Norwegian Cruise Line Allows Unvaccinated Guests
After the suspension of the Covid 19 Program for Cruise Ships, cruise lines were given the freedom to adopt their own protocols for handling covid safety and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has done just that with revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols.
NCLH which overseas Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceana Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced that fully vaccinated guests 12 and older no longer need a negative Covid test in order to set sail. In addition, they will begin welcoming unvaccinated passengers aboard their cruises provided they can show a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of departure, subject to local regulations. Children 11 and under will not be subject to any kind of Covid testing or proof of vaccination. NCLH also made sure to specify that “fully vaccinated” in their eyes will be the generally accepted definition of the point of destination and will be checking passengers accordingly. These changes are set to take effect on September 3rd.
“Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best-in-class brands. Health and safety is our top priority and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries, and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.”
