CCL-Carnival Cruise Line dropped most of the company's remaining COVID restrictions this week.
For passengers sailing with Carnival on a voyage that takes place over the course of 15 nights/less, the line no longer requires proof of vaccination/COVID testing prior to departure.
A spokesperson for the company has noted the importance of testing, stating that irrespective of vaccination status, they encouraged all guests 5 years and older to test 3 days before their cruise.
Those 18 years/older who are sailing on cruises that span the course of 16 nights/more are still required to be fully vaccinated. Under the same travel category, any passenger over the age of 5 will also have to have a PCR/antigen test taken within 3 days prior to sailing. Self-tests are not accepted.
Those traveling on voyages of 16 nights/more also have to have received their booster shots in case they received their primary shots 6+ months ago.
Unvaccinated passengers have to apply for an exemption.
In a statement on the company's website, CCL announced that said applications would be available at the top of 2023.
For those sailing to Grand Turk/Cartagena Colombia, proof of COVID vaccination is required no matter how long/short the trip is. Those 18 years/older also have to remain on the cruise ship once it is docked.
Other major companies are also revisiting their COVID policies lately. The sister-company Princess made similar changes last week, and NCL-Norwegian eased up its vaccination requirements in August.