CARNIVAL AND PRINCESS SIMPLIFY COVID VACCINE RULES IN A BID TO WELCOME MORE CRUISE PASSENGERS

America’s Carnival Cruise Line is making it easier for more guests to take a cruise holiday with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines.

Carnival Cruise Line and its sister brand Princess Cruises have dropped vaccination requirements for cruises from September 6. Both lines said pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests will also come to an end for the majority of guests. Exceptions include those sailing to Australia, Bermuda, Canada and Greece as per local guidelines and on voyages of 16 nights or longer.

Unvaccinated guests can now also take a cruise if they show a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of setting sail. Exceptions include trips to Australia and cruises of 16 nights or longer.

America’s Cruise Line hopes the simplified guidelines will make it easier for more guests to travel by sea.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy comments: “Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests. These guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months.”

The new guidelines also include eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation.

Carnival and Princess’ latest guidelines

• Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to embarkation
• Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for voyages of 16 nights or more and all cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Australia and Green due to local guidelines
• Unvaccinated guests can sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and over
• Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of departure
• All policies are subject to local destination rules

Duffy added: “We’ve got lots happening, with Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Celebration joining our fleet this November and more to come in 2023. Whatever the ship, homeport or itinerary that works for you, our great onboard team is ready to deliver a fun vacation – something we all look forward to even more nowadays.”

Guests aged under five are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements from the United States and under the age of 12 from Australia.

Those wanting to join voyages of 16 nights and longer will continue to face vaccination and testing rules that are specific to the itinerary. Requirements for long voyages and destination-specific protocols are available on Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. page.

For guests with pending vaccine exemption applications who are awaiting confirmation for cruises departing on September 6 or later, bookings are confirmed unless the trip is more than 15 nights or calls at Canada, Bermuda, or Australia.

Duffy explained that Carnival is in the process of updating its website, communications, and processes, and sharing more details with guests and travel advisor partners to reflect these new, simplified policies.

“We appreciate the patience of our guests and travel advisor partners as we update all materials, but the end result is a very positive one for all who are looking forward to cruising with us,” she added.

Princess Cruises said its updated guidelines reflect the cruise line’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all guests and crew.

Princess Cruises president John Padgett said: “These updated guidelines help ensure a Princess vacation is available to everyone. The Princess experience is truly one-of-a-kind and we encourage everyone to take a Princess vacation that offers amazing service at unmatched value.”

Updated guidelines are subject to the local regulations of applicable homeports and destinations.