Two of the Carnival Corporation-owned cruise companies are making changes to their COVID protocols/guidance starting on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
From September 6, self-testing before travel is due to change from “mandatory” to “highly recommended” for vaccinated passengers on the vast majority of voyages on the UK-based subsidiaries Cunard Line and P&O Cruises.
The new guidelines apply to all itineraries on both companies leaving from homeport Southampton (England UK) and all other departure points with the exception of countries where government regulations/protocols may vary including Australia and Canada.
Only passengers sailing on longer and more complex itineraries will be required to have an observed/in-person antigen/PCR test with a fit-to-travel certificate before departure. These include a number of vacations of 16+ nights and other specific sailings.
The vaccination policy for both lines remains the same.
According to Sture Myrmell (Carnival UK's president), the updated protocols reflected the current environment across the world and while certain key elements had relaxed, their commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of all passengers, crew members, and the communities they visit remained "an ongoing and vital consideration."
“They also ensure that the ease of cruising remains at the fore and that all guests of all ages can enjoy a voyage with unrivalled dining, relaxation and exploration options and unmatched service levels at extraordinary value for money.”