A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. Before embarking on a cruise, it's important to know what the cruise vaccine requirements are, which can vary by cruise line.
Sometimes, you can board a cruise ship without being vaccinated for illnesses like COVID. However, specific policies vary, and sometimes people who are unvaccinated have extra requirements.Here's what you need to know about vaccinations and going on a cruise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having up-to-date routine vaccines—which can vary by age, health, and history of vaccinations—before cruising. Those routine vaccines might be for conditions or germs such as:
- Chickenpox or shingles
- COVID
- Hepatitis A and B
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Rotavirus
Other recommendations for people who plan to cruise include:
- Checking with the cruise line for protocols on pre-board testing and vaccination.
- Checking your airline's protocols around testing, mask-wearing, vaccination, or quarantining if you're flying before or after the cruise
- Consulting with a healthcare provider or travel health specialist to determine which vaccines or medicines you need to get before you travel
- Getting travel insurance in case you need medical care while traveling
- Monitoring yourself for symptoms of any illness after the trip and avoiding others during your illness
- Talking to a healthcare provider about the risks of traveling if you have a weakened immune system
Do You Need To Be Vaccinated To Go on a Cruise?
Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they're traveling from or to a destination that requires it.Still, there are exceptions. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don't require it. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people.
4 Cruises That Require Vaccines
The following cruise lines require vaccines for travel based on certain factors:
- Costa Cruises: You should get vaccines as required by the destination(s) you intend to visit, though COVID vaccines are unnecessary.
- Holland America Line: Influenza vaccination is recommended, while other required vaccinations will vary based on the destination.
- MSC Cruises: You must be vaccinated according to what's necessary or appropriate for visiting your destination.
- Virgin Voyages: COVID vaccines are not required when sailing on the Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady ships. However, yellow fever vaccination may be necessary for travel to Australia from a country at risk for the illness.
8 Cruises That Do Not Require Vaccines
Vaccination may not be a requirement, with some caveats, for these cruise lines:
- American Queen Voyages: COVID vaccination and testing are no longer required.
- Carnival Cruise Line:The cruise line does not require vaccination and pre-board testing. Still, the cruise line encourages guests 5 and up to do both.
- Celebrity Cruises:Vaccination isn't a requirement except if you'd be sailing to certain locations requiring vaccination. The website lists some of those locations.
- Disney Cruises:For sailings leaving from the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Disney doesn't require guests to be vaccinated unless they enter a country that requires it. However, the cruise line highly recommends that guests become fully vaccinated before sailing. Guests aren't required to take a pre-board test, but Disney encourages them.
- Norwegian Cruise Line:Guests do not have to test or be vaccinated against COVID except if entering a country requiring testing or COVID and other vaccinations.
- Princess Cruises:Guests do not have to test or be vaccinated unless they sail on a few "enhanced guidelines voyages." The company lists those trips on its website.
- Royal Caribbean:Vaccination isn't a requirement unless you're traveling to or from places that require it. The company lists those destinations.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: COVID vaccinations are not required, depending on the destination.
Getting vaccinations before going on a cruise has its benefits. They help protect you and others from getting sick from germs like viruses. Other benefits are a reduced likelihood of secondary infections and decreased transmission of illnesses that may not be common in the United States.
Why Viruses Spread on Cruise Ships
There are a few reasons why viruses like influenza and norovirus can spread quickly on cruise ships. A couple of the factors are:
- Crew members: They may work multiple voyages, allowing germs to transmit after exposure to previous passengers.
- Crowded spaces and tight quarters: When people are in a small space, keeping distance from one another is more difficult. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person.
- Food buffets: Cruise ships often have food buffets, which can be easily contaminated and lead to the rapid spread of illnesses like norovirus.
- Port visits: People can also pick up pathogens from port visits and bring them back onto the ship, infecting others.
Staying healthy during your cruise ship journey can make the vacation much more enjoyable. Consider these tips for protecting your health when you take a cruise:
- Drink water to prevent becoming dehydrated.
- Get plenty of rest to help your immune system.
- Limit—and, when possible, avoid—exposure to individuals vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.
- Report any illnesses to the ship's medical facility during the cruise and follow medical staff guidance.
- Wash your hands often—especially following bathroom use and before you eat.
Also, check with the cruise line for other ways to cruise if you get sick beforehand. You'll also want to speak with a healthcare provider for recommendations on cruising and if you need to wait.
A Quick Review
Consider staying up-to-date on your vaccines if your next vacation includes traveling by cruise ship. It's important to check the guidelines for your cruise line if you're not vaccinated. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test.
