Cruise Line Eliminates Pre-Cruise COVID Testing

On Sunday, June 12, 2022, the United States officially lifted its order requiring travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight into the country. As a result, Viking Cruises (operator of Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions) announced that it ​​would discontinue all onboard COVID testing fleetwide. 

Travelers cruising with Viking are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test, however the line still recommends taking one prior to sailing. This announcement makes Viking the first among major cruise operators to lift testing requirements. 

The change is effective immediately for all travelers on any Viking sailing, with the exception of select cruises. Ocean voyages on the Viking Orion and expedition voyages on the Viking Octantis in the United States and Canada will continue to require a pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Viking’s vaccine requirement for all guests and crew remains in place. Crew members will continue to test as needed and wear masks. Additionally, Viking will continue to provide testing at the onboard medical facilities if a guest reports symptoms or requests a test. 

The cruise line and its medical team will continue to assess all health and safety protocols and those of the destinations it visits. In May 2021, Viking established its Health & Safety Program which has allowed it to successfully resume cruising around the world. 

I Have an Upcoming Cruise Scheduled. Do I Still Need to Take a Pre-Cruise Test? 

If you are sailing on any Viking Ocean Crusie, Viking River Cruise, or Viking Expedition voyage you are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test (with the exception of Viking Orion or Viking Ocantis sailings listed above). We recommend following all pre-cruise information provided by Viking and keeping in contact with your travel advisor. 

At this time, Viking Cruises is the only operator to eliminate pre-cruise testing. It is unknown at this time if/when other cruise lines will eliminate the requirement. If you are cruising with another line, we recommend following all instructions given by your cruise line (or provided by your travel advisor) prior to sailing to complete all needed requirements. 

We will continue to provide updates here should announcements be made by additional cruise lines. 

Read More: Pre-Cruise Testing Requirements