Both Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have updated their vaccination and testing requirements based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest decision on COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships protocols.
Starting with Oceania Cruises, effective September 3, 2022, they are no longer requiring vaccinated travelers to test prior to embarkation. Unvaccinated travelers may still sail but must show a recent (taken no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation) negative medically administered COVID-19 test. Travelers under the age of 12 do not have any restrictions.
Also effective September 3, Norwegian Cruise Line will welcome all guests regardless of vaccination status on their ships. Passengers over the age of 12 must show proof of vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to embarkation.
Both companies urge travelers to make sure they are aware of local protocols and travel restrictions in place at each destination. For example, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Cayman Islands and Greece among others, have stricter protocols and the cruise lines will inform travelers sailing to these destinations.
These two cruise lines are following the trend of other major cruise lines – Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America Line and Virgin Voyages – who have also lifted COVID-19 protocols.
All crew must be fully vaccinated and are tested regularly.