CDC Shares New Real-World Data on Updated Shots. With Sail Safe, our industry leading Health & Safety Program, we will continue to put our guests and our crew members first by keeping everyone safe and healthy on board our ships and in the communities we visit. Spice up your small talk with the latest tech news, products and reviews. Its hard to say how this will affect me, advisor Adam Martindale said. Celebritys Healthy at Sea page makes it easy to track the specific requirements based on your cruises itinerary. Vaccination will be critical in the safe resumption of cruising . Disney Cruise LineBeginning September 2, for sailings departing U.S. and Canadian ports, guests ages 12 and older are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? NOTE: Carnival Spirit - April 16, 2023, & September 19, 2023: These sailings do not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing. 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. Most cruise lines kept requirements for vaccinations and precruise testing in place, but that changed in late July, after the CDC backed off even further from its monitoring of the cruise industry. To board Carnival ships, unvaccinated guests need to show a negative PCR or an antigen test within three days of boarding (self-tests are now accepted by Carnival for boarding purposes). In the specific event that you have a child turning 5 during the voyage, check in with your cruise line before buying a ticket. Many US-based cruise lines say they're currently following the regulations put forth by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and those are subject to change as the coronavirus pandemic does. Guests requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test to return to their home country are directed to visit a clinic near the disembarkation terminal or airport. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool. Are there any onboard activities that will not be available? 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. For an easy to use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visit www.testfortravel.com. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old (Pfizer's vaccine was authorized for kids ages 5 to 11 at the beginning of November). Masks are no longer required. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. As of today, 90 percent of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise.. Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. 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. Children as young as age 5 are now able to get vaccinated, so your ability to cruise may depend on whether you've chosen to get your child vaccinated. 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.. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. COVID-19 requirements may differ in destinations that have specific mandates, such as Canada, Greece and Bermuda. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Carnival Cruise Line is joining Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.. Children may or may not be able to cruise, depending on the ship. 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. The exception are trips on the Disney Magic that depart New York City from September 30 through October 31 that may have different requirements. But the CDC still maintained a close watch, publishing a color-coded chart of ship outbreaks that it updated regularly. At long last, cruise lines are finally starting to drop their vaccine mandates and allow all passengers inoculated or not to sail on their ships. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. In mid-June, Viking announced that 'travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the cruise line said in a news release. For specific country requirements, please visit Cruise 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. 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. Sign Up for Our Monthly Cruise Newsletter. Masks are optional in all areas. The relaxation of protocols, coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. Royal Caribbean said it still needs to complete simulation cruises before getting approval for the sailings it announced Friday. Lets get cruising! This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on August 17, 2022, with current information. Our CareTeam will assist with daily wellbeing check-ins . 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? Unvaccinated guests are permitted to sail on most MSC voyages. Sarah has been writing about the cruise industry since 2015. 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. Carnival Cruise Line Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except. And the CDC also recommends testing before boarding a cruise ship. Delivered on weekdays. Will I be required to take a COVID test to disembark the vessel? Here are some of the latest cruise lines that are pulling back on pandemic measures. Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you feel ill in the days before your cruise, you should not travel. The first is scheduled to depart Miami on July 2, with more joining the fleet through Aug. 23. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. Cruise ship travel. 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. There are no restrictions for those under the age of 11. As of December 2022, if it has been at least2 monthssince their last dose, children as young as 6 months who completed the Modernaprimary series can receive one updated bivalent booster dose. The European Union's Digital COVID Certificate, for example, includes certification of recovery from COVID-19. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Viking will continue to do onboard testings for any passengers who report symptoms. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. All vessels will have COVID-19 testing capabilities on board and results onsite. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. READ NEXT: 18 Most Unique Cruise Ship Bars in 2022. "You really should get vaccinated," added Dr. Russo. Ad Choices. What You Need to Know About Norwegian Cruise Lines Premium+ Drink Package, 12 Things to Know Before Sailing Royal Caribbean, Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements, NCLH Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements, Welcomes Everyone to Sail, Cruise News Recap | Week of February 5, 2023, Philippines Welcomes First International Cruise Ship in Three Years, Pre-Cruise Entertainment Reservations Now Available on Norwegian Cruise Line. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be . The cruise lines join Saga Cruises, a company catering to passengers 50 and older, which said last month it would require all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding. It depends. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Chances are if you're unvaccinated, you'll need to book a specific tour with the cruise line, such as Carnival's "bubble tour" for unvaccinated guests, which is mostly families with children who are too young to be vaccinated. So far, the CDC has approved nine ships for test cruises, operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people. AzamaraPrecruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests, except in ports where testing is required. This article was published more than1 year ago. 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. 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. Since late July, cruise lines have been further relaxing rules. The Miami-based operator will not require passengers to be vaccinated. If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 while on board, what costs are covered? Will I have to sign a COVID-19 waiver to board a ship? In many cases, yes. Dont Delay, Wait Times Have Climbed, American Is Cutting 50,000 Summer Flights From These U.S. 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. Check with Carnival for specific cruise requirements. 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 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. Guests under the age of 12 dont have any vaccination or testing requirements. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. Check your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise. "Currently, COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests for all sailings departing on March 13, 2021, through April 10, 2021, at this time," American Cruise Lines said in a statement. Precruise testing is required for unvaccinated passengers. Many major cruise lines require anyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully inoculated . Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't allow children under the age of 5 to cruise, for example, because they can't get vaccinated yet. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some. As to what percentage of his clients he thinks are unvaccinated and will be affected by this announcement, he estimates no higher than around 10%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has kept cruise lines from U.S. sailings since March 2020, has recommended that passengers, crew and port workers be vaccinated. These regulations are continuously evolving and if an additional test is required at a port of call we will provide advanced notice to all guests. Booked guests will be provided full details specific to their port of departure before sailing, Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Lyan Sierra-Caro said in an email. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, ended the intense monitoring of the cruise industry, U.S. Citizens Will Need to Register to Travel to Europe in 2024, Lufthansa Unveils New Cabins With Over-the-Top First and Business SuitesHeres a First Look, Need a New U.S. Passport? Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. Royal Caribbean just announced a flood of summer cruises. Inspired Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Inspire Health Alliance, a leader in best-in-class health services. For cruises longer than 15 nights, a medically supervised COVID-19 test is required for all guests, and most passengers are required to be vaccinated. 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 Health Screening Measures (listed in section 2 below) promote health and safety onboard and help minimise the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. 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. Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. Our award-winning onboard medical centers are fully equipped with testing and treatment capabilities if needed. The big question is, what cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests to sail? 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). Vaccines heavily reduce the chances that you'll become infected in the first place. Children under 5 leaving the U.S. or under 12 leaving Europe also dont need to test. Its pre-boarding tests requirements have also been scaled back. And the rules are constantly changing. Precruise testing is required for all guests. If you're vaccinated, that decreases your chances of having a positive test and having to skip your trip at the last minute. Once booked and on board, passengers should take the appropriate precautions, but they should also remember to have funit is a vacation!. Should you need to locate a testing provider prior to beginning travel or while traveling prior to your cruise, please visit TestForTravel.com, an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All rights reserved. When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? The CDC has said vaccinated cruise passengers can remove their masks outdoors unless theyre in a crowd. Starting Sept. 3, 2022, unvaccinated passengers ages 12 and older (or guests who cannot or decline to present proof of vaccination), need to provide a medically administrated negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding. Vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. is not required. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) Lindblad ExpeditionsAll passengers age 5 and older must be vaccinated. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The company also recently relaxed its mask-wearing policies, making them optional, even in indoor and crowded settings. American Medical Association. Yes, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. The added Florida requirement comes on the heels two unvaccinated passengers under age 16 tested positive for COVID on board the cruise line's Adventure of the Seas ship and after sister. So, if you're planning your next vacation to include traveling by cruise ship, consider staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Temperature checks occur daily. Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to requirepassengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. 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. Check the cruise lines websites for the most up-to-date information.). Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Unvaccinated passengers will need to test via a rapid or lab-based PCR or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Can I buy travel insurance through Norwegian Cruise Line? Starting September 2, 2022, for voyages from United States and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line requires that all vaccine-eligible guests (ages 12 and older) be fully vaccinated in order to cruise, including children. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for those to or from Australia and on transatlantic and transpacific cruises. How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. Every ship has a team of experienced doctors and nurses trained to manage a broad range of medical conditions, including COVID-19. 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. As with so many cruises around the world, requirements will vary by itinerary, but new policies that went into effect earlier this month eliminated vaccination requirements for trips departing the U.S., as long as they dont stop in Bermuda or Canada. If you're not comfortable vaccinating your child under 12, hold off on buying them a ticket or get confirmation on a timeline for requirements from your desired cruise line. These rules apply to cruises of under 16 nights. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for those in Australia or some that are 16 nights or longer. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available. All passengers must also present a negative PCR test result at the pier. Viking CruisesAll passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Vikings river and ocean shipswithout exception. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Specific destinations still require testing such as Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. 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. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. No documentation is required to board, but disclosure is required in advance, and those who are not vaccinated do still need to show a negative result on an antigen or PCR test within three days of departure. Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. Should You Test for COVID Before Your Omicron Booster? RELATED: Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing & Vaccination Requirements. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. Will all guests be required to be vaccinated prior to the cruise? Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. 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. The agency provided the cruise lines with greater leeway to set and monitor their own policies. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace.