Carnival Cruise Line to Implement New Mask Guidelines for All Guests and Pre-Cruise Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Guests

Friday, August 6, 2021

As it continues with its successful restart of guest operations, Carnival Cruise Line is adapting to the evolving public health situation by advising booked guests of temporary changes in onboard mask and pre-cruise testing requirements.

Carnival will continue to operate with vaccinated cruises as defined by the CDC, including having its crew fully vaccinated. However, in an abundance of caution, and following the lead of similar sectors and venues – including Nevada casinos, Disney theme parks, and Broadway theaters – all guests will be asked to wear masks in certain indoor areas of Carnival’s ships. This new policy goes into effect with all cruises that depart on or after Saturday, Aug. 7, through Oct. 31, 2021.

In addition, Carnival has added a pre-cruise testing requirement for all vaccinated guests. Effective with cruises departing on Saturday, Aug. 14 through Oct. 31, 2021, all fully vaccinated guests must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days of their embarkation. Testing in the terminal will not be available. Vaccinated guests are required to come with their negative test results and proof of vaccination for boarding.

More details on these changes are available on the Have Fun. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com.

Guests who are unvaccinated will continue to follow the requirements previously communicated which includes pre-cruise PCR testing, testing prior to boarding, and testing within 24 hours of debarkation on cruises of five days or longer. Unvaccinated guests approved for an exemption are charged $150 for testing and health screening costs. For cruises departing from Florida and Texas, unvaccinated guests are also required to show proof of insurance.

“These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while on board, and to continue to provide confidence to our homeports and destinations that we are doing our part to support their efforts to protect public health and safety,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We expect these requirements will be temporary and appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Our first month of guest operations has been met with tremendous enthusiasm and very positive guest feedback, and we are committed to continue our restart with both fun and safety in mind.”

Duffy said Carnival will continue to make information available on its Have Fun. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com. She also expressed appreciation to travel advisors and public officials who continue to work closely with the company to support the line’s restart.

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