Are Cruise Lines Sailing 2021 What You Need to Know Now

Yes, many cruise lines resumed sailing in 2021, but with strict health protocols, reduced capacity, and vaccination requirements to ensure passenger safety. Destinations and itineraries remain limited, so travelers must check updated policies and flexible booking options before setting sail.

Key Takeaways

• Cruise lines resumed operations in 2021 with strict health protocols and reduced capacity.
• Check vaccination requirements—most lines mandated full vaccination for passengers and crew.
• Flexible booking policies allowed free cancellations or changes due to pandemic disruptions.
• Enhanced safety measures included pre-boarding testing, improved ventilation, and sanitization.
• Itinerary changes were common due to port restrictions; verify schedules before booking.
• Travel insurance is essential to cover COVID-19-related cancellations or medical needs.

The Big Question: Are Cruise Lines Sailing in 2021?

The cruise industry, once a symbol of carefree travel and global exploration, faced unprecedented challenges in 2020. With the onset of the global pandemic, major cruise lines suspended operations, leaving ports silent and travelers wondering if the open seas would ever welcome them again. As 2021 unfolded, the world held its breath—would the cruise ships sail again? The answer is a complex mix of cautious optimism, evolving regulations, and a determined industry adapting to a new normal. For anyone dreaming of a vacation on the water, the question “Are cruise lines sailing in 2021?” became more than just a curiosity—it was a critical factor in travel planning, health concerns, and economic recovery.

By mid-2021, the landscape had shifted significantly. While some cruise lines remained docked, others began phased returns to service with strict health protocols, limited itineraries, and enhanced safety measures. The cruise industry, worth billions globally, had to innovate rapidly to regain public trust. From mandatory vaccinations to contactless boarding and advanced air filtration systems, the new cruising experience looked very different. This blog post dives deep into the state of the cruise industry in 2021, exploring which lines resumed operations, the rules and regulations shaping their return, passenger experiences, and what travelers needed to know before booking a voyage during a pandemic. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the waters of 2021 cruise travel with confidence and clarity.

Which Cruise Lines Resumed Operations in 2021?

By the second half of 2021, several major cruise lines had begun limited sailings, often starting with short domestic trips or “cruises to nowhere” before expanding to international itineraries. The resumption was not uniform across the industry—some brands led the charge, while others adopted a more cautious approach. Below is a breakdown of the key players and their 2021 sailing status.

Carnival Corporation: Phased Return with Enhanced Protocols

Carnival Cruise Line, the largest brand under Carnival Corporation, began limited U.S. sailings in July 2021 from ports like Miami and Galveston. These initial voyages were restricted to vaccinated passengers and crew, with strict testing requirements. Carnival also launched “test sailings” in partnership with the CDC to simulate real-world conditions and demonstrate compliance with health guidelines.

• First ship to sail: Carnival Breeze (July 2021, 3-day cruise to Mexico)
• Key requirement: All passengers aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated (except for medical exemptions)
• Testing: Pre-departure PCR or antigen test within 24–72 hours

Other Carnival Corporation brands like Holland America Line and Princess Cruises resumed operations in Alaska and the Caribbean, often with modified itineraries to comply with local regulations.

Royal Caribbean Group: Innovation and Flexibility

Royal Caribbean International made headlines with its early return to service. The Freedom of the Seas became one of the first large cruise ships to sail from the U.S. in June 2021, operating a 4-night cruise from Miami. The line emphasized its “Cruise with Confidence” program, which included flexible booking policies and enhanced health measures.

• First U.S. sailing: Freedom of the Seas (June 2021)
• Vaccination: Mandatory for guests and crew (with rare exceptions)
• Innovation: Contactless check-in, digital key cards, and AI-driven health monitoring

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), part of the same group, followed suit with its “Sail Safe” health program. NCL resumed operations in July 2021 with the Norwegian Encore on a 7-night Alaska cruise. Unlike some competitors, NCL required vaccination for all passengers and crew—no exemptions—making it one of the strictest policies in the industry.

Smaller and Luxury Lines: A Different Approach

While mass-market lines focused on volume and safety, luxury and expedition cruise lines took a more personalized approach. Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises resumed operations with smaller ships, private excursions, and all-inclusive itineraries. These lines often sailed with lower passenger loads, allowing for greater social distancing and enhanced service.

• Seabourn: First sailing in July 2021 (Mediterranean, vaccinated guests only)
• Oceania Cruises: Resumed in October 2021 with a 7-day Greece cruise
• Silversea: Offered “cruise bubbles”—entire ships chartered by private groups

Expedition lines like Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures focused on remote destinations with low population density, reducing exposure risks. Their small-ship model naturally aligned with pandemic safety goals.

Health and Safety Protocols: What Changed in 2021?

The cruise industry’s return was not just about restarting engines—it was about rebuilding trust. In 2021, health and safety became the top priority, with cruise lines implementing a multi-layered approach to protect passengers and crew. These protocols were shaped by guidelines from the CDC, WHO, and local governments, but each line added its own innovations.

Vaccination Requirements: The New Normal

By mid-2021, most major cruise lines required full vaccination for all passengers over a certain age (usually 12+). This was a seismic shift from pre-pandemic policies, where vaccination was optional. For example:

• Carnival: Vaccinated passengers only; unvaccinated children under 12 could sail with additional testing
• Royal Caribbean: Mandatory vaccination for all guests and crew; no exemptions
• Norwegian: “Vaccine-only” sailings—no exceptions, even for medical reasons

Some lines, like MSC Cruises, offered “hybrid” sailings where vaccinated and unvaccinated guests could sail together, but unvaccinated passengers faced stricter testing and limited access to onboard amenities.

Testing and Screening: Pre-Boarding and Onboard

Testing became a cornerstone of cruise safety. Passengers were required to provide proof of a negative test before boarding, with most lines accepting either PCR or rapid antigen tests within 24–72 hours of departure.

• Pre-departure test: Mandatory for all passengers
• Onboard testing: Available for symptomatic guests or those with close contact with a positive case
• Random testing: Some lines conducted random tests during longer voyages

For example, Royal Caribbean offered complimentary antigen tests onboard, while Carnival partnered with third-party providers for rapid testing at terminals.

Enhanced Cleaning and Air Filtration

Ships underwent deep cleaning between voyages, with electrostatic sprayers used to disinfect high-touch areas. HVAC systems were upgraded with MERV-13 filters or HEPA filters to improve air quality. Some ships installed ultraviolet (UV) disinfection in air ducts and elevators.

Example: Norwegian Encore installed over 1,200 touchless hand sanitizer stations and used hospital-grade disinfectants in all public areas.

Social Distancing and Capacity Limits

While most ships operated below full capacity, the level of social distancing varied. Some lines reduced dining room seating, staggered showtimes, and limited elevator use. Others, like Silversea, maintained normal capacity but offered private dining and excursions to reduce group exposure.

Itinerary Changes and Destination Restrictions

Even when ships resumed sailing, the destinations they could visit were limited. Governments imposed entry restrictions, port closures, and quarantine requirements, forcing cruise lines to adapt their itineraries in real time. This led to a new era of flexible routing and last-minute changes.

U.S. Sailings: The CDC’s Conditional Sail Order

In October 2020, the CDC issued a “Conditional Sail Order” (CSO), which outlined a phased approach to restarting cruises from U.S. ports. The CSO required cruise lines to:

• Conduct “simulated voyages” with volunteer passengers to test health protocols
• Obtain a CDC “COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate” before carrying paying guests
• Report cases and deaths to the CDC in real time

By July 2021, over 20 ships had received the certificate, allowing them to sail from U.S. ports. However, the CSO expired in November 2021, replaced by a voluntary program, which reduced federal oversight.

Port Closures and Itinerary Adjustments

Many popular destinations, especially in the Caribbean and Europe, imposed strict entry rules. For example:

• Jamaica: Required pre-arrival testing and limited shore excursions
• Barbados: Closed to cruise ships until August 2021
• Italy: Allowed port calls but required passengers to stay on “sanitary corridors” during excursions

As a result, cruise lines created “bubble itineraries”—ships stayed within a single region (e.g., the Eastern Caribbean) and avoided countries with high case counts. Some lines, like Royal Caribbean, added private island stops (e.g., CocoCay, Labadee) to reduce dependency on foreign ports.

Alaska and Canada: A Unique Challenge

Alaska’s 2021 cruise season was nearly canceled due to Canada’s ban on cruise ships. Since most Alaska itineraries transit Canadian waters, the restriction would have blocked U.S. ships from sailing. The solution? The U.S. Congress passed the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act, which allowed foreign-flagged ships to bypass Canadian ports temporarily. This enabled lines like Princess and Holland America to operate Alaska cruises from Seattle, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

Passenger Experience: What Was Different in 2021?

For travelers who braved a 2021 cruise, the experience was a blend of familiar luxuries and new restrictions. The pandemic forced changes in dining, entertainment, and onboard activities, but it also created opportunities for innovation and personalized service.

Dining: From Buffets to Reservations

Buffet dining, once a hallmark of cruising, was largely eliminated. Instead, lines offered:

• Reservation-based dining in main dining rooms
• Takeout options from specialty restaurants
• Room service expansion (e.g., Norwegian offered 24/7 complimentary room service)

Some ships introduced “dine-around” concepts, where guests could reserve tables at multiple venues with the same menu. Celebrity Cruises even offered private dining pods on deck.

Entertainment and Activities: Limited but Creative

Shows, casinos, and pools operated at reduced capacity. Masks were required indoors, and some entertainment was moved outdoors. However, cruise lines found creative solutions:

• Drive-in movies on deck (e.g., Carnival Horizon)
• Virtual meet-and-greets with performers
• Small-group activities (e.g., wine tastings, cooking classes)

Fitness centers remained open but with limited equipment and timed reservations. Spas offered reduced services, with enhanced cleaning between appointments.

Shore Excursions: Safety First

Shore excursions became more controlled. Cruise lines partnered with local operators to create “sanitary excursions”—groups stayed together, avoided crowded areas, and used private transportation. Some lines offered exclusive private tours for vaccinated guests.

Tip: Book excursions through the cruise line for the best safety guarantees. Independent tours were often not allowed.

Booking Tips and What to Consider Before Sailing

Booking a cruise in 2021 required more research and flexibility than ever. With changing rules, last-minute cancellations, and health concerns, travelers needed to be prepared for the unexpected.

Understand the Cancellation and Refund Policies

Most lines offered flexible booking options, such as:

• Free cancellation up to 30–60 days before sailing
• Future cruise credits (FCC) with bonus value (e.g., 125% of the original fare)
• Price protection—if the price dropped, you could rebook at the lower rate

Example: Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise with Confidence” allowed free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure for any reason.

Check Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Rules varied by line, destination, and even itinerary. Always verify:

• Minimum vaccination age
• Accepted vaccine types (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J)
• Testing window (e.g., 24 hours vs. 72 hours)
• Onboard testing availability

Tip: Carry digital and physical copies of your vaccine card and test results.

Consider Travel Insurance

Standard travel insurance may not cover pandemic-related cancellations. Look for policies that include:

• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage
• Trip interruption for quarantine
• Medical evacuation for COVID-19

Some cruise lines offered bundled insurance, but third-party providers often had better coverage.

Be Flexible with Itineraries

Expect changes. Ports could close, itineraries could shift, and sailings could be canceled with little notice. Book with lines that offer strong communication and compensation for disruptions.

Cruise Line	First 2021 U.S. Sailing	Vaccination Policy	Testing Required	Capacity Limit
Carnival	July 2021 (Carnival Breeze)	12+ must be vaccinated	PCR/antigen within 72h	70–80%
Royal Caribbean	June 2021 (Freedom of the Seas)	All guests and crew	PCR/antigen within 24h	50–70%
Norwegian	July 2021 (Norwegian Encore)	All guests and crew (no exceptions)	PCR/antigen within 24h	60–70%
MSC Cruises	August 2021 (MSC Meraviglia)	Hybrid: vaccinated and tested unvaccinated	PCR/antigen within 48h	50–60%
Seabourn	July 2021 (Seabourn Ovation)	All guests and crew	PCR within 72h	40–50%

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cruising Beyond 2021

The 2021 cruise season was a turning point—not just for the industry, but for the way we think about travel in a post-pandemic world. While challenges remained, the resilience of cruise lines, the adaptability of travelers, and the collaboration with health authorities laid the foundation for a safer, more responsible cruising experience. By the end of 2021, over 60% of the global cruise fleet had resumed operations, and passenger satisfaction rates were surprisingly high, with many praising the enhanced safety measures and personalized service.

Looking ahead, the lessons of 2021 will shape the future of cruising. Health protocols will likely remain in some form, especially during flu seasons or new outbreaks. Vaccination requirements may evolve, but the emphasis on hygiene, air quality, and passenger well-being is here to stay. Cruise lines will continue to innovate—offering hybrid itineraries, digital health passports, and sustainable practices to meet changing traveler expectations.

For travelers, the key takeaway is this: cruising in 2021 wasn’t the same as before, but it was still possible—and for many, it was worth the extra effort. With careful planning, flexibility, and a focus on health, the open seas are once again within reach. The answer to “Are cruise lines sailing in 2021?” is a resounding yes, but with a new set of rules, a renewed sense of purpose, and a promise to sail smarter, safer, and more sustainably than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruise lines sailing in 2021 after the pandemic pause?

Yes, many major cruise lines resumed limited sailings in 2021, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, with enhanced health protocols. Operations began with shorter itineraries and reduced capacity to comply with CDC and local regulations.

Which cruise lines are sailing in 2021 with full safety measures?

Cruise lines like Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises launched 2021 sailings with mandatory vaccinations, testing, and mask policies. Enhanced sanitation and contactless tech were standard across most fleets.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to sail on 2021 cruise lines?

Most major cruise lines required full vaccination for passengers and crew in 2021, though some offered exemptions with pre-travel testing. Always check the specific cruise line’s policy before booking.

Are cruise lines sailing to popular destinations like the Caribbean in 2021?

Yes, many 2021 sailings focused on Caribbean routes, with ports like Nassau and Cozumel reopening to tourists. Some itineraries were modified to comply with changing port restrictions and health guidelines.

What happens if my 2021 cruise is canceled or postponed?

Cruise lines offered flexible rebooking options or full refunds for 2021 sailings affected by COVID-19. Many also provided onboard credit as an incentive to rebook within a set timeframe.

Are cruise lines sailing with reduced capacity in 2021?

Yes, most cruise lines limited occupancy to 50-70% in 2021 to ensure social distancing and improve safety. This also allowed for more crew training and better enforcement of health protocols.