Carnival Cruise Line further eased its COVID-19 rules, dropping most of its remaining requirements this week.
The cruise line no longer requires proof of vaccinations or COVID-19 tests for itineraries of 15 nights or less, according to its website. Carnival spokesman Matt Lupoli told USA TODAY in an emailed statement: “However, regardless of vaccination status, we encourage all guests age 5 and older to travel three days before sailing. carry out testing.”
Passengers aged 18 and over sailing 16 nights or more must be fully vaccinated, or a booster dose if it has been more than 6 months since the last major vaccine series. Unvaccinated travelers must apply for a waiver.
Passengers 5 years and older on these voyages must undergo an antigen or PCR test within three days before sailing, according to the airline’s website. These changes depend on the local requirements of each destination.
Carnival previously eased its COVID-19 requirements last month, no longer requiring unvaccinated guests to apply for exemptions for many of its sailings, but passengers must show proof of vaccination or undergo a test to board.
Other cruise lines change COVID-19 rules
Holland America Line has also increased vaccination requirements for its “standard protocol” sailings, as well as testing rules for unvaccinated passengers, according to the release. These changes are also subject to local restrictions.
“Guests participating in enhanced protocol sailings will be provided with additional information about the protocol based on the port visited,” the line said in a press release. Passengers can also view specific requirements for sailing using the line’s health protocol tool.
Princess Cruises made a similar change last week, removing the remaining vaccine and testing requirements for many sailings. In an email, a Princess spokesperson said the changes “apply to destinations where government regulations may vary, such as Australia and some with enhanced guidance sailings that have their own vaccination and testing requirements”.
Passengers can check their cruise requirements online through the line’s CruiseHealth tool.
The update comes after Norwegian Cruise Line also dropped all mask, vaccine and testing requirements earlier this month. After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 cruise program in July, many cruise lines began easing rules.
