Hamburg-based company TUI Cruises, which is the operator of the "Mein Schiff" liners, announced the easing of the health protocols for cruise passengers - these will apply to all sailings from this week.
One of these is lifting the onboard mask-wearing requirement - from now on, wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, unless there are different regulations in certain areas of the cruise ship. In addition, dancing is again allowed indoors on the liner and use of the childcare area for the 3-year-olds.
There are changes in the specifications for the necessary COVID tests, and from now on, 2 negative results of the antigen test are needed prior to departure, the first of which can be a self-test.
However, the COVID vaccination requirement for all passengers aged 12+ has not changed and full vaccination protection has to be available in order to be able to take part in the Mein Schiff voyage. It is also recommended additional vaccinations are given on time.
A message from TUI on the topic from May 17 says that guests would no longer need to wear a mask.
For all sailings in the summer season from May 29, the requirement for a mask onboard will not be required (subject to different rules for the travel areas). The first of 2 mandatory antigen tests might be pre-departure self-testing. There are still relaxations, and for example, indoor dancing is now allowed and the Kids Club reopens for children from the age of 3.
Complete protection against vaccination (for all passengers aged 12+, including those who have recovered) remains a prerequisite for starting the voyage.