More Protocol Changes From March 1
As part of the changes that will go into effect on sailings from March 1, guests will have to show proof of a negative test result taken within two days before departure. In a communication sent to booked guests, the cruise line does say that for guests unable to provide a negative test result, an antigen test will be available at the terminal.
For guests under 12 on sailings from US ports, additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation may be required as part of the CDCs Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in US Waters. NCL has confirmed that it will cover the cost of the additional testing for non-vaccinated guests under 12.
As Cruise Hive already reported in early February, Norwegian Cruise Line is easing its tighter mask policy. However, there has now been a slight adjustment with guests aged 12 and over not required to wear a face mask. Previously the policy for sailings from March 1 was for guests aged five and over. The stricter mask policy is currently in effect through February 28, 2022.
This news comes following relaxed protocols from other major cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have already announced relaxed face mask policies, and multiple cruise lines have decided to participate in the CDCs voluntary program for cruise ships that operate in U.S. waters, resulting in adjusted policies.
Judge: Norwegian Cruises Can Require Proof Of Vaccination
MIAMI A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Florida law that prevents cruise lines from requiring passengers to prove theyre vaccinated against COVID-19, saying the law appears unconstitutional and wont likely hold up in court.
The vaccine passport ban signed into law in May by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis fails to protect medical privacy or prevent discrimination against unvaccinated people, but it does appear to violate the First Amendment rights of Norwegian Cruise Lines, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams wrote.
In a nearly 60-page ruling issued late Sunday, the judge said Florida failed to provide a valid evidentiary, factual, or legal predicate for banning requirements that passengers prove theyve been vaccinated. Norwegian has shown that suspending the requirement will jeopardize public health, potentially causing super-spreader events wherever passengers disembark, she wrote.
Good News For Norwegian Cruise Lines Passengers Can Be Required To Show Documentation Of Covid
Norwegian Cruise Lines succeeded in the US District Court in enjoining the application of a Florida statute prohibiting Florida businesses from requiring patrons to document they have been vaccinated as a condition of service.
Planning to resume passenger cruises from Florida on 15 August 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. adopted a policy requiring all passengers on its vessels to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide documentation confirming their vaccination status.
NCLHs policy, however, was at odds with a recently enacted Florida statute, Fla. Stat. § 381.00316 , prohibiting businesses in the state from requiring patrons or customers to provide any documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection recovery to gain access to, entry upon, or services.
Arguing that the Statute violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Dormant Commerce Clause Doctrine, NCLH asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to issue a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the Statute.
On 8 August 2021, finding that NCLH was likely to prevail on both constitutional grounds on the merits, that the cruise line would likely be irreparably harmed if required to comply with the Statute, and that the equities and public interest weighed in favor of the injunction, the Court granted NCLHs request. Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings v. Rivkees, No. 21-22492, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 148279 .
The Norwegian Gem
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Norwegian Cruises Ends Covid
TAMPA, Fla. Norwegian Cruise Lines COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and masking requirements end Tuesday. The line announced the change of policy Monday morning. Effective Oct. 4, cruise line passengers will see eased health and safety protocols.
According to Norwegian Cruise Line officials, the change of policy is due to significant, positive progress in the public health environment, which prompted the company to update their health and safety guidelines.
Health and safety are always our first priority in fact, we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic, Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.
Previously, Norwegian Cruise Line removed a company policy requiring negative COVID-19 tests before setting sail, with the change taking effect in August, according to previous reports. Before that, the cruise company had canceled cruises during the omicron surge, then removed face mask requirements a month later.
While the health and safety protocols will ease beginning Tuesday, the cruise line said theyll continue to follow travel guidelines required by each of their destinations. Theyve provided a list of travel requirements by country, online.
How Vaccination Policy Update Impacts Cruisers
The cruise line will not be requiring booster shots at this time, as it has opted into the Highly Vaccinated level of the Center for Disease Controls latest guidance. That said, Norwegian pointed out in a letter to travel advisors that cruisers should keep in mind that many countries, especially Europe, also require guests who have been fully vaccinated for more than a certain number of months to be boosted as well to visit.
This means that although Norwegian Cruise Line as a brand will not be requiring that kids under 12 are vaccinated, some destinations along its itineraries may have stricter vaccination requirements. As a result, it is possible that some places visited by a ship will have rules in place which require boosters or even pre-disembarkation testing.
Although Norwegians website currently makes no mention of on-site testing for unvaccinated children, the letter to travel partners does. Specifically, it reads that all unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 on sailings from or to a US port will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation in keeping with the CDC guidelines.
The letter adds that NCL will facilitate and cover all costs associated with embarkation and disembarkation testing for those who are unvaccinated and under the age of 12. If this is the case, Norwegian Cruise Line will provide free testing at the terminal.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Updates Vaccination Policy On Sailings From March
Norwegian Cruise Line updates its protocols by adjusting its vaccination policy, allowing unvaccinated guests under 12.
Norwegian Cruise Line updates its vaccination policy, which is part of its protocols to keep guests and crew safe. The cruise line has already updated its website allowing unvaccinated guests under 12 to cruise.
Health And Safety Faqs For All Guests
What Vaccines will be accepted?
Any U.S. Food and Drug Administration , European Medicines Agency , and/or World Health Organization authorized single brand vaccination protocol 2 weeks after receipt of the final dose.
- Including, J& J Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, etc.
- Note: Individuals receiving a Janssen COVID-19 vaccine before or after another COVID-19 vaccine are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 2 weeks after receipt of the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
- Current Unauthorized Vaccines: Sputnik V, COVAXIN, Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine , Novavax, Covovax.
- Vaccines received via clinical trials will not be accepted as they do not specify vaccine received.
To be fully vaccinated means to complete the full brand vaccination protocol of one brand of vaccine OR two doses of a mixed vaccination combination, and therefore a single shot of AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm or Sinovac after COVID-19 recovery is NOT considered being fully vaccinated.
What documents will be required to show proof of vaccination?
Preferred proof form is the original vaccination record document issued by either the countrys health authority that administered the vaccination or the guest’s medical provider that completed the vaccine administration, however, a photo of the vaccination record document will also be accepted.
Are masks required onboard?
Can I explore on my own while in port?
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Norwegian Cruise Line Drops Vaccination Requirements And Bookings Accelerate
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings it was dropping vaccination requirements on cruises from the U.S., as well as pre-cruise related testing protocols for vaccinated guests. The result? Cruise bookings picked up.
” announcement was an instant catalyst, resulting in one of our top three best booking days of the year,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s second quarter earnings call.
The company will no longer have a mandatory vaccination requirement on any of its ships, which include the Norwegian, Oceania and Regent brands.
Del Rio said the company had relaxed testing protocols, regardless of sailing length.
“To put it simply, vaccinated individuals, including those embarking on NCLH ship from U.S. ports will no longer have any pre-cruise related protocols, and those who are unvaccinated or choose not to provide proof of vaccination will be required to test negative within 72 hours prior to embarkation. In addition, all guests 11 years old and younger will be exempt from vaccination and testing requirements of any kind,” he said.
Testing To End Unvaccinated Guests Welcome
As of September 3, Norwegian Cruise Line will only require a pre-cruise test for travelers ages 12 and older who are unvaccinated. All vaccinated passengers, of any age, will no longer need to present a negative test result for embarkation.
Unvaccinated passengers ages 12 and older must still present a medically supervised negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hoursbefore sailing.
This change also permits unvaccinated guests to set sail on a Norwegian, Oceania, or Regent Seven Seas cruise, which has been prohibited previously, regardless of testing protocols.
Furthermore, it should be noted that from September 3, guests under the age of 12 will not be required to be tested, regardless of their vaccination status. Only guests ages 12 and older who have not been fully vaccinated must be tested.
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,said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Health and safety is our top priority and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. does recommend though not require that guests are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and test at their convenience prior to cruising.
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Norwegian Cruise Line To Ditch Its Vaccine Requirements Starting In September
Dont forget to check local COVID-19 regulations before sailing
Port of Seattle / Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line is changing its SailSAFE health and safety protocols following the CDC’s decision to drop its COVID-19 program for cruise ships. According to a statement released by the cruise line, as of Sept. 3, 2022, Norwegian will welcome all guests on board, regardless of vaccination status.
Of course, these changes will come with stipulations. Unvaccinated guests over 12 must present a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before boarding. Those vaccinated will no longer have any pre-departure COVID-19 requirements. Children 11 years old or younger will not have COVID-19 restrictions and are welcome to board unvaccinated and without a negative test.
“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. Health and safety is our top priority, and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, in a statement.
Norwegian Cruise Line Eliminating Covid
Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday that it is removing all COVID-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements effective Tuesday.
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 Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. Many travelers have been patiently waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea and we cannot wait to celebrate their return.
The cruise line says its decision was based on the significant, positive progress in the public health environment in a press release. The company believes its updated health and safety guidelines are now more aligned with other global travel organizations.
Despite the easing of COVID-19related protocols, NCL will continue to follow travel guidelines required by destinations it visits.
For all countryspecific travel requirements, travelers should visit this website.
Guests can also visit this website for more information about the required travel documentation they will need for their NCL voyage.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Revisions To Vaccination And Testing Protocols
MIAMI, Aug. 08, 2022 — Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols which further align the Company to the broader travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide. Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to 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.
Key fleetwide protocols changes, subject to local regulations, effective September 3, 2022 include:
About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Extends Vaccine Policy For The Foreseeable Future
Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its vaccine policy for the foreseeable future and only accepting fully vaccinated guests with no exemptions.
For those waiting for cruise lines to drop the vaccine requirement for cruises from the United States, it seems they will have to wait a lot longer. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings extended its vaccine mandate policy for the foreseeable future, company President and CEO Frank Del Rio announced this week.
Some guests received letters from their travel agents that this would be in place through April 2022. But, it could well be a lot longer than that as the cruise line has been one of the frontrunners when it concerns requiring guests to be fully vaccinated before boarding.
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Grand Circle Cruise Line
Where they sail: Grand Circle Cruise Line sails small ships and river cruises all over the world, including an extensive list of European itineraries. The company plans to start sailing again in August, including to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.
Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot.
What other safety measures are in place: All ships have been equipped with High Efficiency Particular Air filters and buffets have been eliminated. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel.
Find out more: Grand Circle Cruise Line
Ncl Updates Vaccination Policy For Kids
Cruise lines are gradually easing their protocols as cruise ships return to service and COVID cases are reduced. Norwegian Cruise Line has now followed other major lines by adjusting its protocols.
Starting on sailings departing from March 1, 2022, kids under 12 will no longer have to be fully vaccinated to cruise. This opens to door for more families to enjoy a Norwegian cruise with kids. The cruise line says:
All guests age twelve and over, as well as all crew, must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure in order to board. While we welcome unvaccinated children ages eleven and under onboard, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing.
Despite unvaccinated kids under 12 being allowed to sail, the cruise line warns guests to check the protocols for any local ports and destinations as the requirements may differ.
The updated vaccination policy was announced on Thursday, but it is essential to know that sailing through February 28, 2022, still requires all guests to be fully vaccinated, no matter what age. Norwegian Cruise Line was previously set to accept unvaccinated children four years and under on US sailings from March 1, but this has now changed to under 12. It now means that the vaccination age policy aligns with sailings from non-US ports.
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No Exceptions For Minors
One significant aspect of the NCLH vaccine mandate is that kids are not exempted. If those younger than 18 years old have not been vaccinated, they will not sail. Of course, this does not mean they cannot sail at all after the FDA and CDC recently approved vaccines for those five years old and up, while younger guests could be approved next year as well.
Del Rio: The approval of vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, which came just last night and will allow for an expanded group of 100% vaccinated guests, especially families, to sail on our brand. My understanding is that sometime in Q1, the same vaccination approval will be given for up to four-year-olds.