Carnival Cruise Line Removes Pre-Cruise Testing for Vaccinated Guests and Welcomes All Unvaccinated To Sail

[gardn198]

So glad! I booked my bachelorette cruise for feb 2022 hoping the vaccine mandates would be gone by then. 4/5 of us are not vaccinated.

 

I had Covid in Dec 2019 and haven’t gotten it again since, despite 30+ flights, travels to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, my roommates, fiancé, and coworkers all getting it last month and not me. I’m SO happy I didn’t take it. 

[2wheelin]

56 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

well if only that was how it was worded.... but it isnt is it.

Yes it was. Just read the whole paragraph. Very clear.

[ninjacat123]

2 minutes ago, PetalumaCruiser said:

How many people got the first booster and that's it. That could be a year ago. Per policy, they are up to date. That means they have little or no protection.  You sit next to them without ever knowing.  How do you feel now

If you have been vaccinated and boostered then you probably won't suffer overt symptoms that cause hospitalization.  Kind of like getting the flu.  The unvaccinated ones are more at risk.

[Native Floridian 26]

3 minutes ago, gardn198 said:

So glad! I booked my bachelorette cruise for feb 2022 hoping the vaccine mandates would be gone by then. 4/5 of us are not vaccinated.

 

I had Covid in Dec 2019 and haven’t gotten it again since, despite 30+ flights, travels to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, my roommates, fiancé, and coworkers all getting it last month and not me. I’m SO happy I didn’t take it. 

February 22?

[Native Floridian 26]

3 minutes ago, gardn198 said:

So glad! I booked my bachelorette cruise for feb 2022 hoping the vaccine mandates would be gone by then. 4/5 of us are not vaccinated.

 

I had Covid in Dec 2019 and haven’t gotten it again since, despite 30+ flights, travels to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, my roommates, fiancé, and coworkers all getting it last month and not me. I’m SO happy I didn’t take it. 

February 22?

[gardn198]

1 minute ago, Native Floridian 26 said:

February 22?

Oops I mean February of 23! 

[2wheelin]

59 minutes ago, PetalumaCruiser said:

Again why would you test after a cruise? How about air travel?

Just need to note the poster of that comment.

[TNcruising02]

This is good news!  I will definitely start cruising more often.  I have only been on one cruise  since the pandemic started.  My next one is on the Celebration at the end of January in a suite.  Things are definitely looking better when it comes to cruising.

[redsox1584]

Just got the official email from Carnival 

[CoolOne56]

 

Carnival has updated it's "Have Fun, Be Safe", reflecting the pre-testing! YAY!

 

 

[kdr69]

3 minutes ago, PetalumaCruiser said:

Way to miss the point.  But that's ok

I think you missed MY point.  Im totally onboard that its BS but dont order mashed potatoes and then complain when you get mashed potatoes. Dont book a flight knowing you have to wear a mask and then get upset when your in the air that you have to wear a mask and especially dont book a Cruise that has a stop in Canada for 4 hours that you gotta use ArriveCan and Test for and then get upset that you gotta use ArriveCan and Test for that one stop of 4 hours in Canada.   

[lyannea]

1 hour ago, ninjacat123 said:

If you have been vaccinated and boostered then you probably won't suffer overt symptoms that cause hospitalization.  Kind of like getting the flu.  The unvaccinated ones are more at risk.

From what I’ve seen, both vaxed & unvaxed can have severe to almost no symptoms. 
which may be the reason that the CDC is leaning in the direction it is.

People with Comorbidities/pre-existing conditions, whether vaxed or unvaxed, seem to have the more severe symptoms.

[wemjam]

48 minutes ago, redsox1584 said:

Just got the official email from Carnival 

Yep, me too.  So happy just made it by 5 days for our family Sept 11th cruise!

 

GUEST ADVISORY COVID-19 PROTOCOL UPDATES  SAILINGS DEPARTING SEPTEMBER 6, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022      August 12, 2022 Dear Valued Guest, We want to update you as we modify our public health protocols to simplify the process and welcome more guests aboard. We have much to share but will try to be as concise as possible. As we finish a very busy and successful summer travel season, we are pleased to announce protocol updates that meet public health goals but recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19. With these changes, we are making it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines, including no testing for vaccinated guests on sailings less than 16 nights, and eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation.   All new guidelines are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 or later, and include:  Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation. Pre cruise testing is no longer required, except for the following destination regulations:  Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing Greece: a PCR or antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer.  Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of embarkation, expect for the following destination regulations:  Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing (antigen tests are not accepted) Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing Note: Guests under the age of 5 years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements for sailings from the U.S., and under the age of 12 for sailings from Australia  The following additional destination requirements remain in place:   Unvaccinated guests ages 12 and over are unable to sail on cruises to Bermuda (no exceptions) Unvaccinated guests ages 12 and over are unable to sail on cruises to Canada, unless they meet Canadian requirements that validate they are unable to be vaccinated for medical purposes. Details on Canada’s medical exemption documentation requirements are available here: Guests sailing to Canada and Bermuda will be asked to confirm their vaccination status within 21 days of booking in order for us to manage the requirements of these specific destinations. Guests who are currently booked must complete their vaccine attestation by August 24. The vaccine attestation is located on the to-do list under Manage My Booking on Carnival.com. Failure by the guests to confirm vaccination status will unfortunately result in cancellation of the booking. Certain destinations may have protocols that prohibit debarkation by unvaccinated guests, which are largely consistent with their guidelines for passengers arriving by air.  So, while unvaccinated guests may sail after presenting the results of a negative COVID test, they will need to remain on board the ship during visits to the following destinations: Cartagena, Colombia and Grand Turk (for unvaccinated guests 18 years or older Bermuda, Bonaire, Grand Cayman, St. Kitts and Tortola (for unvaccinated guests 12 years or older) Voyages 16 nights and longer will continue to have vaccination and testing requirements that are specific to the itinerary, and Carnival will continue to communicate with those guests in a timely manner.   For guests who have a pending vaccine exemption application and are awaiting confirmation for cruises departing September 6 or later, the booking is confirmed unless booked on a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia or if the voyage is 16 nights or longer.    We are in the process of updating our website, communications, and processes to reflect these new, simplified policies.  We appreciate your patience as we work to streamline requirements for guests leading into their cruise vacation. Requirements for long voyages and destination-specific protocols will soon be available on Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com.  We look forward to welcoming more guests aboard.  We’ve got lots happening, with Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Celebration joining our fleet this November and more to come in 2023.   Whatever the ship, homeport or itinerary that works for you, our great onboard team is ready to deliver a fun and memorable vacation.  Sincerely,

Christine Duffy President, Carnival Cruise Line

[LHARTWICK]

3 hours ago, Laurab23 said:

We cruise in Oct and was already worrying about the pretest. Now I don't have stress.

 

Laura

Same here! I am so excited - may not be able to sleep tonight! This is such great news! Sick to death of this stupid testing. 

[skywonder]

5 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Yeah, life goes on.  So get a vaccine and get tested....it's not a big deal!

If that is what you want to do then that is your right, others will choose what is right for them and that is their right! Bon Voyage! 🥳

Edited August 13, 2022 by skywonder

[jstrutton]

Can someone explain the Greece piece. Under vaccinated folks, testing is required within 2 days but if you are unvaccinated it doesn’t specify so testing can be 3 days prior. 
 

I’m hoping this was a typo error from carnival but nothing would surprise me about guidance from carnival. 

[soloadventurer]

Great news and long awaited - cheers 🥂 everyone 

[Rudyard]

8 hours ago, MsTabbyKats said:

Yeah, life goes on.  So get a vaccine and get tested....it's not a big deal!

Unless you wait a year or more for your cruise, spend all that time planning, booking excursions, making flight and hotel reservations, etc, only to find out that after a long countdown you don't get to go on your cruise. Then it's a huge deal. 

[deliver42]

Super news. Unless Royal follows, I'l switch my December sailing to Carnival.

[kdr69]

Looks like booster is still required for my Celebration TA in November according to the Website.

[jetsfan58]

Great News. Less Stress but Safety First Please! The Virus has not suddenly disappeared to Mars!
 

[MikeandLinda2010]

14 hours ago, Enggrl said:

Why would they test after their cruise? 

Facebook groups who went on cruises are reporting getting Covid after their cruise was over. The cruise we went on in May on the Mardi Gras had 47 cases reported before the admin shut off commenting.    We did not get Covid. But, about half way through the cruise you could hear people coughing.    Its out there and for most cases it is not much worse than a cold if you do get it.  I think your chances of getting Covid travelling is about the same as you contacting a cold when around a large group of people.   We have been on two cruises this past year and the stress of finding a testing center, testing negative and then making sure all the paper work was in in order was very stressful. At least now that part will be over. Our next cruise is in October, 14 days to the Panama Canal. I personally am very glad to not to have to worry about testing.   

Edited August 13, 2022 by MikeandLinda2010

[silverturtle]

YAY, no testing!!! Getting the vaccines isn't that big of a deal, but the testing right before the cruise was!!!

[jetsfan58]

Thanks to NCL for initiating this further relaxing of the pre cruise testing. However, I am not pleased with their latest Marketing strategy. They informed us of the good news that they were further relaxing the policy while at the same time raising cruise prices? This action was a sure sign of greed and not of any consumer interest. You raised your cruise prices when you know that more cruisers are going to now be sailing with you. 

 

If I were an avid cruiser on NCL I would wonder how much my loyalty matters?    

[MsTabbyKats]

4 hours ago, Rudyard said:

Unless you wait a year or more for your cruise, spend all that time planning, booking excursions, making flight and hotel reservations, etc, only to find out that after a long countdown you don't get to go on your cruise. Then it's a huge deal. 

And the only reason I can think of that you can't go on your cruise is that you test positive.  And if you are positive, then you shouldn't be on the ship!