08/13/2022
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
COVID-19 PROTOCOL UPDATES
SAILINGS DEPARTING SEPTEMBER 6, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022
August 12, 2022
Dear Valued Guest,
We want to update you as we modify our public health protocols to simplify the process and welcome more guests aboard. We have much to share but will try to be as concise as possible.
As we finish a very busy and successful summer travel season, we are pleased to announce protocol updates that meet public health goals but recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19. With these changes, we are making it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines, including no testing for vaccinated guests on sailings less than 16 nights, and eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation.
All new guidelines are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 or later, and include:
Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation. Pre cruise testing is no longer required, except for the following destination regulations:
Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
Greece: a PCR or antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing
Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer.
Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of embarkation, expect for the following destination regulations:
Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing (antigen tests are not accepted)
Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing
Note: Guests under the age of 5 years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements for sailings from the U.S., and under the age of 12 for sailings from Australia
The following additional destination requirements remain in place:
Unvaccinated guests ages 12 and over are unable to sail on cruises to Bermuda (no exceptions)
Unvaccinated guests ages 12 and over are unable to sail on cruises to Canada, unless they meet Canadian requirements that validate they are unable to be vaccinated for medical purposes. Details on Canada’s medical exemption documentation requirements are available here:
Guests sailing to Canada and Bermuda will be asked to confirm their vaccination status within 21 days of booking in order for us to manage the requirements of these specific destinations. Guests who are currently booked must complete their vaccine attestation by August 24. The vaccine attestation is located on the to-do list under Manage My Booking on Carnival.com. Failure by the guests to confirm vaccination status will unfortunately result in cancellation of the booking.
Certain destinations may have protocols that prohibit debarkation by unvaccinated guests, which are largely consistent with their guidelines for passengers arriving by air. So, while unvaccinated guests may sail after presenting the results of a negative COVID test, they will need to remain on board the ship during visits to the following destinations:
Cartagena, Colombia and Grand Turk (for unvaccinated guests 18 years or older
Bermuda, Bonaire, Grand Cayman, St. Kitts and Tortola (for unvaccinated guests 12 years or older)
Voyages 16 nights and longer will continue to have vaccination and testing requirements that are specific to the itinerary, and Carnival will continue to communicate with those guests in a timely manner.
For guests who have a pending vaccine exemption application and are awaiting confirmation for cruises departing September 6 or later, the booking is confirmed unless booked on a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia or if the voyage is 16 nights or longer.
We are in the process of updating our website, communications, and processes to reflect these new, simplified policies. We appreciate your patience as we work to streamline requirements for guests leading into their cruise vacation. Requirements for long voyages and destination-specific protocols will soon be available on Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com.
We look forward to welcoming more guests aboard. 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 and memorable vacation.
Sincerely,
Christine Duffy
President, Carnival Cruise Line