Carnival Cruise Line and sister line Princess Cruises have announced new guidelines for most cruises beginning next month.
“Carnival is pleased to announce new guidelines effective for cruises departing on September 6, 2022, or later, which will make it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines,” posted the company on its website.
Carnival is dropping its vaccine and testing requirements for guests sailing less than 16 nights. Unvaccinated guests will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation.
New Guidelines
Under the new guidelines, vaccinated guests must continue to provide proof of their vaccination status before getting on the ship. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece, or Australia, and on cruises 16 nights or longer.
Unvaccinated guests are now welcome to sail and no longer have to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or those longer than 16 nights.
Unvaccinated guests, or those who do not provide proof of vaccination, must present results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of embarkation.
Holland America Dropping Requirements
Starting on September 7, unvaccinated guests will be welcomed on-board Holland America cruises with a self-test within 3 days of sailing. For most voyages up to 15 nights, vaccinated guests will no longer have to test before cruising. The changes do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia, and Greece.
“Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “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.”
Disney Cruise Line Dropping Some Requirements
Disney Cruise Line is dropping vaccine requirements for children under 12 years old leaving U.S. and Canadian ports.
Starting on September 2, the requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer apply to children ages 5–11.
Guests 12 and older are still required to be vaccinated at the time of sailing.
“In consideration of CDC guidance, Disney Cruise Line highly recommends that guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing,” it says on its website.
Other Cruise Line Requirements
Norwegian Cruise Line now requires guests 12 and up to either provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation. Some itineraries with certain destinations like Greece, Canada, and Bermuda still require guests to be fully vaccinated.
Those who are fully vaccinated on a Royal Caribbean ship don’t need to test if they’re going on a cruise that is five nights or less. There are exceptions for cruises with ports of call in Bermuda and Canada, as well as longer cruises.
Requirements for vaccinations and testing have been changing recently. Be sure to check with your cruise line for specific requirements before you set sail.
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