Is wearing a mask necessary on my cruise? A detailed guide

Since the return of cruising after the pandemic, I’ve enjoyed over 30 voyages and have more scheduled. Currently, cruise lines have relaxed their rules, making mask-wearing mostly optional.

In January 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention let its Conditional Sailing Order lapse. It was replaced by a now-obsolete color-coded system that rated cruise lines based on the proportion of vaccinated passengers. Now, the guidelines are simply recommendations, and all lines have lifted their mask mandates.

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to make this change, surprising many given its historically strict approach to health protocols during the pandemic.

Which cruise lines still require masks? Here’s a detailed breakdown of mask policies on board, including where and when they apply.

Azamara Cruises

Azamara has lifted its mask requirement for passengers on board, although it continues to recommend their use. The line also cautions that certain ports of call may still mandate masks.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has removed the mask requirement on its ships. Passengers are advised to wear masks during embarkation and disembarkation, as well as in crowded areas. Masks may also be necessary while ashore, following local regulations. Additionally, masks are required in the onboard medical center.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity has made mask-wearing optional for all guests, regardless of their vaccination status. However, this policy may change based on local port regulations.

Cunard Line

Cunard only requires passengers to wear face masks that fully cover their noses and mouths in the medical center and as dictated by local laws.

Disney Cruise Line

Face coverings on Disney Cruise Line are optional across all its ships. Unvaccinated guests are strongly advised to wear masks while on board. Masks are required in certain ports based on local regulations.

Holland America Line

Masks are optional but recommended in most areas on Holland America Line ships. Some ports of call may mandate face coverings for passengers while ashore.

MSC Cruises

Masks are optional on MSC cruises, though the line recommends them for unvaccinated guests. Additionally, face coverings may be required in certain ports according to local regulations.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian has lifted its mask requirement for all passengers on its voyages.

Oceania Cruises

Guests on Oceania cruises are not obligated to wear masks, but are strongly encouraged to do so. These guidelines may be adjusted based on local port requirements.

Princess Cruises

Princess has lifted the mask requirement for passengers on board.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Guests on Regent voyages are no longer required to wear masks, but they are strongly encouraged to do so. This policy may change depending on local port regulations.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean has lifted its mask requirement for vaccinated guests. The line also advises that unvaccinated children wear masks in all indoor spaces, including the youth center.

Seabourn Cruises

Seabourn guests are not required to wear masks, but are encouraged to do so in crowded areas.

Silversea Cruises

Wearing masks is no longer required for Silversea passengers. However, they are encouraged to use them on shore excursion buses and must comply with mask requirements in certain destinations.

Viking Cruises

For its ocean, river, and expedition cruises, Viking has made masks optional, though the onboard medical teams may require passengers to wear them at any time if necessary. Additionally, masks might be required in some destinations based on local regulations.

Virgin Voyages

Passengers on Virgin Voyages are no longer required to wear masks while on board. However, masks may be necessary during embarkation, disembarkation, and port visits, depending on local guidelines.

Windstar Cruises

When cruising with Windstar, guests are no longer required to wear masks, though the line encourages their use. Some destinations may still require face coverings.

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