These Cruise Lines Are Ending Vaccine Requirements
The cruise sector has been slower to recover from some of the most stringent limitations imposed over the course of the past two and a half years, although the majority of the tourism industry has returned to its pre-pandemic form. However, cruise lines are beginning to ease some of these vaccination and testing restrictions, which will make it simpler for passengers to embark on cruise vacations.
According to Dr. Jan Jones, who works in the hospitality and tourism department at the University of New Haven, “the cruise sectors have witnessed a slower return to normal since the epidemic, but are obviously making a comeback.” “Passengers on cruises have been waiting patiently, and there is a pent-up demand for space. The low level of consumer confidence, ongoing worries about health and safety, and difficulties with air travel to and from ports were all factors that contributed to the sluggish comeback.
After all, the entirety of the industry was halted in its production when the epidemic was first discovered. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decided to discontinue its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships in July of this past year, thereby allowing individual cruise lines to determine their own requirements. Since then, cruise companies all around the world have gradually begun relaxing the pre-embarkation regulations that they impose on passengers. Jones continues, “I believe that eventually all cruise companies will drop as many limitations as they can,” which he believes will happen eventually. “However, they are subject to the prerequisites of the locations at which they are stopping,”
This indicates that two different itineraries on the same cruise line may not have the same standards. As a result, it is more important than it has ever been to check the precise testing, vaccine, and booster requirements for each departure. Even if the cruise line you are sailing with does not mandate pre-travel testing, you should nevertheless take one to three tests in the days leading up to your vacation in order to reduce the likelihood of infecting other passengers. “It is also recommended to retest three to five days after returning, in particular if symptoms have developed,” explains Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. “Once they have paid for their tickets and are on board, travellers should take the necessary safety procedures; yet, they should not forget to have fun because they are on holiday!”
The following are some of the most recent cruise lines to scale back its pandemic preparedness measures:
Carnival Cruises
Since September 6, travelers on trips of less than 16 nights who can provide confirmation that they have been immunized do not need to undergo a medical examination before boarding their ship. Passengers on cruises that are longer than 16 nights will be required to take a test if the ship stops in ports that demand tests to be taken locally (like Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia; these destinations require the tests to be supervised). It is possible that there will be additional criteria for cruises that are 16 nights or longer, depending on the itinerary. Guests who have not been immunized against the disease are required to present a negative PCR or an antigen test within three days of joining a Carnival cruise (self-tests are now accepted by Carnival for boarding purposes).
Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival, was quoted as saying in a statement that was released the previous month that “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.”
This month, the Miami-based cruise line eliminated the need that passengers obtain vaccinations before boarding their ships, unless the customers’ itineraries included ports in countries or regions that mandate vaccinations (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for those 12 and older; Galapagos for those three and older).
In addition, the standards for pre-boarding examinations have been loosened up. No testing is necessary for any trips outside the United States that are shorter than nine nights long, unless the trip includes a stop in Canada or Bermuda. Tests that are self-administered will be acceptable for passengers departing Europe or for lengthier trips within the United States (with the exception of those that stop in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Greece or New Zealand). Children under the age of 5 who are leaving the United States and children under the age of 12 who are leaving Europe do not required to take the test. The Healthy at Sea page that Celebrity provides makes it simple to keep tabs on the specific criteria that are based on the itinerary of your cruise.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Celebrity, stated earlier this month that “travel is making its glorious comeback,” and the company is looking forward to the sustained enthusiasm from customers all around the world.
Celestyal
This week, the firm that is based in Greece made the announcement that it will eliminate all COVID protocols for sailings beginning on or after March 2, 2023. The only exception to this rule is if the local regulations of a destination determine that these protocols must remain in place. Despite this, Celestyal recommends that all guests get tested before traveling, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not; nevertheless, test results won’t be reviewed after next year.
Proof of vaccination or a document stating that the individual has recently recovered is no longer necessary for departures through the year 2022; however, testing protocols will continue to be in effect. Guests older than six years old will be required to present proof of a negative fast antigen test carried out within the previous 48 hours or a negative PCR test carried out within the previous 72 hours. In addition, Celestyal advises all passengers over the age of 60, as well as visitors of any age who have a preexisting ailment, to consult with their primary care physicians before booking any trips with the company. The corporation also recently changed its regulations regarding the wearing of masks, making them optional even while employees are inside or in a crowded environment.
According to a statement released by Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden, “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we serve is our primary priority, and we continue to monitor and respond to the shifting worldwide situation.” “Our crew will continue to maintain our severe hygiene measures in accordance with the most up-to-date recommendations provided by the European Healthy Gateways, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Greek health authorities.”
Costa Cruises
Guests who have been immunized against a disease will no longer be required to take a pre-boarding antigen test within 48 hours of their scheduled departure if their trip begins in South America, the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, or the Mediterranean. This change will take effect for departures beginning on October 8, 2022. (with the exception of Greece).
The COVID tests conducted midway and the daily temperature checks have also been discontinued; however, there are exemptions for itineraries that include Spain, Barbados, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, and Morocco. Masks and social separation are no longer essential, although passengers on transoceanic and world tour itineraries must continue to wear surgical masks for the first seven days of their trips.
The Walt Disney Company’s Cruise Line.
This month, the cruise line that caters to families has begun implementing new rules and guidelines. Previously, passengers above the age of five were required to be vaccinated in order to board; however, as of the beginning of September, passengers under the age of 12 who have not been vaccinated are now permitted to do so.
In addition, beginning this week, travelers who have been immunized will no longer be required to undergo a test prior to boarding. The exception to this rule are vacations on the Disney Magic that set sail from New York City between the 30th of September and the 31st of October and may be subject to additional criteria. Passengers who have not been immunized will be required to undergo a nucleic acid amplification test or a PCR test, either in a laboratory setting or through a fast test (NAAT). (The use of rapid antigen testing is not permitted.) Before boarding, the results are required to be uploaded.
America de Hollanda
Vaccinated passengers over the age of five are no longer required to test, and unvaccinated guests can use a self-administered test within three days of departure. This is with the exception of areas where local restrictions deem otherwise (such as Canada, Greece, and Australia) and on certain itineraries. The relaxed restrictions went into effect on September 6 for most trips up to 15 nights (like Panama Canal crossings, trans-ocean trips, and certain remote locales). A “medically supervised” COVID test with written results is still required for trips that are 16 days or longer and must be completed no later than three days before departure.
Gus Antorcha, the president of the firm, was quoted as saying in a statement that was released the previous month that “our customers have been delighted to return to cruising,” and that “these modifications will make it easier for more visitors to see the world in a secure and fun atmosphere.”
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Also implemented earlier this month on September 3, the policy will now permit guests over the age of 12 who are not vaccinated to board if they have a negative PCR or antigen test done within 72 hours of embarkation. This policy was previously only applicable to guests under the age of 12. Those who are younger than 11 years old are not subject to any limitations. It’s possible that the rules will change based on where you go and what’s expected of you. Masks are not required in any of the areas.
Oceania
Oceania eliminated the requirement that vaccinated passengers undergo testing earlier this month. However, unvaccinated guests are still required to provide evidence of a negative antigen or PCR test that was conducted within the previous 72 hours. There are no immunization or testing requirements for guests who are under the age of 12 years old.
Oceania’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Howard Sherman, issued a statement in which he said, “We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive.” “The world has been reopening swiftly, and once again, we are glad to welcome all visitors, of any age, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the tiny, beautiful ships of Oceania Cruises,” said the company.
The Royal Caribbean (RCL)
New policies that went into effect earlier this month eliminated vaccination requirements for trips departing the United States as long as they did not stop in Bermuda or Canada. This is similar to the situation with so many different cruises that go all over the world, where the requirements vary depending on the itinerary.
There are no documentation requirements to board, but there is a requirement for disclosure in advance. Passengers who have not been vaccinated are still required to provide a negative result on an antigen or PCR test within three days of their scheduled departure. There are few instances in which self-tests are permitted, however it is best to double check the particulars on the site.
