Cruise lines are tightening onboard health protocols due to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
While there's much still to be learned about the new variant, it clearly spreads quickly, even among those who are vaccinated. That's a blow to the cruise industry, which has relied on the vast majority of crew and passengers being fully vaccinated to keep outbreaks to minimum.
Several lines, including Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have put in place temporary indoor masking rules in response to Omicron.
Here are the latest updates:
Carnival Cruise Line
Through January 31, 2022 all guests over two years old are "requested" to wear a mask at all times inside the ship. The only exceptions are when eating/drinking and inside staterooms.
The line has also banned smoking in the casino at all times. Until now, passengers could smoke if they were seated and playing a game.
In a sign of potential things to come, Carnival has added language around booster shots to its health protocols.
"The CDC has strongly recommended that all persons over 16 years obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination when eligible. We strongly encourage all guests who are eligible to get their booster vaccine at least seven days before boarding."
Royal Caribbean International
For all sailings departing before January 5, 2022, Royal Caribbean says passengers two years and older must wear masks "while indoors in public areas of the ship, unless seated and actively eating or drinking."
Previously, Royal Caribbean allowed guests to go without masks in areas reserved for vaccinated passengers only.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian has been steadfast in its rules since it resumed service - all passengers and crew members must be fully vaccinated.
That requirement has allowed NCL to be one of the few lines to not require masks anywhere on the ship. Omicron has, at least temporarily, ended that leniency.
"For sailings with embarkation dates through and including December 19, 2021, all guests and crew are required to wear masks onboard while indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom," Norwegian now states.
The line has also committed to lower guest capacity to "allow for physical distancing while onboard."
With so much unknown at the current time, passengers need to be prepared for short-notice changes to policies.
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