Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said vaccinated travelers 12 and older will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 protocols and unvaccinated travelers may sail if they provide a negative test taken within 72 hours before embarking.
These changes are subject to local regulations and go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises with sailings beginning Sept. 3.
Requirements may differ for passengers on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with tougher COVID-19 controls, including Canada, Greece and Bermuda, among others.
No requirements for children 11 and younger
Children 11 and under will not be subject to vaccination requirements or testing protocols of any kind.
Vaccinated travelers must meet the generally-accepted definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ based on the destination where they’re embarking /or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination.
NCLH, one of the early cruise operators to require vaccination, continues to strongly recommend all passengers be up to date with vaccines and test at their convenience prior to travel.
Frank Del Rio’s take
NCLH President and CEO Frank Del Rio said the revisions ‘bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makeit simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise.’
He added: ‘The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.’
