NEWS
Norwegian Cruises To Allow Unvaccinated Passengers
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruises will start allowing unvaccinated passengers beginning in September.
The changes will affect all three Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings companies: Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises.
Beginning September 3, the cruise line will allow guests who haven’t received a coronavirus vaccine. However, those 12 and up will be required to show proof of a negative COVID PCR or rapid antigen test taken within 72 hours of boarding.
“Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best-in-class brands,” Frank Del Rio, the president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said in a statement. “Health and safety is our top priority and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves.”
“The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery,” Del Rio added in a press release.
Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 protocols beginning September 3.
Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience before travel.
