As cruising continues to welcome returning and new passengers, health and safety protocols are being closely monitored to reflect the current world climate. 

Now, vaccination and testing requirements and regulations are beginning to ease as the world opens up further for people to getaway and enjoy their holidays as before.  

Cruising is now safer than ever with enhanced measures developed to protect guests and crew, while maintaining the same cruising experience for all. Travelling freely is a key part of exploring the world and, in the coming months, many cruise lines are beginning to welcome both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests on-board, alongside relaxing their rules on testing policies during the embarkation process. 

You can see the full list of cruise line requirements on testing and vaccination policies below, though we also advise you to check the cruise line’s own website for the most up-to-date information regarding any updates and the Gov.uk website for any region or country-specific information. 

Cruise Line Testing & Vaccination Requirements

The below tables highlights the testing and vaccination requirements from our cruise lines. We also recommend checking the cruise line's own website for further information upon enquiry or booking.

Correct as of 20.06.2023

Testing Requirements

Cruise Line Requirements Last Updated Helpful Links
Ambassador Cruise Line Ambassador Cruise Line can confirm that it will be lifting all Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements on Friday 23 June, meaning that all guests regardless of vaccination status are now welcome to enjoy one of our premium value, no-fly cruise experiences. 20.06.2023 https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/before-you-sail/
Azamara Azamara does not require a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding unless this is required by local country regulations. However, we highly recommend that guests take a COVID-19 test prior to starting their travels. 09.02.2023 https://www.azamara.co.uk/discover/what-they-say/azamara-cruise-news/azamara-announces-removal-its-embarkation-covid-19
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises of 15 nights or less: Although not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests, we encourage all guests 5 years and older to take a pre-cruise test within three days of their cruise. Cruises of 16 nights or more: Guests age 5 years and older have to present a PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days before sailing (unsupervised self-tests are not accepted).. 09.02.2023 https://www.carnival.com/legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-guest-protocols
Celebrity Cruises All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to cruise with Celebrity Cruises and will no longer be required to provide proof of pre-departure testing except for specific sailings where vaccination, testing, or additional documentation are required by law. Exceptions currently include: Bermuda Itineraries, Galapagos Itineraries, Australia New Zealand Itineraries, Transatlantic/Transpacific Crossings, Select Caribbean Itineraries (those visiting Turks & Caicos), Select Central and South America Itineraries (those visiting Colombia, Brazil, and Chile). 09.02.2023 https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/health-and-safety
Cunard

Covid-19 vaccination and testing will no longer be required for the majority of the voyages. For voyages departing on or after the 23 April 2023 on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and voyages departing on or after 8 June 2023 on Queen Elizabeth, Covid-19 vaccination and testing will no longer be mandatory for guest’s travelling with Cunard. Prior to these dates there are still some voyages with Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements. For more information on our vaccine and testing policy and to see which voyages have vaccination and testing requirements, please visit the vaccine and testing policy page. While Covid-19 vaccination will no longer be required for Cunard voyages, we still highly recommend that all guests travelling on our ships are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters where eligible and available. If guests are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to their voyage, we highly recommend that they take a Covid-19 test before they travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative. If guests are symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that they declare this to terminal or check-in staff. Guests who test positive within 7 days of sailing will not be allowed to embark.

Please note, if guests are travelling to join the ship in another country or disembark in another country, they need to be aware that the entry requirements to travel by land or air may differ from the requirements to embark the ship. Guests will be responsible for ensuring that they meet the entry requirements of embarkation and disembarkation ports.

In the light of a recent change in policy from the Japanese Government, we will be changing the vaccination and testing policy for our cruises in Japan departing on and after 15 May 2023. Here is a summary of the changes; 1. Guests are no longer required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccinations, although we still highly recommend that all guests travelling on our ships are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters where eligible and available. 2. Guests are no longer required to undertake pre-cruise Covid-19 testing. However, if guests are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to their voyage, we highly recommend that they take a Covid-19 test before travelling to the terminal and only travel to the ship if this is negative. If symptomatic on the day of embarkation, guests are asked to advise terminal or check-in staff. Guests who test positive within 7 days of sailing will not be allowed to embark. 3. Guests will no longer be required to complete the entry form on the Visit Japan website.

15.05.2023 https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence
Fred. Olsen For all future cruises excluding Grand Voyages and their sectors, departing from 1st March 2023, the following will apply as a general rule unless a destination on a given cruise has a specific COVID-19 requirement in which case that requirement will apply to the cruise, there is no requirement for guests to take a lateral flow test prior to the cruise. 09.02.2023 https://www.fredolsencruises.com/faqs/covid-protocols
Holland America Line Vaccinated guests will no longer have to test before boarding and only need to show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated guests are welcome aboard with a self-administered COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of embarkation. Some voyages require Enhanced Protocols. Before you cruise, check our Enhanced Protocols PDF to find out if your voyage requires additional health regulation requirements. 09.02.2023 https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/covid-guest-protocols.html
MSC Cruises For vaccinated Guests it’s not required (but strongly recommended) to present a negative test. Unvaccinated guests, guests without a vaccine certificate, or guests who have recovered from COVID-19, ages 5 and older are required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR or Antigen test taken 48 hours prior to embarkation. Tests must be laboratory certified. A rapid antigen self-test is not valid for travel purposes. 09.02.2023 https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/MSC-Health-And-Safety-measures.aspx
Norwegian Cruise Line

As such, effective October 4, 2022, NCL welcomes all guests to sail, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. The only exceptions are as follows:

Between January 5 and January 31, NCL will require guests who have recently visited China, Hong Kong or Macau to submit proof of a negative medically-supervised Covid PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the beginning of travel.

The testing requirements also apply to guests transiting through an airport in one of the three destinations within 10 days of embarkation. Guests that hold a Chinese, Hong Kong or Macau passport will be subject to the same protocols unless they can provide proof that they have not visited these regions within 10 days prior to embarkation.

09.02.2023 https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe
P&O Cruises

COVID-19 vaccination and testing are no longer mandatory for guests travelling on our holidays, apart from those booked on cruise J301. While vaccination is no longer required for the majority of our holidays, we still highly recommend that all guests travelling on our ships are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters when eligible and where available. If you're displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to your holiday, we highly recommend that you take a COVID-19 test before you travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative. If you’re symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that you declare this to terminal or check-in staff. Our vaccination and testing policy is reviewed on a regular basis and may be changed or enhanced at any time. In this instance, impacted guests will be contacted directly in advance of travel. At the time of travel, some ports may stipulate specific vaccine or testing policies for guests going ashore that differ from this policy.

02.03.2023 https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail#before-you-board
Princess Cruises Princess Cruises has adjusted our pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated to sail with us. There are also Enhanced Guidelines voyages that have their own Vaccination and Testing requirements. Unvaccinated guests, or anyone who does not provide proof of vaccination, simply must upload a negative self-test within three days of sailing our MedallionClass® app before boarding. 09.02.2023 https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/vaccine-testing-requirements/
Royal Caribbean

Pre-cruise testing is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. At this time, only the following sailings have pre-cruise testing requirements: For Cruises from the U.S. and Caribbean with stops in Colombia, Haiti, or Honduras, From Transatlantic Cruises, For Cruises from Australia.

09.02.2023 https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise
Virgin Voyages Passengers who are not vaccinated will be required to present a negative test result taken within 72 hours of departure. 09.02.2023 https://help.virginvoyages.com/helpportal/s/helpcategory

 

Vaccination Requirements

Cruise Line Requirements Last Updated Helpful Links
Azamara

Beginning December 1, 2022, we will no longer require proof of vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. or sailings starting and ending in Europe. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice.

Beginning December 1, 2022, we will no longer require proof of vaccination for sailings starting and ending in the U.S. or sailings starting and ending in Europe. All other sailings require proof of vaccination and booster until further notice. Guests can check specific travel restrictions for countries listed in the itinerary HERE or by visiting applicable government websites To ensure the safety and health of our guests and crew members, all guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses. Children under 12 years old will not need to be vaccinated. Guests must show proof of vaccination to sail.

A Yellow Fever vaccination card is required for guests that are visiting countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission such as Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Gambia, or countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers that arrived from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever. The World Health Organization has published a list which can be found using this WHO link. Please note: Yellow Fever exemption letters will not be accepted in Angola, Ghana, Gambia and Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, guests that do not show a Yellow Fever vaccination card must remain onboard during our stay in these ports. At this time, regardless of if they want to stay on the ship or go ashore, the port of Luanda, Angola requires proof of a negative COVID test. The ship will complete antigen COVID testing prior to arrival at no cost to our guests. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests.

If guests are eligible for a booster shot, then the booster dose is required to sail with Azamara. However, a second booster is not required. Guests can check specific travel restrictions for countries listed in the itinerary HERE or by visiting applicable government websites. Crew members are vaccinated and will be boosted as soon as they are eligible; they are also tested frequently.

09.02.2023 https://www.azamara.co.uk/booked-guests/before-you-board/explore-well-at-sea
Carnival Cruise Line Vaccines and testing no longer required for most cruises. Cruises of 15 nights or less: Although vaccines are not required, we encourage all guests 5 years of age and older to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, and carry proof of vaccination.* Guests are considered fully vaccinated if they have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the sailing day (not counting embarkation day). Cruises of 16 nights or more: All guests, age 18 and older, must be vaccinated, and boosted if they are more than 6 months past the last dose of their initial vaccine series. Unvaccinated guests will need to apply for a vaccine exemption when we are ready to start accepting requests for 2023. 09.02.2023 https://www.carnival.com/legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-guest-protocols
Celebrity Cruises All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to cruise with us and will no longer be required to provide proof of pre-departure testing, except for specific sailings where vaccination, testing, or additional documentation are required by law. Exceptions currently include: Bermuda Itineraries, Galapagos Itineraries, Australia New Zealand Itineraries, Transatlantic/Transpacific Crossings, Select Caribbean Itineraries (those visiting Turks & Caicos), Select Central and South America Itineraries (those visiting Colombia, Brazil, and Chile). 09.02.2023 https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/health-and-safety
Cunard

Covid-19 vaccination and testing will no longer be required for the majority of the voyages. For voyages departing on or after the 23 April 2023 on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and voyages departing on or after 8 June 2023 on Queen Elizabeth, Covid-19 vaccination and testing will no longer be mandatory for guest’s travelling with Cunard. Prior to these dates there are still some voyages with Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements. For more information on our vaccine and testing policy and to see which voyages have vaccination and testing requirements, please visit the vaccine and testing policy page. While Covid-19 vaccination will no longer be required for Cunard voyages, we still highly recommend that all guests travelling on our ships are up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters where eligible and available. If guests are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to their voyage, we highly recommend that they take a Covid-19 test before they travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative. If guests are symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that they declare this to terminal or check-in staff. Guests who test positive within 7 days of sailing will not be allowed to embark.

Please note, if guests are travelling to join the ship in another country or disembark in another country, they need to be aware that the entry requirements to travel by land or air may differ from the requirements to embark the ship. Guests will be responsible for ensuring that they meet the entry requirements of embarkation and disembarkation ports.

21.03.2023 https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail/before-you-board#vaccines
Fred. Olsen For all future cruises excluding Grand Voyages and their sectors, departing from 1st March 2023, the following will apply as a general rule unless a destination on a given cruise has a specific COVID-19 requirement in which case that requirement will apply to the cruise:
• No requirement for guests to be vaccinated against COVID-19
• No requirement for guests to show proof of any COVID-19 vaccinations they have received
• No requirement for guests to take a lateral flow test prior to the cruise"
09.02.2023 https://www.fredolsencruises.com/faqs/covid-protocols
Holland America Line All travelers are invited to cruise with us, regardless of vaccination status. Some voyages require Enhanced Protocols. Before you cruise, check our Enhanced Protocols PDF to find out if your voyage requires additional health regulation requirements. 09.02.2023 https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/covid-guest-protocols.html
MSC Cruises For certain areas (please read full details online) Ex UK and Med- All Guests are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 09.02.2023 https://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/MSC-Health-And-Safety-measures.aspx
Norwegian Cruise Line As such, effective October 4, 2022, we welcome all guests to sail with us, regardless of vaccination status and age, and with no testing or masking requirements. Please see the link provided for further information on different ports/countries. 09.02.2023 https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe
P&O Cruises

COVID-19 vaccination and testing are no longer mandatory for guests travelling on our holidays, apart from those booked on cruise J301. While vaccination is no longer required for the majority of our holidays, we still highly recommend that all guests travelling on our ships are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters when eligible and where available. If you're displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to your holiday, we highly recommend that you take a COVID-19 test before you travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative. If you’re symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that you declare this to terminal or check-in staff. Our vaccination and testing policy is reviewed on a regular basis and may be changed or enhanced at any time. In this instance, impacted guests will be contacted directly in advance of travel. At the time of travel, some ports may stipulate specific vaccine or testing policies for guests going ashore that differ from this policy.

02.03.2023 https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail#before-you-board
Princess Cruises With updated guidelines, Princess Cruises are now able to accept more guests regardless of their vaccination status. 09.02.2023 https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/vaccine-testing-requirements/
Royal Caribbean

COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. At this time, only the following sailings have COVID-19 vaccination requirements: Guests age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to sail: Cruises from Australia, Cruises from Singapore. Guests age 5 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to sail: Transatlantic Sailings from Europe

09.02.2023 https://www.royalcaribbean.com/the-healthy-sail-center/getting-ready-to-cruise
Virgin Voyages Non-vaccinated passengers can sail on Virgin Voyages vessel Valiant Lady from September 18 and Scarlet Lady from September 21. 09.02.2023 https://help.virginvoyages.com/helpportal/s/helpcategory

As for general guidance and protocols, please continue reading to learn about how cruise lines have been working to make the return to cruising safe for everyone. 

General Guidance

Each cruise line, part of the world, or country may have slightly different procedures depending on the current local situation with COVID-19 – and these are always subject to change. We encourage you to check the cruise line’s own website for the most up-to-date information regarding any updates and the Gov.uk website for any region or country-specific information.

Please respect any rules put in place by the cruise line, they are all in place for your health and safety.

We hope that these changes make you feel at ease about returning to cruise. All the new protocols have been meticulously put together and sanctioned by multiple organisations (including the US CDC and CLIA) to ensure maximum safety for guests and crew.

Recommendations include:

At time of booking
Check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice; confirm your travel insurance cover; check your cruise lines exclusion policy to see where you fall
 
At the cruise terminal
Follow the procedures given by your cruise line in terms of testing and vaccination policies. You may be required to take a COVID-19 test or share proof of your vaccination status in order to board.
 
On-board your cruise
Follow the cruise line protocols in place to ensure a safe journey, such as:
In port
Follow the cruise line protocols in place to ensure safe port visits. Be aware of the local or national COVID-19 requirements. You may also have your temperature checked when disembarking or re-embarking the ship or be required to take a COVID-19 test
 
Return to UK
You may be required to take a COVID-19 test, and you may need to self-isolate in the UK, depending on your previous destinations. Leave the port terminal as soon as possible

Cruise Line Protocols

Each cruise line has been developing their own health and safety measures, ready for resuming sailing. These measures will apply to all guests and crew on-board and be mandatory to follow in order to reduce the risk of infection and maintain safety for all.

These protocols are subject to change in line with the evolving response measures as conditions warrant. They will be continually evaluated and adjusted against the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where applicable, you can find these listed below. It is important to know that this information was correct at the time of publishing and we recommend checking the cruise line's website directly to confirm their policies should you wish to amend or cancel your booking.

Health & Safety Protocol Links

Carnival Cruise Line

Health and Safety Protocols - View here

Celebrity Cruises

Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Health and Safety Protocols (Amsterdam embarkation)- View here
Health and Safety Protocols (Barcelona embarkation)- View here
Health and Safety Protocols (Italy embarkation)- View here
Health and Safety Protocols (Southampton embarkation)- View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here

Cunard
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here
For all departures on sale, prior to the balance due date you can now transfer your booking to any Cunard voyage currently on sale, of higher or lower value, an unlimited number of times and completely free of charge for each transfer made.

Disney Cruise Line
Health and Safety Protocols - View here

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here
Change your mind on your cruise before your final balance is due and you can move your deposit to any other sailing within 12 months of your original travel dates with no transfer fees.

Holland America Line
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here
Cancel your Holland America Line cruise up to 30 days before you sail and receive a Future Cruise Credit with Flexible Cancellation, applicable to all cruises booked by 31st December 2021 which depart through to 30th April 2022. You can also cancel your sailing up to the date of embarkation if you test positive for Covid-19 and also receive a Future Cruise Credit.

MSC Cruises
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Health and Safety Protocols (Mediterranean specific) - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here

Norwegian Cruise Line
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here

P&O Cruises
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here
For all departures scheduled for 2021 and 2022, prior to the balance due date you can now transfer your booking to any P&O Cruises holiday currently on sale, of higher or lower value, an unlimited number of times and completely free of charge for each transfer made. Applicable for Select Price or Early Saver bookings.

Princess Cruises
Health and Safety Protocols (General) - View here
Health and Safety Protocols (Sailings from the UK) - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here

Royal Caribbean
Health and Safety Protocols - View here
Cruise With Confidence - View here

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