Carnival Cruise Line Lifting Several COVID-Related Protocols

The lifting of CDC requirements for the cruise industry in the US prompted Carnival Cruise Line to adjust certain protocols.

Carnival will no longer require pre-cruise testing for guests booked on sailings with itineraries of less than 5 nights. Pre-cruise testing for itineraries of six nights or more can be done three days before departure.

On the day of departure, there will be no in-terminal testing for unvaccinated guests, but all unvaccinated guests must provide proof of a negative result of a lab-administered or supervised self-administered COVID test.

Carnival remains committed to the health and safety of its guests, crew and the communities it serves. The first update will be effective on August 4 and will focus on short cruises of five nights or less.

All changes are subject to the requirements of the destinations on the itinerary.

The CDC ended its program for cruise ships. The program was supposed to be a voluntary one, though cruise lines could refuse to participate.

Just days after the end of the COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, the CDC released a new set of recommendations. The government agency still strongly recommends pre-embarkation coronaviruses testing, even though the new guidance is optional.

Guests will no longer be required to complete pre-cruise testing if they choose to do so. Some cruise lines have changed their health and safety protocols.

To get the latest travel news and deals, be sure to subscribe to the TravelPulse newsletter.