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. "You really should get vaccinated," added Dr. Russo. 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. Ron DeSantis whose staff has said cruise lines could be fined $5,000 per violation for requiring proof of vaccination for their support and for helping crew get vaccinated. Otherwise, you will need a booster. Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation); Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc., or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Overall, it's just better to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before going on a cruise, said Dr. Russo. Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. 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. 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. Atlas Ocean Voyages Vaccine required? In addition to staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends that people who plan to cruise do the following: Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it. Dont Delay, Wait Times Have Climbed, American Is Cutting 50,000 Summer Flights From These U.S. What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my cruise? Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be . Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available. The just-announced cruises will depart from Florida, which has passed a law prohibiting companies from requiring proof of vaccination, and Texas, where lawmakers just passed a similar bill, according to the Texas Tribune. What Cruise Lines Allow Unvaccinated Guests 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 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. Detours with locals. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line will review reimbursement submissions in the event your insurance carrier denies the claim or you do not have travel insurance. Get tested again after cruise travel. Royal Caribbean did not answer a question about whether its decision not to require vaccinations for passengers was a result of the states bans. Children may or may not be able to cruise, depending on the ship. These U.S. Cruise Lines Will Require Passengers Be Vaccinated - Travel All passengers must be vaccinated. Which Cruise Lines Have a COVID Vaccine Requirement? These 3 Cruise Lines Don't Require Vaccination Against COVID-19 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. (Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.) Amazing buffets, cool amenities, and plenty of travelwhat's not to love? People . Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. And as in the noncruise world, the changes in regulations are happening quickly and travelers will need to stay updated on the latest. SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 12, 2022) - Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated. Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. Can You Go on a Cruise Without Being Vaccinated? - Health But specific policies vary, and sometimes unvaccinated people have extra requirements. Guest may also be required to present the negative results of a COVID-19 test taken prior to embarkation day. Viking will continue to do onboard testings for any passengers who report symptoms. The company announced the requirement as it plans. 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. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Small ship company Windstar Cruises said Monday it also will require passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, The Miami Herald reported. All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing. Boosters are required for those age 18 and up who completed tests more than nine months prior to 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. The changes began shortly. All passengers age 12 and up, who completed their primary vaccine series more than five months ago, are required to be boosted. CDC's COVID-19 Guidance to Become Optional for Cruise Lines What to Know Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. The Miami-based operator will not require passengers to be vaccinated. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. 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. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. (Unvaccinated guests will have to undergo special testing onboard to visit Spain or Greece.) Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. 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. Wash your hands frequently. See the full list of vaccines approved by the WHO here. did not go that far. Disney Cruise Line became the first cruise line to requirepassengers as young as 5 to be vaccinated for sailings starting Jan. 13. Travel news, guides and tips for anyone looking to get away. Royal Caribbean Reported a COVID-19 Outbreak on the World's Biggest Cruise Ship, A US Cruise Ship Had a COVID Outbreak Even Though Full Vaccination Was RequiredHere's What You Should Know, CDC Stops Reporting COVID-19 Cases on Cruise ShipsHere's How You Can Still Stay Safe. How Safe Is It to Travel With Unvaccinated Children? 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? Results need to be uploaded before boarding. 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. Earlier this month, the Miami-based cruise line dropped vaccination requirements for passengersunless their cruise itinerary stops at ports in destinations that require the inoculation (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for those 12 and older; Galapagos for those three and older). For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. 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. Royal Caribbean travel insurance required without COVID vaccine - USA TODAY Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. But as noted above, some lines make exceptions to vaccination rules for young children. There are still some cruise lines that have not yet indicated they will relax their COVID protocols, though their numbers are dwindling. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. Are children required to have a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? If you are allowed onboard, you will need to be tested precruise, which is required for unvaccinated children as well. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. All guests 18 and older must be vaccinated to sail, plus one booster shot if eligible. All guests must be vaccinated to sail with Viking. Also, crew members may work multiple voyages, passing on germs transmitted from previous passengers. Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. 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. Viking Cruises has decided to eliminate pre-voyage testing. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. 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. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. Not only will being fully vaccinated help protect you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19, but it can also help protect those around you,Thomas Russo, MD,professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, toldHealth. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Some Cruise Lines to No Longer Require COVID Vaccines - AFAR - AFAR Media 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. 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. Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. Norwegian still strongly recommends that all guests be up to date on their vaccination status and test at their convenience before travel. FDA proposes switching to annual coronavirus vaccine, mimicking flu model. Carnival, for example, says it'll accept some vaccine exemptions from those ages 12 and younger, as well as adults who have "written confirmation from their medical provider" that they can't be vaccinated -- but only at their Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Alabama ports until the end of March 2022. All Rights Reserved. This article was published more than1 year ago. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? Guests over the age of six will need to show a negative rapid antigen test within 48 hours, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours. Now many brand loyalists are chatting about jumping ship, so to speak, to a Norwegian company if their otherwise preferred cruise line does not also do away with vaccine requirements in the near future. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages. COVID-19 shots are compulsory for all passengers cruising with Atlas, with proof of inoculation required before embarkation. The cruise line continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel. 2023 Cond Nast. COVID-19 Protocols, Listed by Cruise Line | TravelAge West If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 while on board, what costs are covered? It also allows you to search by test type PCR or Antigen. There are a few reasons why viruses and diseases can spread quickly on cruise ships. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules. Guests on cruises longer than 16 nights will have to test if stopping in destinations that require tests locally (like Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia; these destinations require the tests to be supervised). You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. 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. It wasn't uncommon to see reports of outbreaks ofnorovirus, a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. 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. Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test . *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. 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. American Queen VoyagesOn this lines river, ocean, Great Lakes and expedition ships, all passengers are required to be vaccinated. Vaccinated and unvaccinated. 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. 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. The agency said that after working closely with the cruise industry for two years, it believed cruise lines had access to the necessary tools to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 onboard., While cruising poses some risk of COVID-19 transmission, consumers can make their own decisions as they would in any other setting, the agency said in a statement. In order to facilitate pre-cruise testing requirements, Norwegian has partnered with Inspired Diagnostics lab to ensure that guests have access to a quick, efficient and easy way to access the required FDA-approved proctored in-home antigen test prior to embarkation from the comfort of their own home. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line, which has not been approved to restart, has said it will initially require everyone on board to be vaccinated. If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the Cruise Line will help coordinate necessary onboard COVID-19-related medical consultation, standard/common prescription drugs, and required land-based quarantine. 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. Cruise Lines That Don't Require Vaccine and Pre-Cruise Testing And the rules are constantly changing. With the relaxation of travel requirements around the world, were thrilled to welcome all guests back on our ships to cruise freely to the places theyve been dreaming of regardless of vaccination status and with no testing requirements. 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. Children under 5 leaving the U.S. or under 12 leaving Europe also dont need to test. Additionally, some cruise lines require unvaccinated people to present a negative test taken within a few days of boarding. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. However, since cruise operations have resumed, a large portion of social media comments and discussions among cruise travelers have centered around vaccinations, and COVID-19 restrictions more broadly. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. The requirement was initially going to last until Oct. 31. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise? 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. This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. Vessels are equipped with an onboard laboratory, which can administer Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Blood Chemistry, Coagulation tests, and Influenza tests. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. Our CareTeam will assist with daily wellbeing check-ins . This news is very exciting for us and our industry.. Have Fun. Be Safe. Guidelines | Carnival Cruise Line AzamaraPrecruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests, except in ports where testing is required. Please refer to. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, should expect to be tested for COVID-19 prior to boarding a cruise ship. Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. Onboard medical consultations and standard treatments are provided for COVID-19-related illness at a charge. However, we encourage all guests to follow the vaccination and testing guidance outlined above. Starting with departures from October 8, 2022, guests who are vaccinated will no longer have to take a pre-boarding antigen test 48 hours before departure, if the itinerary starts in South America, the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, and the Mediterranean (with the exception of Greece). Despite the law, two of the biggest cruise lines, Carnival and Norwegian have decided to impose proof-of-vaccination requirements, according to information published on their websites.. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The CDC director answered your questions. Jessica is a writer on the Wellness team with a focus on health news. All guests are advised to monitor and comply with applicable travel restrictions. It also varies based on different rules for cruise ships or territories, and evolving guidance from the CDC. Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Cruise lines can skip that step if they will have 95 percent of crew and passengers vaccinated. What completed travel documents do I need to board the ship? On August 8, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced it was also loosening vaccine requirements. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters. *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. The cruise line . We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. 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.. Can I buy travel insurance through Norwegian Cruise Line? I believe that eventually all cruise lines will drop as many restrictions as they can, Jones adds. (Note: This information is accurate as of February 7, 2023. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. 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. Please note: Anti-viral COVID-19 therapeutics are readily available onboard and will be charged to the guests' account. All guests are required to accept the terms and conditions in our guest ticket contract. Mask Policy Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors. This doesnt apply to select destinations where local regulations vary, including Australia. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? 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. Local regulations may have vaccine requirements to enter certain countries make sure to checkTravel Requirements by Countryto understand country specific requirements about accepted vaccines. On March 19, 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Millennium would begin cruises out of St. Maarten on June 5, 2021. Regent Seven Seas CruisesAs with sister lines Norwegian and Oceania, vaccinated guests age 12 are not required to have any precruise COVID-19 testing or other protocols. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Guests under the age of 12 dont have any vaccination or testing requirements. Before CNET, she worked in local journalism covering public health issues, business and music. Travel tips you can trust. 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. 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. As of June 10, Viking highly recommends, but no longer requires, a pre-departure COVID-19 testunless one is required by the destination, Viking said in an updated statement about health and safety protocols. Boarding Requirements FAQ | Royal Caribbean Cruises Check with Cunard for information on your specific sailing. Were thrilled that NCLH has updated their sailing guidelines to welcome unvaccinated guests and adjust testing requirements.. And if you're not vaccinated, it's important to check the guidelines for your cruise line. Royal Caribbean Won't Require Covid-19 Vaccination To Ride U - Forbes Otherwise, vaccines are required for passengers age 12 and up. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. Vaccines heavily reduce the chances that you'll become infected in the first place. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone:(201) 902-2000. A couple of the factors in that unique combination are crowded spaces and tight quarters. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. If you have a cruise booked, you should keep checking the cruise lines website or contact the line for the latest rules. Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel. The Coronavirus Outbreak Has Affected 4 Different Cruise ShipsHere's Why Illness Can Spread so Fast at Sea. Our Health Screening Measures (listed in section 2 below) promote health and safety onboard and help minimise the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. The Crystal Symphony. 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. 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. Since then, cruise lines around the world have been cautiously dropping their pre-embarkation requirements. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? While . Health and safety is our top priority, and we will continue to modify our robust SailSafe program as the public health environment evolves. It's also important to know that while all adults in the US are now eligible for boosters, the definition of "fully vaccinated" hasn't changed and you don't need an extra shot to be considered fully vaccinated. International travel requirements and restrictions continue to evolve. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages. To find out more, please. 2023 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Cruise Ship Travel | Travelers' Health | CDC Shes been on 10 cruises and counting, and her favorite onboard activities include trying out the water slides, spending time in the spas thermal suite, eating lots of food, and attending the love & marriage show. This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on August 17, 2022, with current information. When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. I need help securing a pre-cruise COVID-19 test, does NCL offer any testing services? Vaccination will be critical in the safe resumption of cruising . CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings..