britannia cruise ship covid requirements

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P&O Cruises Covid restrictions: What rules are onboard? What you can & can't do

Author: Harriet Mallinson

Published on: 05 January 2022

Updated on: 11 March 2022

P&O Cruises are back in full flow now but life onboard cruise ships is still very different to before Covid struck. What restrictions are in place on a P&O cruise?

P&O Cruises regularly updates its travel advice for holidaymakers to ensure all guests are fully prepared for life onboard the popular cruise lines' vessels.

Passengers now more than ever need to make sure they are ready for cruising, whether it's getting vaccinated or buying extra face masks.

P&O cruise holidays have strict requirements and it's vital travellers know what to expect so they are happy with their experience onboard and the trip goes smoothly.

This is everything you need to know about all the cruise rules and restrictions on P&O Cruises right now.

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Adults over 18 travelling up to and including 30 April 2022 must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to their holiday.

The line details: "Fully vaccinated can be either two doses of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines or the single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (approved by MHRA or WHO EUL)."

- READ MORE: Complete guide to cruise lines' vaccine policies -

Children aged 17 and under travelling to the Caribbean must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the cruise while kids aged five to 17 sailing to all countries excluding the Caribbean and Mediterranean have the option to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the holiday or provide a negative PCR result prior to sailing.

Little ones aged four and under travelling to all countries excluding the Caribbean, and children between five and eleven sailing to the Mediterranean, are able to travel providing parents/guardians meet the vaccine requirements

Passengers are required to show proof of vaccination status at the terminal before boarding, which will also be checked against their photo ID. This can be either in digital or printed format.

Do you need a Covid test for a P&O cruise?

All guests will require a negative COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal - provided free of charge.

P&O stipulates: "If you’re travelling with children aged between five and 17 years old who aren’t vaccinated, they will need to take a PCR test within 120 hours prior to travelling to the terminal (again, this will be complimentary).

"Please register with our service provider, Prenetics, and order a PCR pre-cruise testing kit for every unvaccinated guest aged between five and 17 years on your booking. Registration opens five weeks before sailing and closes six days before your embarkation date."

As for those flying to the Caribbean, guests setting sail in Southampton, "will complete a complimentary antigen test at the terminal and must pay for a PCR test on board within three days prior to arrival in Barbados."

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Do you need travel insurance for a P&O holiday?

All UK guests must have comprehensive cruise-specific travel insurance when they sail with P&O.

Insurance must include medical cover of £2million minimum and cover for emergency evacuations and medical expenses related to COVID-19.

You must also ensure your policy includes cover for repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and full cover for any and all pre-existing medical conditions worldwide, or as a minimum, in the countries you are due to visit.

"You’ll be asked to confirm you have travel insurance at the terminal/airport and you may need to provide proof of your policy," said P&O. Without this you risk being denied boarding.

Do you need to wear a face mask on P&O Cruises?

Guests are required to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth (with no exemptions) in specific areas including the terminal, when moving around indoors on board and when seated in the theatre.

P&O says: "You’re free to remove your mask when seated elsewhere around the ship, when out on deck and when exercising. We’d always recommend you regularly clean your masks and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard.

"Please note that visors and face shields aren’t accepted as a substitute for a face mask."

- READ MORE: Complete guide to cruise lines' face mask policies -

What life is like onboard P&O ships

Do you need to social distance on a p&o cruise.

Social distancing "should be practised throughout your holiday," explain P&O Cruises.

You're recommended to "keep a physical distance of at least one metre from guests outside of your travelling party."

The line asks travellers to not be in their cabin at the same time as the stewards cleaning the rooms. P&O also encourage guests to avoid using public toilets where possible (although these will be available).

Is there a buffet on P&O cruise ships?

The buffets and deck grills are available but they may be served by members of staff.

Restaurants and bars are all open but you will just need to pre-book a table in the restaurants or join a virtual queue while staff prepare your table.

- READ MORE: P&O reveals incredible escape room on new ship Arvia -

Can I go on shore excursions alone with P&O Cruises?

Guests can go to shore independently but must adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

P&O recommends purchasing shore excursions prior to travel to ensure you have the option to explore each city.

If for some reason the ship is no longer able to visit a certain port, they will spend another day at another port.

Are there muster drills on P&O cruise ships?

Muster drills are currently being carried out virtually. Passengers are directed to their muster station upon boarding the ship but emergency processes will be available to view via the safety video in cabins rather than in-person.

"The drills will include important health, well-being and safety information as well as the actions you would need to take in the unlikely event of an emergency, including a life jacket demonstration," says P&O.

- READ MORE: Inside P&O's Iona from entertainment to the distillery -

What can't you do on P&O Cruises?

The nursery and night nursery will not be in operation.

What's more, some spa facilities such as the Hydrotherapy pools and sauna may not be available. P&O advises visiting the spa reception for the latest updates.

There are also no professional photographers onboard for the time being.

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Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing

A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing.

Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing.

The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships.

Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan.

Avalon Waterways

Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt.

Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged).

What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required.

Find out more: Avalon Waterways

Where they sail : Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents.

Who needs the vaccine : All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe.

What other safety measures are in place : Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online.

Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.

Find out more : Azamara

Carnival Cruises

Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing.

What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider.

Find out more: Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world.

Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada.

What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada.

Find out more : Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board.

Disney Cruise Line

Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested.

What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted, this requirement will end Nov. 14. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols.

Find out more: Disney Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.

What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.

Find out mor e: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Holland America

Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test.

Lindblad Expeditions

Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Boosters are recommended but not required.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination.

Margaritaville at Sea

Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line.

What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify).

Find out more: Margaritaville at Sea

MSC Cruises

Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required.

What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates.

Find out more : Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt.

P&O Cruises

Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK.

Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol.

What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators.

Princess Cruises

Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test.

Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia.

Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated.

W hat other safety measures are in place: On Royal Caribbean, unvaccinated travelers 12 and older leaving from a U.S. or Caribbean port still have to get tested within three days of embarkation,  according to the cruise line , vaccinated guests are exempt.

Royal Caribbean will accept a variety of tests as proof to board, including simply taking a photo of a self-administered home test.

Find out more : Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy.

What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions.

Find out more : Saga

Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized.

Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation.

UnCruise Adventures

Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii.

Who needs the vaccine: As of April 7, all guests are welcome on board regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test prior to, or during any point of sailing and the cruise line will no longer be running at limited capacity. These measures go into effect on April 7, until then guests 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination, and itineraries may sail at less then full capacity.

Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted.

Victory Cruise Lines

Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise.

Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.

Viking Cruises

Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Guests who are eligible must have a booster.

What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units.

Virgin Voyages

Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options.

Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, the cruise line removed all vaccine and testing requirements for all its ships in late October, according to the company.

What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas.

Find out more : Virgin Voyages

Windstar Cruises

Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Several cruise lines have started announcing vaccination requirements for guests and crew members as the industry looks to restart after the the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, cruise ships that were mid-trip began facing COVID-19 related turmoils as the virus began trickling around the world, leaving passengers stuck, infected, or dead. Shortly after, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order, which was later replaced by its "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order," a compilation of protocols needed for cruising to resume again by November 1.

This sailing order was again updated on April 2. These new guidelines didn't reflect the cruise industry's hope of a sailing return by July , but did recommend cruise lines to establish a timeline for crew and port workers to get the vaccine.

Despite this updated framework — and pent-up demand for  highly anticipated cruise ships and trips — the official return of cruising still remains in limbo. Presently, no major US cruises will be welcoming passengers until May, but companies are constantly extending this pause on sailing .

But as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed across the globe, this could soon change.

"If we start to see vaccines become more widely available, and if the vaccines are being administered in a far more efficient manner than they have been, I think it would be reasonable for the cruise lines to say a vaccine is required," Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of the Atmosphere Research Group, told Insider in an interview.

However, vaccine rollout and accessibility has been a notorious struggle around the world. As a result, Harteveldt notes that it may be "counterproductive" for major cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian to require its guests to receive the vaccine if sailings actually resume in the next few months instead of later in the year, say July.

But over the last month, cruise lines have become increasingly vocal about the vaccine. While some companies — such as Carnival and its Holland America line — are "reviewing" the different vaccines , several others have already announced vaccination protocols for guests and crew members.

These are all the cruise lines with vaccine-related mandates so far:

Saga Cruises

On January 21, United Kingdom-based Saga Cruises announced that it would require all of its passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks before a trip. Saga primarily caters to passengers over 50-years-old.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean expects to require its crew members to receive the vaccine before sailings return, a spokesperson told Insider.

On March 1, the cruise line also announced its first "fully vaccinated" cruise aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, which will be sailing in May from Israel. Both crew members and guests over 16 years old will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to sail on the upcoming cruise.

"Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of  confidence in our policy ," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the press release announcing the cruise . "Just as we made Israel the world champion in vaccines, we will make it the world champion in economics and tourism in the post-coronavirus era."

On March 19 , Royal Caribbean announced a similar series of seven-night sailings from July to August aboard its Adventure of the Seas ship. These summertime cruises will bring guests from Nassau, Bahamas to islands like the Grand Bahama, Cozumel, Mexico, and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Like the Israel-based Odyssey of the Seas sailings, every adult passenger interested in this upcoming Adventure of the Seas collection will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Guests under 18-years-old will instead have to test negative for the virus.

"The vaccines are clearly a game-changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said in a press release . "As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time."

On March 23 , Royal Caribbean announced another set of seven-night summer cruises, this time from Bermuda aboard the Vision of the Seas ship. Like its previous announcements, these new cruises — which will sail from June 26 through August — will require crew members and adult guests to be vaccinated against COVID-19 "at this time." Passengers under 18 years old will instead have to test negative for the virus. 

Guests aboard this recently announced "fully vaccinated" summer cruise will get a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay and an overnight stay in Bermuda.

One day later, the mega cruise line announced another set of fully vaccinated seven-night cruises, this time from Limassol, Cyprus. These cruises, which will sail from July 10 through October, will bring guests around Cyprus and Greece, including tourist hotspots like Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. The same crew, adults, and guests under 18 years old health protocols from the prior two Royal Caribbean announcements apply to this sailing as well. 

Crystal Cruises

On February 18, Crystal Cruises said it would require guests to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before a cruise. The cruise line is also requiring a negative coronavirus test result from travelers and crew members, among other health protocols.

"We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury, and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for all on board," Jack Anderson, the cruise line's interim president and CEO, said in a press release .

Hornblower Group's "overnight" cruise lines

Hornblower Group's American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines have both announced requirements for guests and crew members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for sailings starting July 1.

According to John Waggoner, CEO and founder of American Queen Steamboat Company, requiring the vaccine will ensure the " safest cruising experience possible ." However, the cruise lines is are still looking to resume sailing in April, prior to this vaccination deadline. 

Norwegian Cruise Line and its Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands

Norwegian Cruise Line and its Regent Seven Seas Cruises have announced COVID-19 vaccine requirements for crew members prior to boarding. However, the cruise lines are still "exploring all options" in regards to vaccination requirements for its guests, according to the cruise lines' statements previously sent to Insider.

Now, it seems like Norwegian has made up its mind regarding guest vaccination mandates. On April 5, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced that its three cruise brands — Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — will be requiring both guests and crew members to be fully vaccinated.

"Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings shares the CDC's view that vaccinations are the primary vehicle for Americans to get back to their everyday lives," Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said in a press release. "We believe that through a combination of 100% mandatory vaccinations for guests and crew and science-backed public health measures ... we can create a safe, 'bubble-like' environment for guests and crew."

Now, Norwegian is hoping the CDC will allow it to bypass the Conditional Sailing Order, therefore bringing the cruise line's sailings from US ports back by July 4. 

Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson's adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, has announced it will be making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for both guests and crew in order to "provide the safest travel experience," Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages' CEO, said in an email statement sent to Insider.

"The is a step towards the safe return to sailing and is the right decision for Virgin Voyages," McAlpin said in the statement. "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. Our business makes us uniquely set up to do this with testing and vaccine travel requirements."

P&O Cruises

On March 17, P&O Cruises — owned by Carnival Corp — announced a summertime Ultimate Escape cruise collection that will sail along the UK coast. However, the cruises will only be available to UK residents who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least seven days before the trip.

The decision to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for guests was based on the "advanced progress of the UK vaccination program and strong expressed preference on the part of our guests," P&O said in a press release.

Celebrity Cruises

On March 19, Royal Caribbean's Celebrity Cruises announced seven-night Caribbean sailings departing from June 5 to August aboard the Celebrity Millennium ship. 

Like its parent company's sailings , all crew members and adult guests interested in Celebrity's summer Caribbean cruises will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19. People under 18 years old will instead have to receive a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of the trip.

Windstar Cruises

On March 30, US-based Windstar Cruises announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for its guests and crew. 

Guests interested in sailing with the small cruise line — which oversees six ships — must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Proof of the vaccination and a negative COVID-19 PCR test will then have to be presented in order to board the ship.

Windstar's crew will also have to be vaccinated "as soon as the vaccine is available to them," according to the cruise line .

Cunard will resume sailing with cruises around the UK aboard the Queen Elizabeth ship from July to October. However, don't consider booking a trip unless you're a UK resident that's been vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Guests interested in Cunard's summer cruises must be fully vaccinated at least seven days before sailing, and will be required to show proof. 

Seabourn 

On April 6, Seabourn — owned by Carnival Corporation — announced its new seven to 14-day Mediterranean sailings to and from Athens, Greece starting July 3. From there, passengers will get to see tourist hotspots like Mykonos and Agios Nikolaos, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus.

About two weeks later, it unveiled seven-day cruises beginning July from Barbados to the Caribbean, including destinations like Grenada and St. Maarten.

Like other cruise lines, Seabourn is requiring all guests and crew interested in this upcoming summer cruise series to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before cruising. 

Viking 

The same day Seabourn announced its new fully vaccinated sailings, Viking also unveiled three new eight-day summer cruises, all with a vaccine mandate. These new itineraries will each sail around three different locations starting June: Bermuda, the UK, and Iceland.

Despite the guest vaccine requirement, guests and crew will still have to take a PCR test as well.

"We believe there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage," Torstein Hagen, Viking's chairman, said in the press release ."

On April 8, Royal Caribbean-owned Silversea announced it would require guests and crew — with the exception of those sailing aboard its cruises from Australia — to be fully vaccinated. That same day, Silversea also unveiled its plans to resume sailing on June 18 with 10-day Mediterranean cruises from Greece aboard the Silver Moon ship.

"Vaccinations will play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, which we prioritize above all else," Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises, said in a press release .

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