Norwegian Cruise Line, which has required 100% of passengers to be vaccinated since April 2021, is loosening a number of COVID protocols.
Effective March 1, guests will no longer need to wear a mask on board on cruises departing U.S. ports. As well, the line will allow kids younger than 5 to board without proof of vaccination.
Under the new vaccination policy, Norwegian plans to follow CDC advice and limit the number of unvaccinated guests 4 and younger to "well under" 5% of the total guest occupancy on each cruise.
The NCL announcement comes as COVID-19 cases around globe begin to edge downward after a massive spike driven by the omicron variant.
"Maintaining the health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit continues to be our first priority, always," the cruise line said in a statement. "As such, given the progress in the current public health environment, we've updated a few of our health and safety protocols and requirements."
Norwegian says the wearing of face masks onboard will be at guest discretion after March 1.
"We recognize the added protections provided when wearing a face mask covering and recommend that all guests do so onboard when indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom," the line said.
Face masks will also be recommended when physical distancing is not possible.
NCL cruises in Europe will have stricter rules due to current local regulations. Face coverings will be required indoors except when eating or drinking or when guests are in their staterooms.
Also beginning March 1, Norwegian will no longer provide a free pre-departure COVID-19 test at the pier. Guests will have to obtain their own prior to their trip.
Passengers leaving from U.S. ports will have to take a test no more than two days before departure, while non-U.S. ports will allow travellers three days to test. Norwegian will accept negative antigen or PCR coronavirus tests administered by a verified third party or medically supervised home test.
NCL says it will still offer testing at the terminal for passengers who cannot provide proof of a negative result, but costs will be the responsibility of guests and may vary depending on port and vendor.
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