoms after the trip, and isolate yourself if you have a positive test or develop symptoms. "We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive, Oceanias president and CEO Howard Sherman said in a statement. Two ships, operated by Royal Caribbean sister line Celebrity Cruises, will go straight to voyages with paying passengers since the company has said it will meet the vaccine threshold. At long last, cruise lines are finally starting to drop their vaccine mandates and allow all passengers inoculated or not to sail on their ships. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . There are a few reasons why viruses and diseases can spread quickly on cruise ships. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chances are if you're unvaccinated, you'll need to book a specific tour with the cruise line, such as Carnival's "bubble tour" for unvaccinated guests, which is mostly families with children who are too young to be vaccinated. Vaccinations are optional. No, guests will not be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test before continuing on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing unless symptomatic, unvaccinated or if a specific country requires it. The first is scheduled to depart Miami on July 2, with more joining the fleet through Aug. 23. Yes. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. It's also important to know that while all adults in the US are now eligible for boosters, the definition of "fully vaccinated" hasn't changed and you don't need an extra shot to be considered fully vaccinated. I need help securing a pre-cruise COVID-19 test, does NCL offer any testing services? The cruise lines join Saga Cruises, a company catering to passengers 50 and older, which said last month it would require all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. Many major cruise lines require anyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully inoculated . In order to keep our guests as safe as possible, we highly recommend taking our company organized shore excursions as a more controlled environment for you to enjoy your time in each of the destinations. Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. All guests must be vaccinated to sail with Viking. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages. CDC Shares New Real-World Data on Updated Shots. All guests are required to accept the terms and conditions in our guest ticket contract. According to the CDC, "cruise ship travel presents a unique combination of health concerns.". Self-tests are accepted in some cases, but it's best to check the specifics on the site. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Presidents gain too much power when emergencies like covid hit, The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Three important studies shed light on long covid, We are not overcounting covid deaths in the United States, China, speeding through phases of covid, gets on with living with virus, FDA advisers favor retiring original covid shot and using newer version. 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. The changes began shortly. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. Vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. is not required. All departures from the U.S. that are nine nights or less dont require any testing, unless they stop in Canada or Bermuda. Shes been on 10 cruises and counting, and her favorite onboard activities include trying out the water slides, spending time in the spas thermal suite, eating lots of food, and attending the love & marriage show. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the Cruise Line will help coordinate necessary onboard COVID-19-related medical consultation, standard/common prescription drugs, and required land-based quarantine. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. All Rights Reserved. Once booked and on board, passengers should take the appropriate precautions, but they should also remember to have funit is a vacation!. Inspired Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Inspire Health Alliance, a leader in best-in-class health services. Many say this move has to do with the CDC not wanting to get into a legal battle with Florida, the largest cruise hub in America. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. Royal Caribbean just announced a flood of summer cruises. Royal Caribbean Reported a COVID-19 Outbreak on the World's Biggest Cruise Ship, A US Cruise Ship Had a COVID Outbreak Even Though Full Vaccination Was RequiredHere's What You Should Know, CDC Stops Reporting COVID-19 Cases on Cruise ShipsHere's How You Can Still Stay Safe. American Medical Association. Please keep in mind that this is largely dependent on the local health authorities and the evolving regulations, which are subject to change. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. As is true for most travel restrictions these days, your ability to book a cruise may depend on your vaccination status. 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. Carnival Cruise Line is joining Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.. You also might need to purchase travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage if you have an unvaccinated guest in your party and you're departing from a Florida or Texas port. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. Can You Get Omicron and Delta COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time? Were thrilled that NCLH has updated their sailing guidelines to welcome unvaccinated guests and adjust testing requirements.. The requirements depend on the cruise line. Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. RELATED: NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail. Boosters are required for those age 18 and up who completed tests more than nine months prior to the cruise. The company announced the requirement as it plans. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. No documentation is required to board, but disclosure is required in advance, and those who are not vaccinated do still need to show a negative result on an antigen or PCR test within three days of departure. 2023 Cond Nast. did not go that far. If you feel ill in the days before your cruise, you should not travel. For those departing Europe or for longer U.S. itineraries, self-administered tests will be accepted (with the exception of those that stop in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Greece or New Zealand). Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except for those that visit destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? RELATED: Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is officially the first company to welcome unvaccinated travelers onboard its cruise brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises without any capacity limits, and the industry response is one largely of praise. Get your annual flu shot and get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. 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.. It wasnt clear Friday how many people would be able to sail on each of the just-announced cruises, which will visit the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Vessels are equipped with an onboard laboratory, which can administer Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Blood Chemistry, Coagulation tests, and Influenza tests. Additionally, some cruise lines require unvaccinated people to present a negative test taken within a few days of boarding. How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? Guests aged three and older may embark without testing or vaccination, if providing documentation that he/she has recovered from COVID-19 between ten to 90 days prior to the departure date. Get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before your trip and three to five days after your trip, regardless of your vaccination status. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. For an easy to use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visit www.testfortravel.com. In many cases, yes. Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? As Guidelines Change, Heres What Its Like to Cruise Right Now, The 2023 Cruise Itineraries to Book Before They Sell Out, The Best New Cruises in the World: 2022 Hot List, These Airlines Are Finally Letting Families Sit Together, Free of Charge, A Proposed Federal Law Could Give Bumped Airline Passengers At Least $1,350 in Compensation, dropped its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, guests who are vaccinated will no longer have to take a pre-boarding antigen test. Specific destinations still require testing such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Check your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise. Vaccines are still required for cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean; precruise testing is not required for vaccinated guests on cruises of less than six nights. Health and safety is our top priority, and we will continue to modify our robust SailSafe program as the public health environment evolves. 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%. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Children may or may not be able to cruise, depending on the ship. While other cruise lines may not officially require vaccinations for kids that young yet, they may in the future. As with so many cruises around the world, requirements will vary by itinerary, but new policies that went into effect earlier this month eliminated vaccination requirements for trips departing the U.S., as long as they dont stop in Bermuda or Canada. Starting in September, a larger number of unvaccinated travelers will be allowed onboard cruise ships both big and small on select routes but will be required to be tested for COVID first. In a statement, the cruise lines president and CEO, Michael Bayley, thanked elected officials including Gov. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, ended the intense monitoring of the cruise industry, U.S. Citizens Will Need to Register to Travel to Europe in 2024, Lufthansa Unveils New Cabins With Over-the-Top First and Business SuitesHeres a First Look, Need a New U.S. Passport? Guests on cruises longer than 16 nights will have to test if stopping in destinations that require tests locally (like Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia; these destinations require the tests to be supervised). All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. NAAT test (i.e., PCR) within 48 hours of embarkation date. The Crystal Symphony. Here's what you need to know about going on a cruise if you're notvaccinatedfor COVID-19. Carnival, for example, says it'll accept some vaccine exemptions from those ages 12 and younger, as well as adults who have "written confirmation from their medical provider" that they can't be vaccinated -- but only at their Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama ports until the end of March 2022. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for those in Australia or some that are 16 nights or longer. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. Crystal Cruises. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on most voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations with local regulations that may continue to require vaccination including Australia. Since then, cruise lines around the world have been cautiously dropping their pre-embarkation requirements. Guests over the age of six will need to show a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours. Vaccinated guests are required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test in addition to vaccination documentation, as listed above, only when embarking in Australia. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? The world has been reopening quickly and once more, we are pleased to welcome all travelers, of all ages, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the small, luxurious ships of Oceania Cruises.. Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best-in-class brands, said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of NCLH. All guests are advised to monitor and comply with applicable travel restrictions. In the event you or any member of your traveling party tests positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days before your cruise departs, or at the boarding terminal, you and your traveling p. Lets get cruising! Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. Before CNET, she worked in local journalism covering public health issues, business and music. Results need to be uploaded before boarding. It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. Our award-winning onboard medical centers are fully equipped with testing and treatment capabilities if needed. Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. The CDC has said vaccinated cruise passengers can remove their masks outdoors unless theyre in a crowd. With that in mind, weve put together this list of cruise lines allowing unvaccinated guests to sail, as well as what the other lines currently require regarding vaccinations. FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. Will I be required to take a COVID-19 test in order to embark on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing? Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, accept vaccines recommended or approved by the World Health Organization as well as the CDC. Under pandemic-era rules for restarting cruising, ships need to take volunteers on a test cruise to show they can mitigate the risks of covid-19. In the specific event that you have a child turning 5 during the voyage, check in with your cruise line before buying a ticket. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. Please refer to. But like the latter lines, it'll still make you show proof of one for some sailings. Guests who fail to agree to these terms and conditions will not be permitted to board. Unvaccinated children five to 11 years old will no longer need the vaccine to sail. All passengers must be vaccinated. 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. On August 8, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced it was also loosening vaccine requirements. This doesnt apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. Many US-based cruise lines say they're currently following the regulations put forth by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and those are subject to change as the coronavirus pandemic does. "Traveling Party" means (1) your family members living with you in the same household and (2) traveling companions assigned to your stateroom on the ship. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. For departures through 2022, proof of vaccination or certificate of recent recovery is no longer required, though testing protocols will still be in place. On ocean, lakes, and expedition ships that visit Canada, there is a free COVID-19 test (antigen) at the precruise hotel check-in on the day prior to embarkation until further notice. Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. Windstar will also administer for each passenger a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to sailing. The big question is, what cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests to sail? Last week, Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to require passengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. People can also pick up pathogens from port visits and bring them back onto the ship, infecting others. Masks are optional in all areas. Previously, the number was 95 percent for passengers. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine before your cruise is not only cost effective, but it could save your life. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. Guests can expect to provide the following: We are closely monitoring the evolving global public health environment and to the extent any itineraries are affected, we will notify impacted guests in a timely fashion and update our booking requirements. 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. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? Cruise ship travel during COVID-19. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. For guests departing outside of the US who are cruising with Royal Caribbean, they may present a certificate of recovery. Since late July, cruise lines have been further relaxing rules. Ad Choices. (If testing is required it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test, paid for by the passenger. Despite the law, two of the biggest cruise lines, Carnival and Norwegian have decided to impose proof-of-vaccination requirements, according to information published on their websites.. Our crew will continue to maintain our stringent hygiene protocols based upon the most up-to-date guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Greek health authorities.. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations that continue to require vaccinations. CDC continues to recommend that cruise travelers remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get tested for COVID-19 before and after they travel, and after any known exposure to a person with COVID-19. Since September 6, passengers on itineraries that are 16 nights or less, and who show proof of vaccination, no longer have to test before boarding. Cruise ships have been under the CDC's Conditional Sail Order since October 2020. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. If you're not in the US and have a certificate of recovery, contact your desired cruise line before purchasing the cruise. Medical centers will be equipped to test for COVID-19 onboard and if a positive case is identified, contact tracing for that individual will begin immediately and occur at the same time as treatment. Cruise ships often have food buffets, which can be easily contaminated and lead to the rapid spread of illnesses like norovirus. But now cruise lines are starting to drop those vaccine and testing requirements, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is officially the first company to welcome unvaccinated travelers onboard its cruise brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises without any capacity limits, and the industry response is one largely of praise. 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. Precruise testing is required for all guests. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, and COVID-19 and the common cold. 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. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests . The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. Carnival Cruise Line Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except. This could include but is not limited to proof of a specific negative COVID-19 test result or Booster. Celebrity CruisesBeginning September 5, all passengers regardless of vaccination status can cruise from the U.K., Europe, and Los Angeles. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don't require it. New Details Released, What to Know About Riding on the Alaska Railroad, 14 of the Best New Cruise Ships Launching in 2023, Katmandu Park Punta Cana Is Opening March 15, The Top Hotels in Mexico for a Romantic Getaway. 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. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, accept vaccines recommended or approved by the World Health Organization as well as the CDC.