Are Cruise Lines Requiring Vaccines What You Need to Know

Most major cruise lines now require passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with policies varying by destination, ship, and local regulations. Unvaccinated travelers may face limited itineraries or additional testing and quarantine rules, so checking your cruise line’s latest requirements before booking is essential to avoid disruptions. Stay informed—vaccine rules can change quickly based on global health conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Vaccine policies vary: Check each cruise line’s rules before booking.
• Proof required: Always carry digital or printed vaccination documentation.
• Boosters may be mandatory: Some lines enforce updated COVID-19 boosters.
• Unvaccinated options exist: Certain sailings allow testing instead of vaccines.
• Rules change frequently: Verify requirements up to departure date.
• Destinations have rules: Ports may impose stricter vaccine mandates.

Why Vaccine Policies on Cruises Are More Relevant Than Ever

Remember when planning a cruise meant picking the right itinerary, packing your swimsuit, and deciding whether to splurge on the suite with the balcony? Fast forward to today, and there’s another item on the checklist: vaccine requirements.

Since the pandemic, the cruise industry has transformed. What was once a carefree escape now involves health screenings, digital health passes, and yes—vaccination rules. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip, understanding these policies can make or break your vacation. The good news? Most cruise lines are transparent, but the details can vary widely. And let’s be honest—no one wants to be turned away at the gangway because they missed a booster or didn’t have the right paperwork.

How Cruise Lines Are Handling Vaccination Requirements in 2024

Let’s cut to the chase: Are cruise lines requiring vaccines? The short answer is—yes, but it depends. The rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some cruise lines mandate full vaccination for all passengers. Others are more flexible, especially for families with young kids or travelers from regions with limited vaccine access.

The landscape is still evolving. While the initial wave of strict mandates has relaxed in some areas, others remain cautious due to high-risk itineraries or regional health regulations. Think of it like weather forecasts—sometimes sunny, sometimes stormy, but always worth checking before you leave the house.

Fully Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Policies

Most major cruise lines—like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian—currently require passengers aged 12 and older to be fully vaccinated. That means:

• Completed primary series (two doses of Pfizer/Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson)
• Received a booster if eligible (usually 6 months after the last dose)
• Booster may be required for high-risk itineraries (e.g., transatlantic cruises, longer voyages)

For example, on a 14-day Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises in 2024, all guests 12+ must be up to date with boosters. But on a 4-day Bahamas trip with Carnival, a primary series may suffice—unless you’re over 50, in which case a booster is strongly recommended.

Unvaccinated travelers? They’re not completely shut out. Some lines allow exceptions with:

• Negative PCR or antigen test results (within 24–72 hours before boarding)
• Medical exemptions (with documentation from a licensed doctor)
• Travel insurance covering medical evacuation

But here’s the catch: unvaccinated passengers often face extra steps—like wearing masks in indoor areas, avoiding certain onboard activities, or even being restricted from disembarking in some ports.

Children and Vaccine Requirements

Families, listen up: this is where things get tricky. Kids under 5 are typically not required to be vaccinated, but they may need to test frequently. Kids 5–11 often fall into a gray zone—some lines require vaccines, others don’t. And if your child is between 12 and 17? They’re usually treated the same as adults.

Take Disney Cruise Line as an example. As of 2024, all guests 12+ must be vaccinated. But kids under 12 don’t need shots—instead, they must provide a negative antigen test taken within 2 days of embarkation. If your 8-year-old is unvaccinated, you’ll need to pack test kits and plan ahead.

Pro tip: Always check the cruise line’s “Family Travel” page. Disney, for instance, offers a Kids Sail Free promotion but still enforces testing for unvaccinated minors. It’s a great deal—but don’t forget the extra prep.

Which Cruise Lines Require Vaccines? A Line-by-Line Breakdown

Not all cruise lines are the same. Some are stricter, others more relaxed. Let’s look at the major players and what they require in 2024.

Major U.S.-Based Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International: Requires all guests 12+ to be fully vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Unvaccinated guests can sail with a negative PCR test (within 3 days) and a rapid antigen test (within 24 hours). But they can’t join shore excursions in most ports and must wear masks indoors.

Carnival Cruise Line: Similar to Royal Caribbean, but more flexible. Vaccination is required for 12+, but unvaccinated travelers can sail with testing. However, they’re excluded from indoor dining, shows, and casinos unless masked. Carnival also requires unvaccinated guests to carry medical evacuation insurance.

Norwegian Cruise Line: One of the stricter lines. Requires all guests 12+ to be vaccinated and boosted. No exceptions for unvaccinated passengers—even with testing. This policy applies to all sailings, including short Caribbean trips.

Disney Cruise Line: Vaccination required for 12+. Kids under 12 need a negative antigen test. No boosters required for kids, but adults over 18 must be up to date. Disney also requires pre-boarding health questionnaires and temperature checks.

Premium and Luxury Cruise Lines

Princess Cruises: Requires vaccination for all 12+ and boosters for high-risk itineraries. Unvaccinated guests can sail with testing but face activity restrictions. Princess also offers “vaccination verification” via their MedallionNet app—upload your records before boarding.

Holland America Line: Same policy as Princess (both owned by Carnival Corporation). Vaccination + booster for 12+, testing option for unvaccinated. Holland America also requires pre-cruise health declarations and has medical staff onboard trained in pandemic response.

MSC Cruises: Slightly different. Vaccination required for 12+, but no booster mandate. Unvaccinated guests can sail with a PCR test (within 72 hours). MSC also offers “MSC Cruises Health & Safety Protocols” with real-time updates via their app.

International and River Cruise Lines

Cunard Line: Based in the UK, Cunard follows both U.S. and EU guidelines. On transatlantic voyages, all guests 12+ must be vaccinated and boosted. On Mediterranean cruises, vaccination is required, but boosters are only recommended.

Scenic & Emerald Yacht Cruises: These luxury river lines require vaccination for all passengers. No exceptions. Scenic even offers a “Scenic Safe” program with pre-cruise health checks and onboard medical facilities.

AmaWaterways: Requires vaccination for 12+, but allows unvaccinated guests with testing. They also provide free antigen tests onboard for peace of mind.

How to Verify Your Vaccination Status and Prepare for Boarding

So you’ve picked your cruise. Now what? Don’t wait until the last minute to sort out your vaccine proof. Here’s how to avoid a boarding-day panic.

Accepted Forms of Vaccine Documentation

Most cruise lines accept:

• CDC Vaccination Card (U.S. residents)
• EU Digital COVID Certificate (Europe)
• Digital health passes (e.g., CommonPass, VeriFLY, IATA Travel Pass)
• Official government-issued vaccine records (with QR code)

Important: Photocopies or photos of paper cards are usually not accepted. You’ll need a digital copy or the original card. Some lines, like Royal Caribbean, let you upload records through their app or website 7–14 days before sailing.

Tip: If you’ve lost your CDC card, contact your local health department or pharmacy where you got vaccinated. Many can reissue a digital record.

Uploading Vaccine Records: Step-by-Step

Here’s how it usually works:

1. Log into your cruise line’s online check-in portal (e.g., Carnival’s “Online Check-In,” Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise Planner”)
2. Find the “Health & Safety” or “Vaccination” section
3. Upload a clear photo or PDF of your vaccine card
4. Enter booster dates (if applicable)
5. Submit for review (can take 24–72 hours)

Pro tip: Upload early. Some lines, like Norwegian, require vaccine verification at least 72 hours before boarding. If your submission is rejected, you’ll need time to fix it.

What If You’re Not Fully Vaccinated?

If you can’t or won’t get vaccinated, don’t panic. But be ready for extra steps:

• Schedule tests: Book a PCR test 2–3 days before sailing and a rapid antigen test the day before (or morning of). Use a CLIA-certified lab or pharmacy.
• Buy travel insurance: Make sure it covers medical evacuation, quarantine, and trip cancellation due to health issues. Look for “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) add-ons.
• Check port policies: Some destinations (e.g., Canada, New Zealand, French Polynesia) require vaccination for entry. Even if the cruise line allows unvaccinated guests, the port might not.
• Pack masks and sanitizer: You’ll likely need them for indoor areas and crowded spaces.

Example: A friend of mine sailed with Carnival unvaccinated last year. She had to test twice, wear a mask in the buffet, and skip the comedy show. But she still had a great time—just with more planning.

Port-Specific Rules and International Travel Considerations

Here’s where things get really complicated: port rules can be stricter than the cruise line’s. And they change fast.

Popular Cruise Destinations and Their Vaccine Policies

Let’s break it down:

• Mexico: No vaccine requirement for entry, but some ports (e.g., Cozumel) may require masks in public areas.
• Canada: Vaccination required for all visitors 12+. Unvaccinated travelers can’t disembark.
• Caribbean (Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia): Most islands require vaccination or testing for entry. The Bahamas, for example, requires all cruise passengers to be vaccinated or test negative (within 24 hours).
• Europe (Mediterranean): EU countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece require vaccination or testing. Some ports (e.g., Venice) require pre-arrival health forms.
• Alaska: No state mandate, but some ports (e.g., Juneau) may require masks in indoor spaces.

Real-life scenario: A couple on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska in 2023 was allowed to board unvaccinated (with testing). But when they tried to go ashore in Juneau, they were denied entry because local businesses required vaccination. They spent the day on the ship instead.

Transatlantic and Long-Haul Cruises

Longer cruises often have stricter rules. Why? More time at sea = higher risk of outbreaks. For example:

• Queen Mary 2 (Cunard): Requires vaccination + booster for transatlantic voyages. No exceptions.
• Norwegian Prima (Norwegian Cruise Line): 14-day repositioning cruise from Miami to Europe requires vaccination and pre-departure PCR test.

Tip: If you’re on a long cruise, check the itinerary carefully. Some lines require boosters for voyages over 7 days, especially for older passengers.

What Happens If a Port Changes Its Rules?

It happens. A destination might lift restrictions one week and reinstate them the next. Cruise lines usually update their websites and send email alerts. But it’s your responsibility to monitor changes.

Pro tip: Sign up for cruise line newsletters and follow local health departments on social media. I once got a last-minute email from Carnival about a new mask mandate in St. Maarten—just 48 hours before docking.

What to Expect Onboard: Health Protocols in Practice

Even with vaccines, cruise lines aren’t taking chances. Here’s what you’ll likely see onboard in 2024.

Air Filtration and Sanitization

Modern cruise ships use advanced HVAC systems with MERV-13 filters (same as hospitals). High-touch areas—elevator buttons, handrails, buffet tongs—are sanitized hourly. Some lines, like Royal Caribbean, use electrostatic sprayers between sailings.

Medical Facilities and Testing

Every major cruise ship has a medical center with:

• PCR and antigen testing
• Isolation rooms
• Oxygen and ventilators

If a passenger tests positive, they’re isolated and contact tracing begins. Some lines offer free testing if you develop symptoms during the cruise.

Masking and Social Distancing

Most lines no longer require masks, but they’re encouraged in crowded areas (e.g., elevators, shows). Some—like Princess—still mandate masks for unvaccinated guests in indoor spaces.

Social distancing? Not really. Ships are back to full capacity. But you’ll see hand sanitizer stations everywhere—near dining rooms, pools, and theaters.

Shore Excursions and Local Tours

Here’s a big one: some excursions require vaccination. A tour operator in Jamaica, for example, might only allow vaccinated guests on a zip-lining adventure. Check with the cruise line or tour provider before booking.

Tip: Book through the cruise line’s “shore excursions” department. They usually vet operators for health safety.

Cruise Vaccine Policy Data Table (2024)

Cruise Line	Vaccine Required (Ages 12+)	Booster Required	Unvaccinated Option	Testing Required
Royal Caribbean	Yes	Yes (if eligible)	PCR + antigen test	Yes (for unvaccinated)
Carnival	Yes	Recommended	PCR + antigen test	Yes (for unvaccinated)
Norwegian	Yes	Yes	None	No (if vaccinated)
Disney	Yes (12+)	Yes (18+)	Antigen test (under 12)	Yes (under 12)
Princess	Yes	Yes (high-risk itineraries)	PCR + antigen test	Yes (for unvaccinated)
MSC	Yes	No	PCR test	Yes (for unvaccinated)

The Bottom Line: Stay Informed, Stay Flexible

So, are cruise lines requiring vaccines? In most cases, yes—especially for adults. But the rules are nuanced. They depend on your age, destination, cruise length, and even the port of call.

The key takeaway? Plan early and check often. Vaccine policies aren’t static. What’s true today might change by your sail date. Bookmark your cruise line’s health policy page, sign up for alerts, and talk to a travel agent if you’re unsure.

And remember: the goal isn’t to make cruising harder—it’s to make it safer. After all, the best vacation is one where you can relax, not worry about being turned away at the door. So grab your sunscreen, your vaccine card, and maybe an extra mask. The open sea is waiting—and it’s more accessible than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruise lines requiring vaccines for all passengers?

Most major cruise lines now require vaccines for all eligible passengers, though policies vary by company and destination. Check your specific cruise line’s website for the latest vaccine requirements before booking.

Do unvaccinated travelers have any cruise options?

Some cruise lines allow unvaccinated guests but may impose stricter testing, masking, or activity restrictions onboard. Smaller or regional lines may also have more flexible policies—research carefully if you’re not vaccinated.

What proof of vaccination do cruise lines require?

Cruise lines typically require a digital or physical copy of your official vaccine card showing full vaccination (and boosters, if applicable). Accepted formats and timeframes vary, so confirm details with your cruise line ahead of time.

Are cruise lines requiring vaccines for children?

Children ineligible for vaccines (due to age) are often exempt but may need additional testing. Some lines require vaccination for kids 5+, aligning with CDC guidelines—always verify age-specific rules for your cruise.

Do I need a booster shot to sail?

Several cruise lines now require a booster dose if your initial vaccination series was completed over 6–9 months ago. This is especially common for sailings to high-risk destinations or longer voyages.

How often do cruise line vaccine policies change?

Cruise lines frequently update health protocols based on global conditions, so policies can shift even after booking. Subscribe to your line’s email alerts or check their website within 24–48 hours of departure.