Marella Cruises lifts Covid requirements: Latest vaccine & testing rules

Marella Cruises is a hugely popular cruise line that travellers have remained faithful to in a post-pandemic world, with new cruisers also trying out the TUI brand for the first time.

However, there are still dos and don’ts that must be adhered to when cruising and while many Covid rules have been relaxed by most major cruise lines, with Marella among them – some rules do remain in place.

These are the Marella Cruises Covid restrictions you need to be aware of right now. They currently apply to any TUI cruises departing on or before April 30, 2023.

From May 2, 2023, these are set to change, with Marella dropping its vaccination requirements.

This is what you need to know.

Up until April 30, Marella Cruises vaccine rules require passengers over 12 years of age to have been vaccinated for more than 14 days to sail with the TUI cruise line. Holidaymakers must bring proof of this.

TUI Covid requirements dictate that if guests are aged 18 and over and it’s been 270 days since the last dose of a complete vaccine course – or if they have reached 270 days since the vaccine during their cruise – they need to have had their booster at least seven days before sailing. It doesn’t matter if it’s been more than 270 days since your booster.

Children aged 11 and under don’t need to be fully vaccinated to sail with Marella.

However, this is all set to change from May 2 when the TUI cruise line is lifting its vaccine requirements so un-jabbed passengers are free to sail.

Nevertheless it’s worth checking the requirements of the destinations you are visiting on your holiday.

Marella advises: “In good time before your holiday, check the entry requirements for the country your cruise sets sail in and get tested, ensure you fulfil any vaccination requirements, make sure you organise any visa/visa waivers, and fill out a pre-departure form if this is required.”

It adds: “If there are vaccination requirements, and you can’t meet them, please contact us ahead of your sailing.”

All Marella Cruises crew are fully vaccinated.

Regardless of their travel dates, Marella Cruises passengers no longer need to undergo pre-departure Covid tests.

However, travellers do need to agree to be tested for Covid as, depending on the destinations, they may need to be tested multiple times during the holiday.

Do you need to wear a face mask on Marella Cruises ships? The answer is no you don’t, Marella has relaxed its mask-wearing and social distancing protocols.

Marella Cruises’ website states: “We’ll be following local guidance in the destinations which means sometimes you’ll need to wear one to move around the ship, and sometimes you won’t.

“We ask that you continue to bring enough masks for your whole cruise, including any time ashore or at the airport – but you’ll only need to wear a mask if asked to by the crew. This guidance is subject to change at short notice.”

Make sure your passport has at least six months validity left.

Buy comprehensive cruise travel insurance – and bring proof of this on your cruise.

Check the entry requirements for the country your cruise sets sail in and get tested and fill out a pre-departure form if this is required.