Dont Delay, Wait Times Have Climbed, American Is Cutting 50,000 Summer Flights From These U.S. Vaccinations are optional. Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. 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). Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules. 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. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. Norwegian Cruise Lines Also enacted earlier this month on September 3, the Miami-based company will now allow guests over the age of 12 who are not vaccinated to board if they have a negative. 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. How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? Check your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise. 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. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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? 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. Since late July, cruise lines have been further relaxing rules. People . Children under 5 leaving the U.S. or under 12 leaving Europe also dont need to test. Guests who have symptoms of COVID-19 whilst onboard should immediately contact the onboard medical centre for further instruction. Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? The information in this story is accurate as of press time. 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. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple. This includes vaccines. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. 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. What completed travel documents do I need to board the ship? 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. Royal Caribbean just announced a flood of summer cruises. Lets get cruising! CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.. Booster shots are not required. No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. And the rules are constantly changing. This article was published more than1 year ago. So, if you're planning your next vacation to include traveling by cruise ship, consider staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Unvaccinated guests are required to be tested. We have also enhanced our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing and enhanced facilities. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. All passengers must be vaccinated. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. First Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises all announced they would eliminate precruise testing requirements for vaccinated guests on cruises of six nights or less, while hinting that there would be additional loosening of requirements once they got the necessary approvals from the governments of countries the ships visit. To make sure the experience remains safe only vaccinated adults will. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages, except for those that visit destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. The cruise line . Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone.. 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. Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. 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. 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, Fee said. 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. 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. But like the latter lines, it'll still make you show proof of one for some sailings. While other cruise lines may not officially require vaccinations for kids that young yet, they may in the future. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. American Medical Association. On most sailings, kids and teens ages 17 and under do not have a vaccine requirement. Are there any onboard activities that will not be available? Carnival Cruise Line was very upfront about its motivations in announcing its decision to let anyone, vaccinated or not, to come onboard most of its sailings. While some cruise lines state they'll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. This is the news weve been waiting for, said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. In many cases, yes. Windstar will also administer for each passenger a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to sailing. Fee is also hopeful that the remainder of cruise lines will follow suit soon. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. In mid-June, Viking announced that 'travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test. 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, Carnivals president Christine Duffy said in a statement last month. It depends. 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. "We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive, Oceanias president and CEO Howard Sherman said in a statement. That means receiving a final primary dose and an updated booster shot, which became available for people older than 12 on September 2, 2022. Are children required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? I will have a better idea at the end of this week.. 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. 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. Will I be required to take a COVID test to disembark the vessel? Our Health Screening Measures (listed in section 2 below) promote health and safety onboard and help minimise the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. Looking for a family cruise on Disney's cruise line? 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 . How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? Overall, it's just better to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before going on a cruise, said Dr. Russo. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some cruises: ships leaving Seattle for Alaska this summer, those sailing from the Bahamas and ships leaving from other international ports. Children age 12 to 15 must have received two initial doses of the vaccination. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Remember: Vaccine exemptions and refunds are not guaranteed. Even so, Celestyal suggests all guests test prior to travel, regardless of vaccination status, but test results will no longer be checked next year. Testing is required on sailings of six nights or more. Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship?