Cruises have seen a lot of changes over the past couple of years.
With the global pandemic, we’ve seen different testing policies and vaccination requirements on cruise ships, including Disney Cruise Line. But, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently ended its program for monitoring cruises, and some cruise lines have already made changes. Now, another major cruise line is following suit.
Royal Caribbean will no longer require vaccinated guests to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding cruises that are less than 6 nights, according to a press release from the cruise line.
The cruise line will still require tests for unvaccinated guests on all voyages, and for vaccinated guests on voyages 6 nights or longer. This policy will go into effect beginning August 8th, 2022.
So, if you’re vaccinated and going on a cruise that’s less than 6 nights long, you don’t have to worry about being tested for COVID-19 ahead of time.
Royal Caribbean said this change is based on the CDC ending its COVID-19 monitoring Program for Cruise Ships last week, which appeared to clear the way for individual cruise companies to make their own rules.
This isn’t the first major cruise line to change its testing policy. Recently, Virgin Voyages removed their requirement for passengers t0 submit a COVID-19 test before boarding altogether. But, they are still requiring 90% of passengers to be vaccinated on each cruise ship, and all crew members will be vaccinated.
But, some cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, still have strict COVID-19 requirements. Disney Cruise Line requires 100% of vaccine-eligible guests to be fully vaccinated before departure, and all passengers must also submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test no more than 2 days before departure, or test at the terminal.
We’ll be on the lookout for more changes in COVID-19 protocols on cruises, but for now, you can learn more about Disney’s new cruise ship right here. And, check out the Fall 2023 Disney Cruise Line itineraries and booking date, what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, and why it might be more difficult to go on a cruise this summer.
Stay tuned to DFB for more travel news and updates.
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Which cruise line is your favorite to sail on? Tell us in the comments.
Cinderella says
This is crazy. The pandemic’s not over, and I’m already hearing some places have more cases than ever because people are letting their guard down. Smh.
HeatherB says
It would be great if Disney eas the next to announce the end of testing requirements. I’d love to save time, anxiety and money!