As it continues with the successful restart of its passenger shipping operations, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line is currently adapting temporary changes in onboard masks and pre-cruise testing requirements.
The company will continue to serve only fully vaccinated adult passengers and crew, as defined by the CDC. However, passengers now have to wear masks in certain indoor areas of CCL ships.
The new policy goes into effect on voyages departing on/after Saturday, August 7, through October 31, 2021.
In addition, CCL added a pre-cruise testing requirement for all vaccinated passengers. Effective with sailings departing on Saturday, August 14 through October 31, 2021, all fully vaccinated passengers must show proof of a negative COVID test (PCR/antigen) taken within 3 days of embarkation. Testing in the cruise terminal will not be available. Vaccinated passengers are required to come with their negative results and proof of vaccination for boarding.
Vacationers who are unvaccinated will continue to follow the requirements including pre-cruise PCR testing, testing before boarding, and testing within 24 hours of debarkation on sailings of 5 days or longer. Unvaccinated passengers approved for an exemption are charged US$150 for testing and health screening costs. For voyages departing from Florida and Texas, unvaccinated passengers are also required to show proof of insurance.
Christine Duffy (CCL's President) said:
“These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while on board, and to continue to provide confidence to our homeports and destinations that we are doing our part to support their efforts to protect public health and safety.
“We expect these requirements will be temporary and appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Our first month of guest operations has been met with tremendous enthusiasm and very positive guest feedback, and we are committed to continue our restart with both fun and safety in mind.”
Duffy added Carnival would continue to make information available on its website's "Have Fun. Be Safe" page. She expressed appreciation to public officials and travel advisors who continued to work closely with the company to support its restart.