This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. 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. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except for those that visit destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. With eased restrictions that went into effect September 6 for most trips up to 15 nights, vaccinated passengers over the age of five no longer have to test, and unvaccinated guests can use a self-administered test within three days of departureexcept in areas where local restrictions deem otherwise (like Canada, Greece, and Australia) and on certain itineraries (like Panama Canal crossings, trans-ocean trips, and certain remote locales). Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. While the Cruise Line will assist with arranging land-based quarantine accommodations if required, payment for all expenses incurred during any mandatory isolation period, including hotel stay, is the responsibility of the guest. 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. All passengers must also present a negative PCR test result at the pier. Some countries issue "certificates of recovery" if someone has been infected with COVID-19 and recovered, issuing a certificate that proves a positive COVID-19 test and recovery, instead of vaccination as someone's proof of immunity. Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel. In May, the CDC scaled back slightly on its tough restrictions for cruise lines by allowing ships to declare themselves as highly vaccinated if 90 percent of passengers and at least 95 percent of crew were vaccinated. Masks and social distancing are now also optional, but surgical masks are still required for the first seven days of trans-oceanic and World Tour itineraries. When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. As delivering the best experience for our guests is always a top priority, after working closely with our destination partners, we anticipate that guests will be free to explore certain ports of call on their own. Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't allow children under the age of 5 to cruise, for example, because they can't get vaccinated yet. Related: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? 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. "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. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for those in Australia or some that are 16 nights or longer. Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation 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. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. 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. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? The US doesn't issue certificates of recovery at this time, so telling the cruise line you already had COVID-19 won't get you a vaccine exemption. Vaccines must be approved for use by the country they are sailing from. This website uses cookies. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. As Disney Cruise Line (we, us) returns to sailing following the public health threat of COVID-19, we are changing some of our usual practices. Check with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination. 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. The information in this story is accurate as of press time. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. FDA proposes switching to annual coronavirus vaccine, mimicking flu model. Wash your hands frequently. Guests under the age of 12 dont have any vaccination or testing requirements. The CDC director answered your questions. Respiratory illnesses like the flu, and COVID-19 and the common cold. COVID-19 requirements may differ in destinations that have specific mandates, such as Canada, Greece and Bermuda. Vessels are equipped with an onboard laboratory, which can administer Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Blood Chemistry, Coagulation tests, and Influenza tests. And other cruise brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, currently make way for select exemptions, but they have yet to permit them across the board. This includes an increase in intensive care unit capacity, new and upgraded equipment, onshore medical institution partnerships, telemedicine capabilities and additional robust consultation and treatment options. Effective for sailings 10/4/22 and beyond, all guests regardless of vaccination status are able to sail and with no testing requirements. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. Celestyal also recommends all passengers over 60and guests of any age with an underlying conditionto check with their doctors first to ensure theyre fit to travel. And the rules are constantly changing. 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. Inspired Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Inspire Health Alliance, a leader in best-in-class health services. Can You Get Omicron and Delta COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time? Yes. The CDC has said vaccinated cruise passengers can remove their masks outdoors unless theyre in a crowd. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. Norovirus. Are there any onboard activities that will not be available? Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. The changes began shortly. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A couple of the factors in that unique combination are crowded spaces and tight quarters. The testing and masking requirement specifics may differ by cruise or length of sail, but everyone age 2 and older should be prepared to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding, or during the journey when applicable, regardless of vaccination status. Medical news, pregnancy topics and health hacks that don't cost money. Vaccines heavily reduce the chances that you'll become infected in the first place. American Medical Association. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? Precruise testing is required for unvaccinated passengers. 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. 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. Overall, it's just better to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before going on a cruise, said Dr. Russo. Also, crew members may work multiple voyages, passing on germs transmitted from previous passengers. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. 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. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. Once booked and on board, passengers should take the appropriate precautions, but they should also remember to have funit is a vacation!. Temperature checks occur daily. 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. It depends. Otherwise, you will need a booster. If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 while on board, what costs are covered? *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. *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. 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 questions, answered. Political buffoonery: Cruise lines head for showdown with DeSantis over vaccine requirement ban, Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated, Bayley said in the statement. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. So, if you're planning your next vacation to include traveling by cruise ship, consider staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines. That's because cruise ships, with their tight quarters, buffet-style living and international travel, can be a breeding ground for the coronavirus. 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. Every ship has a team of experienced doctors and nurses trained to manage a broad range of medical conditions, including COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine exemptions at Carnival's Long Beach, California port will only be accepted for kids under age 12 and when "required by US federal law" due to religious beliefs or medical reasons. While guests over the age of five previously had to be vaccinated, starting in early September, unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 are now allowed to board. Our award-winning onboard medical centers are fully equipped with testing and treatment capabilities if needed. Yes, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. To make sure the experience remains safe only vaccinated adults will. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. And if you're not vaccinated, it's important to check the guidelines for your cruise line. The company announced the requirement as it plans. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . 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.. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. CDC, FDA Investigating PotentialBut 'Unlikely'Link Between Pfizer Booster and Stroke Risk, This Year's Flu Shot Is a 'Good Match,' CDC SaysBut Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare, Omicron Boosters Could Save 90,000 Lives This WinterBut Only if People Get Them. They included vaccination requirements for anyone age 12 and up (some companies such as Disney Cruise Line later went with a 5 and up requirement as vaccinations became available for younger children), precruise testing requirements, mandatory masking in public areas, social distancing, and other measures the CDC said would help contain the spread of COVID-19 on cruise ships. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. Precruise testing is required for all guests. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules. This news is very exciting for us and our industry.. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. Previously, the number was 95 percent for passengers. If you're an adult in the US, the answer is probably not, unless you're one of the few people with a medical or religious exemption (and whether you'll be offered an exemption depends on the cruise line). 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. Unvaccinated children five to 11 years old will no longer need the vaccine to sail. The slow return was impacted by low consumer confidence, continued health and safety concerns, and issues with air travel to and from ports., After all, the entire industry was paused in the early days of the pandemic. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests . Cruises that are 16 nights or longer may have additional requirements based on the itinerary. Check with Cunard for information on your specific sailing. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. As of this month, the majority of cruise passengers are required to be both fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 before getting on a ship; some exceptions to the vaccination rules applied only for kids under age 12 and a very small number of adults seeking exemptions. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships will become optional this . That's hard to say because it depends on the state of the pandemic at any given time. Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. 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. Like many businesses attempting to regain shape as we close out year two of a global pandemic, cruise lines have started setting sail again -- with some strict health measures in place. Get tested again after cruise travel. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. The world's second-largest cruise line late Friday said that effective Sept. 6 it no longer would require passengers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for all voyages except those . For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. 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. For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. It turns out that you can usually board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for COVID-19. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. These rules apply to cruises of under 16 nights. (Unvaccinated guests will have to undergo special testing onboard to visit Spain or Greece.) Get your annual flu shot and get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD, Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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.. It's possible a cruise line may accept one shot of a viral vector vaccine, such as AstraZeneca, and one shot of an mRNA vaccine, but this practice of mixing for a COVID-19 vaccine primary series isn't authorized yet in the US. Putting it all together: If your cruise line is even accepting medical exemptions around a COVID-19 vaccine, presenting valid proof of the exemption is critical. The line doesn't allow kids younger than 8 years old to sail, so young-child exemptions aren't a . Masks are no longer required. Travel is making its grand comeback, and were looking forward to the continued momentum from consumers around the world, Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said last month. All passengers must be vaccinated. If your cruise line does not have a specific testing requirement, get tested as close to time of cruise departure as possible (no more than 3 days before you travel). Norwegian still strongly recommends that all guests be up to date on their vaccination status and test at their convenience before travel. There are a few reasons why viruses and diseases can spread quickly on cruise ships. 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? Read our. Cruisers have been patiently waiting and there is pent-up demand. Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. Here's a quick breakdown of vaccination and testing policies as of December 2022 at several major cruise lines: At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020,cruise ships experienced major outbreaksof the SARS-CoV-2 virus as it spread across the globe. 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. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. AzamaraPrecruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests, except in ports where testing is required. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. 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. Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? While much of the travel industry has returned to a pre-pandemic state, cruising has been slower to rebound from some of the tightest restrictions over the last two and a half years. Royal CaribbeanAll passengers are welcome regardless of vaccine status as of September 5, on select routes such as cruises from Los Angeles, Galveston (though those age 12 and up need to be vaccinated to go ashore in Grand Cayman), and New Orleans (same rule with Grand Cayman), and in most destinations in Europe. All guests 18 and older must be vaccinated to sail, plus one booster shot if eligible. Latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Schedule an on-line proctoring consultation, Any documentation required from the country where the guest is embarking. What testing and treatment capabilities are there onboard? Oceania CruisesVaccinated guests age 12 are not required to procure a precruise COVID-19 test, and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations, beginning on September 3, 2022. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Unvaccinated guests are welcome but required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. We know from our advisors that their unvaccinated clients have been waiting for this announcement, and I have no doubt that we will see a spike in cruise bookings. Bottom line: If you've been vaccinated against COVID-19 outside of the US, check with your cruise line to make sure they accept your vaccine before putting any money down. 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. 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. But this past July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropped its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, letting individual cruise lines set their own standards. 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? 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. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding. 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. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. Atlas Ocean Voyages Vaccine required? Check out our variety of itineraries. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) did not go that far. All rights reserved. It can be confusing to keep track of which lines require what, and in which regions unvaccinated guests can sail if there are still destination limitations. Here's what we know about cruising unvaccinated for now. All guests are required to accept the terms and conditions in our guest ticket contract. 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. It seems most cruise lines are following the CDC's definition of fully vaccinated, which means two weeks have passed since your second shot of Pfizer or Moderna, or since your one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. However, we encourage all guests to follow the vaccination and testing guidance outlined above. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. 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.
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