The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved 13 ships for simulated voyages, also known as test cruises, using volunteers as passengers.
With ships completing a test voyage successfully, each vessel is then issued a Conditional Sailing Certificate, allowing it to sail from U.S. homeports with less than 95 per cent of guests aboard being vaccinated.
Several cruise lines are on their way back to U.S. homeports this summer. Cruise Industry News has studied some of the major players’ COVID-19 vaccine policies and restart plans.
Royal Caribbean International Ships: Freedom of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Independence of the Seas First Cruise: July 2, 2021 Homeports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Seattle, Bayonne and Galveston Region: Caribbean, Bahamas and Alaska Vaccination required? Rules vary by ship
For Freedom, Odyssey, Allure, Symphony and Mariner sailing out of Florida ports in July and August, vaccines are “strongly recommended” for all eligible guests. Approximately 90 percent of the passengers are expected to be vaccinated, but those choosing not to be vaccinated or not willing to verify vaccination will be subject to testing and additional health protocols at their expense.
For the Serenade and Ovation from Seattle, the Independence from Galveston and the Oasis from Bayonne, guests will need to be fully vaccinated with the exemption only for children under 12. Children under 12 will need to be tested and subject to health protocols, with no additional charges for any testing.
Carnival Cruise Line Ships: Carnival Vista, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Miracle First Cruise: July 3, 2021 Homeports: Galveston, Miami and Seattle Region: Caribbean, Bahamas and Alaska Vaccination required? Yes – for 95% of the guests in July
The company noted, however, that it will be able to accommodate a “small number” of unvaccinated guests (children under 12) and allow a small number of exemptions.
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Breakaway First Cruise: August 7, 2021 Homeports: Seattle, Miami and New York Region: Alaska, Caribbean and Bermuda Vaccination required? Yes, initially
Norwegian Cruise Line will deploy three ships in the United States until September. With the new Norwegian Encore sailing to Alaska, the company is also planning to offer cruises to the Caribbean with the Norwegian Gem and to Bermuda with the Norwegian Breakaway.
All initial voyages will operate with fully vaccinated guests and crew.
Celebrity Cruises Ships: Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Equinox First Cruise: June 26, 2021 Homeports: Fort Lauderdale and Seattle Region: Alaska and Caribbean Vaccination required? Yes – guests over 16
According to the company’s website, all guests 16 years and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses administered at least 14 days prior to sailing. As of August 1, 2021, all guests aged 12 and older will need to be fully vaccinated.
MSC Cruises Ships: MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina First Cruise: August 2, 2021 Homeports: Miami and Port Canaveral Region: Caribbean and Bahamas Vaccination required? No
According to MSC, the new itineraries will welcome both vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests. Those who are not vaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be subject to requirements such as additional testing, as well as restrictions, which are still to be announced.
Princess Cruises Ships: Majestic Princess First Cruise: July 25, 2021 Homeports: Seattle Region: Alaska Vaccination required? Yes
The cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination.
Holland America Line Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam First Cruise: July 24, 2021 Homeports: Seattle Region: Alaska Vaccination required? Yes
Welcoming the passengers back in Alaska, Holland America Line will return to service on July 24. On that day, the Nieuw Amsterdam will sail from Seattle for the first of 10 Saturday departures that will operate through Oct. 2.
Guests will be required to have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation and have proof of vaccination.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Ships: Grand Classica First Cruise: July 2, 2021 Homeports: Palm Beach Region: Bahamas Vaccination required? No
Bahamas Paradise will be one of the first cruise lines to resume service in the United States. After receiving a green light from the CDC to conduct a simulated sailing in June, the company plans to welcome the guests back next month. On July 2, the Grand Classica will restart its regular program of short cruises between Palm Beach and Freeport.
According to Bahamas Paradise website, guests will not need to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding, while the crew will be fully vaccinated.
Silversea Cruises Ships: Silver Muse First Cruise: July 29, 2021 Homeports: Seattle Region: Alaska Vaccination required? Yes
According to the company, one of the measures to guarantee the health and safety of the operation, is making sure that all guests and crew are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Carnival Corporation today received U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) acceptance of its Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami, Port of Galveston and Port Canaveral – all key homeports for Carnival Cruise Line and the first three homeports that Carnival is focusing on for its return to guest operations this summer, according to a press release.
“These agreements move us one step closer to sailing with our loyal guests,” said Lars Ljoen, executive vice president and chief maritime officer for Carnival Cruise Line.
“We appreciate the support from not just these three homeport partners, but all of our homeports, that are eager to have us back as soon as possible,” noted John.
Carnival has already announced that Carnival Horizon (sailing from Miami) and Carnival Vista and Breeze (sailing from Galveston) will be the first ships to carry guests as the line plans its July return to service.
Port Canaveral has also been identified as a restart priority, and Carnival expects to announce plans for operations from there over the coming days, the company said, in a press release.
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