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When are cruise lines still requiring COVID testing? Here's what passengers should know.

After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 cruise ship program last month, many cruise lines changed their health and safety protocols and dropped some testing requirements .

Major brands like Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line rolled back their COVID-19 rules and removed testing for vaccinated passengers on some voyages, while other lines scrapped them for all sailings.

Tests are still required in a number of cases, though. Policies may vary depending on local requirements at various destinations. Here's what passengers need to know about cruise protocols, from testing to face masks and social distancing.

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When do cruise lines still require COVID-19 testing?

► Carnival Cruise Line will require vaccinated passengers to test only on trips 16 or more nights or where required by local rules, including on voyages to Canada and Bermuda, beginning Sept. 6, according to a press release.

Unvaccinated travelers or those who do not show proof of vaccination will be required to "present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation." In the U.S., guests under 5 are exempt from vaccine and testing rules.

►Royal Caribbean will require vaccinated guests 5 and older to test on U.S. cruises 10 nights or longer beginning Sept. 5, according to its  website . They must test within three days of boarding. Unvaccinated guests age 5 and up need to take a test within three days of sailing on all trips. The changes are subject to local regulations.

►Celebrity Cruises will require vaccinated passengers to test only on voyages that are 10 or more nights where local rules permit starting Sept 5., according to its  website . They must do so within three days of sailing. Unvaccinated guests 5 and up must take a test within three days prior to their trip for U.S. sailings.

►Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will drop all pre-cruise requirements for vaccinated passengers age 12 and over as of Sept. 3, according to a news release .

Guests age 12 and older who are unvaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination will still need to test within 72 hours before boarding. The company said it "continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel." Changes are also subject to local requirements.

► MSC Cruises will no longer require fully vaccinated U.S. residents to take a test before boarding on sailings from U.S. ports to the Bahamas and the Caribbean as of Sept. 1. Unvaccinated passengers age 2 and older still need to show proof of a proof of a "lab-administered negative COVID-19 viral test negative test" taken within three days of their cruise, according to its website .

Passengers 2 and older who are not U.S. residents must "show proof of a negative antigen or RT-PCR lab administered test" taken within three days of their sailing, regardless of vaccination status, according to its  website . The line's policies vary by destination.  

►Princess Cruises will require travelers on voyages 16 nights or longer to "take a supervised test within three days of embarkation (guests 5 and older)," as of Sept. 6, according to a news release. That rule also applies to guests on full Panama Canal transits and certain other voyages.

Passengers who are unvaccinated need to show a negative result from a self-test taken within three days of embarkation on sailings 15 nights or less. Unvaccinated children under 5 are exempt. The changes are subject to local regulations.

►Holland America Line will not require testing for vaccinated guests on sailings 15 nights or shorter starting Sept. 6, according to a news release. Unvaccinated passengers age 5 and up must show a negative result from a medically supervised test or self-test taken within three days of embarkation.

Those changes are subject to local restrictions, and exclude full Panama Canal transits and certain other sailings.

All guests 5 and up must provide "a medically supervised COVID-19 test with written negative result" on cruises 16 nights or more. Travelers need to test within three days of embarkation, and unvaccinated travelers must still request an exemption.

►Disney Cruise Line will no longer require fully vaccinated guests traveling on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder and Disney Wish to take a test before their cruise beginning Sept. 23, according to its website . For sailings on the Disney Magic, the change will take effect Nov. 7.

Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must continue to show proof of a negative test test taken one to three days before their trip, though they will no longer need to take an additional test at the terminal on embarkation day.

What kind of COVID-19 tests do cruise lines require?

Cruise lines still set criteria for the tests they accept. Carnival said it will accept self-administered tests as well as lab-administered tests from unvaccinated guests on voyages that are 15 nights or less beginning Sept. 6, according to a news release.

Royal Caribbean will also allow passengers on U.S. cruises to take a home test or one "professionally administered by a health professional" starting Sept. 5 according to its  website . Celebrity will accept self-tests beginning on the same date, as well. 

Those changes are subject to local requirements.

Norwegian Cruise Line, meanwhile, will require "proof of a medically supervised negative PCR or Antigen test" for unvaccinated passengers 12 and up, according to its website . Travelers should check with their cruise line for their specific rules.

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What kind of on-board testing requirements do cruise lines have?

Cruise lines still have on-board protocols in place, as well. For its part, Carnival requires passengers who are exposed to or in close contact with anyone who tests positive for COVID or displays symptoms to be tested, along with their close contacts, according to its website . Those passengers may have to quarantine in their rooms until medical staff clears them.

Other cruise lines have similar protocols in place, like Norwegian, which advises passengers who have COVID symptoms while sailing to contact the ship's medical center, which is equipped to test on board, per its website . Royal Caribbean Group's namesake brand, Royal Caribbean International, also offers testing to travelers who feel sick, and its medical lab "allows for rapid, accurate onsite PCR testing with results in under an hour, alongside a multitude of other evaluative tests," its website reads.

What other protocols do cruise lines have in place?

► Masks: Carnival highly recommends guests wear masks in public indoor areas except when eating or drinking, and "when in large congregate events outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained," per its website . The cruise line also recommends masking during embarkation and debarkation and requires masks in the medical center. Crew members also wear masks   indoors at all times.

On Royal Caribbean International, masks are optional for passengers who are vaccinated. They are recommended for unvaccinated kids. MSC has a similar policy . On Princess sailings, masks are recommended but not mandatory in most areas of the ship, though the cruise line notes on its website that "you may need to wear them in select venues or certain situations." Masks are optional on all Norwegian voyages.

►Cleaning: Many cruise lines continue to emphasize heightened cleaning on board. Norwegian, for example, has "enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols" in place with EPA-approved disinfectants, and is making use of medical-grade air filters, according to its website . Royal Caribbean similarly boosted its cleaning regimen, including cleaning frequently used places like elevators and stairways every two hours. Crew must also take continual training classes and "refreshers," per its website .

MSC is also utilizing "hospital-grade disinfectants, electrostatic sprayers, increased cleaning frequency and a focus on high-traffic, frequently-touched areas," according to its website .

►Physical distancing: Cruise lines may recommend social distancing during parts of trips. Royal Caribbean International  recommends distancing  in select parts of the ship indicated by signage.

Cruise lines may also change their policies as needed.

"Our member lines continuously monitor health conditions onboard and employ health and safety protocols commensurate with those conditions," Anne Madison, a spokesperson for Cruise Lines International Association, told USA TODAY in an email. "This may result in cruise lines adjusting protocols when appropriate in consultation with medical and other health experts in order to continue to make science-driven and medically informed decisions."

Passengers can find more information on ship protocols on their cruise line's website.

Do I need a COVID-19 test for my cruise? Your pre- and post-cruise testing questions answered

The road to the cruise industry's restart was a long one with lots of twists and turns.

Now that ships are back in service, the number of COVID-19 deaths is down worldwide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has scrapped its opt-in protocols for vessels, nearly all cruise lines have walked back their pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirements.

Additionally, most countries have waived their test-for-entry requirements. That's good news for passengers because individual countries often had timelines different from those of cruise lines, making it difficult for travelers to accomplish pre-cruise testing when departing from ports abroad.

With all of the changes, The Points Guy is here to answer some of your most pressing questions about COVID-19 testing for cruises. For a line-by-line list of current testing and vaccination policies, read our pre-cruise vaccination guide .

Editor's note: This article is intended to highlight general rules for most cruise lines. Testing requirements can vary by cruise line and embarkation port. Check with your line and the rules for the country in which you'll be embarking for the most current information relevant to your itinerary.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter .

Pre-cruise COVID-19 testing

Do I need to take a COVID-19 test before my cruise?

All but a small handful of lines have waived their mandatory testing protocols, except where required by local regulations in the countries and ports their ships visit. It is unlikely you will have to test prior to embarkation unless it's required by your country or municipality of entry or you're exhibiting symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19.

How close to my cruise do I need to be tested?

If your cruise line or destinations on your itinerary require negative test results, they will generally have to be from no more than two to five days prior to your embarkation date, depending on the specific regulations.

Where can I find an approved test that will give me my results in time?

Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS offer antigen and PCR testing by appointment. However, with the tight window in which the results are needed, there's no guarantee you'll have them in time to cruise.

The best option is to order at-home antigen testing kits that offer telehealth access. You can find them through the Optum or eMed websites.

The type of test you will need will vary based on the specific requirements of your situation. If you need a professionally proctored at-home antigen test , order one of Abbott's BinaxNOW tests. (Make sure it's the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test if the cruise line or destination requires results to be from supervised tests.)

If it's not required that your test be proctored in order for the results to count, another option is self-administered at-home antigen testing, which you can conduct yourself without dialing in for proctoring. These tests are available at many local drugstores like CVS and Walgreens and big-box chains like Target and Walmart, and they're far more affordable than the supervised version. But before you buy, check to see if you qualify for a shipment of free government-funded tests by visiting the United States' official COVID-19 website .

Will my cruise line provide testing at the embarkation port?

Although most major cruise lines offered day-of-boarding testing at embarkation ports, that's no longer the case. If a negative test result is required for you to board your cruise, make sure you arrive prepared.

How much does a COVID-19 test cost?

COVID-19 test costs depend largely on the type of test, how and where you have the test done, and whether you're specifically asked if the test is for travel purposes. Prices can vary from free to several hundred dollars.

At a big-box drive-thru pharmacy, there's a good chance your test will be covered by your health insurance. However, it depends on whether the reason for the test is indicated when you make your appointment.

For example, CVS asks if you need the test to meet travel requirements. In that case, insurance is unlikely to pick up the tab.

If you order a test online instead, you're looking at a vast swath of pricing, ranging from $4 for a single unproctored antigen test (or 25 tests for $25, which is only $1 per test) to about $70 for a pack of two proctored antigen tests, plus shipping. If you have a flexible spending account or a health savings account, the IRS says at-home tests are considered eligible expenses . The White House has also indicated that people with private health insurance could be reimbursed for the cost of these at-home tests. Check with your insurance provider for details.

If you're due for a shipment of free at-home, unsupervised tests, as mentioned above, you won't pay anything.

If you're someone who requires a PCR test and you want to do it yourself at home, the downside is that it can be pricey, with kits running between roughly $30 and $120 each.

Keep in mind that if you need COVID testing during your cruise — either from an onboard medical center or a shoreside hospital or doctor's office — you will be responsible for the cost, which can be expensive unless you have a travel insurance policy that covers it.

COVID-19 tests during a cruise

Will I be required to test during my cruise?

Currently, no cruise lines require routine onboard testing for passengers. Exceptions would be if you feel ill and ask to be tested or exhibit symptoms that require you to be tested. In these cases, you would be responsible for any associated costs.

Additionally, if a passenger feels ill and subsequently tests positive for COVID-19 on your cruise , you could be required to take a test if the vessel's contact tracing program determines you were in close contact with the ill passenger. Testing under these circumstances is covered by the line.

Most countries have waived their test-for-entry requirements, so it's highly unlikely that you'll have to take a test before disembarking in order to return home.

Post-cruise COVID-19 testing

Do I need to take a COVID-19 test after my cruise?

The only reason you would have to test after your cruise is if it's required by a country you're visiting or by your home country in order for you to return. Since most countries have now scrapped those requirements, you almost certainly won't have to take a post-voyage test.

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Here Are the Updated COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Each Major Cruise Line

For many, testing and vaccination requirements have made cruising more confusing than ever, by sophia pargas • published august 8, 2022 • updated on august 15, 2022 at 10:06 am.

Ever since the start of the pandemic, new COVID-19 protocols have complicated many travelers' ideal summer getaway: cruising.

To many, the newfound hassle of determining cruise line regulations , gathering documents and finding a testing center has turned many away from sailing. In recent months, however, many cruise lines have altered requirements to become more lenient on pre-boarding testing regulations.

Before taking to the seas on your next adventure, read this guide to review the updated testing mandates on all of your favorite cruise lines.

(All information is based on sailings out of the United States.)

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Carnival Cruise Lines

Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers:

• Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation.
• Canada: a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
• Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
• Greece: a PCR or antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing
• Australia: a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing

Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Passengers:

• Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer. 
• Bermuda: a PCR test can be taken 4 days before sailing (antigen tests are not accepted)

For more information, please see here .

Celebrity Cruise Line

• Cruises 5 days or less: With the exception of sailings to Bermuda and Canada, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
• Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding. They can take a PCR test 72 hours prior to sailing, or an antigen test two days prior to sailing.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 and older are required to receive a lab-administered PCR or antigen test up to 3 days before sailing.

Cunard Luxury Cruise Line

Testing Requirements:

All guests 5 and older are required to take an official negative COVID-19 test before embarking.

Disney Cruise Line

All vaccinated guests are required to show proof of a negative antigen, NAAT or PCR test within two days of sailing.

Unvaccinated guests (those 4 and under) must provide proof of a negative NAAT or PCR test within three days of sailing. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

Holland America Cruise Line

Regardless of vaccination status, all guests ages 2 and up are required to show proof of a negative antigen or NAAT COVID test.

MSC Cruises

• Cruises 5 days or less: Beginning August 29, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.
• Cruises 6 days or more: All guests are required to take an official COVID-19 test before boarding.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Beginning September 4, no fully vaccinated passengers will be required to test before sailing.

Beginning September 4, all children under 11 years old will not be required to test before sailing. Children 12 and older who are unvaccinated must receive a PCR or antigen test up to 72 hours before sailing.

Princess Cruise Line

Testing Requirements: All guests 2 and older are required to submit a negative test regardless of vaccination status.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking does not require a pre-departure COVID-19 test unless it is required by a sailing's destination.

This article tagged under:

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PCR test reimbursement

By Indy_Girl46 , August 4, 2021 in Celebrity Cruises

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Indy_Girl46

Hi, I submitted my receipts for PCR test reimbursements with Celebrity about a month ago, as per their website, and the money hasn't yet been reimbursed.  I've chased Celebrity but haven't had a response. Has anyone else requested a reimbursement and, if so, how long did it take?  Many thanks.

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Thank you for posting, I was not aware that X was reimbursing this expense, especially in several places on the website it indicates this cost is borne by the passenger, unless aboard and vaccinated.

Hi, on the email I received before I went it said that if I was organising the PCR test myself, rather than using Eurofins who Celebrity use, then they would reimburse the cost if I submitted receipts / PCR booking details.

UKWLDCruise

4 minutes ago, Bo1953 said: Thank you for posting, I was not aware that X was reimbursing this expense, especially in several places on the website it indicates this cost is borne by the passenger, unless aboard and vaccinated.   bon voyage

In the UK you can organise a test with their preferred company and then it is included with the cruise or you can get it done where you like and claim back up to £100

1 minute ago, UKWLDCruise said: In the UK you can organise a test with their preferred company and then it is included with the cruise or you can get it done where you like and claim back up to £100

uk - thank you for the info, the OP does not show where they are from, so I presumed from the US state of Indiana... LOL which I now know is clearly not the case.

In health and bon voyage

2 minutes ago, Bo1953 said: uk - thank you for the info, the OP does not show where they are from, so I presumed from the US state of Indiana... LOL which I now know is clearly not the case.   In health and bon voyage

Apologies, I should have said that I was in the UK.  

7 minutes ago, Indy_Girl46 said: Apologies, I should have said that I was in the UK.  

No worries at all, thus was the reason for my comment.

• 2 weeks later...

Still no reimbursement as per their website and an email I had originally.  Has anyone else yet managed to get their reimbursement.  I've tried ringing Celebrity a few times and spoken to different people and no one seems to know anything about it.

2 hours ago, Indy_Girl46 said: Still no reimbursement as per their website and an email I had originally.  Has anyone else yet managed to get their reimbursement.  I've tried ringing Celebrity a few times and spoken to different people and no one seems to know anything about it.

If the reimbursement is anything like the refunds from our cruises Celebrity cancelled, stop holding your breath. Those took anywhere from 45 to 60 days to post to my credit card.

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