The Carnival Corporation-owned subsidiaries HAL-Holland America Line and Seabourn announced updates to their health & safety protocols regarding pre-cruise COVID testing/vaccination requirements, effective September 6.
Vaccinated passengers on most sailings of up to 15 nights will no longer need to take a COVID test before sailing. Unvaccinated guests will be welcome on board, as long as they provide a negative COVID test taken within 3 days of the departure date.
The new rules don't apply to itineraries to destinations that still require testing and/or vaccination, like Greece, Canada, and Australia.
On voyages of 16 nights/longer, plus full Panama Canal transits, ocean- and certain "remote voyages," passengers 5 years of age/older must continue to be vaccinated/request a vaccine exemption. They must provide a negative medically supervised COVID test result taken within 3 days of boarding.
HAL's president Gus Antorcha said their guests were excited to return to cruising, and those changes would make it easier for more passengers "to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment."
"The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members, and the communities we visit."
Guests booked on longer voyages will be informed of special protocols for their trip. Passengers can continue to submit documents electronically before boarding for a faster check-in process.