Two of the largest cruise lines are about to end mask requirements for passengers.
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines will both end the policy as the coronavirus surge, caused over the past several months by the omicron variant, continues to decline.
Royal Caribbean will allow its mask policy to expire on February 14, returning to a policy from last summer when fully vaccinated passengers could go maskless in many areas of the ship. It still asks passengers to mask up in some indoor areas, other crowded outdoor spaces, or in ports where local laws require them.
Norwegian said it will end masking policies for all cruises starting March 1, although it also recommends masks when in indoor areas or in crowded outdoor spaces.
Norwegian will also require masks in locations where local laws require them, particularly for its European destinations.
Although coronavirus numbers have been steadily dropping over the past few weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still maintains its most severe warning for those thinking about cruising. The CDC’s level-4 designation has not changed since January 5.
Norwegian will still require passengers to show proof of a negative test prior to boarding. It also requires all passengers ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated.
“Our cruises will operate with 100 percent vaccination of crew and guests age 5 and over, therefore face coverings are not required while onboard,” Norwegian says on its website.
While noting the added protections masks will provide guests, the new policy allows the decision to be up to the travelers.
“The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest,” the company said.
Royal Caribbean noted the dropping numbers in making its decision.
“In the last several weeks, cases on-board our ships have been declining rapidly, and we now have returned to exceptionally low pre-omicron levels,” Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said earlier this month, according to the Royal Caribbean Blog.
Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian said the rules remain subject to change, depending upon what happens with the pandemic. A new variant or rising numbers could force the companies to reverse course.
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