avalon river cruise vaccine requirements

Viva La France

BRANCHING OUT FOR THE EARTH

August 16, 2021 Comments Off on Avalon Extends Vaccine Requirement Homepage Slider , News Room -->

Avalon Extends Vaccine Requirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melanie Gravdal [email protected]

GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

LITTLETON, Colorado – August 16, 2021 –  This week, the Globus family of brands – consisting of  Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways  and  Monograms  – announced that it will extend its pre-trip  Health & Safety Protocols , including requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to join any vacation in its portfolio, for travel through March 2022.

“The health and safety of our travelers is our No. 1 priority,” said Scott Nisbet, CEO of the Globus family of brands. “As part of the Globus family of brands’ commitment to ensuring sustainable, responsible travel across the globe, we are extending our requirement for travelers to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination into 2022. By making this announcement now, we’re giving our guests time to plan accordingly, with the assurance to travel more freely in each destination. Our previous decision to require proof of vaccination for 2021 travel was very well-received.”

Moving forward, the Globus family of brands will advise all travelers of vaccine implications or changes with advance notice. For the current policy – in place through March 2022 – all Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms travelers need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, completed at least 14-days prior to embarkation.

The Globus family of brands accepts vaccines authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC) or an official government body.

ABOUT GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States.  Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river- and small-ship cruise options.  Considered the world’s largest tour operator, with 90 years of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value. The Globus family of brands is a proud supporter of The Ocean Cleanup.  For more information, please visit  www.globusfamily.com ; Travel advisors can visit www.globusfamilypartner.com .

Related posts.

• Visit The News Room
• Logos / Images
• FAM Request

Media Inquiries

Melanie Gravdal

[email protected]

Connect with Us

Popular posts.

Packing for a River Cruise

Tips & Tricks for Your River Cruise

Why river line Avalon has the best cabins in Europe

“BEST CABINS” IN RIVER CRUISING

Find us on facebook.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.

Most Popular Tags

Latest posts.

MORE LEGENDS ON LEGENDARY RIVERS

©2014 Avalon Waterways

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing

A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing.

Cruise lines have shifted their requirements for passengers, making cruising accessible to practically everyone. Many popular cruise lines have eliminated the vaccine and pre-embarkation test as the industry is beginning to shift away from mandatory vaccines and testing.

The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. For those looking to check current COVID-19 trends onboard the CDC urges direct contact with the cruise line, and the organization will continue to monitor and offer guidelines to ships.

Below, we break down each line's list of regulations to sail as well as what travelers need to know to plan.

Avalon Waterways

Where they sail: These small-ship river cruises sail throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and down the Nile River in Egypt.

Who needs the vaccine: All international travelers from the U.S. must be fully vaccinated before boarding. Beginning March 2023 the vaccine is no longer required (but strongly encouraged).

What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required.

Find out more: Avalon Waterways

Where they sail : Azamara sails mid-size ships all over the world, to all seven continents.

Who needs the vaccine : All guests and crew 12 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding a ship. Beginning Dec. 1, 2022, the company plans to drop the vaccine requirement for departures from the U.S. and Europe.

What other safety measures are in place : Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. For a full list of ports and whether they require a test guests can check online .

Azamara's ships have been upgraded with new HVAC filtration systems, and EPA-certified disinfectants are used to clean the ship.

Find out more : Azamara

Carnival Cruises

Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. The company sailed its maiden voyage on the Mardi Gras out of Florida in July.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are encouraged to be vaccinated but unvaccinated travelers, or vaccinated guests without proof of vaccination, will have to present the negative results of a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days before sailing.

What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. Itineraries including Bahamas, Bermuda, or Grand Cayman will still be required to test. All guests will also be required to fill out a health screening 72 hours before embarkation and undergo health screenings prior to boarding. Unvaccinated travelers on a cruise to Bermuda will be required to purchase travel insurance (children under 12 are exempt as long as they are traveling with vaccinated parents).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider.

Find out more: Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world.

Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. A vaccine is required for sailings visiting Canada.

What other safety measures are in place: A pre-embarkation test is no longer required for vaccinated guests on sailings nine days or less. Unvaccinated passengers will still be required to test three days prior to sailing. Self-tests are acceptable from European and U.S. ports that don't stop in Bermuda or Canada.

Find out more : Celebrity Cruises

Where they sail: Cunard, which sails all over the world, is known for its transatlantic journeys aboard the Queen Mary 2.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 18 and older must be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers under 18 will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of their departure.

What other safety measures are in place: Cunard has "enhanced" their onboard ventilation systems and implemented mandatory mask-wearing policies indoors. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Crew will be tested regularly while on board. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board.

Disney Cruise Line

Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccination is no longer required by highly suggested.

What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted, this requirement will end Nov. 14. The Cruise line also has a full list of enhanced cleaning protocols.

Find out more: Disney Cruise Line

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.

What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel , and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.

Find out mor e: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Holland America

Where they sail: Holland America sails large ships all over the world, including to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Who needs the vaccine: Unvaccinated guests are welcome but will be required to self-test three days before cruising.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated passengers traveling on ships for less than 16 days excluding itineraries with the Panama Canal, trans-ocean, and other selected itineraries will no longer be required to test.

Lindblad Expeditions

Where they sail: Lindblad Expeditions is known for its adventurous trips to hard-to-reach destinations like Antarctica and the Russian Far East, partnering with National Geographic to add to the experience.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. Boosters are recommended but not required.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing will not be required unless for a specific destination.

Margaritaville at Sea

Where they sail: Margaritaville at Sea offers 3-day cruises to Grand Bahama Island departing from the port of Palm Beach. The cruise line also offers the opportunity to take the ship one way to the Bahamas to allow guests to stay at the Margaritaville resort, and then take the ship back to the Bahamas at a later date.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome regardless of vaccination status, according to the cruise line.

What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify).

Find out more: Margaritaville at Sea

MSC Cruises

Where they sail: MSC Cruises sails large ocean cruises around the world, including throughout Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf, and the Caribbean. In August, the company started sailing to the Bahamas with a stop at its private island, Ocean Cay.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required.

What other safety measures are in place: Fully-vaccinated passengers are no longer required to show proof of a negative test unless it is required of the destination. Unvaccinated children must show proof of a negative PCR test.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Where they sail: Norwegian sails big ocean cruises all around the world, including popular itineraries all throughout the Caribbean and Greece.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers may sail regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required for any passenger regardless of vaccination status with the exception of local government mandates.

Find out more : Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries.

Who needs the vaccine: All passengers regardless of vaccination status are allowed to sail.

What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and younger are exempt.

P&O Cruises

Where they sail: The UK-based cruise line sails around Europe, including to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Caribbean from Southampton in the UK.

Who needs the vaccine: Although P&O Cruises' policy states that passengers over the age of 15 are required to be vaccinated, the latest update on its website says guests will be contacted directly in regards to vaccination protocol.

What other safety measures are in place: All guests are required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the terminal. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators.

Princess Cruises

Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where they sail: Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive luxury cruises around the globe, which include perks like free airfare, free excursions, and complimentary unlimited drinks on board.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are now welcome. Unvaccinated passengers will be required to test 3-days before embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Pre-departure testing may not be necessary depending on the port. Currently cruises leaving from Bermuda, Canada, and Greece will require a test.

Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: Royal Caribbean sails large ocean ships all over the world, including many popular itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Asia.

Who needs the vaccine: Everyone is welcome regardless of vaccination status, passengers traveling to Bermuda or Canada are required to be vaccinated.

W hat other safety measures are in place: On Royal Caribbean, unvaccinated travelers 12 and older leaving from a U.S. or Caribbean port still have to get tested within three days of embarkation,  according to the cruise line , vaccinated guests are exempt.

Royal Caribbean will accept a variety of tests as proof to board, including simply taking a photo of a self-administered home test.

Find out more : Royal Caribbean International

Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot at least 14 days before boarding a ship. Saga was the first major cruise line to implement this vaccination policy.

What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions.

Find out more : Saga

Where they sail: Seabourn's mid-size luxury cruises head all around the world, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are not required on most cruise itineraries, unvaccinated guests will be required to present a negative test taken within three days of embarkation.

What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized.

Where they sail: Silversea brings guests all around the world in luxury and style, including to the Galapagos and Antarctica.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome, however, unvaccinated guests may not be welcome on all sailings depending on local regulations.

What other safety measures are in place: Vaccinated guests do not need a pre-departure test unless local regulations such as cruises leaving from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, or Greece require it. Unvaccinated travelers will need a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of embarkation.

UnCruise Adventures

Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii.

Who needs the vaccine: As of April 7, all guests are welcome on board regardless of vaccination status.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test prior to, or during any point of sailing and the cruise line will no longer be running at limited capacity. These measures go into effect on April 7, until then guests 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination, and itineraries may sail at less then full capacity.

Masks are required in public spaces, according to the company "bandana" and "buff" face masks will not be accepted.

Victory Cruise Lines

Where they sail: Victory Cruise Lines is known for its Great Lakes cruises, providing all-inclusive sailings to see breathtaking sights from Niagara Falls to the iconic architecture of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Beyond the U.S., Victory Cruise Lines sails to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew will be required to be vaccinated before boarding, and will be required to show physical proof prior to boarding.

What other safety measures are in place: Testing is no longer required on any river cruise.

Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.

Viking Cruises

Where they sail: Viking sails ocean and river cruises all over the world, including throughout Europe. This summer, Viking will sail several voyages, including around England for UK residents, to Bermuda, and to Iceland in June.

Who needs the vaccine: All guests must be fully vaccinated to board a ship. Guests who are eligible must have a booster.

What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. All staterooms are equipped with independent air handling units.

Virgin Voyages

Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options.

Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, the cruise line removed all vaccine and testing requirements for all its ships in late October, according to the company.

What other safety measures are in place: Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line to eliminate pre-departure testing for vaccinated guests. The cruise line will continue to work with an advisory board to help ensure health and safety on board at all times, including the use of air filtration systems and sanitization of high touch surface areas.

Find out more : Virgin Voyages

Windstar Cruises

Where they sail: Windstar operates small-ship cruises and several sailing vessels all around the globe, including to places like Central America .

Who needs the vaccine: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before boarding one of Windstar's yachts. Boosters are highly encouraged and are recommended to be administered at least one week prior to travel.

What other safety measures are in place: Guests no longer need a pre-embarkation test unless a specific destination requires it.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Related Articles

Do I need a COVID vaccine to cruise? A line-by-line guide

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.

When the first cruises allowing Americans restarted in spring 2021, all major lines were sailing with at least 90% of passengers vaccinated against COVID-19. That meant they required just about everyone on board to have their shots, with only a few exceptions allowed for young children and people who can’t be vaccinated due to medical conditions or religious beliefs.

Since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has withdrawn its opt-in guidance for cruise lines, and most are now allowing unvaccinated passengers to sail. In fact, most aren’t even checking to see if cruisers are vaccinated or not.

However, with cases picking up seasonally and new booster vaccines rolling out, will you need a vaccine to cruise? Click on your favorite cruise line above, under “Jump to Section,” to find out.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s new cruise newsletter .

Note: In order to be considered “fully vaccinated,” passengers must have received their final shot (not including boosters) at least 15 days prior to embarkation. Most lines only accept vaccines (or a combination of vaccines) recognized and approved by the World Health Organization and the CDC. Generally, proof of inoculation must include your name, the type of vaccine you received and the dates on which you received all required doses.

Booster shots are not required unless specifically noted. However, keep in mind that the rules may vary by country, with some lines requiring boosters for international departures due to local regulations or for extra-long sailings like ocean crossings when port calls are few or nonexistent. Passengers who have their boosters are considered “up to date” rather than merely “fully vaccinated.”

For general information on testing, please refer to our article on cruise testing requirements .

AmaWaterways

Vaccine required no.

AmaWaterways no longer requires proof of vaccination for passengers. However, cruisers are responsible for meeting the requirements of the countries in which they’ll be traveling. If they do not, standard cancellation fees will apply. Pre-cruise testing is not required. Should passengers become ill during their cruise, AmaWaterways will assist in procuring testing and other medical services, which will be the financial responsibility of those guests.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines does not have a vaccine requirement for all passengers on any of its sailings. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required.

American Queen Voyages

Vaccines are not required to sail with American Queen Voyages , and pre-cruise testing is no longer required.

Related: What happens if someone tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Vaccination is not mandatory for Atlas cruises, but passengers must comply with regulations in countries on their scheduled itinerary, which could require that they be up to date on their shots. Additionally, pre-cruise testing is no longer a requirement.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test prior to passenger boarding. However, mandatory testing and proof of vaccination could still be required in some countries the line visits.

Azamara recommends that passengers follow local regulations and the latest guidance from government health organizations when determining which vaccines to obtain prior to travel. The line also does not require negative test results in order to board unless mandated by local governments in the ports where the line’s ships sail.

Carnival Cruise Line

Neither vaccines nor pre-cruise testing is required for Carnival sailings. However, the line recommends that anyone 5 years or older be up to date on their shots and carry proof. It also suggests that cruisers test themselves no further than three days from their sailing date to make sure they’re in good health.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity does not mandate vaccination or testing for any passenger on any sailing unless required by regulations in the ports its ships are visiting.

Related: Cruise ship contact tracing: How the world’s major lines are tracking COVID-19 exposure

Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal continues to require all crew members to be fully vaccinated, but passengers don’t have to be. The line recommends anyone 12 and older be up to date on their inoculations. Testing is also no longer necessary in order to board Celestyal ships.

Cunard Line

Although Cunard suggests that travelers be fully vaccinated and current with their boosters, proof of immunization is not required, nor is pre-cruise testing for any of the line’s sailing unless required by law.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line encourages — but does not require — all passengers to be fully vaccinated before sailing. It also recommends pre-cruise testing, no more than two days prior to embarkation, for anyone who doesn’t have their shots.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises suggests that all passengers be vaccinated, but it no longer checks for proof. Pre-cruise testing is also no longer required, but the line advises travelers to check local regulations in the places they’ll be visiting.

Grand Circle Cruise Line

Vaccine required yes.

Grand Circle has mandated that all passengers must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to embarkation as a condition of carriage, and proof must be provided before boarding. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated will have to return home at their own expense. Boosters are not mandatory. Pre-cruise testing might be required, depending on your port of embarkation. (The line will send you that information prior to your sailing.)

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Hapag-Lloyd does not require vaccinations or pre-cruise testing as a condition of sailing. However, the line recommends both to passengers as precautions. It also advises that cruisers are responsible for knowing and adhering to all local guidelines and regulations.

Holland America

Holland America now allows unvaccinated passengers to sail and does not make pre-cruise testing compulsory unless either of these is required by local regulations in the areas its vessels sail. Booked cruisers can search for requirements specific to their individual sailings by using this tool .

Hurtigruten

Vaccine required sometimes.

On expedition cruises with Hurtigruten , passengers are not required to show proof of vaccination, except on 2023 and 2024 voyages to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage or West Africa sailings departing from and returning to Dakar. Immunization is also not necessary for the line’s non-expedition itineraries, but it is recommended for both coastal voyages and expedition cruises. Neither type of cruise requires negative test results as a condition of embarkation. Passengers with reservations can check specific protocols for their specific bookings using this tool .

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad passengers no longer need to provide proof of vaccination in order to cruise, and pre-cruise testing is no longer required, including at embarkation. Exceptions might apply for departures from certain destinations. The line urges passengers to follow government recommendations for masking, testing and vaccination.

Related: Why I feel safer now on a cruise ship than in my hometown

MSC Cruises

Vaccination and testing are no longer terms of carriage when sailing with MSC Cruises . The line still recommends that passengers receive their shots and notes that it’s each passenger’s responsibility to comply with local regulations in the places their sailing visits.

Norwegian Cruise Line

In early August 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line became the first major cruise line to roll back its vaccination requirements. Proof of immunization is no longer required, nor is testing in order to board for any voyage.

Oceania Cruises

Upscale cruise line Oceania does not check vaccination records for passengers, nor does it require pre-cruise testing for its sailings.

P&O Cruises

There are no vaccination or testing mandates in place for any of P&O Cruises ‘ voyages.

Ponant ‘s website simply reads, “when you visit certain destinations, vaccines can be recommended,” but they are not required by the line. Ponant also says it will alert passengers to their specific requirements after they have booked a voyage. Testing is also not needed in order to board.

Princess Cruises

Following an industry-wide rollback of protocols, Princess passengers no longer have to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine, nor proof of a negative test result, unless either is required by local regulations. Passengers are responsible for knowing the requirements for the places their ships will visit.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent doesn’t check the vaccination status of any of its passengers unless required by local protocols. Testing requirements vary by location and might depend on whether or not you are up to date on your shots. If vaccination or testing is required, the line will alert cruisers approximately 30 days prior to their sailing date.

Royal Caribbean

To board Royal Caribbean ships, you don’t have to be vaccinated or provide test results. However, the line advises staying up to date on inoculations and following guidelines issued by federal health authorities.

Saga has rolled back its vaccination and testing requirements, which is significant, given that the line only allows passengers 50 and older to sail on its vessels. They will only be required if local authorities dictate them.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Passengers embarking on river and ocean voyages with Scenic will not need to be fully immunized prior to sailing. Testing is not required by the line but might be needed to enter the country in which you’re embarking on your sailing. Passengers are responsible for meeting entry requirements.

For cruises with luxury line Seabourn , there are no line-enforced regulations for vaccination or testing unless required by local authorities in the countries on which its vessels call. To see if your booked sailing requires either of these, check out the line’s search tool .

Luxury brand Silversea does not require shots for its passengers or pre-cruise tests unless they’re needed to meet local regulations.

Star Clippers

Star Clippers has eliminated all vaccine checks and testing protocols for all passengers on all voyages.

For all voyages through 2023, Tauck requires passengers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated and have at least one booster dose and/or show proof of recovery from COVID-19. Passengers 11 years old and younger are not required to be fully vaccinated. If they aren’t fully vaccinated or don’t have a booster, they must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result from a test taken no more than three days prior to embarkation. For sailings in 2024, vaccination and testing requirements will be waived for all passengers.

UnCruise Adventures

All UnCruise passengers are exempt from vaccine and testing requirements. The line will continue to monitor the effects of new variants, as well as CDC recommendations and will adjust its policies accordingly.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Testing requirements are determined by the countries the ships visit, but the line itself has no vaccine or testing mandates of its own. You can check the protocols for the places on your itinerary for the most up-to-date information by visiting the protocols page on Uniworld’s website .

All Viking passengers, whether on a river sailing or an ocean voyage, must be fully vaccinated for sailings departing on or before Oct. 31, 2023. It will not be required for cruisers embarking on or after Nov. 1, 2023. Testing is no longer required unless passengers are exhibiting symptoms and seek medical assistance.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages will not check proof of immunization or a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar no longer mandates shots for passengers of any age. Testing is not required by the line but might be necessary based on local regulations, which with passengers must comply.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Cruise? It Depends on the Ship and Destination

While most cruise lines have scrapped covid vaccine and testing requirements, some companies and international cruise ports still have vaccination and testing rules in place..

• Copy Link copied

If you’re planning on sailing with Viking anytime soon, you’d better track down that COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Courtesy of Viking

When cruising restarted in spring 2021, after a nearly 15-month pandemic-spurred shutdown imposed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cruisers faced a barrage of rules, including strict requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and precruise COVID-19 testing. Later, the rules started to go by the wayside, and it was hard to keep track of who was requiring what. Not anymore.

Most cruise lines have now dropped or are soon dropping rules for both vaccinations and precruise testing, with at least one notable exception. Viking —on its river, ocean, and expedition ships—still requires everyone on board be fully vaccinated .

Another line that was still requiring COVID vaccinations, small-ship line Windstar Cruises, will be scrapping its vaccine mandate as of June 1, 2023. “We’ve invested in and improved our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “When combined with the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors are considerably lower now, giving us the confidence to lift the requirement.”

Are COVID vaccinations and testing still required for cruises?

Most cruise lines have dropped both their vaccine and testing requirements. Those that have lingered into 2023—mostly lines operating smaller ships—have been quietly scaling back their requirements.

The result: While there was a time after cruising restarted that you could be assured that your fellow passengers, at least those age 12 and up, were both fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 before getting on the ship, that is not the case anymore.

That said, specific countries have their own requirements, and several countries still require that cruise ship passengers are vaccinated and/or tested before arrival. If you are doing an itinerary outside of the Caribbean or Europe (where most vaccine and testing requirements have been dropped)—including to select countries in Central and South America or to Australia—you still have to read your cruise line’s precruise health and safety information carefully to make sure you comply with the latest requirements.

Contact your cruise line or check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for the latest.

What to know before you cruise

Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules.

Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise line’s health and safety protocols. If a precruise test is required by a certain country, you will find that noted. In this case, you may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. (If testing is required, it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test , paid for by the passenger. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.)

If being fully vaccinated is required, that means having received the original series of vaccines at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot or shots.

As was the case even before the pandemic, you will be asked at embarkation to fill out a questionnaire inquiring about your current health status and whether you currently have any symptoms of illness.

You are free to pack and wear masks on your cruise. Most cruise lines suggest you do wear masks in crowded indoor situations—but it’s not enforced.

A quick cruise line guide to COVID requirements

Here’s a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding.

American Queen Voyages

On American Queen Voyages’ river, ocean, Great Lakes, and expedition ships, there are no longer any precruise testing or vaccinations required. Face coverings are optional, though masks may be required of any passengers showing symptoms.

Precruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests sailing with Azamara , except in ports where testing is required. No vaccination is necessary for cruises departing from or returning to the United States or Europe. In Australia, all guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses (including a booster shot). Children under 12 years old are not required to be vaccinated.

Celebrity Cruises

No vaccination or testing is required on the majority of Celebrity Cruises sailings. Destinations with stricter requirements include: the Galápagos, Australia and New Zealand, transatlantic crossings, and select Central and South America itineraries. Unvaccinated guests need to be tested in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

As of April 23, 2023, on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria , and as of June 8, 2023, on the Queen Elizabeth , vaccinations and testing will no longer be required by Cunard (until then, testing and vaccination requirements apply).

Disney Cruise Line

For sailings embarking from the United States, which are the bulk of Disney Cruise Line’s sailings, no vaccination or testing is required. Disney recommends all guests be vaccinated before sailing and take a test for COVID-19 two days prior to their cruise. There are additional requirements on repositioning cruises and in Australia, so it is important to check the line’s website before your cruise.

Holland America Line

There are no precruise testing or vaccination requirements on most Holland America Line itineraries. There are requirements on select voyages (you can look up a specific voyage’s requirements on the line’s website).

Lindblad Expeditions

For voyages embarking on or after May 11, 2023, Lindblad Expeditions will no longer require guests to be fully vaccinated, although the line recommends guests be fully vaccinated (for cruises prior to that time, all passengers age five and up must be vaccinated). Lindblad recommends, but does not require, passengers take a predeparture COVID-19 test within five days of the start of their expedition.

Oceania Cruises

Vaccine requirements are purely dependent on the destinations being visited on each Oceania cruise. Passengers are advised to be up to date on the latest regulations for all destinations on their cruise itinerary.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Effective April 2023, Paul Gauguin Cruises no longer requires that passengers are vaccinated or tested for COVID prior to embarkation, but it continues to encourage vaccination. “Paul Gauguin Cruises’ officers, staff and crew will remain fully vaccinated,” the line states. Travelers will need to present a health declaration form at embarkation.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Vaccines and precruise testing are generally not required to sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises . There are some requirements in place based on local health regulations in a specific country a ship is visiting. Regent notifies guests approximately 30 days prior to sailing of any country-specific protocols.

Royal Caribbean

No vaccine or precruise testing is required on the majority of Royal Caribbean itineraries, with a few exceptions: Cruises from Australia, transpacific and transatlantic sailings, and cruises from Hawai‘i to Vancouver.

No vaccine or testing required except on certain Seabourn itineraries where a country may have specific requirements.

No vaccination is required for Silversea passengers except as designated by the destination. Precruise testing is not required except when specified by a destination.

Viking Cruises

All passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition ships—without exception. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. Viking recommends but does not require a predeparture COVID-19 test (except if required by a destination).

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has no precruise testing or vaccination requirements. Masks may be required at select times.

Windstar Cruises

Beginning June 1, 2023, Windstar will no longer require guests to be vaccinated. Crew will continue to be vaccinated. Masks are optional, with the line highly recommending guests wear masks in indoor public spaces. All guests fill out a health questionnaire on embarkation. A precruise COVID-19 test is not required unless you show symptoms.

This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on April 19, 2023, with current information.

Travel Alert Advisory

• TRAVEL ADVISORY
• HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
• TRAVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Travel Entry Requirements

For river cruises in 2023 and 2024, AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to board our ships. All guests traveling with AmaWaterways remain responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements for each country they plan to visit before, during or after their river cruise. These requirements, as mandated by airlines and individual countries or regions , may change without notice and cancellation fees will apply should guests no longer meet the country entry requirements for their cruise or land program.

Itinerary Requirements Summary:

• For Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium cruises : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
• For Rhine, Main and Moselle Cruises : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
• For Upper Danube Cruises (between Hungary and Germany) : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
• For Lower Danube Cruises (between Hungary and Romania) : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
• For cruises in Portugal and Spain : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter any of the countries along these itineraries.
• For cruises in Portugal only: guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter Portugal.
• For cruises in France : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter France.
• For cruises in Egypt : guests are not required to present proof of vaccination to enter Egypt.

*European Medicine Agency (EMA): double doses - BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Covaxin, Covovax, Moderna, Nuvaxovid (Novavax). Johnson & Johnson (single dose).

**For guests with a non-EMA Covid-19 vaccine please ensure the validity of your vaccine(s) with all countries you will be visiting.

***To cruise with AmaWaterways, children 4 years of age need a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of embarkation.

For all cruises after October 1, 2022, AmaWaterways guests will need to meet the following vaccination requirements:

• Fully Vaccinated
• Or Negative Antigen or PCR test 48 hours prior to embarkation
• Or a Covid recovery letter not older than 60 days

This also applies to accompanied minors. Guest will be required to show proof of one of the above criteria prior to embarkation or the start of their land package with AmaWaterways. The criteria for being considered "fully vaccinated" may differ from country to country and can impact your travel.

• Terms and Conditions
• Lost & Found
• Passenger Ticket Contract
• Employment Opportunities
• Privacy Policy
• Unsubscribe
• Cruise Finder
• Destinations
• Vietnam & Cambodia
• Wine Cruises
• Golf Cruises
• Christmas Markets
• Land Packages
• Mission Statement
• Why AmaWaterways
• The Luxury Of More
• Already Booked
• Kristin's Blog
• Media Library
• Travel Advisor Portal

Avalon Waterways alters health protocols to include guest vaccinations

River cruise line avalon waterways revealed the line will require its guests to have proof of covid-19 vaccination or a negative covid-19 test result or proof of recovery..

These new protocols will take effect in April 2021.

“We have continued to enhance on-trip safety standards throughout the pandemic to ensure we’re ready to welcome guests back to travel when the world is ready,” said Gai Tyrrell, Managing Director Australasia of Globus family of brands.

“Today, we’re unveiling new pre-trip requirements.”

Travellers are now required to offer Globus family of brands’ personnel one of the following printed and/or digital verifications upon arrival:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72-hours of travel
• Proof of recovery from a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis within three months of travel

Without one of these verifications, travellers will not be able to join a planned holiday with Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways or Monograms. These requirements are in addition to any federal or state government regulations.

In addition to unveiling new COVID-19 parameters required at the start of each holiday departure, the Globus family of brands announced that they will facilitate – and cover – additional COVID-19 testing, if required, for guests to return to their home country, as well as tests on trip if guests show symptoms.

Related Posts

Find out all you need to know from our professional Cruise Passenger team

What $129,500 will get you on a 14-day super-luxe adventure to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands

The 52-word insurance clause that cost Melanie $20,000

10 cruise scams you might not know are out there

Cruise industry launches campaign for change as ships sail away

Sky high port charges are driving cruise ships away from Australia

Silversea celebrates 30 years with most energy efficient ship and a new presence in Australia

Change of guard at Ponant with Deb Corbett taking over as CEO Asia Pacific

P&O Australia democratised cruising and will leave a big hole

We want Saturdays off, says Alaskan town where every other person is a cruise ship passenger

The search is on for an Aussie cruise celebrity like Pitbull

We’ve lost 30% of our cruise ship capacity – did greed and regulation kill off our favourite holiday?

Japan cruises rule the waves with 40% savings as Asia becomes hot

Cruise&Travel magazine is Australia’s No.1 publication for travel enthusiasts.

There are four issues per year, with each issue is packed full of must-read features, including cruise news, reviews, destination guides and the most enticing itineraries.

• Tips & Advice
• &Travel
• Cruise Planner
• Editorial Guidelines
• Privacy Policy

Vaccinations for Cruises: What's Required Where

It's easy to feel safe on a cruise, especially if you stick to well-touristed areas and don't eat or drink local foods in port. In this way, you might feel one step removed from exposure to communicable diseases commonly found in the countries you visit by ship. That feeling of safety is justified to a certain extent, but there are still risks that might require you to get a few jabs before you leave home.

For example, adventurous outdoor activities carry a risk from insect and animal bites in some locations, as do tattoos and piercings almost anywhere. Regardless of what you plan to do in port, there may be vaccines that are required for entry into certain countries, even when you arrive by cruise ship. You should plan to get vaccines that are required and/or recommended at least a month before your travel dates.

In addition to vaccines required by individual countries, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues guidelines for vaccinations that are recommended for travel, with special information for cruisers, as well as for children and travelers with compromised immune systems.

At the top of its list for travelers to all destinations are vaccinations for measles (MMR) . Flu shots and routine childhood immunizations, including the diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine (DPT), varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and polio vaccine are all recommended by the CDC before travel. (Because these are standard for all travelers, we will not repeat them in the individual listings below.)

Here's a rundown of which vaccines are required where, plus those you may want to consider before your next cruise. Keep in mind that cruise lines might not notify you of required vaccines before sailing.

On This Page

Australia, new zealand and the south pacific, central and south america.

Required: Yellow fever is of primary concern throughout Africa . Many countries in the central and the western side of the continent are considered high risk for exposure, and the vaccine is required for all cruisers visiting those countries, including The Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Angola.

On the east coast, the risk is lower and the vaccine is only required for those who have visited high-risk areas first. If your cruise only visits the east coast and you do not travel far inland in any of those countries, no vaccine is needed. For example, if your cruise stops in Cameroon, Ghana or the Gambia you will need the vaccine in those and subsequent countries even though coastal Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa are considered low risk.

Recommended: In addition to yellow fever in the high-risk countries, the CDC recommends typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines for most travelers to Africa, as well as malaria prevention medications. Additional vaccines to discuss with your doctor include meningitis for travel during the drier season of June–December and hepatitis B for travelers who may encounter contaminated needles or medical equipment.

Cholera vaccine is recommended only to travelers to specific areas in Africa with active outbreaks. The CDC's up-to-date cholera information  is the best place to find where those outbreaks have occurred.

The rabies vaccine is recommended for some travelers, specifically those who will be spending a great deal of time outside participating in hiking, biking and caving where animal bites are possible.

Required: Most Asian countries have a relatively low risk of yellow fever transmission, but many are quite strict in requiring proof of vaccination from travelers who have been to African or South American countries considered high risk.

India, for example, requires a six-day quarantine for travelers who don't have proof of vaccination if they have visited a high-risk region in the six days before arrival in India. The quarantine is also required even if travelers themselves did not visit a high-risk area but arrive on a cruise ship that made a port of call in a high-risk country in the 30 days prior and has not been disinsected according to the standards of the World Health Organization. (The process of using pesticides to stop the transmission of yellow fever is common on both aircraft and ships leaving the high-risk area.)

As strict as that sounds, cruise lines would be aware of the restriction, with most avoiding such a route. Cruise lines that do schedule sailings in these exotic areas do so knowingly and take all necessary measures between ports of call.

For example, we found at least one cruise on Seabourn that makes port calls in The Gambia, Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Angola (all of which are high-risk areas) before landing in India inside the 30-day window. A spokesman for the Seabourn Hotel Operations team confirmed that the ship follows all precautions to kill mosquitoes (which transmit yellow fever) and eliminate their breeding grounds (standing stagnant water), such as additional cleaning of outside decks and adding insect-trapping filters to air-conditioning systems.

In general, if you are visiting a country at high risk for yellow fever, you need the vaccine to enter that country, so you won't have a problem with subsequent visits in Asia, unless you forget your proof of vaccination. Even that is not a likely scenario because in most cases the cruise line will require the proof at the time you initially board the ship.

Recommended: Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for visits to Asia. In addition to the standard CDC recommendations for all travelers, talk to your doctor about hepatitis A and typhoid, both of which are recommended throughout Asia for most travelers.

Malaria prevention medications are recommended for tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, as is vaccination for Japanese encephalitis, particularly if you will be spending a great deal of time outdoors where there are mosquitoes in warm seasons.

Rabies vaccine is recommended for those who participate in outdoor adventure activities where animal bites may occur.

Required: Cruisers traveling to Australia and many tropical islands of the South Pacific who have visited or transited through areas with a high risk of yellow fever transmission within six days before arrival are required to have vaccination certificates for yellow fever. The high-risk areas are all in Africa and South America, making it an unlikely occurrence for most cruisers. The exception would be if you are on a land-based tour that includes any of the high-risk countries before traveling to Australia.

Recommended: In addition to the standard vaccine recommendations, the CDC recommends vaccines for hepatitis A if you will be eating and drinking in ports in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and hepatitis B if you will be exposed to needles through tattoos, piercings, drug use or medical procedures.

Rabies is present in Australian bats, but the risk of exposure is low for most cruisers.

Exposure to Japanese encephalitis is possible in remote areas of far Northern Australia, including the area near Thursday Island. Vaccination is recommended primarily for those planning to spend a great deal of time outdoors where they would be exposed to infected mosquitoes.

Required: The risk of yellow fever transmission is relatively low throughout the Caribbean , other than in Trinidad and Tobago. Even there, the vaccine is not required unless the traveler has recently been to another yellow fever high-risk area. The same requirement applies in many island nations in the region.

That means that yellow fever vaccinations for Caribbean cruises are not required if your cruise is wholly contained within the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, and you have not visited South America before arrival in the Caribbean. The obvious exception would be if your cruise stops anywhere with the requirement after visiting Trinidad and Tobago. The confusing factor here is that the CDC specifically does not recommend the vaccine in Trinidad and Tobago for cruise passengers.

Here's an example of a Caribbean cruise that could trigger a yellow fever vaccination requirement: If your ship stops at Charlotteville, Tobago (where the vaccine is not mandatory, or even recommended) and then stops in Bonaire, Grenada or St. Lucia, among others, the vaccination would become necessary. And, while vaccine certificates may or may not be checked upon arrival in those countries by cruise ship, the fact that it is required means authorities can prevent unvaccinated passengers from leaving the ship if they choose to do so.

Recommended: The CDC recommends hepatitis A for most travelers. The typhoid vaccine is also recommended in the Caribbean for most travelers. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers who may come into contact with contaminated needles, so if you plan on getting a souvenir tat in the Caribbean, plan on getting a vaccination ahead of time.

Cholera vaccine is only recommended in areas with active outbreaks, which currently does not include any cruise ports, despite past outbreaks in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Required: No vaccines are required for cruising through Europe .

Recommended: In addition to routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends vaccinations for hepatitis A if you plan to eat and drink in port, for hepatitis B if you will be exposed to needles and for rabies if you will be exposed to wildlife, particularly to bats in caves.

Required: Many countries in South America require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry if you are arriving from an area known for a high-risk rate of transmission. Cruising between countries in the region can be tricky. For example, Brazil does not currently require the vaccination for entry, but if your cruise stops in Brazil, followed by South American ports in tropical areas of the continent, proof of vaccination will be required in the subsequent countries.

A similar situation applies to the Central American countries of Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, all of which require vaccination if your ship stopped in a port within a high-risk area first. We studied common cruise routes and found examples of east-to-west Panama Canal cruises that stop in Cartagena before cruising through the canal and on to multiple Central American ports. The stop in Colombia would trigger the mandatory vaccination in subsequent ports of call.

Recommended: Regardless of each country's requirements for entry, the CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine throughout most of the tropical and subtropical portions of the continent. These include most of Brazil and Colombia and inland areas of Panama, east of the canal. Exceptions are higher elevations, plus Uruguay, Chile, coastal Ecuador (including the Galapagos), coastal Peru and Argentina.

For cruisers, that means the vaccine is recommended for Amazon sailings, cruises that stop in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and for cruises with ports of call in Colombia. Vaccinations are not recommended for stops at the Venezuelan islands of Isla Margarita or Las Roques, nor for Panama City or trans-canal cruises.

The CDC's information page on yellow fever in South America lists high-risk countries.

Beyond yellow fever and standard childhood vaccines, the CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines for most travelers. Hepatitis B is recommended for travelers who may encounter contaminated needles. Malaria prevention medications may be needed for travelers who will be spending a great deal of time outside in rural areas at lower elevations where mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly on Amazon cruises.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.