Top 5 Cruise Lines That Don’t Require Vaccines: Is It Safe to Sail Without One?
When it comes to cruising, there are different types of protocols and guidelines set by cruise lines amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While some cruise lines enforce mandatory vaccinations for passengers before sailing, others do not require them.
In this blog post, we will highlight the top five cruise lines that don’t require vaccines and explore whether it’s safe to sail on these cruise ships without one.
1. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean is one of the largest cruise lines in the world and has resumed sailing with several health and safety protocols in place. While Royal Caribbean recommends that passengers be fully vaccinated, it does not require vaccination for all of its sailings, except for those departing from Seattle and The Bahamas.
Instead, the cruise line requires unvaccinated passengers to undergo additional COVID-19 testing, comply with social distancing measures, and wear masks in certain areas of the ship.
2. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has implemented several health and safety measures, including pre-boarding health screenings, physical distancing, and mask-wearing. NCL’s vaccination policy varies depending on the destination of its sailings.
For example, NCL requires all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated for sailings in Alaska, and from Florida, NCL mandates that all passengers who aren’t vaccinated show proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related costs.
3. Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line resumed sailing in July 2021 and is operating with several safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning measures and air ventilation systems. Although Carnival encourages all passengers to get vaccinated, it does not require vaccines for everyone.
Carnival’s unvaccinated passengers must undergo specific testing before boarding, adhere to masking requirements, and may have limited access to certain venues and events on the ship.
4. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises’ onboard protocols prioritize the health and safety of passengers and crew members with the implementation of COVID-19 testing measures, cleaning, and disinfecting the ship before, during, and after each sailing.
MSC Cruises mandates vaccines for adult passengers on most of its sailings globally. However, passengers who aren’t vaccinated must present proof of negative COVID-19 test results before boarding.
5. Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has resumed sailing with enhanced health and safety measures such as COVID-19 testing for passengers, limiting capacity on the ship, and social distancing measures. While Disney recommends vaccination for all eligible passengers, it currently only mandates vaccines for sailings from the U.K.
For sailings from the U.S., unvaccinated passengers must follow additional health and safety measures such as extra COVID-19 testing and restricted access to certain areas and activities onboard.
Is it Safe to Sail Without a Vaccine?
While cruising without a vaccine is currently left to personal discretion, it’s important to consider the risks involved and follow the onboard protocols of the cruise line. Health authorities worldwide recommend vaccination as the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Additionally, cruise lines have mandated several measures to keep passengers safe, including frequent disinfection of cabins and public spaces, ventilation systems, social distancing, and regular testing onboard.
In conclusion, the choice to cruise without a vaccine lies with the individual, but it’s essential to take into consideration the necessary safety protocols set by the cruise line. While cruising is an enjoyable experience, it’s important to prioritize personal health and safety.
