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The family-focused oceanliner, Norwegian Cruise Line, announced that it would no longer require its passengers to be “fully vaccinated” beginning next month.
According to the press release,
Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda. The Company continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel.
Credit: Washington Post
Related: All Signs for Covid-19 Finally Removed from Disney World
Norwegian’s decision follows similar moves by competitors Carnival and Royal Caribbean, who, according to The Washington Post, said they would no longer require vaccinated passengers to take any pre-boarding testing on some of their voyages. But, the allowance of unvaccinated passengers is a bold step in the industry’s return to normal.
In light of this news, we at Disney Fanatic have to wonder if Disney Cruise Line will make any similar changes. As of this article’s publication, Disney Cruise Line remains one of the most strict sailing options, maintaining that all “vaccine eligible” would-be passengers are required to be “fully vaccinated to sail on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish.
Credit: Disney
Related: Disney Cruise Line Named ‘World’s Best’ by ‘Travel and Leisure’
The official wording on Disney Cruise Line’s website reads the following:
Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. This will be a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and older for sailings beginning on and after January 13, 2022.
Credit: Disney
Related: In Short: How to Combine a Disney World and Disney Cruise Vacation
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to monitor Disney Cruise Line and will update our readers on all news and stories as more developments come to light.
