Norwegian Cruise Line First to Eliminate COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement, Welcomes All Guests Back

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that beginning on September 3, 2022, “all travelers are invited to sail with us once again, regardless of vaccination status.” This update will allow cruisers of all ages back onboard once again, regardless of vaccination status. 

Today’s announcement makes Norwegian the first cruise line to eliminate the requirement. The cruise line made the update to its Sail Safe website. 

“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. Health and safety is our top priority and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “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.”

Starting September 3, guests of all ages will be allowed to board unvaccinated. However, for guests 12 and older, some pre-cruise testing requirements will remain in place starting at this date: 

• Vaccinated guests ages twelve and older are no longer required to show proof of negative COVID test to board. 
• Unvaccinated guests age twelve and over will be required to show proof of a medically supervised negative PCR or Antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before embarkation.
• Guests ages 11 years or younger will not have any additional protocols or testing requirements. 

Norwegian stipulates that ports may have local regulations which have different requirements to enter certain countries, including Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Therefore, the cruise line recommends guests check the Travel Requirements by Country before sailing (or during booking) to understand country-specific requirements.

For all cruises through September 2, 2022, Norwegian’s current cruise regulations remain in place. All guests ages twelve and over must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure to board. Children under twelve are not required to be vaccinated. The cruise line recommends guests check all Travel Requirements by Country before sailing to understand country-specific requirements.

I Just Want to Cruise! What Does This Mean?

This update officially opens the door for all travelers to cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line starting on September 3, 2022, regardless of vaccination status. So now, regardless if you are vaccinated or not, you are welcome to sail with the cruise line pending you have completed any pre-cruise testing requirements. 

Should you have any questions regarding eligibility or pre-cruise testing requirements, we recommend you visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s Sail Safe website or check with your travel advisor. Additionally, if you are booking/planning an upcoming sailing on or after September 2, 2022, we recommend checking to ensure you fit the Travel Requirements by Country before sailing. 

Read More: Cruise Lines Eliminate COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements & Pre-Cruise Testing

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