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Cruise Lines That Require Passengers To Be Vaccinated

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A trend is emerging in the cruising industry where many cruise lines are now requiring passengers to be vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to sailing. Cruise lines are eager to restart sailings but want to provide the safest way possible for their guests to return to sea. With the growing population of Americans that have been vaccinated, more cruise lines are leaning toward fully vaccinated cruises as a sure bet to successfully restart operations.

Here is the full list of cruise lines that are only allowing vaccinated travelers. This list is expected to grow so be sure to bookmark this page as we will keep this page updated frequently.

Cruise Lines That Require Passengers To Be Vaccinated Against Covid-19

American Queen Steamboat Company

Beginning July 1st, 2021 the American Queen Steamboat Company will require all passengers and crew to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

“The health and safety of our guests, crew members and partners is our priority. While we are confident in the measures we have taken for itineraries operating from April through June, the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will further ensure the wellbeing of the individuals who overnight on our vessels,” read a statement on the company's website.

Instagram: American Queen Steamboat Company

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises has announced that all passengers must be vaccinated in order to sail on their voyages. Guests must be fully inoculated against Covid-19 at least 14 days prior to sailing as per the dosage recommended by the manufacturer of the vaccine. This means that both doses must be completed at least 2 weeks before sailing if the make requires two doses such as the case in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson is currently the only 1 shot vaccine available to Americans.

Crystal Cruise Ship at sea

The Crystal Cruises official website states, “according to the latest scientific data and expert guidance, we have made the decision that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses if recommended by the manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship and will be asked to provide proof of vaccination before embarkation.”

It has been reported by Crew Center that Crystal Cruises staff on board will not be required to be vaccinated until they are widely available.

Cruise Ship deck

P & O Cruises

P&O Cruises, the British-based cruise line, has announced travelers must be vaccinated in order in order to sail on cruises in the UK. This only applies to UK coastal cruises on the Britannia and Iona which are for UK residents only.

The company announced the requirement this week, stating that all passengers intending to sail must have received their second dose of the vaccine as least a week before the ship sets sail. 

All other P&O Cruises holidays on sale do not currently require guests to be vaccinated.

P and O Cruise ship cabins

Royal Caribbean

 Royal Caribbean has announced that they will require all passengers to be fully-vaccinated for their Israel sailings beginning in May. According to the cruise line, both crew and passengers above the age of 16 are required to have received a full course of the Covid-19 vaccine in order to be able to take part in the cruises. The cruises are only available for Israelis.

Other sailings being offered by Royal Caribbean outside of Israel do not currently require vaccinations but this could change at anytime.

Royal Caribbean Ship with logo

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson's adult-only cruise line, will require all passengers and crew to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before boarding, the company has announced. 

While further details have not yet been released, Virgin's first ship, Scarlet Lady, is currently scheduled to sail its maiden voyage July 4. Virgin Voyages has had multiple delays in attempting to launch its cruise line after the pandemic caused the cancellation of its inaugural sailings back in 2020.

Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

Cruise Lines Look To Restart Operations This Summer

After multiple delays caused by Covid-19, most major cruise lines have suspended all sailings in the U.S. until at least June, 2021. With the rollout of vaccinations speeding up and at least 100 million Americans receiving their first shot, cruising may finally return this summer.

See the complete list of scheduled resumption dates of all cruise lines.

Cruise-Ship-Passenger

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