As most know, the CDC officially ended its cruise ship program on July 18, 2022, allowing cruise lines to make their protocols. This program permitted ships to return to operations following the COVID-19 pandemic, a program that started as mandatory guidelines that the cruise lines had to meet. Finally, a set of procedures "recommended" and now to complete and total ease of restrictions.
So what's next?
I know it is hard to believe that the CDC is finally allowing cruise lines to choose how they move forward with the COVID-19 protocols that have been in place for over a year. However, the future is indeed in the hands of the cruise lines. The question is, how exactly are cruise lines going to react to this? Currently, no cruise lines are making significant changes, but they are making it easier to cruise again.
Do I still need a vaccine?
Sail one, sail all! Most cruise lines are now allowing guests of any vaccination status to sail!
What about testing?
Testing requirements are easing as the cruise lines continue to ease protocols. Each cruise line is handling its protocols, so each cruise line is doing what they feel is necessary to protect its guests and crew. The majority of cruises lines are ending testing requirements for fully vaccinated guests.
Major Cruise Line Protocol Changes regarding U.S.-based sailings as of July 29, 2022.
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises:
Starting September 5, 2022 departures, protocols will include:
All Guests, All Aboard
Updated August 22, 2022, | Effective September 5, 2022
We’re making it easier for more guests to sail with Royal Caribbean. Unvaccinated travelers can join us for almost all U.S. sailings. Starting with September 5th departures, guests who are not vaccinated can sail on almost all cruises from the U.S. (except itineraries that visit Canada or Bermuda).
Testing protocols will be easier
Starting with September 5th, for U.S. cruises that don’t visit Canada or Bermuda:
Vaccinated guests won’t have to take a pre-cruise test on cruises that are shorter than 10 nights.
Unvaccinated guests age 5 and up will need to test within 3 days before boarding, regardless of cruise length.
We will begin accepting results from self-administered home tests. See full testing details
Requirements in other regions
Starting September 5th, guests who are not vaccinated can also sail on European cruises. Currently published testing and vaccination requirements remain in place for cruises from Australia and Singapore; cruises that depart from or visit Canada or Bermuda; and transatlantic sailings, until further notice.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Unvaccinated travelers will be able to sail
Norwegian Cruise Line's new safety policy goes into place on SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
Unvaccinated guests will be allowed to sail with proof of a negative COVID-19 test
For sailings embarking September 3, 2022 and beyond: Guests ages twelve and over will be allowed to board unvaccinated. Unvaccinated guests age twelve and over will be required to show proof of a medically supervised negative PCR or Antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation. For guests age 11 years or under, no additional protocols or testing requirements apply. Local regulations may have different requirements to enter certain countries – make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. Guests may be denied boarding if all country specific requirements are not met.
MSC Cruises: No Changes
Current Safety policy:
All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. MSC Cruises recommends that fully vaccinated guests receive booster doses when eligible to do so, per CDC recommendations. All crew are fully vaccinated and regularly tested.
Through August 28th, 2022, all guests (including all children 2 years and older) must submit a negative test at embarkation before boarding.
Beginning August 29th, 2022, a negative test is required for unvaccinated guests (between 2 and 11 years old) on all sailings and for all vaccinated guests (12 and older and any children between 2 and 11 years old) on sailings that are six nights or longer.
Virgin Voyages:
Key changes to know now:
We’re removing the requirement for a COVID-19 test to board as of 7/24/22 (for Valiant Lady) and 7/27/22 (for Scarlet Lady).
We still require the majority (90%) of Sailors be vaccinated. We’re opening up our voyages for a limited number (10%) of unvaccinated Sailors. Please call Sailor Services to check availability.
All Crew will still be fully vaccinated.
Carnival Cruises:
No testing is required for fully vaccinated guests on sailings 16 nights or less and unvaccinated guests are free to travel with a negative COVID-19 Test
Carnival Cruise Line's "Have Fun. Be Safe" policy changes:
•Carnival is pleased to announce new guidelines effective for cruises departing on September 6, 2022 or later, which will make it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines, including no testing for vaccinated guests on sailings less than 16 nights, and eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation.The new guidelines include: • Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to embarkation. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia (per local guidelines), and on voyages 16 nights or longer.• Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer.• Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation.• Guests under the age of five years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements from the United States and under the age of 12 from Australia.• All policies are subject to local destination regulations.• Voyages 16 nights and longer will continue to have vaccination and testing requirements that are specific to the itinerary.For guests who have a pending vaccine exemption application and are awaiting confirmation for cruises departing September 6, 2022 or later, the booking is confirmed unless booked on a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia or if the voyage is 16 nights or longer.
Holland America Line:
Vaccinated guests are no longer required to provide a negative COIVD-19 test to board
Unvaccinated guests will be welcomed onboard with proof of a negative COVID-19 test
Holland America Line is updating its “Travel Well” COVID-19 protocols and procedures, including requirements for vaccinations and pre-cruise testing that meet public health goals while recognizing the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation. These changes will go into effect for cruises departing on or after Sept. 6, 2022.
Under the simplified procedures, for most voyages up to 15 nights, vaccinated guests will no longer have to test before cruising and unvaccinated guests will be welcomed with a self-test within three days of sailing. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia and Greece.
“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. “The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.”
Key changes for cruises up to 15 nights (Ages 5 and older, not including full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean and designated remote voyages):
Vaccinated guests must provide evidence of vaccination status prior to embarkation. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required.
Unvaccinated guests are welcomed aboard and must provide results of a negative medically supervised or self-test taken within three days of embarkation.
Protocols for cruises 16 nights or longer (plus full Panama Canal transit, trans-ocean and designated remote voyages, ages 5 and older):
All guests will be required to submit a medically supervised COVID-19 test with written negative result. The test must be taken within three days of embarkation.
Guests must be vaccinated or request an exemption.
Guests on longer voyages will be provided additional information about protocols based on ports visited. Guests can continue to submit documents electronically ahead of embarkation for a simple and faster check-in process. Holland America Line recommends that guests visit the TravelWell section of the company’s website for updates prior to cruise departure, as well as instructions on how to provide results of a negative test.
Princess Cruises:
Princess is ready to welcome back all guests regardless of vaccination status.
Vaccinated Guests will no longer be required to test prior to boarding
Unvaccinated guests can sail with a negative COVID-19 test
We want your vacation to be as easy, hassle-free and safe as possible. Starting September 6th, we're able to welcome even more guests regardless of vaccination status. Even better – no testing requirements for vaccinated guests on most voyages!
We've updated our guidelines to remove the vaccine requirement for most voyages so that anyone can cruise and adjusted our pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated to sail with us. There are also Enhanced Guidelines voyages that have their own Vaccination and Testing requirements.
These new guidelines apply to itineraries from all departure points except where government regulations may vary like Canada, Greece and Australia. Current guidelines remain in effect through Sept. 5. For guidelines regarding your voyage visit the Vaccine and Testing Requirements page, Princess communications and official government sites.
We can't wait to welcome you on board, make you feel like a VIP and help you create those "only on Princess" moments!
Margaritaville at Sea
“With the CDC’s removal of the pre-embarkation testing requirement, we are hopeful and pleased that the travel and cruising industries are sailing towards a new normal,” said Oneil Khosa, Chief Executive Officer. “Margaritaville at Sea’s vaccinated guests will no longer be required to undergo testing prior to boarding, making it quicker and easier than ever to escape to paradise.”
UPDATED: AUGUST 23, 2022, 5:45 P.M.
We will continue to update this story as more changes are announced.