Cruise lines drop vaccine requirements and ease testing rules

Despite the fact that cruising industry was considerably affected by the pandemic, cruise lines are now allowed by the CDC to make their own rules regarding pre-embarkation requirements.

“The cruise industries have seen a slower return to normal since the pandemic, but are definitely making a comeback.

“Cruisers have been patiently waiting and there is pent-up demand. The slow return was impacted by low consumer confidence, continued health and safety concerns, and issues with air travel to and from ports. [...]

“I believe that eventually all cruise lines will drop as many restrictions as they can. They are dependent, however, on the requirements of the places they are stopping at”, commented Dr. Jan Jones of the University of New Haven.

However, cruise lines have different rules for different itineraries, so passengers are advised to check each departure’s specific requirements. In addition, it is important that, regardless of the rules, each traveller to take a rapid Covid-19 test before embarking as a prevention measure.

Dr. Jasmin Valentin of SameDay Health explains:

“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. Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised. Once booked and on board, passengers should take the appropriate precautions, but they should also remember to have fun—it is a vacation!”

Carnival Cruises has already eased the rules for 16 nights or less cruises for vaccinated passengers Longer itineraries might be subjected to extra-regulations. Unvaccinated guests are also required to show proof of negative PCR or antigen tests.

“These guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols that we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months,” said Carnival’s president Christine Duffy.

Celebrity Cruises also dropped vaccination requirements and some of the pre-boarding testing, especially for children.

“Travel is making its grand comeback, and we’re looking forward to the continued momentum from consumers around the world,” Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo declared.

Celestyal will remove official pandemic protocol starting March 2, 2023, after it already relaxed mask related protocols.

“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. 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”, commented Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden.

Costa Cruises will also end the Covid-19 policies beginning October 8, 2022, except for the itineraries to Spain, Barbados, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, and Morocco. Face-masks have also become optional.

Disney Cruise Line now allows boarding of unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 and does not require pre-embarking tests, with the exception of Disney Magic trips which require PRC tests for unvaccinated guests.

Holland America eased restrictions since September 6, for most trips under 16 days.

“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,” Holland America’s president Gus Antorcha stated.

Norwegian Cruise Lines has no restrictions for passengers under 11 years of age and requires a negative PCR test for unvaccinated guests older than 12. Face masks are also optional.

Oceania requires proof of a negative antigen or PCR test for unvaccinated people over the age of 12. Oceania’s president and CEO Howard Sherman said:

"We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive. The world has been reopening quickly and once more, we are pleased to welcome all travellers, of all ages, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the small, luxurious ships of Oceania Cruises.”

At Royal Caribbean rules vary according to itineraries, but for cruises departing from the US there is no need to be vaccinated, unless your destination is Bermuda or Canada.

For more information, passengers are advised to check each company’s website for updates.

 

Source: cntraveler.com