Carnival removes pre-cruise testing and welcomes all unvaccinated guests.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

Carnival Cruise Line announced Friday their updated health protocols to meet public health goals recognizing the evolving nature of COVID-19 and wanting to make it easier for more guests to sail by simplifying vaccination and testing guidelines. 

According to a release, all new guidelines go into effect on cruises departing Tuesday, September 6, 2022, or later, and include:

• Vaccinated guests must provide evidence of their vaccination status before embarkation. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece, and Australia (per local guidelines) and on voyages 16 nights or longer.
• Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail with no need to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights or longer. 
• Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test within three days of embarkation.
• As a reminder to all guests, these policies are subject to local destination regulations.

“Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests. These guidelines will make it a simpler process and make cruising accessible for those unable to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’ve got lots happening, with Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Celebration joining our fleet this November and more to come in 2023. Whatever the ship, homeport, or itinerary that works for you, our great onboard team is ready to deliver a fun vacation – something we all look forward to even more nowadays!”

Guests with a pending vaccine exemption application and awaiting confirmation for cruises departing September 6 or later have their bookings confirmed, unless on a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia, or if the voyage is 16 nights, or longer.   

Carnival is updating its website, communications, and processes while sharing more details with guests and travel advisor partners to reflect these new, simplified policies.

“We appreciate the patience of our guests and travel advisor partners as we update all materials, but the result is a very positive one for all, who are looking forward to cruising with us,” said Duffy.