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Cruise Line Update: Opening Up To All, Regardless Of Vaccination Status

Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines [Image @norwegiancruiseline/Instagram]
A number of cruise lines will soon open up their cruises to all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status. This includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Meanwhile, new health and safety protocols will go into effect from September 3, 2022.

Cruise lines update health and safety protocols

Oceania Cruises
[Image Oceania Cruises/Facebook]
Norwegian Cruise Line will be the first major cruise line to scrap the vaccination requirement for passengers. However, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also be making the change.

From September 3, vaccinated travelers will no longer need to test to be able to board a cruise ship. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers will be allowed on board. They will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding. Meanwhile, children under the age of 12 will also be welcomed on board cruise ships with no vaccination or testing requirements.

In a press release, Howard Sherman, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said:

We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive. The world has been re-opening quickly and once more, we are pleased to welcome all travelers, of all ages, to safely explore the world with comfort and ease aboard the small, luxurious ships of Oceania Cruises.

Oceania’s revised SailSafe protocols

Oceania Cruises
[Image Oceania Cruises/Facebook]
Basically, Oceania Cruises has updated its base-level protocols for embarkation as follows:

  • Vaccinated travelers aged 12 and older do not need a test to embark.
  • Unvaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative, COVID-19 Antigen or PCR test. The test must have been administered no more than 72 hours prior to boarding.
  • Passengers aged 11 and younger are not required to give proof of vaccination or Antigen or PCR tests.

Moreover, vaccinated travelers must be fully vaccinated and must present proof of vaccination to board the cruise ship. Meanwhile, if any passenger cannot provide proof of vaccination, they will be considered unvaccinated. They will then be subject to testing protocols, just like other unvaccinated people.

It is reassuring to note that all officers and crew on the cruise lines will be fully vaccinated and boosted as part of the cruise line’s comprehensive health and safety protocols. They will also undergo regular routine COVID-19 testing.

Destinations may vary

It should be noted that certain destinations, such as Bermuda, Canada and Greece, may have specific health and safety requirements. This may result in varying protocols that will affect a small number of cruises.

About the cruise lines

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises [Image @regentcruises/Instagram]
It should be noted that Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are all owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Oceania Cruises are known as the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line. Seven small, luxurious ships take a maximum of 1,238 guests on cruises around the world.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line is a leading global cruise company with a fleet of 28 ships, offering almost 60,000 berths and traveling to more than 490 destinations worldwide.

Readers can access more information and current destination-specific deals regarding the SailSafe Simplified travel requirements here.