Are There Any Cruise Lines Open Right Now Find Out Here

Yes, several major cruise lines are currently operating worldwide, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line, with enhanced safety protocols in place. Most destinations now welcome vaccinated travelers, though requirements vary by region—always check the latest guidelines before booking.

Key Takeaways

• Most major cruise lines are sailing with enhanced safety protocols.
• Check official websites for real-time updates on departures and restrictions.
• Vaccination and testing are required on nearly all open cruise lines.
• Short domestic itineraries are most commonly available right now.
• Flexible booking policies let you change plans without penalties.
• Health protocols vary by line—review rules before booking.

Are There Any Cruise Lines Open Right Now? Find Out Here

After years of disruption due to global events, shifting travel advisories, and evolving health protocols, the cruise industry has been on a rollercoaster ride. For travelers eager to set sail, the question on everyone’s mind is: Are there any cruise lines open right now? The good news is that the answer is a resounding yes—but with important nuances. While the industry has largely resumed operations, the landscape has changed. Some cruise lines are fully operational, others are running limited itineraries, and a few are still in the process of ramping up. The key is knowing which lines are sailing, where they’re going, and what to expect in terms of safety, pricing, and availability.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding the current state of the cruise market is essential. This guide dives deep into the operational status of major cruise lines, regional differences in availability, health and safety protocols, itinerary options, and insider tips to help you book confidently. From luxury liners to budget-friendly voyages, we’ll cover everything you need to know to answer the question: Are there cruise lines open right now? By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to plan your next sea adventure—safely, affordably, and with peace of mind.

1. Current Status of Major Cruise Lines: Who’s Sailing?

Overview of Operational Cruise Lines

As of 2024, the vast majority of major cruise lines have resumed operations, though with varying degrees of service restoration. The cruise industry has made a remarkable comeback, with over 90% of pre-pandemic capacity now active. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), more than 300 ocean and river cruise ships are currently in service globally. However, not all lines are operating at full strength. Let’s break down the current status of the most popular cruise brands.

• Carnival Cruise Line: Fully operational with all 27 ships in service. Carnival is offering sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, and Europe. They’ve reintroduced popular itineraries like the 7-night Eastern Caribbean and 4-night Baja Mexico cruises.
• Royal Caribbean International: All 27 ships are sailing, including the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, which launched in January 2024. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, and Australia.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): All 20 ships are in operation. NCL has resumed its “Free at Sea” promotion and is offering new itineraries to the South Pacific and Scandinavia.
• MSC Cruises: 22 out of 23 ships are active. The line has expanded its presence in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with new homeports in Miami and Barcelona.
• Princess Cruises: All 15 ships are sailing. Princess is focusing on Alaska, Japan, and the British Isles, with enhanced cultural and culinary experiences.
• Celebrity Cruises: Fully operational with 15 ships. The brand is emphasizing wellness and sustainability, with new itineraries to Greece, Iceland, and the Galapagos.

Luxury and Premium Cruise Lines

The luxury segment has also bounced back strongly. Lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea are operating at full capacity, with a focus on high-end, immersive experiences. Regent, for example, has resumed its “All-Inclusive Luxury” model, offering free airfare, shore excursions, and premium beverages on select sailings. Silversea has launched new expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic, with enhanced safety measures for polar travel.

For those seeking river cruises, lines like Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways are fully operational across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. Viking has introduced new itineraries along the Danube and Rhine, while AmaWaterways is offering wellness-focused cruises with onboard yoga and meditation sessions.

Lines with Limited or Phased Reopening

A few cruise lines are still in the process of returning to full operations. Hurtigruten, known for its expedition cruises, is operating at 80% capacity, with a focus on Norway and the Arctic. Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, is gradually reopening its fleet, with select sailings in Patagonia and the Galapagos.

Notably, Disney Cruise Line has resumed all four of its ships, including the new Disney Wish, with enhanced family-friendly programming and character experiences. However, due to high demand, many Disney sailings are booking out months in advance.

2. Regional Cruise Availability: Where Can You Sail?

The Caribbean: The Busiest Cruise Region

The Caribbean remains the most popular cruise destination, with over 100 ships operating weekly itineraries from ports in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. Major homeports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and San Juan. Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC are offering 3- to 7-night sailings to islands such as Nassau, Cozumel, St. Thomas, and Grand Cayman.

Recent trends show a surge in demand for shorter “cruisetour” packages, where passengers combine a cruise with a land-based stay. For example, Royal Caribbean now offers a 4-night cruise to Key West and Cozumel, followed by a 3-night stay in Orlando. These hybrid packages are ideal for families and first-time cruisers.

Alaska: The Seasonal Favorite

Alaska is another hot spot, with the 2024 season running from April to October. Major lines like Princess, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean are offering 7-night sailings from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward. Popular stops include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay National Park.

What sets Alaska apart is the focus on nature and wildlife. Many cruises include excursions like whale watching, dog sledding, and glacier hiking. For example, Celebrity Cruises offers a “Glacier & Wildlife” package that includes a helicopter tour over the Mendenhall Glacier and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Europe and the Mediterranean: Cultural Immersion

The Mediterranean is experiencing a renaissance, with cruise lines offering extended itineraries to Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. MSC and Costa Cruises are leading the charge, with homeports in Barcelona, Rome, and Athens. Viking and Regent are offering 14-night “Grand European” voyages that span from the French Riviera to the Greek Isles.

For river cruises, the Danube and Rhine are the most popular, with AmaWaterways and Viking offering themed sailings like “Christmas Markets” and “Wine & Culture.” These cruises typically run from late spring to early winter, with shorter winter itineraries focused on holiday markets.

Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific: Emerging Destinations

Asia is seeing a slow but steady recovery. Royal Caribbean and Princess are offering sailings from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, with stops in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. The South Pacific, including Fiji, New Zealand, and French Polynesia, is also gaining traction. P&O Cruises Australia is operating 7- to 14-night voyages from Sydney and Auckland, with a focus on island-hopping and cultural experiences.

Notably, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched its first-ever round-trip cruise from Tokyo, featuring stops in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Busan. This marks a significant shift in NCL’s strategy to tap into the growing Asian market.

3. Health, Safety, and Vaccination Requirements

Current Health Protocols on Cruise Ships

Health and safety remain top priorities for cruise lines. While many pre-pandemic restrictions have been lifted, enhanced sanitation and medical protocols are still in place. Here’s what you can expect on most major cruise lines:

• Enhanced Cleaning: High-touch surfaces (elevators, handrails, door handles) are disinfected hourly. Cabins are cleaned twice daily with hospital-grade sanitizers.
• Air Filtration: Advanced HVAC systems with HEPA filters are standard on all modern ships. Some lines, like Celebrity, have installed bipolar ionization technology to neutralize airborne pathogens.
• Medical Facilities: Every ship has an onboard medical center with doctors and nurses. Carnival and Royal Caribbean have partnered with local hospitals to provide telemedicine services.
• Contactless Check-In: Mobile apps allow passengers to complete health screenings, check-in, and order room service without physical interaction.

Vaccination and Testing Policies

Vaccination requirements vary by cruise line and destination. As of 2024:

• Most U.S.-based cruises (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL) no longer require proof of vaccination for domestic sailings. However, unvaccinated passengers may face restrictions on shore excursions or dining.
• International cruises (e.g., Europe, Asia) often require full vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
• Luxury lines (e.g., Regent, Silversea) still mandate vaccination for all passengers and crew, with no exceptions.
• Expedition cruises (e.g., Hurtigruten, Lindblad) may require additional health screenings due to remote destinations.

Pro Tip: Always check the cruise line’s official website for the latest policies. Rules can change based on local regulations—for example, a cruise to the Galapagos may require a negative test, even if the homeport doesn’t.

What to Pack for a Post-Pandemic Cruise

Beyond the usual swimsuits and sunscreen, consider packing:

• A digital thermometer for self-monitoring
• Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Extra masks (N95 or surgical)
• Portable UV sanitizer wand for personal items
• Copies of vaccination records and travel insurance

4. Booking Tips: How to Find Open Cruises and Save Money

Best Time to Book for 2024-2025

The cruise market is highly dynamic, with pricing fluctuating based on demand, season, and itinerary. Here’s how to time your booking:

• For the Caribbean and Bahamas: Book 6-9 months in advance. Last-minute deals (1-3 months before sailing) are common, especially on shorter 3- to 5-night cruises.
• For Alaska and Europe: Book 10-12 months ahead. These itineraries sell out fast due to limited seasonality.
• For luxury and expedition cruises: Book 12-18 months in advance. Regent and Silversea often offer “Early Booking” discounts of 10-20%.

How to Find Last-Minute Openings

Even if a cruise appears sold out, there are ways to snag a cabin:

• Use Cruise Line Waitlists: Many lines (e.g., Princess, NCL) allow you to join a waitlist for sold-out sailings. If a cabin opens, you’ll be notified automatically.
• Check Repositioning Cruises: When ships move between regions (e.g., from the Caribbean to Alaska in April), they offer “repositioning” voyages at discounted rates. These are often 7-14 days long and include unique ports.
• Monitor Flash Sales: Follow cruise lines on social media. Royal Caribbean and Carnival often run 24-48 hour sales with 50% off or free upgrades.
• Work with a Travel Agent: Agents have access to “group blocks” of cabins that aren’t available to the public. They can also negotiate extras like onboard credit or free gratuities.

Discounts and Promotions to Watch For

• Military, Senior, and Resident Discounts: Carnival and NCL offer up to 10% off for veterans, seniors (55+), and Florida/Georgia residents.
• Kids Sail Free: Royal Caribbean and Disney frequently run promotions where children under 12 sail free on select sailings.
• Loyalty Programs: Join a cruise line’s loyalty program (e.g., Carnival’s VIFP Club) for perks like priority boarding, free drinks, and cabin upgrades.

5. What to Expect Onboard: Changes and Enhancements

New Onboard Experiences

Cruise lines are investing heavily in new amenities to attract post-pandemic travelers. Notable additions include:

• Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas: The world’s largest cruise ship features a 17,000-square-foot water park, 7 swimming pools, and a “Central Park” with real trees and plants.
• Celebrity’s “Wellness at Sea”: Onboard yoga studios, meditation gardens, and a “Mindfulness Lounge” with sound therapy.
• MSC’s “MSC for Me”: A wearable wristband that tracks your location, allows contactless payments, and unlocks your cabin.

Dining and Entertainment

While buffets are back, many lines have introduced hybrid dining models:

• App-Based Ordering: Carnival’s “HUB App” lets you order food to your table or poolside.
• Pop-Up Restaurants: Norwegian Cruise Line features rotating specialty dining, like a “Taco & Tequila” bar or a “Sushi & Sake” pop-up.
• Enhanced Entertainment: Broadway-style shows (e.g., Grease on Royal Caribbean) and immersive experiences (e.g., “Escape Room” challenges on MSC) are now standard.

Shore Excursions and Port Visits

Shore excursions are more flexible than ever. Options include:

• Private Tours: Book a private van or guide for a personalized experience (e.g., a family-friendly tour of Rome’s Colosseum).
• Eco-Friendly Excursions: Lines like Hurtigruten offer “plastic-free” beach cleanups and wildlife conservation projects.
• Digital Excursions: For those who prefer to stay onboard, some cruises now offer live-streamed port tours.

6. Data Table: Cruise Line Comparison (2024)

Cruise Line	Ships in Service	Key Destinations	Vaccination Required?	Best For	Starting Price (per person)
Carnival	27	Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska	No (U.S. sailings)	Budget travelers, families	$499
Royal Caribbean	27	Caribbean, Alaska, Europe	No (domestic), Yes (international)	Adventure seekers, luxury	$799
Norwegian (NCL)	20	Caribbean, Europe, South Pacific	No (U.S.), Yes (Europe)	Flexible dining, solo travelers	$699
MSC Cruises	22	Mediterranean, Caribbean	Yes (all sailings)	European culture, value	$599
Regent Seven Seas	6	Worldwide (luxury)	Yes	All-inclusive luxury	$4,999
Viking River	70+ river ships	Europe, Asia	Yes	Cultural immersion, small groups	$2,499

Conclusion: The Seas Are Calling—Are You Ready?

The answer to “Are there any cruise lines open right now?” is a definitive yes. The cruise industry has not only recovered but evolved, offering safer, more flexible, and more exciting travel experiences than ever before. From budget-friendly Caribbean getaways to luxury world cruises, there’s a voyage for every traveler and every budget. Whether you’re drawn to the glaciers of Alaska, the beaches of the Bahamas, or the historic ports of the Mediterranean, the options are vast and growing.

To make the most of your cruise, remember to: book early for seasonal destinations, stay updated on health requirements, leverage loyalty programs, and explore new onboard amenities. The seas are open, the ships are sailing, and the world is waiting. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, your next cruise could be the journey of a lifetime. So pack your bags, download the app, and get ready to set sail—your dream vacation is just a booking away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any cruise lines open right now in 2024?

Yes, most major cruise lines are fully operational in 2024, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Many have resumed global itineraries with updated health protocols.

Which cruise lines are currently sailing from the US?

Cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, and Disney Cruise Line offer departures from US ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston. Always check departure schedules, as some routes may vary by season.

Are there any cruise lines open for international destinations?

Yes, cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises are sailing to destinations like the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Entry requirements for certain countries may still apply.

Do open cruise lines require vaccinations or testing?

Most cruise lines have relaxed COVID-19 requirements, but some may still request proof of vaccination or pre-travel testing for high-risk regions. Confirm directly with your chosen line before booking.

Are there any cruise lines open for last-minute bookings?

Absolutely—lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian often have last-minute deals on open sailings. Their websites and travel agents can help you find available cabins quickly.

What are the safest cruise lines open during current conditions?

Reputable cruise lines like Viking, Cunard, and Silversea are known for rigorous health protocols and transparent communication. Look for those with high safety ratings and flexible cancellation policies.