Major cruise lines hope to resume cruising in June or early July. Initially, the most asked question by travelers was will I have to wear a mask while cruising? Now the biggest angst for some (and a relief for others,) is will you need a COVID vaccine to cruise.
So far, only a handful of cruise lines have made an announcement. American Steamboat, and its sister line Victory Cruise Lines announced they will require all passengers to be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to boarding. Crystal Cruises announced that they will require all passengers on its ocean and river cruises to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation. This is part of Crystal Clean+ 4.0 health and safety initiatives, Both crew and guests will also need negative COVID-19 tests; health screening questionnaires; temperature checks at the terminal prior to embarkation; a “nimble” face mask policy; physical distancing measures; enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures; and reduced passenger capacity across the fleet.
When Virgin Voyages starts cruising, it will require vaccinations for passengers and crew, Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, announced March 16, 2021. “This is a step towards the safe return to sailing and is the right decision for Virgin Voyages. We’re really encouraged by the latest rollout plans in the May time frame from the new administration, and we know the future is about vaccinations. We’re an adult-only cruise line, which allows for us to offer a highly controlled, safe environment for everyone on board.”
Also read: Do I Need A COVID-19 Vaccine To Cruise?
Royal Caribbean Group who owns Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises & Silversea Cruises has said that all crew will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Norwegian Cruise Line, the parent company to Regent Seven Seas & Oceania Cruises has also said that would have a crew vaccine mandate.
Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald has discussed the possibility of requiring COVID-19 vaccines for passengers Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Cruises, but has stopped short of confirming any future mandates.
Currently, no major large-ship cruise line has said that it will mandate passengers to provide proof of vaccination, but that could change in the coming months. There is some speculation that upscale and luxury lines in order to boost consumer confidence could follow Crystal in requiring passengers have the vaccine. Mass-market brands would be less likely.
While the vaccine rollout remains slow in some countries, the concept of vaccine passports has been gaining traction and several countries, including the Seychelles, Romania, Belize and Thailand (a special visa is required,) are welcoming fully vaccinated travelers. According to the Greek Tourism Minister, Greece plans to open as of May 17, 2021.
