cruise canada covid

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

• September 26, 2022

Transport Canada has announced that starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea, according to a statement.

Prior to this cruise guests were required to download and use the ArriveCAN app, and provide proof of vaccination plus a negative COVID-19 test result. 

“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”

According to Transport Canada, a set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

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Everything you need to know about Canada's new COVID-19 rules for cruises

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Canada is preparing for a safe return for the cruise season this April with several new public health measures. 

Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra announced Monday (March 7) that Canada has developed a comprehensive public health plan for cruise ships that will require both crew and passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Crew and passengers must also self-monitor for symptoms and undergo testing before boarding a vessel and prior to disembarkation. 

“As Canadians continue to do their part by stepping up and rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and practising public health measures, our government continues to work hard to restart our economy safely and sustainably," he said. 

"We welcome cruise ships—an important part of our tourism sector—back to Canada, and we will continue working with partners to support this important industry.”

Cruise lines must also adhere to a "strict health framework with three major components," including COVID-19 management plans, a ship-to-shore checklist, and testing and reporting requirements. 

The COVID-19 management plans include measures to prevent transmission prior to boarding the ships and throughout the voyage (such as in ports), as well as measures to detect and isolate any confirmed cases of the virus. 

The ship-to-shore checklist requires a COVID-19 management plan, preventative measures (such as face masks and physical distancing), hygiene measures, and staff training.

What to know before you go 

Pre-boarding a cruise ship.

All crew and passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to board a cruise ship. And while children under 12 may be permitted onboard without showing proof of vaccination, some cruise lines may require children 5 and up to be vaccinated.

There may be some other exemptions, including a medical contradiction or religious belief, but these exemptions may only be permitted under strict guidelines. You must contact the cruise line prior to your cruise to submit your exemption. 

Passengers must also take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before boarding a cruise ship or take an antigen test within one day of the scheduled departure.

ArriveCAN App used for cruising

All cruisers must submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website), including proof of vaccination and a quarantine plan prior to arriving in Canada.

Find out how to use the app with  Vancouver Is Awesome's   guide . 

During the voyage

Crew and passengers are required to self-monitor for symptoms throughout the duration of the voyage. 

• testing (using an antigen test) of suspected cases;
• testing (using a molecular test) to confirm positive cases;
• isolating positive cases; and
• testing close contacts of the positive case(s).

Disembarking a cruise ship in Canada

Passengers must take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72-hours before arriving in Canada or take an antigen test within one day of the scheduled arrival. Once they disembark, they must monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after arrival in Canada as per the   Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations Order.

What happens if someone tests positive while onboard?

Transport Canada cautions that COVID-19 still remains a risk to cruise ship passengers. If someone develops symptoms or tests positive for the virus, they will be isolated from the rest of the guests. After the voyage ends, the cruise line is responsible for arranging accommodations for  passenger   isolation .

Should a significant number of cases appear on a cruise ship, elements of the COVID-19 Management Plan will be activated, and public health measures implemented to manage cases and potential contacts, including:

• isolating additional passengers onboard the cruise ship;
• conducting medical examinations; and
• moving passengers to an alternate shore location.

Should you cruise outside of Canada?

Travellers should consider the availability of medical services in a foreign country, and plan for the potential high costs associated with medical treatment and extending their trip, should they test positive for COVID-19 while abroad.

You could be subject to quarantine procedures onboard the ship or in a foreign country if an outbreak occurs. If you’re infected with COVID-19, you won’t be able to return to Canada on a public flight until 10 days have passed. You shouldn’t depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.

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Princess Cruises Ready to Welcome All Guests with Transport Canada’s Removal of all COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement to Enter Country

By downloading this image you agree to the Princess asset use terms and conditions

With today’s announcement from Transport Canada to remove all COVID-19 requirements to enter the country, Princess Cruises is prepared to welcome all guests on cruises visiting, arriving or departing from Canadian ports, including its Canada/New England voyages and Alaska cruises where the cruise line is the industry leader. All of Princess’ Alaska cruises feature Canada as part of the itinerary.

“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”

Princess is in the process of notifying guests and travel advisors of this tremendous development and is excited to welcome everyone excited to take an Alaska vacation in 2023.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com/ .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Media Relations Department, Princess Cruises 24305 Town Center Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Phone : 1 661 753 1530 Email :  [email protected]

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

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Share this article, stay updated, new canadian procedures are a win for guests cruising to alaska and canada.

Holland America Line is pleased with the recent announcement of the lifting of Canadian pandemic border restrictions. Under the new guidelines, Canadian border vaccination and testing requirements are no longer necessary, which is an important step for the cruise industry in simplifying the travel process for itineraries to Alaska and Canada .

Under the new procedures, there is no longer a vaccination requirement for people entering Canada, COVID-19 testing at airports will end and the use of the ArriveCan app will be optional by the end of September.

“This is a win for the cruise industry and for our guests, as we are seeing growing interest for booking 2023 cruises to Alaska and Canada/New England,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “It’s a positive step that puts health protocols for our Canada and Alaska cruises more in line with most of our other global cruises. We thank Transport Canada for taking action that will continue to protect the health of travelers while also making it easier for them to book a cruise that allows us to support the local economy.”

In addition to Canada lifting border measures, Holland America Line is making it even easier for guests to plan for a cruise with a new Health Protocols Tool on Holland America Line’s website. Now booked guests can simply enter their booking number and the exact vaccination and testing requirements will be outlined. All 2022 cruises are available, and 2023 departures are to be loaded soon.

Alaska and Canada/New England Itineraries Abundant in 2023 In 2023, six Holland America Line ships will explore Alaska from April through September roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C.; or one-way between Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska, and Vancouver. Offering more visits to Glacier Bay than any other major cruise line, Holland America Line weaves 75 years of Alaska expertise into every nuance of the journey.

For explorers who want to travel farther into the Great Land, 16 different Cruisetours combine a three-, four- or seven-day Alaska cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends land tours up to the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Holland America Line’s Zaandam and Zuiderdam will head to Canada/New England in 2023 to showcase the natural beauty and maritime history of the region. The itineraries are offered roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts, or between Boston and Montreal or Quebec City, Canada.

From April through September, the two ships feature a series of “Canada & New England Discovery” departures that highlight New England’s quintessential towns and Canada’s undeniable Old-World French flair. Aboard Zuiderdam guests can set off a 25- days exploration that stretches to Newfoundland, Greenland and Iceland, while Zaandam includes 10- and 11-day cruises to Newfoundland.

Join the Discussion

Is there testing requirements for Alaska cruise? Your protocol does not address this.

Cruise is great, but guest relations after a cruise is horrible!! You will be on hold for hours if you need help with something after the cruise. Very disappointing!

I am actually disappointed about no testing requirements for the ships, as it was great getting on knowing everyone was vaccinated and had been tested. It gave us some kind of comfort level. Having said all that – I will still take a cruise & I want you to know it is much appreciated that the staff all wear masks. We had the most amazing time on the Koningsdam and the staff were fantastic!!

Alaskan cruise September11- 25/ 2022 on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Dave and myself would like to thank our Stewards HADA and DHIAS for doing exceptional work. They have great personalities, always smiling and asking if we need anything for our room. Thank you both for making our vacation awesome.

Hopefully dropping testing for Australia will be next. Reviewing Australia’s entry requirements, if vaccinated (we are, including Omicron booster) Covid test not required. Fingers crossed.

Does this mean that I no longer have to take a supervised Covid test prior to boarding my “Transcanal – Fall” cruise (Panama Canal), leaving Vancouver on October 2?

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Cruises set to return to Canadian ports for first time since start of pandemic

Cruise ships are set to return to Canada's ports next month for the first time since 2020, with some rules still in place to guard against the spread of COVID-19.

In the early days of the pandemic, cruise ships became epicentres at sea for the novel coronavirus, with passengers stuck isolating in staterooms – some for months – as ships dealt with outbreaks and even deaths while being turned away from international ports .

Last year, some cruise lines tried to re-enter the tourism industry between waves of COVID-19 cases, but outbreaks prevented some companies from being able to launch summer trips on schedule .

• Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox

But with COVID-19 restrictions gradually lifting in Canada and around the world, as well as a high vaccine uptake among Canadians, some travellers may be itching to get back on board cruise ships this year.

Before you pack your bags, here's what you need to know about the return of cruises.

WHICH CRUISES ARE RETURNING TO CANADA?

Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess will arrive in Victoria, B.C. on April 6 , marking the first cruise ship to arrive in the city since October 2019. It will also be the first cruise ship to arrive at any Canadian port since the federal government banned cruises from docking in Canada in March 2020.

Hundreds of cruise ships are expected to arrive in Victoria this year , with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority estimating that 780,000 passengers could visit the city this on cruise calls.

Victory Cruise Lines is resuming their Great Lakes cruises in May, according to their website, and Viking Cruise Line plans to return to the Great Lakes in 2023.

The Port of Halifax is scheduled to see 152 cruise ships this season , though the number of passengers expected to disembark in the city for excursions and activities is still hard to estimate.

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

On Wednesday, CTV News learned that Canada was planning to lift its pre-arrival COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated travellers as of April 1 at all points of entry, including sea. An official announcement from the federal government is expected Thursday.

The requirement to be fully vaccinated in order to board federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation remains in effect. Cruise lines must inspect travellers' proof of vaccination before boarding.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said at a press conference in Halifax on March 7 that no passenger will be allowed off a cruise ship at Canadian ports unless they meet the vaccine requirements.

The prohibition of cruise ships in Canadian waters was officially lifted on Nov. 1, 2021, as long as operators fully comply with public health requirements.

But the federal government also said travel rules are subject to change as Canada continues to stave off further waves of COVID-19 cases.

"The return of cruise ships to our ports is a further step in Canada's reopening and a reflection of the progress we have made against this current Omicron variant," Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement on March 7 . "As we have said all along, Canada’s border measures will remain flexible and adaptable and we will continue to evaluate our measures to keep Canadians safe."

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

The federal government is warning that despite some restrictive measures being lifted, there are still some risks associated with travel on a cruise ship.

According to the Government of Canada website , travellers could be subject to quarantine procedures onboard the ship or in a foreign country, which could restrict access to consular services. The federal government is also warning that the cost of medical care or quarantine measures could be very expensive, and in some countries travellers may need to pay medical bills immediately in cash.

Regardless of vaccination status, the federal government recommends following individual public health measures such as wearing a mask and physical distancing, "even if it’s not required."

WHAT DO INDUSTRY EXPERTS SAY?

With cruises returning to Canada, tourism groups and local business owners say they are looking forward to welcoming travellers back to the country's port cities.

"The return of cruise season – of cruise ships sent to the port, of people wandering around the city – it brings an air of excitement that things are changing and that we're coming out of COVID," Allan Gray, the president and CEO of the Port of Halifax, told CTV's Your Morning on Wednesday. "They understand with $165 billion being put into the Halifax community, it's a big industry for the area."

On the other side of the country, business owners are also getting excited for the return of cruise season. Wally Wargolet, the CEO of the Vancouver's Gastown Business Improvement Association, told CTV News Vancouver that there is a lot of "optimism" among business owners trying to come out of the pandemic.

"This is going to be the beginning of that economic recovery," Wargolet said. "A lot of the businesses here in Gastown survive the winters by having very strong (summer) tourist seasons."

But one of the challenges in preparing for an influx of tourists, experts said, is exactly how much of an influx to expect.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said it's expecting more than 300 ships to arrive during the 2022 season. But due to ongoing changes in travel restrictions, the group said it's too early to estimate the number of passengers.

"I certainly wouldn't say it's a normal cruise season this year," Gray said. "The challenge of course is we actually don't know what the passenger volumes will be on the ships at this stage. That seems to be a changing number all the time as the industry bounces back from the COVID period."

Allan said cruise lines and port authorities will have to work "in conjunction" with Transport Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as with provincial and territorial health authorities in order to protect passengers and Canada's port communities from COVID-19.

"Unfortunately, I suppose they were the poster child of the start of COVID, but the industry has really, really stepped up," Allan said. "They're very concerned about making sure people have a good experience, and that as they return and bounce back out of COVID, they do it responsibly and they can demonstrate that it's a sustainable industry." 

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According to her autopsy, Kaytlyn Hemsworth died of hanging at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton while in the psychiatric unit.

Locked wheels and receipt checks: Grocer anti-theft measures have some Maritimers on edge, others welcome the change

In the early 1900’s, you would walk into a grocery store with your list, pass it to an employee behind a desk, and they would gather what you wanted.

Winnipeggers wanting to one day buy a home are 'trying to climb a hill that's just too steep'

Owning a home may be out of reach for many Canadians according to new data from CIBC, and for one Winnipegger, the prospect of owning their own home is starting to feel like an impossible goal.

Province issues flood warning for portion Assiniboine River

Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre issued a flood warning Friday for a portion of the Assiniboine River.

Moose on the loose in Oakville, Man.

Two moose were on the loose in Oakville, Man. on Friday.

Sask. students say 'pressure is still on' ahead of renewed talks between teachers, province

The school year has been a challenging one for students and teachers alike, yet students see the problems teachers have brought forward during a lengthy contract dispute with the Saskatchewan government firsthand.

Arrests made following investigation into store robberies in Regina

Arrests have been made following an investigation into four convenience store robberies in Regina beginning in 2022.

Man killed in Kitchener shooting

A 32-year-old man is dead after a shooting in Kitchener’s Country Hills East neighbourhood. Here's what we know about the investigation so far.

Tree clearing company calls equipment ‘dangerous’ after metal object hit Kitchener home

New questions are being raised about the equipment that sent a chunk of metal flying through the air and into a Kitchener, Ont. home, missing the homeowner’s head by mere inches.

Kitchener couple claims landlord is targeting them for organizing tenants union

A Kitchener couple has now received a second eviction notice from their landlord at 250 Frederick Street. This time their appliances are allegedly to blame.

‘We need rain desperately’: fire ban issued for Corman Park, other Sask. communities

Saskatoon firefighters are reminding the public to be diligent heading into the weekend. It comes as fire bans have been issued for multiple communities including the RM of Corman Park.

Spring construction season begins in Saskatoon with road closures and traffic delays

With the arrival of spring and temperatures finally warming up, construction crews in Saskatoon are gearing up for a busy season.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. man fined $25K for illegally building road on Crown land

A Sturgeon Falls man has been fined a total of $25,000 for trying to build a road across Crown land to access a piece of private property.

Evacuation underway in Kashechewan, Ont., due to spring flooding of Albany River

A precautionary evacuation of about 600 people from Kashechewan First Nation is underway with the first group arriving in Kapuskasing on Friday.

'I'm crying with the bank': Ontario woman loses $86K to CRA scam

An Ontario woman is out $86,000 after receiving a call from a fraudster claiming to be a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) investigator. They told her that her bank accounts were involved in a money laundering operation.

'There was nothing human about what they did': London, Ont. family angered after sentencing hearing in stabbing death

A London family is speaking out after a sentencing hearing for the three people who pleaded guilty in connection with the stabbing death of their loved one got underway in court.

Baby Gwendolyn celebrates 1st birthday after receiving rare liver disorder diagnosis

Gwendolyn Barnett celebrated her first birthday last month, but the first year of her life has been a battle to save it.

Four cars involved in south-end collision

London police, fire, and paramedics responded to a 4-vehicle crash in south London, Ont. on Friday.

Dancing with the Easter Seals returns to Barrie with remarks from celebrity guest judges

The annual fundraiser 'Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars' returns to Barrie on Friday.

One person injured in multi-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Barrie

A multi-vehicle collision caused delays on Highway 400 through Barrie early Friday afternoon.

Retired teacher convicted of historical sexual assaults apologizes to victims

Lawrence Fritz appeared in a Newmarket courtroom more than two months after he pleaded guilty to five counts of inappropriately touching students in the 1970s, 80s and 90s while teaching at schools across York Region.

Police handing out Faraday bags to help prevent auto thefts

Windsor police are trying to help prevent auto thefts by handing out Faraday bags.

Cycling community looks to sanction trails Black Oak Heritage Park

Black Oak Heritage Park is one part of what will soon make up the Ojibway National Urban Park.

Fire destroys tractor trailer on Highway 401

A tractor trailer was destroyed by fire on Highway 401 in Lakeshore.

Vancouver Island

Malahat legion celebrates its 90th anniversary after almost closing down during pandemic.

Stan Grenda has been a Legion member for 40 years. The last 27 of those years have been with the Malahat Legion.

Canadian navy's Pacific fleet to accept first Arctic patrol vessel

The Canadian navy's Pacific fleet is set to take possession of its first Arctic patrol vessel, which arrives in British Columbia next week ahead of a formal commissioning ceremony.

Evacuation of Kelowna, B.C., apartment near construction site extended for two weeks

More than 80 residents from a low-income apartment building in Kelowna, B.C., have learned they won't be able to return to their homes for at least another two weeks.

2 men injured after 'road rage' incident with Dodge Ram driver, Kelowna RCMP say

Mounties are investigating a reported "road rage" incident in Kelowna, B.C., that left two men injured last week.

Unstable nearby construction site forces evacuation of apartment in Kelowna, B.C.

More than 80 residents of a low-income apartment building in Kelowna, B.C., have been told they need to leave over a 'significant' risk to life and safety.

Phillips calls for funding to be reinstated to Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network

Lethbridge West MLA Shannon Phillips is calling on the province to reinstate funding for the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network.

Lethbridge police team up with campaign to urge drivers to slow down

With the weather starting to feel like spring is really here, more kids will likely be outside enjoying the sunshine and warm temperatures, which organizers of the Slow Your Roll campaign say is a perfect time to re-launch the campaign.

Lethbridge police arrest man who allegedly hit cars with weapon

Lethbridge police are asking anyone with cellphone or dash-cam video of an incident on Mayor Magrath Drive on Thursday to contact them.

Sault Ste. Marie

End of an era for Sault film festival

It’s the end of an era for film lovers in Sault Ste. Marie. The final showing for the Shadows of the Mind Film Festival was Friday night.

Former residents give Elliot Lake arena campaign a $300K boost

After winning the $250,000 Kraft Hockeyville competition last month, there is more good news from Elliot Lake.

Manitoulin suspect charged with criminally harassing municipal staff

A 57-year-old from Gore Bay has been charged with two counts of criminal harassment.

A fish harvester's protest threatens Newfoundland and Labrador's crab season -- again

Longliners across Newfoundland and Labrador are tied up once again, as a new protest by the province's fish harvesters threatens to derail the crab fishery for a second straight year.

Unique photo exhibit put cameras in the hands of survivors of domestic and sexual violence

A unique photo exhibit is putting cameras into the hands of survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Controversial wind-powered hydrogen project gets final approval in Newfoundland

A controversial wind-powered hydrogen development proposed for the west coast of Newfoundland has cleared its last hurdle with the provincial government.

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Sailings That Visit Canada as of September 26, 2022

Travel requirements vary by homeport country. Be sure you’re aware of both homeport country and Celebrity Cruises vaccine and testing requirements as they may differ. We will continually evaluate and update these requirements and protocols as new information becomes available. Booked guests will be advised of the latest requirements leading up to departure.

Health Protocols and Requirements

Vaccination Policy to Sail

Effective October 1, 2022, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise as long as they meet testing requirements to board. While vaccinations are not required to sail on Celebrity Cruises, they are highly recommended.

COVID-19 booster vaccine shots are not currently required to sail on Celebrity Cruises but are highly recommended.

If you are vaccinated, please plan to carry your vaccination documentation with you at all times while in port should local authorities or businesses request it to help facilitate entry and/or experiences.

Vaccines approved and accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) OR by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be considered valid with the current exception of the CanSino vaccine.

Guests with a mixed series of any two of the following vaccines taken within a minimum of 28 days between doses, will also be considered fully vaccinated:  

• Pfizer / Cominarty
• Moderna / Spikevax
• Johnson & Johnson / Janssen
• AstraZeneca / Covishield / Vaxzevria
• Sinovac / Coronavac
• Sinopharm / BBIBP-CorV

Any guest who has received one dose of a vaccine (other than Johnson & Johnson) will not be considered fully vaccinated.

Testing Requirements Vaccinated Guests* For all sailings 9 nights or shorter , no pre-boarding testing is required.

For all sailings 10 nights or longer , vaccinated guests ages 5 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to boarding. Test results from any commercially available Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), including self-tests, will be accepted. Tests do not have to be supervised or proctored. Test results may be presented as a printout, screenshot or photo of the test result or the actual test. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Unvaccinated Guests For all sailings, unvaccinated guests ages 5 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to boarding. Test results from any commercially available Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), including self-tests, will be accepted. Tests do not have to be supervised or proctored. Test results may be presented as a printout, screenshot or photo of the test result or the actual test. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Guests who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may present a Certificate of Recovery and proof of the positive PCR or Antigen test result taken between 11-90 days prior to the sail date in order to board and be exempt from testing. We will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in place of a vaccination record. Please be aware that some ports of call do not accept a Certificate of Recovery for the purposes of debarking and enjoying the destination. We will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in place of a vaccination record.

*Definition of Fully Vaccinated : vaccinated with a full dose of a primary series vaccine. The last primary dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to embarkation.

Re-Entry (to home country)

Most countries no longer require a re-entry test. Should you need a test to re-enter your country of residence, please visit the Guest Relations desk onboard the ship.

PRE-CRUISE Test Kit Resources for U.S. Guests

Celebrity Cruises has also worked with its trusted vendors to make options for procuring monitored/proctored test kits available to you. We strongly recommend ordering test kits at least 7 days in advance of your sailing. These tests allow you to complete your pre-cruise test at home or any place of your choosing with the help of live video supervision by a Certified Guide.

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While On Board

Currently, face masks are optional onboard Celebrity ships for all guests, regardless of vaccination status. Celebrity Cruises follows the requirements in all jurisdictions we sail, and please note that mask requirements may vary by the destinations visited on your sailing and/or disembarkation port. This policy is continually re-evaluated, and any updates will be shared with guests. 

Excursions & Going Ashore

All guests may go ashore on their own where it’s permitted.

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Canada to Lift Cruise Ship Ban in November

Previously, cruising in Canada was not expected to resume until February 2022.

Cruise ships can resume sailing in Canada on Nov. 1, the country's Minister of Transport announced Thursday.

"As Canadians have done their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to safely restart our economy and build back better," Omar Alghabra said in a statement. "We will welcome cruise ships — an important part of our tourism sector — back in Canadian waters for the 2022 season."

Cruise lines that do take to the Canadian waters are expected to "fully comply with public health requirements."

"We know that cruise ship passengers want a Canadian experience in British Columbia, and we know that British Columbians want to welcome them to our cities when it is safe to do so," British Columbia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honorable Rob Fleming, said in the announcement.

The decision comes as the vaccination rate continues to increase across Canada. Currently, over 50% of Canadians are fully vaccinated, while 80% have received their first dose of the vaccine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on a call with premiers on Thursday.

Previously, cruising in Canada was not expected to resume until February 2022. As a result, the United States passed legislation allowing ships to skip Canadian ports so cruises could begin in Alaska. Princess, Holland America, and Norwegian cruise lines all announced itineraries to Alaska this year following the passing of the legislation.

While the return of cruising in Canada may be on the horizon, U.S. citizens are still not allowed to return to the country, and the land border remains closed to non-essential travel.

However, Trudeau said on Thursday's government call that "we could expect to start allowing fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel" and that more details would be shared next week.

Cruising returns to Canada: First major ship to stop in Victoria, Vancouver after 2 years without port calls

Starting Saturday, cruise ships once again make port calls in Canada after a two-year pause due to COVID-19.

Holland America Line's Koningsdam ship will be the first ship to dock in Victoria, Canada, in 905 days since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the cruise line said in a news release provided by spokesperson Erik Elvejord.

Cruise Lines International Association, the leading trade group for the industry, confirmed to USA TODAY that Koningsdam is the first major cruise ship to return to Canada.

"We've worked a long time to make this day happen, and we are delighted to be back," Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA, said in a statement provided by spokesperson Laziza Lambert.

CDC NO LONGER WARNING TRAVELERS: About risk of contracting COVID-19 on cruise ships after 2 years

QUARANTINE, SOCIAL DISTANCING: CDC updates COVID-19 guidance for cruise ships

Canada looks forward to welcoming back the cruise industry to its waters.

Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure, said in CLIA's release that British Columbia celebrates the return of cruise ships and their passengers while the region works to rebuild its tourism economy. 

"We know that cruise ship passengers enjoy everything our communities have to offer, helping support thousands of jobs in the maritime, tourism, hospitality, and agricultural sectors across the province," Fleming said.

Before 2020, the cruise industry added more than $4 billion to the Canadian economy annually and provided 30,000 jobs, Beth Potter, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, said.

Canada  cut short its ban on cruises last July, giving clearance to ships to sail in November 2021. The ban, which applied to cruise ships with more than 100 passengers, went into effect in  March 2020  and had been set to run through  Feb. 28 .

But major cruise lines haven't sailed there to date. The policy change came too late last year to save 2021's cruising season in the region.

The cruise industry sails in Canada primarily during the summer season. During the wintertime, ships shift to a different direction, Elvejord said. Typically, he said, in early May, ships sail from New England up toward Montreal, and the Alaska season on the West Coast starts in late April.

This year, Holland America got an early start.

"We are thrilled to be the first cruise line back into Canada after such a long absence, and we look forward to celebrating a great moment for everyone who loves to travel and for those in Canada and Alaska whose livelihoods depend on tourism," Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, said in the release. 

When the ship arrives in Victoria on Saturday and Vancouver on Sunday, Antorcha will join government officials to celebrate cruising's return in Canada.

The Koningsdam was on a coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver on Friday. It is scheduled to depart Sunday from Vancouver on a round trip sailing to Hawaii. 

During the 2022 season, Holland America Line intends to operate 141 cruises on eight ships in Canada, expecting to bring 250,000 passengers to visit.

Contributing: Bailey Schulz

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• Pre-board testing is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
• to save time at the border, you can use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• As always, travel documents are required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

• inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
• avoid taking public transportation
• check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

• International travel advice and advisories
• COVID-19 and international travel
• Proof of vaccination
• Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

• It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

• COVID-19 guidance, vaccines, limiting the spread
• Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

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Public health reference tool for cruise ship operators 

On this page, cruise travel and public health, communicable disease resources, common communicable diseases, other communicable diseases, public health measures, other risk mitigation resources.

This public health reference tool compiles references to Canadian public health resources on communicable disease prevention. This information is being provided to cruise ship operators for general awareness purposes only. Resources shared as part of this tool are not industry-specific and guidance may need to be adapted to suit the context of a cruise ship.

The information in this tool is valid at the time of publication. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will periodically review this webpage and make updates, as needed. It is good practice for cruise ship operators to regularly monitor current Canadian public health news, recommendations and regulatory requirements. This tool does not provide medical or legal advice. For more information:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
• List of Acts and Regulations

Cruise travel can pose various risks for the transmission of communicable diseases:

• through person-to-person contact, including from the spread of respiratory particles due to coughing, sneezing or speaking (i.e., through direct transmission)
• through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, through airborne transmission, or through contaminated food and/or drinking water (i.e., through indirect transmission)

Cruise ship operators can mitigate risks of communicable disease transmission by:

• applying appropriate public health measures against communicable diseases like COVID-19, influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and noroviruses
• ensuring that planning and procedures are in place to manage outbreak situations

An effective public health framework can help protect the health of passengers and crew and minimize the risk of onward disease transmission during port visits.

The Government of Canada publishes disease-specific guidance and information that can help operators identify preventive strategies and mitigate risks. Links to resources on the prevention of communicable diseases in the context of cruise travel are shared below, including information on respiratory infectious diseases and gastrointestinal illness.

This section also includes links to infection control guidelines for communicable diseases that are less common. It is not intended to be a comprehensive representation of public health risks on board cruise ships.

For vaccine-preventable diseases, industry health professionals can also refer to the Canadian Immunization Guide for more information on recommendations for the immunization of travellers.

For further information:

• Infectious diseases
• Canadian Immunization Guide

Respiratory infectious diseases

Outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases can occur at any time of the year on cruise ships. It is common for some respiratory infectious diseases to co-circulate on a seasonal cycle, including:

• Influenza (flu)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Some respiratory infectious diseases of concern do not follow a seasonal cycle, such as:

Gastrointestinal illness

The sharing of a common food and water supply in the semi-enclosed setting of a cruise ship can lead to disease outbreaks. Cruise ship crew or passengers may present symptoms of acute gastrointestinal (GI) illness prior to and during a voyage, often diagnosed as a norovirus infection. Noroviruses are very contagious viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

To learn more:

• Norovirus: Symptoms and treatment
• Mpox (monkeypox)

Clusters of mpox (monkeypox) cases have been reported in non-endemic countries. The majority of the cases reported outside of endemic areas have been in those who have had close or intimate contact with a person who has mpox. This disease is caused by a viral infection, and the most commonly presenting symptom is a rash.

Vector-borne diseases

Diseases can also be spread from one animal to another (e.g., humans) through an intermediary or vector – typically, a biting insect or tick. Mosquitos are a common disease vector, and can spread diseases such as:

• Dengue fever
• Chikungunya
• Yellow fever

Resources for preventing the spread of communicable diseases

This section provides references to Government of Canada resources on public health measures and other best practices that can be applied in cruise ship settings – e.g., against respiratory infectious diseases and gastrointestinal illnesses. The information on public health measures shared below is not intended to be exhaustive.

Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette measures

Making health promotion materials (e.g., videos, audio, factsheets, and infographics) available throughout the ship can provide those onboard with instructions and reminders for hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes and wearing a respirator or mask when symptomatic or in settings that are small, crowded, or poorly ventilated).

The Government of Canada has published guidance and health promotion material on hand hygiene:

• Hand washing and staying healthy
• Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands infographic
• Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands (video)

For information on masking:

• COVID-19 mask use: Types of masks and respirators
• COVID-19 mask use: How to make your mask fit properly
• COVID-19 mask use: How to choose, use and care for a mask
• COVID-19 mask use: Advice for community settings

Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects

Environmental sanitation practices are important to reduce the risk of communicable diseases on board cruise ships. The routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects that are frequently touched can remove or kill infectious particles that cause disease, reducing the risk of illness transmission through contact with contaminated materials.

The Government of Canada has published guidance on cleaning and disinfection, including information specific to passenger conveyances and to COVID-19.

• Environmental sanitation practices to control the spread of communicable disease in passenger conveyances and terminals
• Surface disinfectants for emerging viral pathogens
• COVID-19: Cleaning and disinfecting

Safe food handling

Following general food safety practices can also help prevent the spread of enteric and food-borne diseases. The Government of Canada provides information on general food safety practices. To learn more:

• Food safety

Indoor ventilation

Taking steps to maintain and improve indoor ventilation can help prevent the airborne transmission of communicable disease in specific locations. Routine maintenance of HVAC systems will contribute to the reduction in levels of infectious particles.

The Government of Canada has published a COVID-19-specific factsheet and guidance on indoor ventilation.

• COVID-19: Improving indoor ventilation
• Factsheet: Ventilation helps protect against the spread of COVID-19
• COVID-19: Guidance on indoor ventilation during the pandemic

Outbreak management plans

An effective outbreak management plan includes specific activation triggers, and corresponding public health measures that can help contain the spread of communicable disease. Establishing programs for drills and exercises can help with preparedness for some outbreak situations. Including protocols for identifying and informing passengers of possible exposure to illness can facilitate case management.

For communicable disease outbreak management plans, PHAC recommends referencing the following resources:

• Reducing COVID-19 risk in community settings: A tool for operators
• COVID-19: Prevention and Risks
• Mpox (monkeypox): How operators can reduce the risk of spread in community settings

The Government of Canada has also published information on personal protective measures to help reduce the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, which can assist operators with the development of public health messaging as part of actions included in an outbreak management plan:

• Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures
• Break the chain of infection: Respiratory infectious diseases
• COVID-19: What to do if you or someone in your home is sick

Page details

Requirements for Cruise Passengers Visiting Canada

Our focus remains on creating magic for all on board while operating our ships in a responsible manner. The health and safety of our Crew Members and Guests are top of mind. While protocols may change at any time, Disney Cruise Line will adhere to local laws, regulations and protocols—including those related to health and safety—in place at all homeports and ports of call. Guests should review and stay up to date with any cruise-specific requirements, restrictions or recommendations that may be in place for travel to Canada. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for information.

Booking Policies

Visit our Disney Cruise Line Frequently Asked Questions to learn about booking policies related to COVID-19.

Your Guide to Updated Experiences

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Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Cruise? It Depends on the Ship and Destination

While most cruise lines have scrapped covid vaccine and testing requirements, some companies and international cruise ports still have vaccination and testing rules in place..

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If you’re planning on sailing with Viking anytime soon, you’d better track down that COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Courtesy of Viking

When cruising restarted in spring 2021, after a nearly 15-month pandemic-spurred shutdown imposed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cruisers faced a barrage of rules, including strict requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and precruise COVID-19 testing. Later, the rules started to go by the wayside, and it was hard to keep track of who was requiring what. Not anymore.

Most cruise lines have now dropped or are soon dropping rules for both vaccinations and precruise testing, with at least one notable exception. Viking —on its river, ocean, and expedition ships—still requires everyone on board be fully vaccinated .

Another line that was still requiring COVID vaccinations, small-ship line Windstar Cruises, will be scrapping its vaccine mandate as of June 1, 2023. “We’ve invested in and improved our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “When combined with the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors are considerably lower now, giving us the confidence to lift the requirement.”

Are COVID vaccinations and testing still required for cruises?

Most cruise lines have dropped both their vaccine and testing requirements. Those that have lingered into 2023—mostly lines operating smaller ships—have been quietly scaling back their requirements.

The result: While there was a time after cruising restarted that you could be assured that your fellow passengers, at least those age 12 and up, were both fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 before getting on the ship, that is not the case anymore.

That said, specific countries have their own requirements, and several countries still require that cruise ship passengers are vaccinated and/or tested before arrival. If you are doing an itinerary outside of the Caribbean or Europe (where most vaccine and testing requirements have been dropped)—including to select countries in Central and South America or to Australia—you still have to read your cruise line’s precruise health and safety information carefully to make sure you comply with the latest requirements.

Contact your cruise line or check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for the latest.

What to know before you cruise

Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules.

Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise line’s health and safety protocols. If a precruise test is required by a certain country, you will find that noted. In this case, you may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. (If testing is required, it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test , paid for by the passenger. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.)

If being fully vaccinated is required, that means having received the original series of vaccines at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot or shots.

As was the case even before the pandemic, you will be asked at embarkation to fill out a questionnaire inquiring about your current health status and whether you currently have any symptoms of illness.

You are free to pack and wear masks on your cruise. Most cruise lines suggest you do wear masks in crowded indoor situations—but it’s not enforced.

A quick cruise line guide to COVID requirements

Here’s a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding.

American Queen Voyages

On American Queen Voyages’ river, ocean, Great Lakes, and expedition ships, there are no longer any precruise testing or vaccinations required. Face coverings are optional, though masks may be required of any passengers showing symptoms.

Precruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests sailing with Azamara , except in ports where testing is required. No vaccination is necessary for cruises departing from or returning to the United States or Europe. In Australia, all guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses (including a booster shot). Children under 12 years old are not required to be vaccinated.

Celebrity Cruises

No vaccination or testing is required on the majority of Celebrity Cruises sailings. Destinations with stricter requirements include: the Galápagos, Australia and New Zealand, transatlantic crossings, and select Central and South America itineraries. Unvaccinated guests need to be tested in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

As of April 23, 2023, on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria , and as of June 8, 2023, on the Queen Elizabeth , vaccinations and testing will no longer be required by Cunard (until then, testing and vaccination requirements apply).

Disney Cruise Line

For sailings embarking from the United States, which are the bulk of Disney Cruise Line’s sailings, no vaccination or testing is required. Disney recommends all guests be vaccinated before sailing and take a test for COVID-19 two days prior to their cruise. There are additional requirements on repositioning cruises and in Australia, so it is important to check the line’s website before your cruise.

Holland America Line

There are no precruise testing or vaccination requirements on most Holland America Line itineraries. There are requirements on select voyages (you can look up a specific voyage’s requirements on the line’s website).

Lindblad Expeditions

For voyages embarking on or after May 11, 2023, Lindblad Expeditions will no longer require guests to be fully vaccinated, although the line recommends guests be fully vaccinated (for cruises prior to that time, all passengers age five and up must be vaccinated). Lindblad recommends, but does not require, passengers take a predeparture COVID-19 test within five days of the start of their expedition.

Oceania Cruises

Vaccine requirements are purely dependent on the destinations being visited on each Oceania cruise. Passengers are advised to be up to date on the latest regulations for all destinations on their cruise itinerary.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Effective April 2023, Paul Gauguin Cruises no longer requires that passengers are vaccinated or tested for COVID prior to embarkation, but it continues to encourage vaccination. “Paul Gauguin Cruises’ officers, staff and crew will remain fully vaccinated,” the line states. Travelers will need to present a health declaration form at embarkation.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Vaccines and precruise testing are generally not required to sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises . There are some requirements in place based on local health regulations in a specific country a ship is visiting. Regent notifies guests approximately 30 days prior to sailing of any country-specific protocols.

Royal Caribbean

No vaccine or precruise testing is required on the majority of Royal Caribbean itineraries, with a few exceptions: Cruises from Australia, transpacific and transatlantic sailings, and cruises from Hawai‘i to Vancouver.

No vaccine or testing required except on certain Seabourn itineraries where a country may have specific requirements.

No vaccination is required for Silversea passengers except as designated by the destination. Precruise testing is not required except when specified by a destination.

Viking Cruises

All passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition ships—without exception. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. Viking recommends but does not require a predeparture COVID-19 test (except if required by a destination).

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has no precruise testing or vaccination requirements. Masks may be required at select times.

Windstar Cruises

Beginning June 1, 2023, Windstar will no longer require guests to be vaccinated. Crew will continue to be vaccinated. Masks are optional, with the line highly recommending guests wear masks in indoor public spaces. All guests fill out a health questionnaire on embarkation. A precruise COVID-19 test is not required unless you show symptoms.

This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on April 19, 2023, with current information.

There's COVID-19 on nearly every cruise ship right now: Here's what cruisers need to know

Things are getting iffy again for cruisers -- at least for those with near-term bookings.

The ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases around the world is causing a growing number of disruptions to itineraries and even some last-minute cancellations of entire voyages.

The number of passengers being quarantined on ships (after testing positive for COVID-19) also is on the rise. And passengers who aren't COVID-19 positive are getting caught up in short-term quarantines for being "close contacts" of shipmates who are.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Meanwhile, just getting to ships is becoming increasingly stressful, as getting the pre-cruise COVID-19 test that's often required before cruising is getting more difficult . Plus, a "perfect storm" of soaring COVID-19 cases and rough winter weather has wreaked havoc with airline operations for weeks.

Still, the situation isn't anywhere near as dramatic or disruptive as what we saw at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, when whole ships were being quarantined due to outbreaks of the illness and, eventually, the entire industry shut down.

As I saw myself during a cruise to Antarctica in recent weeks, many sailings are operating relatively normally, even when there are COVID-19 cases on board.

Here's a look at everything you need to know if you've got a cruise booked in the coming weeks -- or further out.

COVID-19 cases on ships are up a lot

While cruise ships have recorded relatively few cases of COVID-19 over the past year, in part due to unusually strict health protocols , the number of passengers and crew testing positive on ships has been rising sharply in recent weeks along with the greater surge on land.

At the end of December, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 5,013 COVID-19 cases had been reported on cruise vessels operating in U.S. waters during the last two weeks of the month, up from just 162 cases during the first two weeks of the month.

That's a 3,094% increase.

Anecdotal reports are that the number of cases on ships is up even more in the first 10 days of the new year.

Notably, all 92 cruise vessels currently operating in U.S. waters have recorded at least a handful of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, according to CDC data.

Still, it's important to note that most of these "cases" of COVID-19 are asymptomatic or mild, only discovered during routine testing. While some ships only are testing passengers who report feeling ill for COVID-19 (and close contacts of those who subsequently test positive), other ships are testing every single passenger at least once per voyage, sometimes more. One line, Viking , is testing every single passenger for COVID-19 every day.

Cruise lines also are testing all crew members regularly.

The result is the detection of many asymptomatic cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. This is a level of surveillance that is much greater than what is the norm for other travel venues such as land-based resorts or theme parks, and it can give the false impression that the positivity rate for COVID-19 on ships is unusually high as compared to other places.

If anything, the positivity rate is far lower on ships than on land, thanks to much stricter health protocols (more on that in a moment).

It's also important to note that the detection of COVID-19-positive passengers or crew on board your ship won't necessarily impact your sailing (unless you are among those testing positive).

Health authorities no longer are quarantining whole ships when a few -- or even a lot -- of passengers and crew test positive for COVID-19. The current protocol on most ships is to isolate COVID-19-positive passengers and crew but otherwise continue on with voyages as planned.

Your itinerary could change

While health authorities no longer are quarantining whole ships when a few passengers or crew test positive for COVID-19, the presence of the illness on board a vessel still could result in notable disruptions to your itinerary.

Cruise lines in recent weeks have faced a growing number of ports that are balking at allowing ships with COVID-19-positive passengers or crew to dock.

Several ships recently had to skip port calls in Mexico , for instance, after passengers and crew on board the vessels tested positive for COVID-19. The ports have since reopened after Mexico's Health Department overruled the decisions of local port officials.

Cruise ships also have had to cancel stops recently at the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and at San Juan, Puerto Rico, due to local worries about COVID-19-positive passengers and crew on board and/or tighter COVID-19-related entry requirements.

Lines also are dealing with a small but growing number of destinations -- India and Hong Kong, for example -- that are at least temporarily closing to cruising completely, even for ships where no one has tested positive for COVID-19.

Viking on Sunday was forced to announce a major revision of its soon-to-begin, 120-day world cruise after India notified the line it was closing to cruise ships. Viking's 930-passenger Viking Star will begin its world cruise this week by heading south from Los Angeles to Central America and South America instead of sailing westward toward Asia, where it was scheduled to spend a significant amount of time in India.

Your cruise could be canceled on short notice

A growing number of cruise lines are canceling sailings on short notice, citing the disruptions caused by COVID-19. The world's largest cruise operator Royal Caribbean on Friday canceled soon-to-depart sailings on four of its 25 ships, including the next three departures of the world's largest ship, Symphony of the Seas .

Norwegian Cruise Line on Wednesday canceled soon-to-depart voyages on eight of its 17 ships.

Other lines canceling one or more sailings in recent days include Holland America , Silversea , Atlas Ocean Voyages, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, MSC Cruises , Costa Cruises and Oceania Cruises .

The cancellations come as lines struggle to maintain adequate staffing levels on some ships due to crew members testing positive. When crew test positive, they and their close contacts must stop working and isolate, even if asymptomatic, leaving shipboard venues short-staffed.

You probably won't be quarantined, stranded or stuck

As noted above, health authorities no longer are quarantining whole ships when a few -- or even a lot -- of passengers and crew test positive for COVID-19.

The current protocol on most ships is to quickly isolate COVID-19-positive passengers and their close contacts. But only the COVID-19-positive passengers are being isolated long term.

As my colleague Ashley Kosciolek experienced first-hand on a cruise in 2021, close contacts only are being isolated for a short period while they are tested for COVID-19. If they test negative, they typically are allowed out of their rooms to rejoin the rest of their fellow cruisers on board.

This means that many sailings are going ahead as planned, with little disruption, even when some passengers and crew on the trips test positive for COVID-19. I experienced this myself in late December when on a Silversea vessel where four passengers tested positive for COVID-19. Some passengers who were deemed close contacts of the passengers who tested positive were isolated for a short period while being tested for COVID-19. But the positive cases had little impact on most of the passengers on board the vessel, and the voyage went ahead as planned.

Such a protocol comes at the recommendation of the CDC, which has set guidelines for how cruise lines should respond to COVID-19-positive cases on board ships, and it has worked well for the past year .

Of course, if you do test positive for COVID-19 on a ship, you will, unfortunately, face what could be several days of isolation in a cabin on a ship or on land. If you are an American cruising overseas, you also won't be able to return to the U.S. until you have tested negative for COVID-19 (or until you recover from the illness and are cleared in writing to travel by a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official).

This is one of the biggest risks of taking a cruise right now, and one reason you may consider canceling a sailing scheduled in the short term (see the section on more-flexible cancellation policies below).

Most COVID-19 cases on ships aren't serious

Cruise lines are reporting that the vast majority of passengers testing positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.

All major cruise lines currently are requiring all or nearly all passengers to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, with some also starting to require booster shots , to boot. This creates an onboard population that is far less likely to experience serious symptoms of COVID-19 than a cross-section of people on land, according to CDC data.

For all adults ages 18 years and older, the cumulative COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate is about eight times higher in unvaccinated persons than in vaccinated persons, according to the latest CDC data.

You'll face lots of new health protocols

If you haven't cruised since before the pandemic, you might be surprised by how many new health- and safety-related policies cruise lines have implemented to keep COVID-19 off ships.

For starters, there are the vaccine mandates noted above. No other segment of the travel industry has been as uniform in requiring almost every customer to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Related: Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise? A line-by-line guide

As noted above, cruise lines also are requiring passengers to undergo COVID-19 tests before boarding ships -- a screening process that is keeping many COVID-19 positive people from ever stepping on board a vessel.

When COVID-19 is detected on a ship, cruise lines sometimes then test passengers multiple times to ensure it isn't spreading. On my recent trip to Antarctica, I underwent six COVID-19 tests in just eight days -- three in advance of stepping on board the vessel (including a PCR test required by Chile, where my trip began) and three while on board.

In addition, most cruise lines now are requiring passengers to wear masks at all times while in interior spaces of vessels, and they have stepped up cleaning regimens, improved air filtration systems on ships and made other onboard changes.

The CDC says to avoid cruising for now

On Dec. 30, the CDC added cruise ships to its list of "Level 4" destinations you should avoid visiting for now due to high levels of COVID-19.

For what it's worth, more than 80 countries around the world -- including a good chunk of all the places you might want to travel -- are on this list. So, the CDC is basically telling you that now isn't a good time to travel. Fair enough. But the warning shouldn't be seen as a call-out on any elevated risk to cruising as opposed to visiting other places, per se.

Places on the Level 4 list currently include Canada, much of Europe and nearly every country in the Caribbean.

The cruise industry has been highly critical of the designation, arguing that cruise ships are far safer places to be right now than almost anywhere else, given their strict health protocols.

"The decision by the CDC to raise the travel level for cruise is particularly perplexing considering that cases identified on cruise ships consistently make up a very slim minority of the total population onboard — far fewer than on land — and the majority of those cases are asymptomatic or mild in nature, posing little to no burden on medical resources onboard or onshore," the main trade group for the industry, the Cruise Lines International Association, said in a statement to TPG.

You can cancel if you're worried (in many cases)

If you're booked on a cruise in the coming weeks, and you're having second thoughts, there's a good chance you can get out of your trip. Many lines continue to be far more flexible than normal about cancellations.

Take cruise giant Carnival Cruise Line . Its current flexible cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel as long as a public health emergency remains in effect and receive 100% of the cruise fare paid in the form of a future cruise credit. Passengers are also able to cancel if they test positive for COVID-19. (Proof of a positive test result is required.)

Another large line, Norwegian, just last week extended its pandemic-era Peace of Mind policy to allow passengers to cancel any sailing taking place between now and May 31. For now, the cancellation needs to be done by Jan. 31, and the refund would come in the form of a future cruise credit to be used on any sailing that embarks through Dec. 31.

That means you could call the line right now to back out of a cruise that is just days away. In normal times, you'd lose all your money if you backed out of a seven-night Norwegian cruise with fewer than 31 days' notice.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• What to pack for your first cruise

Cruise demand leaves pandemic in rearview with record passengers, more construction on tap

M IAMI BEACH — The COVID pandemic drove the cruise industry to a standstill, but numbers released Tuesday signal the years of comeback are officially over with more expansion on tap.

More than 31.7 million passengers took cruises worldwide in 2023, said Kelly Craighead, Cruise Line International Association president and CEO, speaking at the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference at Miami Beach Convention Center.

CLIA is the lobbying group for member cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC and most other major brands.

The pandemic shut down sailing from March 2020 with only a small number of ships coming back online 18 months later in summer 2021. Cruise lines didn’t return to full strength until partially through 2022, so it wasn’t until a full year of sailing in 2023 that the industry could get a real handle on just what the demand had grown to as people returned to vacation travel.

“We are an industry that’s resilient and thriving all around the world, breaking records in ways we might never have imagined,” she said.

The 2023 total is 2 million more than the industry had in 2019. CLIA projects 34.1 million in 2024 growing to 34.6 million in 2025. It’s still a miniscule chunk of the overall travel pie of more than 1.3 billion, but cruise’s share is growing.

She noted that surveys of travelers who would consider a cruise for a vacation are at an all-time high, noting that 82% who had previously cruised said they would cruise again, but more importantly, among those who had never sailed, 71% would consider it.

The youngest generations — Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z — are the biggest drivers.

The fleet for the growing demand continues as well, including the introduction this year of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

She said CLIA member lines had more than 300 ships sailing globally for the first time in 2023, with 14 new ships that began sailing in 2023 and another eight expected before the end of the year. They have 88 new ships on order through 2028.

Already this year, both Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp. announced major new ship construction deals, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings added to that this week with its order of eight more vessels across its three brands.

The heads of those groups were on stage to discuss where the industry is headed and enjoy their recent success.

Carnival Corp.’s president and CEO Josh Weinstein put it in a way that gained plaudits from fellow panelists and others at the conference.

“The concept of pent-up demand for cruising is gone,” he said. “We have been cruising for three years, right? It’s over. This is natural demand because we all provide amazing experiences. We delivered happiness to literally 31 million guests last year. And people see it, they feel it.”

A big part of what cruising missed during the pandemic he said was that word-of-mouth promotion that is needed to convince people to try their product.

“We now have 31 million people getting off our ships and going home and telling their friends and family who have never cruised before, ‘You don’t know what you’re missing.’ ‘This is amazing.'”

All of the leaders echoed the industry line that they offer a much better value than land-based vacations, but that the experience gap between the two has now shifted in their favor coming out of the pandemic.

“The appreciation for building memories with your friends and family coming out of COVID is at extraordinarily high levels,” said Jason Liberty, president & CEO at Royal Caribbean Group. “Also wealth transfer, right? Grandparents wanting to see that wealth transfer live, watching their kids and their grandkids experience that is also at an all-time high. … We have the secular trends of people buying less stuff, they want experiences. We’re in the experience business.”

Another bright aspect to the industry has been the spillover effect of all of the new ships since the pandemic, said Harry Sommer, president & CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Their new products are so extraordinary, and so much better than what was delivered back in ’15, ’16 and ’17, that it’s driving additional excitement for the entire industry,” Somer said. “When any new ship is delivered, no matter whether it’s part of our portfolio or the other portfolios, demand improves for all of us because it adds excitement to the industry.”

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