ALL cruise Covid testing & vaccine requirements from P&O to Marella

Cruise ship Covid testing requirements and vaccine rules have changed a lot over the last year or so, with cruise lines adopting a very tough stance when cruising resumed last summer.

However, pre-cruise Covid test rules have eased dramatically over 2023 and most major cruise lines have now ditched or simplified their testing and vaccine regulations.

We’ve rounded up the latest vaccine and cruise ship Covid testing requirements for all the major cruise lines, from P&O Covid test rules and Celebrity Cruises Covid testing to Marella Cruises Covid testing and Princess Cruises Covid testing.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises Covid test rules have been ditched, with Covid vaccines and testing no longer mandatory. The former are still “highly recommended” however.

The exception is passengers booked on P&O Cruises voyage J301 – those travelling on Arcadia’s World Cruise, Classic Southern Hemisphere Journeys or Exotic fly-cruises. These guests will need to be fully vaccinated (with a booster if eligible) and complete a Covid test.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises Covid testing UK is no longer needed. Celebrity holidaymakers do not need to be vaccinated or test for Covid when departing from US, Canadian and European ports.

However, the following destinations do still require Covid precautions to be taken so check the rules before you sail:  Australia, Fiji, and Tonga; Chile; and back-to-back sailings visiting Australia, Fiji, Tonga, or Chile.

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises Covid testing no longer requires pre-departure tests, according to the latest Marella cruise Covid test requirements and travellers do not need to be vaccinated to sail.

You should note that some long-haul destinations do still have COVID vaccination requirements in place so do check before you sail.

Princess Cruises

As for Princess Cruises Covid testing, the line explains: “Protocols to cruising have been lifted. This means that for most voyages there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements– it’s easier than ever! ”

It adds: “This applies to itineraries from all departure points except where government regulations may vary like Australia and New Zealand and on a few enhanced guidelines voyages that have their own vaccination and testing requirements,” so it’s worth checking the requirement for your specific voyage ahead of travel.

MSC Cruises

MSC cruise Covid test requirements are no longer in place – you can sail without a vaccine or test.

However, MSC Cruises adds: “Please remember that it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they meet the requirements of any country they may be travelling through before, during and after the cruise.”

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean now welcomes all guests – unvaccinated and vaccinated – to sail.

You don’t need to test either – “Testing will no longer be required to board a Royal Caribbean cruise – regardless of vaccination status,” said the line in its latest update.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises no longer requires vaccines or testing.

This may change depending on your destination. The line states: “Specific requirements, if applicable, will be sent to all guests approximately 30 days prior to sailing. For sailings outside of 30 days, as the entry requirements by country continue to evolve, we encourage all guests to consult with local government websites to determine any additional requirements that may be required to travel.”

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has axed all vaccine and testing requirements.

Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen has also scrapped its cruise Covid testing and vaccine requirements.

The exception is for the line’s World Cruises and Grand Voyages – so do check the rules before you sail if you’re joining this holiday

Holland America Line

Cruise ship Covid testing requirements Holland America Line have been axed, with the line writing: “It is highly recommended that guests are fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) at time of sailing.”

However, Holland America Line cautions: “Enhanced testing and vaccine requirements may apply to certain itineraries, so it is important that guests check the requirements for their specific booking.”

Seabourn

Seabourn says it has “relaxed [its] global protocols and travel requirements for most cruises” but that “it is highly recommended that guests are fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) at time of sailing.”

Passengers are advised to check the rules for their specific sailing ahead of travel.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL has removed all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises Covid rules state that travellers do not need to be vaccinated to sail.

You should check destinations for specific requirements, however.

Viking Cruises

Viking vaccine rules still require all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel. This applies to departures on or before October 31, 2023.

From November 1, 2023, vaccine proof will not be needed.

Covid testing for cruise travel with Viking Cruises is also simplified. Viking highly recommends but does not require, a pre-departure COVID-19 test—unless one is required by the destination.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival does not require Covid testing or vaccines for guests on sailings less than 15 nights – although both are recommended.

As for voyages 16 nights and longer or when required by a destination, guests may have to present a PCR or antigen test taken within three days before sailing (unsupervised self-tests are not accepted) and may have to present proof of vaccination – so check the details ahead of travel.

The Carnival Spirit cruise on September 19, 2023, does not require proof of vaccination, vaccine exemption or testing.

Cunard

Cunard Covid test rules have been axed, with neither testing nor vaccinations required to sail on Cunard cruises outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Cunard states: “This policy is currently under review for our Australia and New Zealand voyages, due to recommence in Autumn 2023” so check back on the line’s website then.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador has lifted all its COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements so all guests, regardless of their vaccination status, are now welcome to sail with the over 50s line.