Cruise Lines Tightens Protocols: New Rules for Passengers

Amidst the Omicron scare, popular cruise lines have tightened their protocols and issued new rules for its passengers. Here are the updates.

Norwegian Cruise Lines New Rules

According to a letter addressed to booked passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line would require guests to wear inside shoes on forthcoming sailings.

Before our next cruises. We want you to be aware of our current health and safety measures “the firm added. “We now ask visitors to wear masks inside aboard. While social separation is not feasible, wear masks outside and follow local restrictions when visiting ports of call.”

Guests must be completely vaccinated at least two weeks before departure and present evidence of immunization at the terminal to embark.

The firm tests all visitors before sailing and suggests guests self-test at home before leaving.

The new regulations apply to forthcoming cruises such as the Norwegian Escape from Port Canaveral and the Norwegian Joy from Miami.

Carnival Cruise Lines New Protocols

Carnival Cruise Line updated its health and safety protocols, which will remain in effect until January.

According to Carnival, all visitors aged two and up must henceforth wear masks inside except while eating or drinking, or in their cabins, and outside if the physical distance cannot be maintained.

Guests are encouraged to wear higher quality masks inside, according to health officials.

Smoking is also prohibited at the casino until January 31, 2022.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines New Protocols

Guests aboard the Royal Caribbean International fleet will now be required to wear masks at all times when indoors through at least January 5, according to a letter sent to booked guests.

“With the recent uptick of COVID-19 in the world and added Omicron variant concerns, we feel it prudent to temporarily tighten our onboard health protocols to require masks indoors at all times unless actively eating or drinking. This new update also applies to vaccinated areas and venues,” the company said, in the letter sent to guests and travel agents.