Do You Need a COVID Vaccination to Cruise? It Varies by Ship and Destination

When cruising resumed in spring 2021 after a nearly 15-month shutdown enforced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passengers encountered a slew of rules, including stringent requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and precruise testing. However, many of these regulations have since relaxed, making it easier to navigate the requirements—at least for now.

Most cruise lines have now eliminated or are in the process of removing vaccination and precruise testing rules, with one notable exception. Viking—across its river, ocean, and expedition vessels—still mandates that all passengers be fully vaccinated.

Another cruise line, the small-ship operator Windstar Cruises, is set to lift its COVID vaccination requirement as of June 1, 2023. “We’ve enhanced our health and safety protocols, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all our ships, resulting in a cleaner and safer onboard environment,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “With the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors have significantly decreased, allowing us to feel confident in removing the mandate.”

Are COVID vaccinations and testing still necessary for cruises?

The majority of cruise lines have eliminated their vaccine and testing mandates. Those that have continued into 2023—primarily smaller ship operators—have been gradually easing their restrictions.

As a result: There was a period after cruising resumed when you could be confident that fellow passengers aged 12 and older were fully vaccinated and had tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding. That certainty no longer applies.

However, certain countries maintain their own entry requirements, and several nations still mandate that cruise passengers be vaccinated and/or tested prior to arrival. If your itinerary extends beyond the Caribbean or Europe (where most vaccine and testing rules have been lifted)—such as to specific countries in Central and South America or Australia—you need to carefully review your cruise line’s precruise health and safety guidelines to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Reach out to your cruise line or consult the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for the most current information.

Essential Information Before You Cruise

Vaccination and pretrip testing requirements can be perplexing, especially for international cruises. Each cruise line has its own policies, and individual countries have their own regulations as well.

Before your voyage, it's essential to review your cruise line's health and safety guidelines. If a certain country mandates a precruise test, this will be indicated. In such cases, you may need to board the ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand. (If testing is necessary, it can usually be either a PCR test or a tele-health-monitored antigen test, which the passenger must pay for. The cruise line may also require testing at the pier, covered by the cruise line.)

If full vaccination is mandatory, it means you must have completed the initial series of vaccines at least 14 days before your cruise, or have received the original series along with booster shots.

As was standard even before the pandemic, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire at embarkation regarding your current health and any symptoms of illness you may be experiencing.

You are welcome to pack and wear masks during your cruise. While most cruise lines recommend wearing masks in crowded indoor areas, it is not a requirement.

A Quick Reference Guide to COVID Policies for Cruise Lines

Here’s an overview of the fundamental rules for several major cruise lines. Note: Additional requirements may apply for international travel. Make sure to check the latest guidelines before you board.

American Queen Voyages

For American Queen Voyages’ river, ocean, Great Lakes, and expedition vessels, there are currently no precruise testing or vaccination requirements. Wearing face masks is optional, although passengers displaying symptoms may be asked to wear one.

Azamara

Precruise testing is no longer a requirement for vaccinated travelers sailing with Azamara, except in ports where testing is mandated. For cruises leaving from or returning to the United States or Europe, vaccination is not necessary. However, in Australia, all passengers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated with all COVID-19 vaccine doses (including a booster) at least 14 days before sailing. Children under 12 are exempt from vaccination.

Celebrity Cruises

Most Celebrity Cruises sailings do not require vaccination or testing. However, stricter requirements are in place for destinations like the Galápagos, Australia and New Zealand, transatlantic crossings, and certain itineraries in Central and South America. Unvaccinated passengers must undergo testing in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Cunard

Starting April 23, 2023, Cunard will no longer require vaccinations or testing on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. For the Queen Elizabeth, this change will take effect on June 8, 2023. Until then, the existing testing and vaccination protocols remain in place.

Disney Cruise Line

For cruises departing from the United States, which constitute the majority of Disney Cruise Line’s journeys, neither vaccination nor testing is mandated. However, Disney suggests that all guests get vaccinated prior to sailing and conduct a COVID-19 test two days before their cruise. Special requirements may apply to repositioning cruises and those in Australia, so it's essential to verify details on the line’s website beforehand.

Holland America Line

Most Holland America Line itineraries do not have any precruise vaccination or testing requirements. However, certain voyages may have specific requirements, which can be checked on the line’s website for detailed information.

Lindblad Expeditions

Starting from voyages on or after May 11, 2023, Lindblad Expeditions will not require guests to be fully vaccinated, although the line advises that guests should be fully vaccinated (for cruises before this date, all passengers aged five and older were required to be vaccinated). Lindblad suggests, but does not mandate, that passengers take a COVID-19 test within five days prior to their expedition.

Oceania Cruises

Vaccination requirements for Oceania cruises are determined by the destinations included in the itinerary. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest regulations for all ports of call on their cruise.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

As of April 2023, Paul Gauguin Cruises no longer mandates vaccinations or COVID testing before embarkation, but continues to recommend that passengers get vaccinated. The line assures that its officers, staff, and crew will remain fully vaccinated. Travelers must present a health declaration form upon boarding.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Generally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises does not require vaccinations or precruise testing. However, specific requirements may be enforced based on the local health regulations of the countries the ship visits. Guests will be informed about any country-specific protocols around 30 days before their sailing date.

Royal Caribbean

Most Royal Caribbean itineraries do not require vaccinations or precruise testing, with some exceptions including cruises departing from Australia, transpacific and transatlantic crossings, as well as voyages from Hawai‘i to Vancouver.

Seabourn

No vaccination or testing is needed, except on specific Seabourn itineraries where certain countries may have their own requirements.

Silversea

For Silversea passengers, vaccination is not required unless mandated by the destination. Precruise testing is also not necessary unless specified by a destination.

Viking Cruises

All guests and crew must be vaccinated on Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition ships—this is mandatory. Viking highly recommends that passengers receive a booster before departure. A predeparture COVID-19 test is advised but not required, unless stipulated by a destination.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages does not impose any precruise testing or vaccination mandates. Masks might be necessary during certain times.

Windstar Cruises

As of June 1, 2023, Windstar will no longer require vaccinations for guests. However, crew members will still be vaccinated. Wearing masks is optional, though the line strongly encourages guests to wear them in indoor public areas. All guests must complete a health questionnaire upon embarkation. A precruise COVID-19 test is not necessary unless you exhibit symptoms.

This article was initially published in May 2022 and was updated on April 19, 2023, to reflect current information.