Are There Any Cruise Lines Not Requiring Covid Vaccine in 2024

Yes, several cruise lines in 2024 no longer require COVID-19 vaccination, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, as most major operators have dropped mandates in line with eased global health guidelines. Unvaccinated travelers should still verify individual ship and destination policies, as some itineraries—especially international or expedition cruises—may enforce stricter rules based on local regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Some cruise lines still don’t require vaccines in 2024—research before booking.
• Check policies directly with cruise lines, as rules change frequently.
• Unvaccinated travelers may face extra testing or documentation requirements.
• Smaller or luxury lines are more likely to offer flexible vaccine policies.
• Destinations impact rules—ports may enforce stricter requirements than the cruise line.
• Travel insurance can protect against last-minute policy changes or cancellations.

Are There Any Cruise Lines Not Requiring Covid Vaccine in 2024?

As the world continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the cruise industry has undergone significant changes in health and safety protocols. In 2024, one of the most frequently asked questions by travelers is: Are there any cruise lines not requiring the Covid vaccine? With vaccination mandates once serving as a cornerstone of onboard safety, the landscape is rapidly evolving. While many major cruise lines initially enforced strict vaccination requirements, recent shifts in public health guidance, traveler demand, and regulatory policies have prompted a reevaluation of these rules. Whether you’re unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or simply prefer flexibility, understanding the current state of vaccine policies across cruise lines is essential for planning your next sea adventure.

For some travelers, vaccine mandates have been a barrier to cruising, especially those with medical exemptions, personal beliefs, or concerns about long-term health effects. Others simply want the freedom to choose without being excluded from popular vacation options. As of 2024, the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no”—it depends on the cruise line, itinerary, departure port, and even the destination country. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the current policies of major and niche cruise lines, explores regional differences, highlights exceptions, and provides practical advice for booking a cruise that aligns with your health preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, this article will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your next voyage.

Current State of Cruise Line Vaccine Policies in 2024

Major Shifts from 2020–2023 Policies

The cruise industry’s approach to the Covid-19 vaccine has undergone a dramatic transformation since the early days of the pandemic. In 2020 and 2021, nearly all major cruise lines—including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess—implemented strict vaccination mandates for passengers aged 12 and older. These policies were often accompanied by pre-boarding testing, mask requirements, and enhanced sanitation protocols. However, by late 2022 and early 2023, as global case numbers declined and public health agencies relaxed recommendations, cruise lines began easing restrictions. By 2024, the majority of large cruise lines have moved away from mandatory vaccination, though some still encourage it or require it under specific conditions.

For example, Royal Caribbean International now allows unvaccinated guests to sail on most itineraries, but they must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line no longer requires proof of vaccination for most sailings but recommends it for high-risk travelers. This shift reflects broader trends: the CDC no longer lists cruise ships as high-risk environments, and many countries have dropped entry requirements related to vaccination. As a result, cruise lines are prioritizing flexibility and inclusivity to attract a wider range of travelers.

Regional and Itinerary-Based Differences

One of the most important factors in determining whether a cruise line requires the Covid vaccine is the itinerary. Even if a cruise line has a general policy of not requiring vaccination, specific destinations may impose their own rules. For instance:

• A Caribbean cruise departing from Miami may allow unvaccinated passengers, but if it stops in Barbados or St. Lucia, local regulations might require vaccination or additional testing.
• A European cruise sailing from Barcelona could be fully open to unvaccinated travelers, but if it docks in Italy or Greece, those countries may still have entry rules tied to vaccination status.
• Alaska cruises operated by Norwegian Cruise Line no longer require vaccination for U.S. citizens, but Canadian ports (like Vancouver) may have their own health requirements.

Always check the port-of-call regulations before booking. Cruise lines typically update their websites with destination-specific health advisories, but it’s wise to verify directly with local embassies or travel clinics.

Exceptions for Children and Medical Exemptions

Even when cruise lines have relaxed vaccination mandates for adults, policies for children and those with medical exemptions vary. For example:

• MSC Cruises allows unvaccinated children under 12 on most sailings, but unvaccinated adults must provide a negative test.
• Disney Cruise Line has removed its vaccination requirement for guests 5 and older, but recommends vaccination for all travelers. Children under 5 are not required to be vaccinated or tested.
• Some lines, like Holland America, still accept medical exemption letters from licensed physicians, allowing unvaccinated guests to sail with additional testing or quarantine protocols.

If you have a medical reason for not being vaccinated, contact the cruise line directly to inquire about exemption processes. Documentation requirements can include a letter from your doctor, proof of prior infection, or a formal medical waiver.

Cruise Lines with No or Flexible Vaccine Requirements

Major Cruise Lines with Open Policies

As of 2024, several major cruise lines have adopted no mandatory vaccine policies for most itineraries. Here are the key players:

• Carnival Cruise Line: No longer requires vaccination for any guest. Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative PCR or antigen test (within 72 hours for PCR, 24 hours for antigen) before embarkation. Masks are optional.
• Royal Caribbean International: Vaccination is not mandatory. Unvaccinated guests must test negative via PCR (72 hours) or antigen (24 hours). Some European sailings may have additional requirements.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Removed vaccination mandates for all sailings departing from U.S. ports. Unvaccinated guests must test negative (PCR or antigen). Policies may differ for international departures.
• Princess Cruises: No vaccine requirement for most sailings. Unvaccinated guests must test negative. Testing is waived for fully vaccinated travelers.
• MSC Cruises: Allows unvaccinated guests with a negative PCR or antigen test (24–72 hours depending on destination). Some Mediterranean itineraries may still recommend vaccination.

These policies are subject to change, especially for sailings that include countries with stricter entry rules. Always check the official cruise line website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information before booking.

Niche and Luxury Cruise Lines

Smaller, luxury, or expedition-focused cruise lines often have different approaches due to their unique clientele and destinations. Some of these lines have been quicker to relax vaccine mandates:

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: No vaccine requirement as of 2024. Unvaccinated guests must provide a negative test (PCR or antigen) within 72 hours. Masks are optional in public areas.
• Oceania Cruises: Vaccination is recommended but not required. Testing is mandatory for unvaccinated guests.
• Silversea Cruises: No mandatory vaccination. Unvaccinated passengers must test negative (PCR or antigen) before boarding. Policies may vary by region (e.g., Arctic or Antarctic expeditions).
• Hurtigruten Expeditions: Removed vaccine mandates for all sailings. Unvaccinated guests must test negative. Masks are optional except in medical areas.

Luxury lines often emphasize personalized service and health flexibility, making them attractive options for travelers who prefer a more relaxed environment. However, because many of these cruises visit remote or ecologically sensitive areas (like the Galápagos or Antarctica), additional health screenings may still apply.

Budget and River Cruise Options

For travelers seeking affordable or inland options, budget and river cruise lines also offer flexibility:

• American Cruise Lines: No vaccine requirement for U.S. river and coastal cruises. Testing is optional but recommended for unvaccinated guests.
• Avalon Waterways: Vaccination is not mandatory. Unvaccinated guests must test negative (PCR or antigen) before embarkation. Policies may vary by European country visited.
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: No vaccine requirement. Testing required for unvaccinated passengers. Masks are optional.

River cruises often involve smaller ships and more intimate settings, which can reduce exposure risks. However, since they frequently dock in multiple European cities, local regulations may still require vaccination for entry into certain attractions or public spaces—even if the cruise line does not.

Exceptions and Special Cases: When Vaccines Are Still Required

International Itineraries and Country-Specific Rules

While many cruise lines have dropped vaccine mandates, destination countries can override these policies. For example:

• Australia and New Zealand: As of 2024, both countries still recommend vaccination for international travelers, and some cruise lines may require proof of vaccination for sailings that include Australian or New Zealand ports.
• Canada: While Canada no longer requires vaccination for entry, some cruise lines (like Holland America) may still require unvaccinated guests to test more frequently when sailing from Vancouver or other Canadian ports.
• Japan: Although Japan reopened to tourists in 2023, some cruise lines operating in Japanese waters may still require vaccination due to local port authority rules.

Always review the itinerary-specific health requirements provided by the cruise line. These are usually listed under “Health & Safety” or “Traveler Requirements” on the booking page. If a destination requires vaccination, the cruise line will typically notify passengers and may offer a refund or rebooking option.

Expedition and Polar Cruises

Cruises to extreme environments—like the Arctic, Antarctic, or Galápagos Islands—often have stricter health policies due to the remote nature of the destinations and limited medical facilities. For example:

• Lindblad Expeditions (in partnership with National Geographic): Requires vaccination for all guests on polar voyages. Unvaccinated travelers are not permitted, regardless of testing.
• Quark Expeditions: Vaccination is mandatory for all Antarctic and Arctic expeditions. This is due to cooperation with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and local regulations.
• Hurtigruten Svalbard: While their main fleet has relaxed policies, some specialized Arctic sailings may still require vaccination or enhanced health screenings.

These exceptions are not arbitrary. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation from remote regions can take days or weeks. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and ensures the safety of the entire expedition team and local communities.

Group Charters and Private Cruises

Some travelers opt for private charters or group cruises (e.g., family reunions, corporate events, or themed voyages). In these cases, the charter company or event organizer may set their own health rules, which can be more or less strict than the cruise line’s general policy. For example:

• A private charter with Celebrity Cruises might require all guests to be vaccinated, even though the line’s standard policy does not.
• A yoga retreat cruise may enforce a “vaccinated-only” rule for all participants, regardless of the cruise line’s guidelines.

If you’re booking a group trip, confirm the health requirements with the organizer. They may have additional liability concerns or insurance requirements that influence their policies.

How to Find and Book a Cruise Without Vaccine Requirements

Step-by-Step Guide to Researching Policies

Finding a cruise that aligns with your vaccination status requires careful research. Follow these steps:

1. Check the cruise line’s official website: Look for “Health & Safety,” “Traveler Requirements,” or “Covid-19 Updates” sections.
2. Review the itinerary details: Click on each sailing and check for destination-specific requirements. Use the cruise line’s “Itinerary Details” or “Port Information” pages.
3. Contact customer service: Call or chat with a representative to clarify policies for your specific sailing. Ask: “Are unvaccinated guests allowed on this cruise? What testing is required?”
4. Verify port-of-call rules: Visit the official tourism or government websites of each destination country. Look for “Entry Requirements” or “Health Regulations.”
5. Consult a travel agent: A knowledgeable agent can help you compare options and navigate complex policies.

Pro tip: Bookmark the cruise line’s health policy page and check it again 30 days before departure, as policies can change with little notice.

Best Tools and Resources

Use these tools to simplify your research:

• Cruise Critic: Offers up-to-date forums and expert reviews on cruise health policies.
• CDC Travel Health Notices: Provides country-specific health advice, including vaccination recommendations.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Dashboard: Tracks global Covid-19 trends and policy changes.
• Cruise line mobile apps: Many apps now include health requirement checklists and pre-cruise check-in forms.

Consider using a travel health app like TravelReady or VeriFLY, which can store your test results and vaccination records (if applicable) and verify compliance with cruise and country rules.

Booking Tips for Unvaccinated Travelers

To minimize risk and stress:

• Book refundable fares: Choose options with free cancellation or flexible change policies in case policies change.
• Buy travel insurance: Ensure your policy covers trip cancellation due to health policy changes or illness.
• Test early and often: Schedule your pre-cruise test with a reliable provider. Keep digital and printed copies of your results.
• Pack health supplies: Bring extra masks, hand sanitizer, and rapid antigen tests for use during the cruise.
• Choose shorter itineraries: Opt for 3–5 day cruises if you’re concerned about exposure or policy changes mid-voyage.

Finally, communicate openly with the cruise line and your travel companions. Transparency helps avoid surprises at embarkation.

Data Table: Cruise Line Vaccine Policies at a Glance (2024)

Cruise Line	Vaccine Required?	Testing for Unvaccinated	Mask Policy	Notes
Carnival	No	PCR (72h) or Antigen (24h)	Optional	Waived for vaccinated guests
Royal Caribbean	No	PCR (72h) or Antigen (24h)	Optional	Some European ports may require vaccination
Norwegian	No (U.S. departures)	PCR or Antigen (24–72h)	Optional	International sailings may vary
Princess	No	PCR (72h) or Antigen (24h)	Optional	Testing waived for vaccinated
MSC Cruises	No	PCR (72h) or Antigen (24h)	Optional	Some Mediterranean itineraries may recommend vaccine
Lindblad Expeditions	Yes (Polar voyages)	N/A	Recommended	Mandatory for Antarctic/Arctic
American Cruise Lines	No	Optional	Optional	U.S. river and coastal cruises
Quark Expeditions	Yes	Additional screening	Required in medical areas	All polar expeditions require vaccination

Conclusion: Navigating Cruise Health Policies in 2024

The answer to “Are there any cruise lines not requiring the Covid vaccine in 2024?” is a resounding yes—but with important caveats. Most major cruise lines have moved away from mandatory vaccination, embracing testing and personal responsibility as the new standard. However, destination rules, itinerary specifics, and special cruise types can still impose vaccine requirements. Unvaccinated travelers now have more options than ever, from budget-friendly Caribbean getaways to luxury European river cruises, but success depends on thorough research and proactive planning.

As the industry continues to evolve, flexibility will remain key. Cruise lines are balancing safety, inclusivity, and operational feasibility, and policies may shift again based on global health trends. For now, travelers who are unvaccinated or prefer not to disclose their status can confidently explore a wide range of voyages—provided they stay informed, test appropriately, and respect local regulations. Whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean, exploring Alaska, or relaxing in the Caribbean, 2024 offers unprecedented freedom to cruise on your own terms. Bon voyage, and safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any cruise lines not requiring COVID vaccine in 2024?

Yes, as of 2024, some cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have lifted mandatory vaccination requirements for most sailings, depending on the itinerary and local regulations. Always check the specific cruise line’s latest policies before booking.

Do I need a COVID vaccine to go on a cruise in 2024?

Many major cruise lines no longer require proof of vaccination, but some destinations or ships may still enforce rules based on local health guidelines. Unvaccinated passengers may need to provide negative test results or follow additional protocols.

Which cruise lines allow unvaccinated travelers without restrictions?

Several lines, including MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises, now permit unvaccinated guests on select voyages, often with testing instead of vaccine mandates. Policies vary by departure port and destination, so confirm directly with the cruise line.

Are there any cruise lines not requiring COVID vaccine for Alaska or Caribbean trips?

For Alaska and Caribbean sailings, most major lines (e.g., Holland America, Disney) have removed vaccine mandates, but unvaccinated guests might need pre-trip testing. Check the cruise line’s website for port-specific rules.

Can I cruise without a COVID vaccine if I have a medical exemption?

Some cruise lines may accept medical exemptions but often require additional documentation, testing, or travel insurance. Policies differ widely, so contact the cruise line in advance to understand their exemption process.

What happens if I’m unvaccinated and want to cruise in 2024?

Unvaccinated passengers can often sail but may need to submit negative PCR/antigen tests before boarding and follow onboard safety measures. Always review the cruise line’s latest health protocols to avoid surprises.