Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announces new SailSAFE protocols

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety COVID-19 protocols for its Norwegian, Oceania and Regent brands.

Passengers aged 12 years and over and are vaccinated will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols.

Unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. However, this will be subject to local regulations.

According to a press release, this policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022.

Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda.

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.

Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd said that it is a long-awaited revision to the association’s COVID-19 protocols. Their testing and vaccination requirements will bring them closer in line with the rest of society which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19.

This will make it simpler and easier for their loyal guests to cruise on their three best-in-class brands.


Health and safety is the top priority of Norwegian Cruise Line and they will continue to modify their robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves.


The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for their business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.

Key fleetwide protocols changes, subject to local regulations, effective September 3, 2022 include:

Vaccinated guests aged 12 and older will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols

Unvaccinated guests, aged 12 and older, or those who cannot or decline to provide proof of vaccination, will need to present a negative medically administered PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding

Guests aged 11 and under will not be subject to vaccination requirements or testing protocols of any kind

Vaccinated guests must meet the generally-accepted definition of “fully vaccinated” based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination

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