The first cruise lines to require all guests to be vaccinated have now become the first to drop the requirement.
Unvaccinated guests on Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands Norwegian, Regent and Oceania may now embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.
As well, vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols.
The policy will go into effect for all sailings commencing on or after September 3.
Requirements may differ in places with specific local regulations, including Canada, Greece and Bermuda. The company continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel.
"Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best-in-class brands," said Frank Del Rio, NCLH President and CEO.
Here are the key elements of the new policy:
-- Vaccinated guests aged 12 and older will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols
-- Unvaccinated guests, aged 12 and older, or those who cannot or decline to provide proof of vaccination, will need to present a negative medically administered PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding.
-- Guests aged 11 and under will not be subject to vaccination requirements or testing protocols of any kind
-- Vaccinated guests must meet the generally-accepted definition of "fully vaccinated" based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination
Del Rio says the changes will help the company recover.
"The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery."
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