PRINCESS CRUISES REMOVES VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR MOST VOYAGES, ELMINATES PRE-CRUISE TESTING FOR VACCINATED GUESTS

Rhea-AI Summary

Princess Cruises has updated its COVID-19 protocols effective September 6, allowing unvaccinated guests to cruise with less stringent testing requirements. Vaccinated guests on voyages under 16 days no longer need pre-cruise testing. Unvaccinated guests must self-test within three days of sailing and provide proof of a negative test. These guidelines apply to most itineraries, with exceptions based on local regulations in places like Canada and Australia. This shift aims to make the cruise experience more accessible while ensuring safety for all guests.

Positive

• Removal of vaccine requirement for most short voyages.
• Simplified testing process for unvaccinated guests.
• Increased accessibility for diverse travelers.

Negative

• None.

Unvaccinated Guests Required to Self-Test Within 3 Days of Sailing

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated.

Starting Sept. 6, vaccinated guests sailing on voyages of less than 16 days will no longer have to test before boarding and only need to upload proof of vaccination while getting OceanReady. Unvaccinated guests, or those who do not provide proof of vaccination, on those itineraries will self-test within three days of sailing and upload proof of a negative test before boarding.   

These new guidelines apply to itineraries from all departure ports except where government regulations and protocols may vary like Canada, Greece and Australia.

Below are the key points for Princess' updated CruiseHealth guidelines for embarkation: 

• No pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests on voyages of up to 15 nights (guests 5 and older) with the exception of full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean and other special itineraries; unvaccinated guests must provide a negative self-test result taken within three days of embarkation (unvaccinated children under 5 years do not require pre-cruise testing)
• Guests sailing on voyages 16 nights or longer, or sailing on full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean and other specific itineraries, need to take a supervised test within three days of embarkation (guests 5 and older). Guests on these types of voyages will be contacted directly by an Ocean Navigator to assist.

Princess' updated guidelines reflect the cruise line's ongoing commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all guests and crew.

"These updated guidelines help ensure a Princess vacation is available to everyone," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "The Princess experience is truly one-of-a-kind and we encourage everyone to take a Princess vacation that offers amazing service at unmatched value."

The updated guidelines are subject to the local regulations of applicable homeports and destinations.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries."  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the Medallion device, the vacation industry's most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).    

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SOURCE Princess Cruises

FAQ

What are the new COVID-19 protocols for Princess Cruises effective September 6, 2022?

Vaccinated guests on voyages under 16 days no longer need pre-cruise testing, while unvaccinated guests must self-test within three days before sailing.

Do unvaccinated guests need to test before boarding Princess Cruises?

Yes, unvaccinated guests must provide proof of a negative self-test taken within three days of embarkation.

Are there any exceptions to the new testing requirements for Princess Cruises?

Yes, exceptions may apply based on local regulations in specific areas such as Canada, Greece, and Australia.

What is the impact of the updated protocols on the cruise experience?

The updated protocols aim to enhance accessibility to cruises while maintaining safety for guests and crew.

Which voyages are affected by the new COVID-19 policies from Princess Cruises?

The new guidelines apply to most itineraries under 16 days, with exceptions for certain long voyages.