Norwegian Cruise Line ends all Covid-19 testing, masking and vaccination requirements

A Norwegian Gateway cruise ship leaves from the Manhattan port during sunset in New York City, United States on April 10, 2022.

The Covid-19 testing will be suspended by the Norwegian Cruise Line.

The company said the change would go into effect Tuesday.

The testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers have been ended by Norwegian. Each country has its own travel requirements for passengers.

Harry Sommer, Norwegian's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement that many travelers have been waiting to take their long-awaited vacation at sea.

Norwegian ships had an Occupancy Rate of 65% in the second quarter, up from 42% in the first quarter.

The voluntary Covid-19 program for cruise ships was ended by the CDC. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean require proof of a negative test from unvaccinated passengers.

The shares of Norwegian Cruise Line were down.

Despite the easing of Covid-19 rules, cruise lines are still struggling. Cruises are being affected by rising costs and inflation. Carnival's share price fell below its April 2020 low last week.

Some investors worry that the payments will balloon as the Federal Reserve increases interest rates.