Latest Cruise Testing & Vaccination Rules

How Do Changes Impact Your Vacation Plans?

this post serves as an anchor for all updates

Last Update:  October 26, 2022

As of July 18, 2022, CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships is no longer in effect. CDC will continue to publish guidance to help cruise ships continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew and communities going forward.  Since that time the cruise lines have been working with medical consultants and the various ports of calls to establish new protocols and other guidelines for safe travel.

In early August the cruise lines began announcing their plans and some have already adjusted those further.   We continue to meet with the various cruise lines and get weekly (sometimes daily) updates on the latest protocols, testing, and vaccination requirements.  Here is a summary of the latest information.

Most changes go into effect in early September.

Canada (updated September 28, 2022)

Canada has dropped their travel requirements effective October 1, 2022.   Read More

Cruise Line Announcements

Carnival Corporation

(Carnival, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises)   

Updated:  October 26, 2022

Carnival Cruise Line is informing guests and travel agents of additional updates to its pre-cruise testing protocols for guests on voyages 15 nights or less. These changes are consistent with the evolving public health guidelines and will be acceptable for arriving cruise guests effective immediately. 

Updated: October 21, 2022

Princess Cruise Lines has lifted all protocols for most voyages.

Statement

Beginning October 21, protocols to cruising have been lifted. This means that for most voyages there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements. This applies to itineraries to all destinations except where government regulations may vary like Australia and on a few enhanced guidelines voyages that have their own vaccination and testing requirements. 

Updated:  August 24, 2022

Carnival Corporation announced protocol updates that meet public health goals but recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19. With these changes, we are making it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines, including no testing for vaccinated guests on sailings less than 16 nights, and eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation. 

All new guidelines are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 or later.  Read More

Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have shared vaccination and pre-cruise testing updates for cruises departing from Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, and European ports. They continue to work with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. Read More

August 30, 2022 Update

Celebrity Cruises announced new testing & vaccination rules - particularly of note are changes for Trans-Atlantic sailings which will be coming up shortly.  Read More

Royal Caribbean made similar changes to their sailings.  Read More

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

October 4, 2022  - Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will eliminate COVID-19 requirements … Read More

September 27, 2022 - Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its health & safety requirements.

(Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

The day that many of our customers have been waiting for is here! Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) which includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have updated their SailSAFE program with new vaccine requirements to allow unvaccinated guests to sail.   

Disney Cruise Line 

September 27, 2022 - Disney Cruise Line has updated its health & safety requirements.

Today, August 15, Disney Cruise Line announced an update to our Health and Safety Protocols regarding vaccination requirements.  Read More

Windstar 

Small ship line Windstar Cruises has dropped its pre-cruise testing requirements. The line is still requiring that all of its guests be vaccinated to sail.

Azamara  (September 1, 2022)

Azamara has updated their vaccination protocols for Caribbean and European sailings beginning December 1, 2022.  Read More

MSC & Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (September 2, 2022)

MSC and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have relaxed their vaccination and testing protocols for U.S. residents sailing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean and The Bahamas. Read More

Virgin Voyages (September 9, 2022)

In keeping in line with the rest of the travel industry, Virgin Voyages updated their guidelines to make all voyages open to everyone — including Sailors who are unvaccinated.  Read More

Cruise Lines Respond to Dorian Devastation

We'd like to commend Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney for donating millions to the relief effort in the Bahamas.  We anticipate there will be other cruise lines following suite over the days ahead.  Their generosity will go a long way in helping the people suffering on the islands in their first steps on a long road to recovery.  

UPDATE: September 5th - Norwegian Cruise Line has also donated and it appears that ships can now begin to call with relief supplies.

After every one of these devastating storms, the cruise lines are always there providing support, which comes in many forms.   Some people may be asking why they aren't doing more - like sending ships to the Bahamas with supplies.  Others think cruise lines should have done things differently.  Here is some information to help you understand things a little better.

Like everyone else, we've been following Hurricane Dorian, and its impact first on the lives of many people in the Bahamas and the Southeast United States, and secondly on cruise itineraries.  There have been complaints posted on social networks, and in various media articles, about lack of communication on certain cruises, and the impact on their vacation plans.  

We are always amazed by the behind the scenes logistics that are necessary in situations like these, and how well cruise lines are able to react, in what are often very fluid arrangements. Communication may be secondary to getting things done.  Oh, and by the way, guess where HQ for cruise lines are for the most part - Florida.  They too were dealing with evacuations and other preparations of their own at the same time.

Click Here to Learn More

Cruising during Hurricane Season isn't for everyone.  It requires tolerance and understanding.  We saw one couple interviewed on The Weather Channel after disembarking their ship.  Their itinerary was altered, and they never were able to disembark in a port.  They indicated that they always cruise during this time of year, and that they had a great time on board experiencing the ship.

First of all, the cruise lines aren't in control of the weather.  Even meteorologists were surprised by Hurricane Dorian parking over the Bahamas for as long as it did.  Secondly, the U.S. Coast Guard is in charge of the ports.  There are very clear policies, which are in place for safety of people, ports, and vessels.  In our article, Hurricane Dorian Florida Port Closures, we've listed those Port Closure Conditions.  Port Authorities, in conjunction with the USCG, work with the cruise line's administration to determine safe alternatives when original plans must be adjusted.  

Right now, it just isn't safe to go to the Bahamas with a large cruise ship for many reasons.  Some of the impacted areas aren't setup to receive a large vessel.  Those that are, still need to be inspected as damaging debris could be in the water.  Rest assured that the cruise lines are in communication with the necessary government officials to determine what actions to take. 
  

For those who had their vacations altered by Dorian, we empathize.  We are grateful that the cruise lines did their job and made the tough decisions to keep you safe during this tumultuous time.

Hurricane Preparedness - After the Storm

click images to enlarge

Carnival Cruise Line Statement

Carnival & the Arison Foundation have pledged $2M for Bahamas relief. Additionally, Carnival will help with the transportation of donated goods from South Florida to the islands. Please stay tuned for how you can help. We’re working with two aid organizations you can join us in supporting.

"To our friends in The Bahamas, please know you will not be alone in your effort." said Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald. "All of us at Carnival Corporation pledge to work with you. We have been and remain in constant contact with government officials as they determine the highest priorities for both the short term and long term."

Royal Caribbean  Bahamas Relief Effort

Post on Instagram September 5th: "We’re with you Bahamas. In the wake of Dorian, we’re mobilizing our fleet to help those who need it. In partnership with the Bahamian government & The Bahamas Feeding Network, tomorrow we’ll deliver +43k water bottles, 10k meals, generators, supplies & we’re just getting started."
Royal Caribbean posted the following update on their page September 3, 2019

"The Bahamas has always been more than a destination for Royal Caribbean and our guests. For more than half a century, we’ve made many friends and many memories. The Bahamas is also home to more than 500 of our colleagues who work at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Grand Bahama Shipyard. 

So in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamian people are in our thoughts and prayers. And we’re rolling up our sleeves to help our friends, and inviting our guests to help.

Royal Caribbean is committing $1 million to Dorian disaster relief, and ITM—our partners in the Holistica joint venture that is developing the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport—is also donating an additional $100,000.

To make sure our donations go where they can do the most good, we are collaborating with the Bahamian government and our non-profit partner, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), and a network of Bahamian charities and organizations, including the Bahamas Feeding Network. We are loading all kinds of goods onto our ships— generators, water, cleaning supplies, clean sheets, towels, and more—for direct delivery to the Bahamas. The trained employee volunteers we call the GO Team are on their way to assist with relief efforts. And we’re taking special care of coworkers and their families who were affected by the storm.

Our donation includes matching every dollar of guest and employee donations to PADF so they can help our friends as well.

We can’t make every bad memory of Dorian go away. But we can start making things better—today."

Norwegian Cruise Line Joins Relief Effots

Norwegian Breakaway was one of two ships that were diverted to New Orleans when they couldn't return to their home port in Miami (due to port closures by the USCG).

The Mouse Pledges Support

The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday afternoon it has committed to donating more than $1 million in cash and in-kind support to help recovery efforts in the Bahamas. Disney will donate $1 million donation to nonprofit relief agencies leading recovery and rebuilding efforts and the provision of supplies to areas that need it. 

The company said in a news release that its employees in the Bahamas will have access to other resources. Disney Castaway Cay employs more than 60 Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama, and some employees from other Bahamian islands. 

“The Walt Disney Company stands with the people of The Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian,” Robert Iger, Disney chairman and CEO, said in the release. 

We hope our $1 million donation will provide much-needed relief and help our neighbors, colleagues, and all those impacted by this devastating storm begin the long process of recovery as they work to put their lives and communities back together.”

Day of the Seafarer 2019

Theme for 2019

Seafarer's Gender Equality

Seafarers – if you could make one change? 

Throughout 2019 there is a strong emphasis in the maritime world on the importance and value of women within the professional ranks.

This year for the Day of the Seafarer campaign, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is encouraging seafarers, male and female to show solidarity for gender equality in seafaring.

We are inviting you to think about one thing you would change to improve diversity in seafaring. #IamOnBoard with gender equality

June 25th, Day of the Seafarer, is a day set aside  to highlight opportunities for women (as well as the contributions they are already making) in a wide range of maritime careers and professions, but the focus will be very firmly on one aspect of that community – seafarers

Cruise lines and shipping companies have responsibilities to seafarers in their employ. The public too has a responsibility to have a positive impact on seafarers as well. 

I had the opportunity to visit Seafarers' House in Port Everglades, FL a few years ago.  They are holding special #DoTS celebrations today.

Welcoming Mariners

of all Faiths

“To Offer Refuge, Resources, Renewal and Respect to the Maritime Community Through Multi-Faith Service.” 

- Mission of Seafarers’ House

http://www.seafarershouse.org/




Cruising for more than 30 years, we've met many seafarers. When we recall special moments from those cruises, there is usually one or more of them at the heart of the memory. No matter how they are feeling, how tired they might be, how sad or lonely they might be, they put their best personality forward, and do everything they can to make sure our adventure at sea lives up to our expectations.

If you've ever encountered a crew member who didn't live up to those expectations, odds are there is a passenger at the heart of their story. Think about that on your next cruise.

They are miles from home, family, friends, and other loved ones. I've never done it, but imagine it is a hard life. It can be very rewarding I'm sure, when they see a smile or some kind gesture in return from passengers or fellow seafarers.

On behalf of everyone that loves cruising like we do, thank you seafarers for all you do. Take care of your careers - take advantage of the tools that IMO is providing for you so that you can put a smile on your face when we meet again.

Day of the Seafarer

Theme for 2018

Seafarer's Wellbeing

The International Maritime Organization has seen a strong momentum in the industry to address seafarer's wellbeing, particularly their mental health. June 25th, Day of the Seafarer, is a day set aside to call attention to strategies to tackle stress and other issues affecting seafarers' mental conditions - and make the tools available more widely known.

Cruise lines and shipping companies have responsibilities to seafarers in their employ. The public too has a responsibility to have a positive impact on seafarers' mental health as well.

#GoodDayatSea looks like…

Interacting with Passengers 

Making a New Young Friend

Performing on Stage

Leading a Shore Excursion to Explore New Lands


Cruising for more than 30 years, we've met many seafarers. When we recall special moments from those cruises, there is usually one or more of them at the heart of the memory. No matter how they are feeling, how tired they might be, how sad or lonely they might be, they put their best personality forward, and do everything they can to make sure our adventure at sea lives up to our expectations.

If you've ever encountered a crew member who didn't live up to those expectations, odds are there is a passenger at the heart of their story. Think about that on your next cruise.

They are miles from home, family, friends, and other loved ones. I've never done it, but imagine it is a hard life. It can be very rewarding I'm sure, when they see a smile or some kind gesture in return from passengers or fellow seafarers.

 On behalf of everyone that loves cruising like we do, thank you seafarers for all you do. Take care of your mental wellbeing - take advantage of the tools that IMO is providing for you so that you can put a smile on your face when we meet again.

Construction of Queen Elizabeth Begins

Photo Courtesy Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth's Keel Laid

A ceremony was held today, at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy, to mark the keel laying of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. When she enters service in October 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as not only the most famous ocean liners in the world but also the youngest fleet in passenger travel.

The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December.

The new ship is named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard’s greatest ships. The exterior design will be like her sister ships with the distinctive black and red design. The interior of the ship will consist of elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage will be October 12, 2010. That voyage sold out in just over 29 minutes back in April this year. Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start from just $1,195 per person for the five-night 26 November 2010 Gallic Debut voyage with ports of call at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre; while the 13-night Iberian Discovery voyage departing 1 December 2010 features fares from $2,395 per person, with ports of call at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira.

The world’s newest ocean liner will depart Southampton on January 5, 2011, on her 103-night epic Maiden World Voyage, which has just been released for sale. This will see her make 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 24 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon.