Do Any Cruise Lines Not Require Covid Vaccine Find Out Here

Yes, some cruise lines still do not require a COVID-19 vaccine, making them a top choice for unvaccinated travelers seeking flexible travel options. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian now offer sailings with no vaccine mandate on select routes, though testing and other health protocols may still apply—always check the latest policy before booking.

Key Takeaways

• Some cruise lines still accept unvaccinated passengers—research specific policies before booking.
• Check testing requirements as alternatives to vaccination for entry on certain ships.
• Smaller cruise lines may have more flexible health protocols than major carriers.
• Rules change frequently—verify the latest requirements directly with the cruise line.
• Travel insurance can protect against last-minute policy changes or denied boarding.
• Destinations matter—port countries may impose stricter rules than the cruise line.

The Changing Landscape of Cruise Travel and Vaccine Requirements

The cruise industry, once brought to a near standstill by the global pandemic, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years. As travelers cautiously returned to the high seas, cruise lines implemented strict health protocols, with COVID-19 vaccination requirements becoming a standard across most major operators. However, as global health guidelines evolve and the world adapts to living with the virus, many potential cruisers are now asking: Do any cruise lines not require COVID vaccine? The answer is nuanced and depends on the destination, vessel, and time of travel—but yes, there are options for unvaccinated travelers, though they come with important caveats.

For families, seniors, and individuals with medical or personal objections to vaccination, navigating the shifting sands of cruise line policies can be overwhelming. While some cruise lines have maintained stringent vaccine mandates, others have relaxed their rules, particularly on short domestic voyages or sailings to regions with lower infection rates. This comprehensive guide explores the current state of vaccine requirements across major and niche cruise operators, highlights exceptions, and provides practical advice for travelers seeking a vaccination-free cruise experience. Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, a river cruise, or a transatlantic journey, understanding these policies is crucial to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable voyage.

Why Cruise Lines Implemented Vaccine Mandates—And Why Some Are Lifting Them

The Origins of Vaccine Requirements

At the height of the pandemic in 2020–2021, cruise lines faced unprecedented challenges. With close quarters, shared ventilation systems, and international itineraries, cruise ships were vulnerable to rapid virus transmission. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, which strongly encouraged—and in many cases effectively required—vaccination for crew and passengers. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line adopted vaccine mandates as a condition of sailing to restore consumer confidence and meet regulatory standards.

By mid-2022, with widespread vaccine availability and declining case numbers, the CDC lifted its cruise-specific health guidance. This shift allowed cruise lines more autonomy in setting their own health and safety protocols. As a result, many began to relax or eliminate vaccine requirements, especially for sailings departing from or returning to U.S. ports, where federal mandates no longer applied.

The Driving Forces Behind Policy Changes

Several factors have contributed to the easing of vaccine mandates:

• Global normalization of travel: Most countries have dropped entry requirements related to vaccination, reducing the need for cruise lines to enforce them.
• Consumer demand: Unvaccinated travelers represent a significant market segment. Cruise lines aiming to boost occupancy have responded by offering more inclusive policies.
• Medical and ethical considerations: Some passengers cannot be vaccinated due to allergies, autoimmune conditions, or religious beliefs. Cruise lines are adapting to accommodate these travelers while maintaining safety.
• Operational flexibility: With improved onboard medical facilities and rapid testing capabilities, cruise lines can manage outbreaks more effectively without universal vaccination.

However, it’s important to note that while some lines have dropped mandates, they still encourage vaccination and may require it for certain itineraries—especially those involving foreign ports with strict entry rules.

Which Major Cruise Lines No Longer Require the COVID Vaccine?

Carnival Cruise Line: The First to Go Fully Vaccine-Free

In August 2022, Carnival Cruise Line made headlines by becoming the first major U.S.-based cruise operator to completely eliminate its vaccine requirement for all passengers on all itineraries. This policy applies to sailings from U.S. homeports, including popular destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska.

• Unvaccinated travelers: No vaccination proof required.
• Testing: Unvaccinated passengers must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before boarding.
• Masking: Masks are optional in most areas, though recommended during boarding and in crowded indoor spaces.

Example: A family of four, including two unvaccinated teens, can book a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami without needing vaccination records—but they must test before departure.

Royal Caribbean International: Conditional Flexibility

Royal Caribbean has adopted a more nuanced approach. As of 2023, the line no longer requires vaccination for most U.S.-based sailings, but with important conditions:

• Vaccinated guests: No pre-cruise testing required.
• Unvaccinated guests: Must take a PCR or antigen test within 72 hours before boarding. Children under 5 are exempt from testing.
• Itinerary exceptions: Vaccination is still required for cruises visiting Canada (until 2024) and some European ports (e.g., France, Italy) due to local regulations.

Tip: If you’re unvaccinated and planning a transatlantic cruise with stops in Spain and Portugal, you may need to show vaccination proof for certain excursions or port entries, even if the cruise line doesn’t require it for boarding.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Testing-Based Entry

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) dropped its vaccine mandate in late 2022. Today, all passengers—regardless of vaccination status—must provide a negative test result before boarding.

• Testing window: 72 hours for PCR, 48 hours for antigen.
• Onboard testing: Available for a fee if symptoms arise.
• Children: Under 5 exempt from testing.

This “test-to-sail” model ensures safety while removing the vaccine barrier. NCL’s approach is particularly appealing to last-minute travelers who can’t schedule vaccinations but can easily book a rapid test.

Other Major Lines: Mixed Policies

• MSC Cruises: No vaccine required for U.S. departures. Unvaccinated guests must test within 72 hours.
• Princess Cruises: No mandate for U.S. sailings. Testing required for unvaccinated guests; masks optional.
• Holland America Line: Similar to Princess, with testing for unvaccinated passengers on U.S. itineraries.
• Disney Cruise Line: No vaccine requirement for U.S. sailings as of 2023, but unvaccinated guests must test before boarding.

Niche and International Cruise Lines with No Vaccine Requirements

River Cruise Lines: A Different Ballgame

River cruises, which typically involve smaller vessels and shorter itineraries, have followed a different path than ocean liners. Many European river cruise lines have maintained looser health policies, partly due to the nature of their operations and local regulations.

• Viking River Cruises: No vaccine requirement for U.S. departures. Testing required for unvaccinated guests within 72 hours. Onboard medical staff and air filtration systems enhance safety.
• AmaWaterways: No mandate for U.S.-based sailings. Unvaccinated passengers must test pre-departure. Excursions in Europe may require vaccination for certain attractions (e.g., museums in France).
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: No vaccine requirement for U.S. departures. Testing for unvaccinated guests. Masks recommended in indoor areas.

Tip: River cruises often include guided tours in multiple countries. Check each port’s entry rules—some European nations still require vaccination for entry to public venues, even if the cruise line doesn’t.

Expedition and Small-Ship Operators

For travelers seeking adventure in remote destinations, several expedition cruise lines offer vaccine-free options:

• Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic): No vaccine requirement for U.S. sailings. Testing required for unvaccinated guests. Small ship capacity (under 150 passengers) allows for better outbreak control.
• Silversea Expeditions: No mandate for U.S. departures. Unvaccinated guests must test pre-cruise. Onboard medical team and rapid testing available.
• Quark Expeditions (Arctic/Antarctic): No vaccine requirement for most sailings. Testing required for unvaccinated passengers. High crew-to-guest ratio enhances safety.

Example: A 14-day Antarctic cruise with Quark Expeditions allows unvaccinated travelers to participate, provided they test negative before boarding. However, if the ship makes a stop in Argentina (a common embarkation point), local rules may require vaccination for entry—so always verify with the cruise line and embassy.

International and Non-U.S. Based Lines

Some non-U.S. cruise lines have never implemented strict vaccine mandates, especially those operating in regions with lower case rates or different regulatory environments:

• P&O Cruises (UK): No vaccine requirement for sailings from the UK. Testing optional but recommended.
• Cunard Line (UK): No mandate for UK departures. Testing for unvaccinated guests encouraged.
• Costa Cruises (Italy): No requirement for sailings from Italy. Unvaccinated guests must test within 72 hours.

Important: If you’re a U.S. citizen booking a cruise with a non-U.S. line (e.g., P&O from Southampton), ensure your travel insurance covers unvaccinated travelers, as some policies exclude coverage for those without vaccines.

Exceptions, Exemptions, and Special Considerations

Medical and Religious Exemptions

Even cruise lines that previously required vaccination now offer exemption processes for medical or religious reasons. However, these often come with additional requirements:

• Medical exemptions: Must be submitted with a physician’s note detailing the condition (e.g., severe allergy to vaccine components).
• Religious exemptions: Require a signed statement explaining the belief-based objection. Some lines require notarization.
• Additional testing: Exempted passengers typically must test more frequently—sometimes daily—during the cruise.
• Restricted access: In rare cases, exempted guests may be barred from certain venues (e.g., buffets, gyms) during outbreaks.

Example: A passenger with a documented anaphylactic reaction to the Pfizer vaccine can apply for a medical exemption with Royal Caribbean. If approved, they must test before boarding and may be asked to wear a mask during high-risk activities.

Children and Age-Based Rules

Most cruise lines have relaxed rules for children under 5, who are often exempt from both vaccination and testing requirements. For children aged 5–17:

• Vaccinated: No testing required.
• Unvaccinated: Must test pre-cruise (PCR or antigen).

Tip: If traveling with unvaccinated teens, book a cruise with a flexible cancellation policy in case testing results are delayed.

Itinerary-Based Requirements

The most critical factor isn’t the cruise line—it’s the ports of call. Even if a cruise line doesn’t require vaccination, foreign governments might:

• Canada: Required vaccination for entry until 2024. Cruises calling at Canadian ports (e.g., Alaska itineraries) may enforce this.
• France, Italy, Spain: Some require vaccination for entry to public venues (museums, restaurants) as of 2023.
• Australia and New Zealand: Still require vaccination for entry to certain attractions, even if the cruise line doesn’t.

Always check the U.S. Department of State and embassy websites for each destination before booking.

Data Table: Current Vaccine and Testing Policies (2023–2024)

Cruise Line	Vaccine Required?	Testing Required (Unvaccinated)	Testing Required (Vaccinated)	Notes
Carnival Cruise Line	No	PCR or antigen within 72h	No	Applies to all U.S. departures
Royal Caribbean	No (except Canada/Europe ports)	PCR or antigen within 72h	No	Vaccination still needed for Canadian stops
Norwegian Cruise Line	No	PCR within 72h or antigen within 48h	Same as unvaccinated	All guests must test
MSC Cruises	No	PCR or antigen within 72h	No	Onboard medical team available
Viking River Cruises	No	PCR or antigen within 72h	No	Testing recommended for all
Lindblad Expeditions	No	PCR or antigen within 72h	No	Small ship capacity enhances safety
P&O Cruises (UK)	No	Optional	Optional	UK-based sailings only

Note: Policies are subject to change. Always verify with the cruise line and destination authorities before booking.

Conclusion: Planning Your Cruise Without the Vaccine

The answer to the question “Do any cruise lines not require COVID vaccine?” is a resounding yes—but with layers of complexity. As of 2023–2024, most major U.S.-based cruise lines have dropped their vaccine mandates, replacing them with pre-cruise testing requirements for unvaccinated passengers. River, expedition, and international operators offer even more flexibility, particularly for sailings in regions with lower infection rates or less stringent regulations.

However, the key to a successful vaccination-free cruise lies in due diligence. Start by selecting a cruise line with a clear, transparent policy. Then, research every port of call—what’s allowed on the ship may not be allowed onshore. Carry printed copies of your test results, check embassy websites, and consider travel insurance that covers unvaccinated travelers. For families with children, seniors, or medically exempt individuals, many lines now offer exemption processes, though these require advance planning and documentation.

Finally, remember that health protocols can change rapidly. A cruise line that doesn’t require vaccines today might reintroduce mandates during a regional outbreak. Subscribe to email alerts, join cruise forums, and work with a knowledgeable travel agent to stay informed. The world of cruise travel is more open than ever, and with the right preparation, unvaccinated travelers can once again explore the seas with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines not require COVID vaccine for travelers?

Yes, some cruise lines have relaxed their policies and no longer require COVID-19 vaccines for passengers, though rules vary by destination and ship. Always check directly with the cruise line before booking, as policies can change frequently.

Which cruise lines do not require a COVID vaccine in 2023?

Several major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, have dropped mandatory vaccination requirements for most sailings. However, unvaccinated travelers may face additional testing or documentation rules.

Can unvaccinated passengers cruise without a COVID vaccine?

Absolutely—many cruise lines now welcome unvaccinated guests, but they may require pre-travel testing or proof of recovery. Some itineraries (e.g., international or high-risk destinations) might still enforce stricter rules.

Are there any cruise lines that don’t require COVID testing or vaccines?

A few cruise lines, like MSC and Princess, have eliminated both vaccine and testing mandates for most voyages. Always verify requirements for your specific departure port and itinerary to avoid surprises.

Do any cruise lines not require COVID vaccine for kids or adults?

Most cruise lines that have lifted vaccine mandates apply the policy to all passengers, regardless of age. However, unvaccinated children may need to follow extra testing protocols compared to vaccinated family members.

Where can I find updated info on cruise lines without COVID vaccine rules?

Check the cruise line’s official website or consult a travel agent for the latest policies. For the keyword “do any cruise lines not require COVID vaccine,” reputable travel forums and health advisories also offer real-time updates.