By
Alice Chambers |
Carnival Corporation has updated its health guidelines for Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Seabourn in accordance with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated programme for cruise ships operating in US waters.
Effective from 1 March 2022, masks will no longer be required but remain recommended and additional flexibility in pre-cruise testing requirements will be made available across the three cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Seabourn will continue to operate vaccinated cruises, despite these changes. Carnival Cruise Line has specified that it will not require children under five to be vaccinated.
“We have had a very successful restart of guest operations thanks to the support of our guests, the commitment of our shipboard team and the effective protocols we have put in place,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “The public health situation has continued to improve, providing confidence about these changes. Our protocols will evolve as we continue to remain dedicated to protecting the public health of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.”
Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line state that there may still be certain venues and events in which masks will still be required.
“Since resuming operations, Holland America Line has created a safe and healthy environment onboard for our guests and teams, helping cruising to become among the safest forms of socialising and travel,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “With improving public health conditions, we are able to make these changes with confidence. We will continue to monitor the situation and are well-prepared to adjust to evolving circumstances while protecting the safety of our guests, team members and the communities we visit.”
All three cruise lines’ top priority is to ensure the wellbeing of guests, team members and those communities that its ships visit.