Great news! Norwegian Cruise Lines will be back in the water in the US starting in August! We are your resource for the most up to date information around vaccination & testing requirements, whether you will need a mask, taking shore excursions, and health & safety measurements taken by the cruise line.
Do I need a vaccine to travel on Norwegian Cruise Line?
US:
Mandatory Vaccinations on Initial Voyages: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated in order to board. Guest vaccination requirements are currently for all sailings embarking through October 31, 2021.
All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test, administered and paid for by the cruise line, prior to boarding and receive a negative result. Guests are also responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements which may include additional testing.
What Vaccines will be accepted?
For ships embarking or disembarking at US ports, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or World Health Organisation (WHO) authorised single brand vaccination protocol will be accepted. Including, J&J Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford. Mixed vaccination protocol will not be accepted (i.e. Pfizer + Moderna or AstraZeneca + Pfizer, etc).
- Cruises with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021: Are required to be fully vaccinated, at least 2 weeks prior to departure, in order to board. Vaccines combined with multi-layered and robust preventative health and safety measures, including universal COVID-19 testing prior to embarkation. Each guest must present proof they have completed the full cycle of required doses for the vaccine administered at least 2 weeks prior to their sail date. Guests who are not old enough to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings.
- Cruises with embarkation dates beginning November 1, 2021: We will continue to evaluate our health and safety protocols and rely on science and our expert council as we make decisions and evolve our policies and procedures.
We do not collect vaccination cards or store proof of vaccination. Those cruise lines that have vaccine requirements to cruise will likely ask for proof at the time of boarding.
INTERNATIONAL SAILINGS:
Jamaica:
- Vaccines required for guests 18 years of age and older. Guests who are not old enough or eligible to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings. Vaccinated minors are welcome to sail
- All persons intending to travel to Jamaica must apply for and obtain approval for a Travel
- Authorization before arrival in Jamaica. Apply online at www.visitjamaica.com
- ALL travelers ages 12 and up regardless of nationality, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or Antigen test performed by an accredited lab for which the sample was collected within 3 days of the travel date
- Passport
- Norwegian Health Acknowledgement
- Download the Norwegian app
Greek Isles:
- Vaccines required for guests 18 years of age and older. Guests who are not old enough or eligible to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings. Vaccinated minors are welcome to sail
- All travelers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form no more than 24 hours prior to arriving in Greece
- Masks are required
- Passport
- Norwegian Health Acknowledgement
- Download the Norwegian app
-
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- The fine for not wearing a mask in areas where it is required, not maintaining required social distancing, and/or violating the movement restrictions is 300 euros. The fine for non-compliance with mandatory quarantine is 5000 euros, in addition to possible arrest.
Things to know:
- Fully vaccinated means the final dose of the vaccine was administered 14 days prior to embarkation
Please note that these guidelines are subject to change.
Do I need to wear a mask?
For ships where at least 95% of both crew and passengers are fully vaccinated, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in any area.
Masks may be required to be worn in terminals and during embarkation and disembarkation. While guests will be vaccinated, cruise lines will follow protocols and requirements for each destination while ashore.
Things to know:
- All guests should carefully review pre-booking and pre-travel health advice on our website and the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Can I get off the ship at port?
Guests are free to explore ports of call on their own, according to protocols in each specific port, and can purchase shore excursions as they wish. Face coverings may be required in certain settings to comply with local requirements, for example in terminals for embarkation and disembarkation or at ports of call. We will continue to monitor public health guidance, including from the CDC, at the time of your voyage and modify requirements accordingly.
Things to know:
- Cruise lines are working with local authorities, destinations and tour operators so that the enhanced health and safety measures on board are maintained ashore
- Guests must follow the health protocols for every port we visit
These restrictions are under the control of local government and are subject to change without advance notice, so we encourage guests to come prepared for potential mask requirements ashore.
Health & Safety on the Ship
Ships and terminals will undergo a thorough sanitization between sailings and guests will be encouraged to use the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. Guests will also be asked to follow health information about the ways to stay healthy on board and when ashore.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has not yet made an announcement about how buffets will operate.
Things to know:
- All guests and crew embarking a ship will likely undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screening in accordance with prevailing health best practices, such as health questionnaires and touch-free temperature checks as appropriate
- Ships have introduced enhanced fresh air distribution into public spaces and staterooms and HEPA filtration systems to key areas such as Medical Centers and dedicated isolation rooms
- Rapid response and contact tracing plans exist in case of on-board illness
- Ships have a team of highly-trained medical staff including qualified doctors and nurses who have experience in caring for a broad range of medical conditions and medical centers with both outpatient and inpatient facilities including critical care capabilities
- There are enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members focusing on COVID-19