The cruising industry is firing on all cylinders again after COVID shut down the industry for more than a year. Since cruising reopened in Summer 2021, keeping up with COVID policies ahs been a challenge. Each cruise line has different regulations regarding masks, pre-embarkation testing, and vaccination requirements. This week, the Centers for Disease Control announced it’s halting its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, so we can expect to see even more changes. Below, you will find links to the COVID cruise policies for every major cruise line.
Once cruise lines eventually remove their testing and vaccination mandates, it will important to still use common sense when cruising. Even the largest mega-ships can feel like very tight quarters at times. Airborne viruses like COVID-19 can spread easily between people in close spaces, putting you and others at risk for infection.
Even if you’re vaccinated and the cruise line does not require testing, the CDC recommends getting tested within three days of your embarkation. At this writing, most cruise lines are still offering free cancellation and future cruise credit for passengers who cancel because of COVID. Also, the CDC says it’s smart to get tested again after you return from a cruise, to keep from inadvertently bringing home an unwelcome souvenir. You can still order free at-home test kits from the US Postal Service. They typically only take a few weeks to arrive, so order before you depart on your cruise voyage.
By the way, if you have a medical condition that weakens your immune system or are taking immunosuppressant medications, please talk with your healthcare provider about your risk. Despite changing regulations on board, this may still not be the best time to travel via cruise ship.
COVID Policies by Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line COVID-19 Guest Protocols
Celebrity Cruises Health and Safety Protocols
Disney Cruise Lines Know Before You Go
Holland America Line COVID-19 Guest Protocols
MSC Cruises Health and Safety Measures
Norwegian Cruise Line Sail Safe Protocols
Princess Cruises CruiseHealth Protocols
Royal Caribbean Healthy Sail Center
Virgin Voyages Voyage Well Program
Note that the above policies are for U.S. based cruises only, and many are specific to U.S. and Canadian passengers.
Cruise Destinations and COVID
You may not need a vaccination card or negative test to get on your cruise ship, however you may still need one or both to disembark. Many destinations have strict COVID guidelines for tourist travel. Even if you don’t need to bring your vaccination card or test results to embark, have them handy. And while you’re at it, bring some masks, too. You don’t want to be denied a great shore excursion or a new destination because you left these items at home.
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