Do You Still Need A Covid Shot To Cruise?

Most cruise lines have dropped their vaccine and testing requirements, with smaller ships operating in 2023 scaling back their requirements. Guests aged 12 and above must be fully vaccinated, and those who have been in contact with anyone with Covid within seven days of the cruise leaving should not travel. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required to sail, but guests are advised to be fully vaccinated against the virus.

While vaccinations are not required for Cunard voyages, fully vaccinated guests on cruises 16 nights or less no longer need to test. Unvaccinated guests over the age of five can cruise as long as they provide a recent negative result. Royal Caribbean crew members must be fully vaccinated and undergo Covid testing at least once a week. Face masks must be worn indoors onboard ships, unless guests departing from the UK from 1 October 2022 onboard an MSC Cruise.

Most mass market cruise lines do not require Covid vaccine cards, but guests should keep their vaccination up-to-date. As of the 2023 European season, vaccinations are no longer required for Sea Cloud Cruises sailings. Antigen COVID-19 testing within 48 hours is no longer required. American Cruise Lines does not have a vaccine requirement for all passengers on any of its sailings.

Several cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, are requiring all guests to be fully vaccinated before boarding. Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they are traveling from or to a destination that requires it.