Not only are cruises less of a risk now per the CDC but the cruise lines are dropping mask mandates.

Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean International, Virgin Voyages, Princess, and Norwegian Cruise Lines (as well as its sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) have all stated that they will be loosening mask and other Covid requirements by March 1.

Royal Caribbean has already lifted mask protocols for areas of their ships that only permit vaccinated passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Lines has stated that as of March 1 it will longer require masks on cruises departing from U.S. ports. It will also allow children younger than 5 to board without proof of vaccination. These policy changes will also apply to Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

Virgin Voyages is slated to remove mask requirements on February 28th, and Princess March 1.

Carnival is also planning to offer more flexibility in pre-cruise testing and permit children under 5 to sail without proof of vaccination.

The fact that cruise lines are dropping mask mandates should make cruising more enjoyable for fully vaccinated travelers that feel comfortable cruising now.

The CDC had set February 18th as the deadline for cruise lines to opt into the CDC’s Covid-19 Cruise Ship Program and virtually all cruise lines did so.

About the Author

Jonathan Geen is the President of Purple Light Vacations. He received his travel agent certification from Career Quest and has also been awarded the designation of Elite Cruise Counselor, (the highest certification), by the Cruise Line International Association. He is a member of the Travel Leaders consortium and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). He graduated from ASTA's advanced travel advisor certification program and is an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor. He is proud that his company offers added value at no cost to all travelers. Travel in the Know Wherever You Go!