Ever since the start of the pandemic, new COVID-19 protocols have complicated many travelers' ideal summer getaway: cruising.
To many, the newfound hassle of determining cruise line regulations, gathering documents and finding a testing center has turned many away from sailing. In recent months, however, many cruise lines have altered requirements to become more lenient on pre-boarding testing regulations.
Before taking to the seas on your next adventure, read this guide to review the updated testing mandates on all of your favorite cruise lines.
(All information is based on sailings out of the United States.)
Get top local stories in Southern California delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC LA's News Headlines newsletter.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:
- Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation.
- Pre cruise testing is no longer required, except for the following destination regulations:
- Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
- Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
- Greece: a PCR or antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
- Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing
Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:
- Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer.
- Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of embarkation, expect for the following destination regulations:
- Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
- Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing (antigen tests are not accepted)
- Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing
For more information, please see here.
Celebrity Cruise Line
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:
- Cruises 5 days or less: With the exception of sailings to Bermuda and Canada, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
- Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding. They can take a PCR test 72 hours prior to sailing, or an antigen test two days prior to sailing.
Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:
All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older are required to receive a lab-administered PCR or antigen test up to 3 days before sailing.
For more information, please see here.
Cunard Luxury Cruise Line
Testing Requirements:
All guests 5 and older are required to take an official negative COVID-19 test before embarking.
For more information, please see here.
Disney Cruise Line
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:
All vaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative antigen, NAAT or PCR test within two days of sailing.
Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:
Unvaccinated guests (those 4 and under) must provide proof of a negative NAAT or PCR test within three days of sailing. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.
For more information, please see here.
Holland America Cruise Line
Testing Requirements:
Regardless of vaccination status, all guests ages 2 and up are required to show proof of a negative antigen or NAAT COVID test.
For more information, please see here.
MSC Cruises
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:
- Cruises 5 days or less: Beginning August 29, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
- Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding.
Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:
All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older are required to receive a lab-administered PCR or antigen test up to 3 days before sailing.
For more information, please see here.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:
Beginning September 4, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:
Beginning September 4, all children under 11 years old will not be required to test before sailing. Children 12 and older who are unvaccinated must receive a PCR or antigen test up to 72 hours before sailing.
For more information, please see here.
Princess Cruise Line
Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status.
For more information, please see here.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:
- Cruises 5 days or less: With the exception of sailings to Bermuda and Canada, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
- Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding. They can take a PCR test 72 hours prior to sailing, or an antigen test two days prior to sailing.
Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:
All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older are required to receive a lab-administered PCR or antigen test up to 3 days before sailing.
For more information, please see here.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Testing Requirements:
Viking does not require a pre-departure COVID-19 test unless it is required by a sailing's destination.
For more information, please see here.
