Find the latest updates on guidance, changes to cruise line protocols or travel news here. For further information in relation to your sailing or destination, please visit your cruise line’s protocols or the Gov.uk website.
America updates travel advice - 02.05.2023
US drops Covid vaccine rule for inbound travellers: The need to show proof of vaccination against Covid to travel to the US was imposed in January 2021 in the midst of the global pandemic. The need for people arriving in the US by air to test negative for Covid was dropped last June but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements for most foreign travellers were retained.
America updates travel advice - 02.02.2023
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated the travel advice for the following countries in the North, Central and South America region. Some countries may have specific FCDO advice against travel to all or parts of the country for non-COVID related risks. Some countries may have specific entry restrictions relating to COVID-19, and each country will have their own specific requirements on local COVID-19 measures that will need to be followed. We recommend checking the full advice for the countries affected on the Gov.uk website.
China changes its COVID-19 entry requirements for all travellers entering the country - 17.01.2023
From 8 Jan 2023, China has changed its COVID-19 entry requirements for all travellers entering the country. You will need a negative PCR test to enter China. Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section on the Gov.uk website for further information on current entry restrictions and requirements. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider. You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.
Change in Covid-19 travel restrictions for arrivals from China to England - 06.01.2023
From 6th January. the Government has updated the rules for travel from China to England which come into force as temporary travel-related measures in light of Covid-19 developments in China. These are highlighted in full on the Government website here, but key details are as follows.
Those travelling to England from mainland China
SPAIN LIFTS ALL COVID RESTRICTIONS - 21.10.2022
As of 21 October 2022 visitors are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID test to enter Spain. The news comes in time for the October half term holiday, marking Spain one of the last European countries to impose strict Covid entry rules for foreign travellers.
Canada to drop all Covid-19 entry restrictions - 27.09.2022
Canada will drop all restrictions from the 1st October, including the requirement to wear a mask on public transport; cruise measures are also being lifted so passengers are also no longer required to take pre-board tests or be fully vaccinated. All of this makes it easier for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers to visit the country.
Please see further information here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62987945
Japan and Taiwan to relax travel rules from October - 23.09.2022
Japan and Taiwan are preparing to lift all remaining Covid restrictions for travellers in the next few weeks. This would mean visa-free travel for tourists and the lifting of requirements to travel in groups. Rules are expected to be relaxed from 11th October, with the cap on daily arrivals scrapped.
Test requirements updated by Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises - 23.08.2022
Both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean have announced that from 5th September 2022, unvaccinated guests can sail on almost all cruises with testing requirements for unvaccinated guests made easier. Children aged 11 and under will not need a test
Testing requirements updated by P&O Cruises and Cunard - 15.08.2022
Both P&O Cruises and Cunard have announced that, from the 6th September 2022, self-testing prior to travel will become 'highly recommended' for vaccinated guests on the vast majority of holidays. Children aged 5-11 who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to provide a negative lateral flow/antigen test prior to embarkation. Guests sailing on longer duration cruises of 16-nights or more will be required to follow additional rules.
Testing requirements updated by Norwegian Cruise Line - 08.08.2022
Norwegian Cruise Line have announced that they will drop all pre-cruise Covid-19 requirements for vaccinated passengers from September 3. Unvaccinated passengers aged 12 and over boarding a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Holdings ship will still require a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours before they embark.
Please see Norwegian Cruise Line's latest protocols here: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe.
Testing requirements updated by Royal Caribbean - 05.08.2022
Royal Caribbean has announced that they will be revising their testing requirements for most U.S. sailings as of the 8th August. From this date, fully-vaccinated guests will only have to show a test result at boarding if the sailing is six-nights or longer. Unvaccinated children will still need to show their test results to board all sailings, regardless of length. However, they will not need to test again at the terminal.
Guests will now have the same test standard, regardless of vaccination status: You can show a negative test result from a supervised PCR or antigen test taken within the 3 days before your boarding day.
Please see Royal Caribbean's latest protocols here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/the-healthy-sail-center.
Testing requirements dropped by Norwegian Cruise Line - 08.07.2022
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced changes to its SailSAFE healthy and safety program, revealing that it will no longer require guests to complete pre-cruise COVID-19 testing unless required by local regulations starting next month.
The updated policy is scheduled to go into effect across the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands beginning 1st August 2022.
US drops test requirements for air travellers - 13.06.2022
The US will no longer require air travellers to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before entering the country from abroad, taking effect from 12.06.2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will re-evaluate the policy in 90 days. This means that UK travellers heading to the US will no longer need to take a test before departure, though those travelling over the age of 18 are still required to be fully vaccinated to enter the US.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line removes face mask requirements for guests - 19.05.2022
Guests aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet will no longer be required to wear face masks on board, following the line’s latest review of its on-board measures. The removal of masks is part of a phased reduction in Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Covid-19 procedures, with pre-embarkation testing and the requirement to be fully vaccinated to remain in place.
Guests will be asked to pack a face mask with them for their travels, as will remain a requirement in some of the destinations they visit. In addition, crew members will continue to wear masks for the time being.
Balmoral is the first of Fred. Olsen’s fleet to set sail without a face mask requirement, having departed Newcastle under the new measures on Wednesday. The new guidance will apply to Bolette’s next departure from Southampton on 22nd May and Borealis’ departure from Liverpool on 25th May.
See all Fred. Olsen health and safety protocols on their website here: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/travel-confidence
Masks no longer mandatory on EU air travel - 12.05.2022
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have issued an update to the health safety measures for air travel, dropping the recommendation for the mandatory wearing of medical masks in airports and on board a flight, while noting that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of COVID-19.
The new recommendations on the wearing of face masks are set to come into effect from May 16, 2022. However, rules for masks will continue to vary by airline beyond that date. For example, flights to or from a destination where mask-wearing is still required on public transport should continue to encourage mask-wearing, according to the recommendations. Vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask regardless of the rules.
Please see further information here on the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
You can also read more about the easing of face masks on airlines on the BBC website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61463794.
Royal Caribbean Updates Vaccination Requirements - 28.04.2022
Selected sailings now require that 12+ must present proof of full vaccinations administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. On-board testing will be complimentary for any unvaccinated guests ages 2 – 11 who require testing. Guests under 2 do not require any testing.
Please see Royal Caribbean's latest protocols here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/the-healthy-sail-center.
All Covid-19 travel restrictions removed in the UK - 14.03.2022
The government will remove the remaining COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all passengers from 18th March.
From 4am Friday 18 March, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the passenger locator form (PLF) for arrivals into UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated. This change, therefore, removes the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a day 2 post-arrival test.
Norwegian Cruise Line updates health and safety protocols - 15.02.2022
Norwegian Cruise Line has updated their Sail Safe Health and Safety Programme for all voyages beginning 1st March 2022. For cruises departing and/or returning to US ports, guests aged five and over must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
For cruises departing and/or returning to non-US ports, guests aged 12 and over must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure
At time of check-in, all guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result administered by a verified third part or via medically supervised home test within two days prior to boarding for cruises originating in a US port and within three days prior to boarding for voyages departing from a non-US port.
We recommend that all guests wear a mask onboard while indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom. Mask coverings are also recommend outdoors when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest. On European voyages, local government regulations require all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except while actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Please see Norwegian Cruise Line's latest protocols here: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe?intcmp=pdt_sl_SAILSAFEVAC.
Royal Caribbean to relax on-board mask policy for U.S. departures - 10.02.2022
Royal Caribbean has revealed plans to ease its on-board policy for cruises based in the U.S.. From 14th February, face coverings will no longer be required in public places such as select bars, lounges, restaurants and shows designated for fully-vaccinated passengers. Masks must still be worn indoors, unless seated, eating or drinking, and when visiting ports of call. Passengers under the age of two do not need to wear a mask. The cruise line has yet to confirm the same plans for cruises departing from Europe
Please see Royal Caribbean's latest protocols here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/the-healthy-sail-center.
Princess Cruises updates Cruise with Confidence - 02.02.2022
Princess Cruises has extended its Cruise With Confidence programme further for their guests. The programme now allows those who have booked a cruise, or are considering booking one, by 2nd March 2022 the chance to cancel up to 24 hours prior to embarkation and receive a full refund in the form of a Future Cruise Credit in return. This is applicable to all voyages through to 30th September 2022 and the Future Cruise Credti is valie one year after issue.
Please see Princess Cruises latest protocols here: https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/.
Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Cruise With Confidence - 01.02.2022
Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its Cruise With Confidence programme further for their guests. The programme now allows those who have booked a cruise, or are considering booking one, the choice to redeem their Future Cruise Credit benefits by 31st December 2022. with a sail by date of 31st December 2022.
Please see Norwegian Cruise Line's latest protocols here: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe?intcmp=pdt_sl_SAILSAFEVAC.
Covid-19 vaccine requirements for EU travel - 01.02.2022
As of 01.02.2022, all travellers to the EU member states will be required to have had their second Covid-19 vaccine within nine months from 01.02.2022. Visitors may also provide proof of recovery within the past six months or a booster vaccine in order to travel within the European Union.
P&O Cruises updates vaccination policy - 25.01.2022
P&O Cruises has updated its vaccination policy for all guests booked on cruises departing throughout January and February 2022. All holidays departing from Southampton round-trip from 29th January have the following updated policy: For these sailings, all guests aged 12 years and over need to be fully vaccinated with a recognised COVID-19 vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to travel. If more than 270 days (calculated from the last day of the cruise) have passed since the full completion of a vaccination course, a booster vaccine will also be needed and must be administered a minimum of seven days prior to travel. Guests aged five to 11 years need to be fully vaccinated with a recognised vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to travel or alternatively, require a negative PCR test 120 hours prior to travel. All guests also need to do a free COVID-19 test at the terminal. Guests under five years of age are exempt from pre-travel vaccination and testing. The definition of “fully vaccinated” for this cruise is defined as having completed a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination course or single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (plus a booster if applicable) approved by the MHRA or WHO.
Please see P&O Cruises' latest protocols here: https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence.
Covid-19 travel tests no longer required for double vaccinated - 24.01.2022
From 4 am on 11 February, all testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England will be removed.
Arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will only be required to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after arriving in England. They will no longer be required to self-isolate on arrival or take a test on day 8.
From 3rd February Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to demonstrate their vaccination status or proof of recovery via a digital NHS COVID pass for outbound travel.
Changes were also announced that will simplify the Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Travellers will confirm their vaccination status, travel history and contact details, and will have an extra day to complete the form before travelling.
Princess Cruises updates vaccination policy - 17.01.2022
Princess Cruises has updated their vaccination policy to be open-ended, with existing bookings impacted which have under 18s booked. The new policy states guests must have received their final dose of an authorised Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide acceptable proof at the check-in terminal.
Please see Princess Cruises' latest protocols here: https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/.
Celebrity Cruises extends Cruise with Confidence policy - 14.01.2022
Celebrity Cruises n has extended its Cruise With Confidence programme further for their guests. The programme now allows those who have booked a cruise, or are considering booking one, the choice to cancel anycruise up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive the value back in Future Cruise Credits, applicable to bookings made by 31st March 2022 on sailings departing on or before 31st December 2022, or sailings which depart within one year of the original sail date, whichever is later.
Please see Celebrity Cruises' latest protocols here: https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/cruise-with-confidence.
Royal Caribbean extends Cruise with Confidence policy - 14.01.2022
Royal Caribbean has extended its Cruise With Confidence programme further for their guests. The programme now allows those who have booked a cruise, or are considering booking one, the choice to cancel any cruise up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive the value back in Future Cruise Credits, applicable to bookings made by 31st March 2022 on sailings departing on or before 30th September 2022. Future Cruise Credit available to redeem on sailings which depart within one year of the original sail date.
Please see Royal Caribbean's latest protocols here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/the-healthy-sail-center.
Pre-departure testing no longer required - 05.01.2022
As of 4am Friday 7th January, pre-departure testing will no longer be required for travellers returning to the UK. People arriving in the UK will no longer have to isolate until they get a negative PCR test, but will instead have to take a lateral flow test at the end of day two after arriving. If this is then positive, a PCR test will be required to confirm and help identify any new variants.
Royal Caribbean updates mask protocols for January departures - 05.01.2022
Royal Caribbean has shared extended health protocols for all cruises departing on or before 31st January 2022. Guests are required to wear masks indoors at all times, unless actively eating or drinking. This update applies to vaccinated areas and venues. Smoking will also not be permitted in the casino at this time.
Please see Royal Caribbean's latest protocols here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/the-healthy-sail-center.
Norwegian Cruise Line updates pre-cruise testing rules - 05.01.2022
Norwegian Cruise Line has shared changes to the pre-cruise testing rules ahead of 2022. Guests are only required to test once at home prior to embarking on voyages beginning 17th January 2022. However, due to the ongoing and evolving health environment surrounding Covid-19, the cruise line will continue to administer Covid-19 antigen tests at the terminal, prior to embarkation.
Please see Norwegian Cruise Line's latest protocols here: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe?intcmp=pdt_sl_SAILSAFEVAC.
UK government reduces the time fully-vaccinated international arrivals must self-isolate if they test positive for Covid – 24.12.21
The UK government has reduced the self-isolation period for fully-vaccinated international arrivals who test positive for Covid to 7 days from 10 days. A negative result on a lateral flow test two days in a row, on days six and seven must be provided.
As per the previous rules, those who test negative on a PCR test taken up to day two after arrival are free of self-isolation on receipt of their negative result. If a PCR test is unclear, self-isolation is required. Those who are not fully-vaccinated must quarantine for 10 full days.
Read the latest guidance from the Department for Transport here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Cruise With Confidence - 17.12.2021
Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its Cruise With Confidence programme further for their guests. The programme now allows those who have booked a cruise, or are considering booking one, the choice to redeem their Future Cruise Credit benefits by 31st January 2022, instead of 31st December 2021.
Please see Norwegian Cruise Line's latest protocols here: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/sail-safe?intcmp=pdt_sl_SAILSAFEVAC.
NHS Covid Pass now available for children - 15.12.2021
From 13 December, fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can request an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel. A person with legal responsibility for a child aged 12 to 15 (such as a parent or guardian) can also request the letter on their behalf.
The NHS COVID Pass letter is not available to children aged 12 to 15 who have only received an incomplete course of vaccination (such as 1 dose of a 2-dose vaccine). You can get a NHS COVID Pass letter online. People requiring digital assistance can call the NHS 119 telephone service to request an NHS COVID Pass travel letter. The NHS COVID Pass letter will be sent to the address held on the child’s NHS record and will show all the vaccinations they have received including any boosters. The NHS COVID Pass letter should arrive within 5 working days, but may take slightly longer in December due to the Christmas postal service. The NHS COVID Pass letter service is for international vaccination status only and not recovery or negative test results. This NHS COVID Pass letter service is not available for domestic use at venues and settings in England.
Testing Before Travel to the UK - 13.12.2021
Effective 4am Tuesday 07 December 2021, anyone wishing to travel to the UK from countries and territories not on the red list must also show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow (LFD) pre-departure test, taken in the 2 days before your service to the UK departs. This applies to vaccinated passengers and children aged 12 and above. This is confirmed by Gov.uk here, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england.
Royal Caribbean Extends Cruise With Confidence - 09.12.2021
Royal Caribbean has extended its Cruise With Confidence programme further for their guests. The programme now allows those who have booked a cruise, or are considering booking one, the choice to cancel any cruise which sails between now and 31st May 2022, as long as the cruise is booked by 31st January 2022. Cancel within 48 hours before the sailing date and guests will receive a Future Cruise Credit.
Please see Royal Caribbean's latest protocols here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/the-healthy-sail-center.
Celebrity Cruises Updated Travel Requirements - 09.12.2021
Fully vaccinated air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country must get a COVID-19 test no more than 1 day before their flight departs. For fully vaccinated guests and guests aged 12-17 years who are flying home within 24 hours, guests must do an additional PCR test 2 days before they travel back to England.
For bookings made prior to 16th November 2021: Fully vaccinated guests requiring a COVID-19 test to return to their home country will be provided with the option to receive complimentary testing onboard prior to debarking. Proof of return flights scheduled within 24 hours of disembarkation will be required to qualify for the onboard tests.
For fully vaccinated guests booked after 16th November 2021: Testing will be available at the rate of $55 per person for Antigen and $95 per person for PCR. Proof of return flights scheduled within 24 hours of disembarkation will be required to qualify for the onboard tests.
Any guests who are staying in the US or a different country, such as the Galapagos or Ecuador, for a few days before returning to the UK will need to arrange tests in the US or respective country before travel.
Please see Celebrity Cruises' latest protocols here: https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/health-and-safety.
