On July 18, 2022 the CDC officially ended its Covid 19 Program for Cruise Ships. This was welcomed news to both the cruise industry and avid cruisers.

The CDC from now on will only issue recommendations to the cruise industry. The CDC said it will “publish guidance to help cruise ships to continue to provide a safer and healthier environment for passengers, crew, and communities going forward”.

In response to this development, cruise lines have begun to eliminate pre-cruise testing requirements. Virgin Voyages was the first major cruise lines to eliminate pre-boarding testing for all of its ships as of July 27, 2022.

Other cruise lines have started to follow suit. Norwegian Cruise Lines has eliminated testing requirements except for U.S. and Canadian ports and for Piraeus (Athens).

Similarly, Azamara eliminated all testing requirements except for ports where local rules require them.

Have questions on current COVID testing requirements? Please contact us.

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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!