Do All Cruise Lines Require Covid Vaccine?

Most cruise lines have dropped their vaccine and testing requirements, with smaller ships operating in 2023 scaling back their requirements. This means that passengers need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before setting sail, including a booster dose when eligible. Disney Cruise Line requires all vaccine-eligible guests based on US eligibility requirements, as River cruise itineraries no longer require pre-embarkation COVID-19 tests. All Expedition and Lakes Oceans cruises require travelers to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their cruise. Crystal Cruises also confirmed that it will require all guests to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their cruise.

Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don’t require it, such as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands, which now welcome all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, and no longer require testing. American Cruise Lines does not have a vaccine requirement for all passengers on any of its sailings. Pre-cruise testing is not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests.

Vaccination is no longer required to sail, but guests are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. While vaccination is not required, the long answer is that vaccine requirements vary by cruise line, cruise ship, and departure portdestination. Currently, major cruise lines are not required to provide pre-cruise testing for both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.

All passengers aged 17 and over are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. The CDC has mandated that 95% of cruise passengers must be vaccinated, and while vaccines are not required, all guests, aged 5 years and older, are encouraged to take COVID-19 vaccines when eligible and carry proof of vaccination.