Carnival Cruise Line is making it easier for guests to set sail with its latest protocol updates, which are designed to meet public health goals while recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19. With these changes, America’s Cruise Line is simplifying the process for guests to get vaccinated and tested, and making it more convenient for more people to enjoy a fun and safe vacation experience.
Here’s what you need to know about the new guidelines, which are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 or later:
Vaccinated guests must still provide proof of their vaccination status prior to embarkation, but they are no longer required to take a pre-cruise test, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece, and Australia (per local guidelines), and for voyages 16 nights or longer.
Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail, and they are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption. However, they must present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within three days of embarkation. This requirement is only waived for cruises in Australia or voyages 16 nights and longer.
Please note that all policies are subject to local destination regulations and that guests under the age of five years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements in the United States and under the age of 12 in Australia.
For voyages 16 nights and longer, specific vaccination and testing requirements will still apply, and you can find more information about these requirements on Carnival’s “Have Fun. Be Safe.” page.
If you have a pending vaccine exemption application for cruises departing Sept. 6 or later, your booking is confirmed unless it’s for a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia, or if the voyage is 16 nights or longer.
“Our ships have been sailing at capacity all summer, but there’s still room for more guests, and these new guidelines will make it a simpler process for everyone to get onboard and enjoy a fun vacation,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re excited to welcome more guests on board as we continue to update our website, communications, and processes to reflect these changes. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests.”