The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the tourism industry, but the cruise sector was hit harder than most as cruise lines were forced to park up ships that - quite simply - weren’t allowed to sail.
As vaccination rates improve across the globe, so the industry is now opening up once again with ships being pressed back into action - with a range of both domestic and international cruises already operating with revised operating systems in place.
With new travel requirements in place, here’s a look at what the main cruise lines now require from passengers who are keen to enjoy a cruise holiday.
It is also good practice to check the requirements for any individual country you are visiting on a cruise, which can be found HERE.
The information below is correct as of 7 October 2021
AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES
Proof of vaccination is required for all travellers aged twelve and over, with the need to complete a health questionnaire and provide a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding. Testing at the terminal prior to embarkation and onboard prior to disembarkation will be conducted by licensed and accredited third-party testing providers.
Once aboard, complimentary COVID-19 testing and medical evaluations will also be available as needed, with the cruise line having introduced enhanced medical facilities on all ships.
CELEBRITY
All crew and guests who are eligible to be vaccinated must be fully vaccinated in order to sail, with proof of vaccination required.
All vaccinated guests 12 years and older must present a negative Covid-19 test result taken as either as an Antigen or PCR test conducted within two days of embarkation and complete a health questionnaire prior to sailing.
All unvaccinated children between the ages of two and eleven years old, will be required to bring a negative Antigen or PCR test result conducted within three days of embarkation.
The cruise line will comply with any local requirements, which may be different to those you are used to at home, with the cruise line providing information prior to travel.
If you test positive for COVID-19 onboard during your cruise, Celebrity Cruises will cover the cost of your onboard COVID-19 medical treatment, land-based isolation, and private air transfer home for you and your traveling party, if required. (Subject to change)
CUNARD
Before your holiday can begin, you will be required to wear a face mask and maintain social distancing in the terminal in accordance with all current guidelines.
All guests and crew boarding ships will undergo health screening. If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be denied boarding, but will receive a non-refundable Future Cruise Credit to the value of the cruise, which is not ABTA or ATOL protected. You will be offered the same FCC is you are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive as you would be denied permission to board.
All guests (of all ages) will need to be fully vaccinated in order to travel on any voyage departing from 13 October 2021 up to and including 17 April 2022 for voyages on Queen Mary 2 and 17 May 2022 for voyages on Queen Elizabeth. Proof of vaccination is required.
Guests must wear a face mask, with no exceptions, in specific areas including the terminal, when moving around indoors on board, and when seated in the theatre.
FRED OLSEN
Guests must be fully vaccinated and able to provide proof of vaccination in order to travel. People who have not been vaccinated - including children - will not be able to travel. Anyone with an underlying health issue must contact the cruise line before travelling.
All guests will be tested on their arrival at the port, prior to check-in and before joining the ship, where they will be provided with a 'TraceSafe’ tracing device to wear for track and trace purposes.
Based on the current Government guidelines for the cruise industry, all guests will have to wear a face mask when moving around inside the ship and where social distancing is not possible.
Tables will be allocated for dining in tables of up to six people forming a 'social bubble'
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Travellers must 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. This applies to all guests, regardless of age.
Holland America Line will administer a complimentary rapid COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal prior to embarkation which must come back negative in order to be granted permission to board.
All guests will be required to wear a face mask – with no exceptions – in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino except when eating or drinking. Guests will also be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in the main dining rooms and in the buffet area, and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate.
Holland America Line is providing a double-layer cloth mask for each guest on board.
MSC CRUISES
Guests are required to have a COVID-19 insurance policy in place and everyone over the ages of 12 must be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination.
All guests will undergo a COVID-19 test before departure, with boarding denied to anyone with exposure to a positive case within 14 days prior to embarkation.
Face masks are required when in public areas, except when seated in restaurants, bars, lounges, and when sitting on the sun deck, with pre-booking for entertainment and activities to regulate numbers.
Enhanced medical facilities are provided onboard, with daily contactless temperature checks being carried out and free treatment for anyone with flu-like symptoms.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES
Cruises will operate with 100% vaccination of guests and crew through to December 31, 2021, with proof of vaccination required. A negative COVID-19 test is required prior to boarding.
On Europe sailings only, local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard whilst indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the Cruise Line will co-ordinate and cover the costs related to necessary onboard COVID-19 related medical treatment, required land-based quarantine and travel arrangements to get the guest safely back home.
P&O CRUISES
Guests aged will need to be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination whilst guests aged between five and 17 years old will need to have completed a vaccination course a minimum of 14 days prior to sailing or will require a negative PCR test within 120 hours prior to travel.
Guests four years old and younger will be permitted to travel providing their travelling parents/guardians meet the above requirements.
Guests will need to produce a negative COVID-19 test at the terminal which will be provided by the cruise line.
You’ll be required to wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth (with no exemptions) in specific areas including the terminal, when moving around indoors on board, and when seated in the theatre - with social distancing encouraged throughout.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Guests must have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and have proof of vaccination in order to travel. Cruises from the UK will require proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test taken at the terminal, which will be provided on a complimentary basis.
Masks will be required in certain areas of the ship, including indoor entertainment areas, in the main dining room before being seated and during embarkation and disembarkation in the terminal.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS
All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least two weeks prior to embarkation, in order to board. Guests will need to provide proof of vaccination and will undergo pre-embarkation health screening, including an enhanced health questionnaire and touchless temperature check.
A COVID-19 antigen test will administered and paid for by the cruise line prior to boarding and a negative result will be required in order to board.
Guest capacity will be controlled onboard, with regular temperature checks taking place.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Guests over the age of 18 are required to be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination. A negative test is required prior to boarding
For cruises from Southampton, all guests eleven years and older must wear a mask in all indoor public spaces unless seated and actively eating or drinking. Masks are not required in outdoor area unless in a crowded setting.
For cruises departing from Barcelona, Rome or Limassol, masks are required for anyone aged six and above.
