Every month that goes by the cruise industry gets close and closer to getting back to normal. The first step was the CDC dropping its Covid cruise rules. The big news now is how many cruise lines are stopping their precruise testing requirement. Now that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is no longer telling them what to do and giving them rules it is now in the hands of each cruise line to decide how to proceed.
American Queen Steamboat Company
Updated Pre-Cruise Requirement
- Pre-Cruise Covid-19 testing is no longer required or provided on all River experiences (American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess, American Countess) beginning August 1, 2022.
- Lakes & Oceans and Expedition guests are required to complete the free ArriveCAN app, AQV health questionnaire and participate in a free COVID-19 test (Antigen) at the pre-cruise hotel check-in on the day prior to embarkation until further notice.
- Lakes & Oceans and Expedition guests may also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test by an accredited third-party with results from within two days of embarkation.
COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests and crew for all sailings.
Azamara
Azamara® Announces the Removal of Its Embarkation COVID-19 Testing Requirement
Beginning July 25, 2022, Azamara no longer requires pre-cruise COVID-19 testing for guests, excluding ports where pre-travel testing is still needed in accordance with country regulations. To ensure the health and safety of guests and crew, Azamara will still require proof of vaccination prior to embarkation. To learn more, please see our testing requirement below or visit
All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Guests under 12 on cruises from Athens will have to take an antigen test at the pier and again at the end of cruise. Guests will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Azamara’s ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.
Carnival Cruise Line
Preboarding Testing to stop.Who needs to be vaccinated: Passengers 12 and older, all crew members
Effective for embarkations on or after August 4, Carnival dropped pre-cruise testing for fully vaccinated passengers on cruises of five nights or less. Pre-cruise testing for itineraries of six nights or longer can be conducted three days prior to departure.
For unvaccinated guests, there will be no in-terminal testing on the day of departure, but they must provide proof of a negative result of a lab-administered or supervised, self-administered rapid Covid test taken within three of embarkation.
Carnival welcomes the CDC’s decision to replace its current public health protocols with a new set of guidelines for health operations on cruise ships. We will review these once they’re available, but there are no immediate changes to Carnival’s COVID-19 protocols. While planning an upcoming cruise, guests should continue to follow this page, as well as any pre-cruise communications from Carnival.
Celebrity Cruises
Starting with August 8, 2022 U.S. departures, our protocols will include:
Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer.
Maintaining a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all our sailings, far above the general population.
All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, and tested regularly.
All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. All UK guests sailing on Celebrity Silhouette 18 years and older must be fully vaccinated. Out of an abundance of caution, Celebrity Cruises will enhance COVID-19 testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. For US sailings departing through October 1, 2021 aboard Celebrity Millennium sailing from Seattle, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Equinox sailing from Fort Lauderdale, and Celebrity Summit sailing from Miami, all guests two years of age and older, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result at the time of embarkation. This test may be taken as either a PCR test or an Antigen test, conducted within three days of embarkation. Each guest is responsible for making their own arrangements with an accredited testing provider as well as covering all associated costs. Unvaccinated children between the ages of two and eleven years old will be required to take an additional PCR test at the terminal prior to embarkation, and on the day before disembarkation.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean No Longer Requiring COVID Testing on Short Cruises
Updated Guidance for Cruises Departing the U.S. – Royal Caribbean Cruise Line announced it would no longer require vaccinated passengers to take a coronavirus test before boarding voyages of six nights or less. This will go into effect on August 8 and all voyages before that date must still follow existing COVID-19 testing protocols, which vary by destination.
Unvaccinated travelers and anyone boarding a ship for a voyage of six nights or longer will be required to take an approved coronavirus test within three days of their departure date.
They will maintain a high percentage of fully vaccinated guests onboard all our sailings, far above the general population. All crew will continue to be fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible and tested regularly.
The Royal Caribbean group of cruise companies (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises) previously stated that it would require all crew to have proof of completed vaccination cycles for future sailings. Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Vaccination proof will be required to be submitted no later than the day of boarding via official documents.
Disney Cruise Line
Preboarding Testing Requirement Continues. Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests 12 and older, all crew
Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. This is a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and older.
Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken no more than 2 days before setting sail to be exempt from embarkation testing at the terminal. Guests ages 4 and under, who are not vaccine-eligible because of age, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by a parent or guardian) taken no more than 3 days before their sail date. Children ages 4 and under will also be required to complete a test at the terminal prior to embarkation (paid for by Disney Cruise Line).
Holland America Line
Preboarding Testing Requirement Continues. Who needs to be vaccinated: All passengers and crew
We welcome the CDC’s decision to end its current program in favor of a set of guidelines for public health operations on cruise ships. This change is a testament to the effectiveness of protocols we put in place following the resumption of sailing, with cruising being among the safest forms of travel today.
We will review the newest guidelines, but there are no immediate changes to current COVID-19 protocols for Holland America Line itineraries.
Vaccinated cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. ALL fully vaccinated guests are required to produce a negative, medically observed viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 3 days of their embarkation on Holland America line sailings. Guests will be asked to confirm their status as fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination in advance of boarding.* It’s important for guests to come prepared, as those who arrive at the embarkation terminal without the proper proof of vaccination will not be able to cruise, and no refund will be issued.
Guests must present proof of vaccination, as well as all required travel documents, at embarkation. Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in the form of the original vaccination record document issued by the country’s health authority that administered the vaccination (i.e., CDC Vaccination Record Card). The name and birth date on the vaccination record must match the guest’s travel documents and show that the guest is fully vaccinated. This means that the guest has completed the full cycle of required doses for the vaccine administered (i.e., received the second dose in a two-dose series) and that the guest has received the final dose at least 14 days before the sailing date.
Alternatively, guests may present a digital COVID-19 Certificate (QR code acceptable) and a record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider (original digital email accepted), personal electronic health record, or government Immunization Information System record.
Lindblad Expeditions
Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests 12 and older
Effective for voyages departing on or after June 27, 2022: Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. 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. We highly recommend that all guests take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within five days of the start of your expedition. We also continue to recommend that you follow all CDC travel guidelines including masking and social distancing prior to joining the group.
We have health partners in our departure city who will be performing the pre-voyage testing, and their capabilities are state of the art. Once on board the vessel, we also have the capability to administer tests and have obtained enough tests to have on hand and to replenish if needed throughout the season.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Testing Requirement Ends. Who needs to be vaccinated: Passengers 12 and older, all crew members
EU Healthy Gateways Ends Pre-Cruise Testing Requirements
For sailings beginning August 1, 2022, vaccinated guests sailing on a cruise originating from any port EXCEPT a U.S. port; Canadian port; or Piraeus, Greece are exempt from all pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirements.
U.S. Ends International Air Travel Test Requirement for Entry
As of June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. Norwegian’s testing requirements remain in place.
Mandatory Vaccinations Against Covid-19: All guests age twelve and over, as well as all crew, must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure in order to board. While we welcome unvaccinated children under the age of 12 onboard, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing.
Oceania Cruises
FOR SAILINGS EMBARKING ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 2022, Oceania Cruises will no longer require guests to produce a negative covid test to embark their cruise, subject to local regulations.
Please Note: Voyages embarking from the United States, Canada and Greece as well as those sailing to Bermuda, will still require a negative covid test at embarkation, until further notice.
Through July 31, 2022, Oceania Cruises will require that all guests arrive at the embarkation terminal with a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result from a third-party verified laboratory or pharmacy, taken within 48 hours of arriving to the terminal for cruises beginning in a U.S. port or within 72 hours for all other cruises. All guests must provide proof of a negative test result at embarkation in a digital or printed format. Guests not in possession of a negative, third-party Covid-19 test result will not be allowed to embark for the voyage. Additionally, we strongly recommend that all guests consult with local government websites to determine the country-specific information for your port of embarkation as many countries require a negative COVID-19 PCR test that is not older than 48 or 72 hours prior to arrival in-country.
Princess Cruises
No Change to Pretesting.
The termination of the COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters is welcome news for Princess and other cruise lines operating in the U.S. and we applaud the CDC’s decision as it places cruising on par with other travel, hospitality and entertainment industry operators.
We will review these updated guidelines but please note there are no immediate changes to our operations. We will keep our guests and travel advisor partners apprised of any updates as information becomes available.
Voyages that include Canada:
Please note that cruises that begin, end or visit Canada will require sailing guests ages 12 and above who are not Canadian citizens be fully vaccinated unless they are granted a medical exemption.
We want to make sailing with Princess Cruises as easy, hassle-free and safe as possible, regardless of your vaccination status, which is why we rigorously follow guidelines from governmental, health and regulatory organizations throughout the world. Developed with leading medical and health experts, our CruiseHealth™ guidelines have proven effective as we have resumed operations across our fleet.
With the recent easing of CDC vaccination requirements, the options available to unvaccinated guests continue to expand. We can now accommodate more unvaccinated guests on most sailings without burdensome exemptions or vaccine status justification, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Vaccinated guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide acceptable proof at terminal check-in. Boosters are highly recommended for those eligible. At terminal check-in guests must provide proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken before or at embarkation. We also welcome unvaccinated guests, and specific protocols are outlined below. All documentation can be uploaded into our MedallionClass app to streamline the check-in process in the terminal.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests over the age of sixteen, All crew members
Paul Gauguin Cruises surveyed its cruise passengers on potential vaccination requirements and 94% stated that they would like to return to cruising as long as everyone on board was vaccinated. As a result, the cruise line will require all passengers over the age of sixteen to be vaccinated on all cruises in the near future. Take a Covid-19 RT PCR test three days prior to travel. Present valid proof of vaccination (any guest joining the ship must have completed the vaccination process), negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test results, and a completed health declaration and questionnaire form to ship staff. 30-6 days prior to traveling, travelers must register with the French Polynesian government by filling out an Electronic Travel Information System form (ETIS), and uploading proof of vaccination. During this process travelers will be required to purchase travel insurance or to sign a declaration assuming all associated medical, confinement, or reparation costs should they fall ill during their stay. Upon completing the ETIS registration travelers will receive an email receipt within 2 days that they will be required to present at the airport. Any guest disembarking the ship throughout the duration of the voyage will be required to take an antigen rapid test every 3 days until they disembark the ship. Guests who choose to go ashore on a non-organized shore excursion will be required to mandatory Covid-19 Ag testing every 3 days until they disembark. On the day of departure from French Polynesia, all air passengers traveling to the United States, including U.S. Citizens and fully vaccinated travelers, are required to present a negative antigen rapid test result prior to boarding the flight. This test is at the traveler’s expense.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Pretesting not required. Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests, All crew members
- All guests will undergo pre-embarkation health screening including an enhanced health questionnaire and touchless temperature check.
- Effective August 1, 2022, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will no longer require guests to complete a COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test and receive a negative result prior to embarkation, subject to local regulations.
- There are a small number of cruises – currently sailings starting from a port in Canada, Greece or the United States – which as per local regulations will still require guests to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken within a specified timeframe at embarkation.
- For cruises sailing from ports in the United States all guests are required to complete a COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test from a lab or pharmacy within 48 hours of arriving to the terminal.
- For cruises beginning in a Canadian or Greek port all guests are required to complete a COVID-19 PCR test from a lab or pharmacy within 72 hours of arriving to the terminal or Antigen test from a lab or pharmacy within 48 hours of arriving to the terminal.
- Please note that only test results from certified laboratories will be accepted by the Greek health authorities in Piraeus. Anything else such as self-tests or procedures via ‘’zoom’’ (including from Inspire Diagnostics) will be automatically rejected by Greek authorities and you will need to test at the port for a fee.
Where tests are required, all guests must provide proof of a negative test result (printed or digital) at embarkation and should travel with a copy of their test result. Guests participating in any Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ pre-cruise land program will receive complimentary testing.
Silversea Cruises
Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests, All crew members
Fully Vaccinated Guests: If you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (but have not received an additional dose or booster), you must provide a negative antigen or PCR test result, administered by a verified third party (either a laboratory or pharmacy), taken no more than 2 days prior to boarding your ship.
Up to Date Vaccinated Guests: If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you must provide a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result, administered by a verified third party (either a laboratory or pharmacy), taken no more than 3 days prior to boarding your ship.
All embarking crew, and all guests aged 12 years and older, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least two weeks prior to embarkation. Only guests with vaccines approved by the WHO will be permitted to board. A copy of the vaccination certificate must be uploaded to the guest’s ‘My Silversea’ in advance of their travels, in addition to showing their vaccination certificate or printed copy during the check-in and embarkation process.
SeaBourn
For everyone’s safety and peace of mind, all guests must be fully vaccinated and provide a negative viral COVID-19 test taken before embarkation.
Sailings are open to any guests that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All guests must be fully vaccinated before boarding Greece voyages on the Seabourn Ovation through October 16, and Caribbean voyages on the Seabourn Odyssey through October 31. Masks are recommended on board but not required. However, masks may be required in certain venues and events. Masks are required during the embarkation and debarkation process and on transportation during shore excursions and to/from the ship.
River Cruises
Avalon Waterways
No changes to PreCruise Testing. Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests
Proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination is required for all Avalon cruises. Full vaccination against COVID-19 in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English. Vaccination documentation must include information that identifies the person and vaccination date(s). Proof of full vaccination must show that official vaccination dose(s) were administered at least 14-days prior to the start of your first service purchased from the Globus family of brands. Globus accepts vaccines authorized or recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Travelers may encounter additional requirements if their vaccine is not recognized by the travel destination. Your Cruise Director and ship’s Crew will provide guidance as to current regulations and recommendations.
UnCruise Adventures
Who needs to be vaccinated: All adult guests 12 and older, All crew.
Required Vaccination & Booster Shots:
- Full vaccination for all guests and crew is required.
- First booster shot for all guests and crew is required.
- We strongly recommend additional booster shots (beyond the first) as recommended by the Center for Disease Control.
Pre-Cruise Precautions:
- For two weeks prior to boarding our vessel, please limit activities to those that are physically distanced, unless masks are used.
- COVID-19 testing prior to departure from home is requested. This is a smart thing to do and will help ensure you are not traveling with the COVID-19 virus.
- Transiting to the destination via aircraft or other public transportation, please employ masks to help prevent spread.
- In our departure towns, or on pre-cruise tours, be careful when in bars, restaurants, and other high-risk places. Pre-cruise tours and travel have been the source of 90% of our positive cases. Mask use is requested.
- At check in, you will be asked sign a document that states you have no COVID-19 symptoms and that you agree to wearing a mask in public areas inside the vessel or when physical distancing is not possible. If guests or crew have symptoms of COVID-19, boarding will be denied unless a negative PCR test result is achieved.
- Currently, we do not require pre-cruise testing. However, COVID-19 testing prior to departure from home is requested.
Requirements Onboard Vessels:
- Masks are required in public areas in the interior of the vessel. Bandanas and buffs are not acceptable.
- Masks are required on the exterior of the vessel when physical distancing cannot be achieved. Physical distancing is defined as being more than 6 feet from a non-cabin mate for more than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period.
- Mask use while actively eating or drinking, is not required.
- Mask use in cabins is not required unless a crew member is present.
- Mask use on deck and ashore is not required unless physical distancing cannot be achieved, or local public health requires it.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests, All crew members
All guests on Uniworld cruises or cruise/tours departing through December 31, 2022, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel.
The health and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. In keeping with our duty of care towards both, we have made the decision to require proof of full vaccination upon embarkation until further notice.
Upon embarkation, all guests will be asked to present their original COVID-19 vaccination record, showing completion of an approved vaccination, with the final dose administered no less than two weeks prior to embarkation. Prior to your departure, please make sure to research and determine the vaccine and booster requirements set by the destinations you are visiting during your trip, as they vary by country and may impact your ability to enter the onshore venues we visit, such as museums, restaurants and historical sites.
Young children who are not eligible to be vaccinated based on their age will be exempt from this vaccination requirement, however, they will be asked to provide a negative PCR or Antigen test result taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
Please note that guests will also need to comply with any specific requirements imposed by airlines and/or governments, which may differ from the above and may include proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
Virgin Voyages
Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests
We’re removing the requirement for a COVID-19 test to board as of 7/24/22 (for Valiant Lady) and 7/27/22 (for Scarlet Lady). We still require the majority (90%) of Sailors be vaccinated. We’re opening up our voyages for a limited number (10%) of unvaccinated Sailors. All Crew will still be fully vaccinated.
Viking Cruises
Who needs to be vaccinated: All guests
All Viking sailings are available exclusively for fully vaccinated guests, until further notice.
Pre-Travel Health Survey. Before any guest can join a cruise/cruisetour, the guest must complete a specific Health Survey. All guests who are booked but not yet departed will receive an email from Viking seven days before the scheduled date of departure to a health survey that must be completed no later than 5 days prior to departure. Detailed information relating to pre-embarkation COVID-19 testing procedures and temperature checks during the embarkation process will also be provided. Secondary Screening. If a guest provides information that may put them at risk of being denied boarding,
the guest shall receive a telephone call for a secondary screening. If the guest is deemed to be at risk of
having COVID-19, the guest shall be offered to rebook cruise to a later date free of charge or cancel in line with current policy.
All guests must have received the required dose(s) of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized
by the FDA at least 14 days prior to the date of embarkation.
Windstar Cruises
Who needs to be vaccinated: All passengers and crew
COVID-19 Vaccine Required
At the cruise terminal prior to embarkation, guests will be required to provide proof of an initial completed vaccine course (one or two shots, depending on the brand) finished at least 14 days prior to the guest’s embarkation date. For some countries in Europe and Tahiti, your last COVID-19 vaccination shot is required to be within a specified time period, usually within the last 270 days. Please check all countries you will be visiting on your cruise to be sure you meet the vaccine and booster requirements.
Masks
Mask policies continue to evolve. Windstar follows policies in place in each destination. Currently, masks are optional in all sailing areas but on occasion guests may be asked to wear masks in Greece and Alaska. Windstar highly recommends guests wear masks in indoor public spaces.
COVID-19 Testing
Guests are responsible for complying with any COVID-19 test requirement or standard imposed by any country visited during travel. Check the CIBT Entry Guide.
For sailings departing July 1, 2022 and beyond Windstar requires guests to arrive at the pier with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand. Windstar will accept antigen tests taken within two days of boarding or PCR tests within three days of boarding. This replaces previous testing at the pier. Home test kits (including telemedicine) are NOT accepted.
Cruise Lines with Vaccinated Cruises Starting
The following cruise lines are going to begin to feature fully vaccinated cruises, but have not committed to all future sailings requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for guests just yet.
Cunard Line
Who needs to be vaccinated: Until further notice, all guests aged 12 years and over will need to be fully vaccinated* in order to travel with us
- A vaccination and testing policy for all guests and crew.
- Health screening at the cruise terminal.
- Enhanced on board ventilation systems to improve and increase filtration and fresh air.
- High levels of cleanliness and enhanced sanitation.
- Plans in place to manage your medical needs.
Our enhanced well-being measures can evolve as we work with experts and government bodies to respond to the latest advice, but rest assured our focus is always to protect the health and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit.
American Cruise Lines
Guests are required to complete a pre-embarkation health declaration certifying their COVID-19 vaccination status. Any unvaccinated guest is advised that vaccines may become required with minimal notice prior to their cruise.
COVID-19 antigen tests may be administered onboard if symptoms present. Guests may also test in numerous places ashore or prior to travel or during the cruise.
Masks are optional aboard American Cruise Lines vessels.
If a guest tests positive during their cruise, they will be isolated in their stateroom until arrangements can be made for disembarkation.
