CRUISE LINES

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published its framework for a Conditional Sailing Order on April 4, 2021, in which it recommended that all port personnel and passengers be vaccinated before travelling on cruise ships.

“As more people are fully vaccinated, the phased approach allows CDC to incorporate these advancements into planning for resumption of cruise ship travel when it is safe to do so,” the agency wrote. “CDC recommends that all eligible port personnel and travellers (passengers and crew) get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to them.”

Several cruise lines have already introduced vaccination requirements for both passengers and crew. American Cruise Lines, which restarted sailing on March 13, announced that all passengers must be fully vaccinated in order to board. (Full refunds or cruise credits are issued to those who are unvaccinated and booked voyages prior to the announcement.) The cruise line also requires passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within four days of the trip.

Avalon Waterways, a river cruise line, has also asked that passengers present printed or digital proof that they have been vaccinated or recovered from a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis within 90 days of their travel. Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the cruise.

U.S. Norwegian Cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Crystal Cruises have also announced that they will require all passengers to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the trip.