We’ve talked about getting away, getting out, setting sail, but what can you expect? The cruise ships are going, the islands are open and the “sails” (or SALES) are too good to pass up. What does it mean sailing towards the end of the Covid Mandates.
The Look of Cruising Now
Cruise ships have a new look, but it’s still the same great time you remember. They are still operating under capacity, mask guidelines have changed (on most lines) and the islands are welcoming. There are vaccine exemptions available for each line (but is a small percentage per ship), and truthfully this is a great time to sail!
What Can I Expect on My Cruise
While each cruise line is different, we will take a look at few to see what the current guidelines are. For the most part, they try to stay with each other in regards to policy. I will be using RCL, NCL, and Carnival for examples, make sure to check with the cruise line you are sailing for the latest updates.
Mask Policy
For the most part, all 3 cruise lines still recommend the mask be worn indoors, but will not be required. You will be allowed to join other cruisers at dining tables without masks, and parties with children that are unvaccinated will still have a private dining table. The only place masks are mandatory is the kids club, any transportation, embarkation and disembarkation locations and proceedings.
Vaccine Status
All 3 cruise lines require everyone 12 and older to be vaccinated within 14 days of departure. At this time RCL and CCL do allow for a few medical exemptions, NCL does not. Children 5 – 11 do not need vaccinations to sail, but are asked to mask up when indoors. All cruise lines request a negative covid test given within in 3 days of departure. Meaning if you sail on Saturday, you must have negative test anywhere between Wednesday and that Saturday.
Going Ashore
Every port of call is different, with different guidelines. As of this writing, RCL, NCL and CCL allow all passengers to disembark, regardless of vaccination if it follows the port of call’s regulations. Here are the some of the ports restrictions…
For unvaccinated guests in the ports of call listed below:
San Juan – Based on our agreement with the destination, guests will have to remain on board
Limón, Costa Rica – will have to remain on board
Grand Turk – age 16 and older will have to remain on board
Bermuda – age 12 and older will have to remain on board
Bonaire – age 12 and older will have to remain on board
Grand Cayman – age 12 and older will have to remain on board
St. Kitts – age 12 and older will have to remain on board
Tortola – age 12 and older will have to remain on board
Once again, please check your itinerary to see which ports allow members of your party to come ashore and with what restrictions.
Why Do I Want To Sail Now?
You might be asking yourself, so if they still have these polices in place, why do I want to sail now?
The SAVINGS !!!
Right now there are amazing deals on cruises, and with ships still sailing below capacity, it makes for an even better vacation. Once travel levels back out, you will 100% see a big jump in price. It’s a great time to get out, get away and get on the water ! Be sure to reach out to your favorite Enchanted Adventures Agent and let’s see what cruise line and itinerary works for you. Let’s take advantage of these low prices now, before they start to go up. Psssssttt..you can even book some cruises into 2024.
