Carnival Cruise Line has announced changes to the Have Fun Be Safe health protocols that have been constantly evolving throughout the cruise re-start & Covid-19 pandemic. Today Carnival Cruise Line announced changes to both the pre-cruise testing requirement and is welcoming unvaccinated guests to sail on most cruises starting on September 6, 2022. However, the policy regarding pre-cruise testing and vaccination status can still vary by destination as some destinations will still require pre-cruise testing for even vaccinated guests.
The goal of this post is to share with you what Carnival has announced their policy is. Please keep in mind that the policy can change at any time so it is best to check with Carnival for the latest information.
The below is from Carnival's press release on 8/12/2022 regarding the updated guidelines:
The goal of this post is to share with you what Carnival has announced their policy is. Please keep in mind that the policy can change at any time so it is best to check with Carnival for the latest information.
The below is from Carnival's press release on 8/12/2022 regarding the updated guidelines:
"All new guidelines are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 or later, and include:
- Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to embarkation. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia (per local guidelines), and on voyages 16 nights or longer.
- 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 three days of embarkation.
- All policies are subject to local destination regulations.
UPDATE (8/13/2022) - Please see this letter from Carnival sent on Friday, August 12th. One important thing to note is unvaccinated guests cannot sail to Canada unless they meet Canada's vaccine exemption requirements for valid medical purposes.
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:
The following additional destination requirements remain in place:
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.
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
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)
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.
Carnival's press release notes that the website, communications, and processes are currently being updated. If you are cruising prior to September 6, 2022 the old protocols are still in effect and must be followed. If you would like to view Carnival's press release please click here (link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide to Carnival's press release).
For the latest Covid-19 protocol information please check out Carnival's Have Fun Be Safe page: Click Here
For the latest Covid-19 protocol information please check out Carnival's Have Fun Be Safe page: Click Here
Please note: Covid-19 requirements related to vaccines, testing, onboard amenities, and procedures are subject to change at any time. Please consult Carnival's website for the latest information and any changes that may take place after this article is written. The article's information is up-to-date at the time of writing, but procedures may change so you need to make sure you stay on top of the latest information. If you have questions about procedures for your cruise I recommend contacting Carnival Cruise Line.