Virgin Voyages to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for All Passengers & Crew
Virgin Voyages today announced that it will require all passengers and crew to have the COVID-19 vaccine prior to boarding any vessel. This official requirement will go into effect for all Virgin Voyages departures once the line begins sailing operations.
"Our goal is to ensure that we're providing the safest travel experience, which means vaccinations for both our crew and passengers," said Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages' president and CEO said in an interview with Good Morning America. "The is a step towards the safe return to sailing and is the right decision for Virgin Voyages. We're really encouraged by the latest rollout plans in the May time frame from the new administration, and we know the future is about vaccinations."
Virgin has not released any official details on what will have to be presented to prove one has received the vaccine before boarding.
Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyage’s first cruise ship, was originally slated to begin sailing in April 2020. All sailings through June 30, 2021 have been canceled. The line plans to have its first official sailing in July 2021. Virgin has also pushed back the planned launch of its second ship, Valiant Lady, until November 14, 2021.
This new requirement from Virgin will add the cruise line to the list of cruise lines with a vaccine requirement. At this time, other lines including Crystal Cruises, American Queen and Victory Cruise Lines have announced passengers sailing with the line will have to present proof of vaccine prior to boarding. Royal Caribbean has also announced that it will offer a ‘fully vaccinated’ cruise ship on Odyssey of the Seas sailing from Tel Aviv this May.
This is a breaking news story. We will continue to update as additional information is available.
Sources: Good Morning America and USA TODAY
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