As the cruise industry resumes operations around the world, most lines have introduced mandates that require passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Mandates can possibly include children.
Not all cruise lines have the same policies and the requirements may also vary from port to port and ship to ship based on the itinerary and countries or states.
Almost all cruise lines are requiring all guests aged 18 and older to be fully vaccinated, without exception, before boarding. And, since many cruise lines also require the booster, it is important to know which vaccines are required before travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that passengers and crew be vaccinated before boarding a ship. The CDC also relaxed safety protocols for vaccinated passengers, potentially allowing less stringent mask requirements.
Below, I’ve listed each cruise line welcoming vaccinated cruisers as well as links to that cruise line’s requirements.
| Cruise Line | Where they sail | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Queen Voyages | American Queen Voyages is known for its Mississippi River cruises as well as sailings down other U.S. rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers, using classic paddle wheeler ships. | |||
| Avalon Waterways | These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt. | |||
| Azamara | Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents. | |||
| Carnival Cruise Line | Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. | |||
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. | |||
| Cunard | Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2. | |||
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. | |||
| Grand Circle Cruise Line | Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. | |||
| Holland America | Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more. | |||
| Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience. | |||
| MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. | |||
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece. | |||
| Oceania Cruises | Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. | |||
| P&O Cruises | The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK. | |||
| Princess Cruises | The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska. | |||
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board. | |||
| Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia. | |||
| Saga | The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe. | |||
| Seabourn | Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean. | |||
| Silversea | Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica. | |||
| UnCruise Adventures | This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii. | |||
| Victory Cruise Lines | Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. | |||
| Viking Cruises | Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. | |||
| Virgin Voyages | The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options. | |||
| Windstar Cruises | Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America. |
During Cruise Travel
Protect Yourself and Others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Follow recommendations for protecting yourself and others.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay in your cabin and notify the onboard medical center immediately. It’s important to report your symptoms, even if they are mild, to protect others on board including passengers at increased risk for severe illness and crew.
Masks
- Follow any ship-specific mask protocols.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for wearing masks in travel and public transportation settings.