COVID-19 protocols are ever-changing and today is no exception.
Beginning tomorrow, October 4, 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line is dropping ALL restrictions that were implemented during the pandemic. This includes pre-cruise testing, vaccination requirements, and mask-wearing guidelines. Norwegian is the first major cruise line to drop all requirements for all sailings and will be a welcome change for travelers.
“Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return,” said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer.
Norwegian’s policy is following global health and safety requirements as many cruise destinations are also easing their protocols. This includes some destinations with the strictest testing and vaccination requirements.
Barbados, St. Kitts, and Grand Cayman recently changed their requirements allowing travelers to visit without additional testing or paperwork. Canada removed its travel protocols on October 1st, and Bermuda is relaxing its entry requirements on October 25th.
This change will make cruising a little easier in a time where proctored testing is becoming more difficult to find since many locations are limiting hours or closing as demand has diminished.
Norwegian Cruise Line remains committed to health and safety for its cruisers and crew members. “Health and safety are always our first priority; in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic,” said Sommer.
Enhanced cleaning and sanitation, upgraded ionizing air filters, and improved medical facilities protocols implemented post-pandemic are not changing. The ships will also continue to have quarantine facilities available if needed.
Continue to stay updated on the requirements for your cruise as Norwegian’s protocols do not override entry requirements of specific destinations and protocols can change at any time.
Click here for a big overview of the latest COVID19 protocols as found on specific cruise lines’ websites.