Are Cruise Ships Requiring Proof Of Vaccination?

Most cruise lines have dropped their vaccine and testing requirements, with smaller ships operating in 2023 scaling back their requirements. This has resulted in passengers only needing proof of full vaccination to sail, but the cruise line does not require it. Some cruise lines have announced plans to restart operations in the coming months, and some brands are requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for passengers.

Inoculations are often recommended, but in some circumstances, they may be required by the country from which the cruise departs or countries visited. Royal Caribbean-owned cruise line recently announced a vaccine requirement, and all cruise lines that will require COVID-19 vaccinations for guests and crew must provide proof showing full vaccination, including any second dose needed. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they are traveling from or to a destination that requires it. However, there are exceptions, such as Celebrity Cruises no longer requiring vaccination or pre-cruise testing for most sailings.

AmaWaterways is not requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination for river cruises in 2023 and 2024, but all guests traveling with AmaWaterways are encouraged to take a pre-cruise COVID-19 test. Lindblad passengers no longer need to provide proof of vaccination in order to cruise, and pre-cruise testing is no longer required. If the boat is operating in the waters of a country that requires vaccination for entry, fully vaccinated guests are still required to show proof of vaccination at embarkation. Unvaccinated guests are required to show proof of a vaccine.

There is no single answer to whether a cruise line requires vaccination, as it changes daily and may also do away with certain requirements.