Do Any Cruise Lines Not Require Vaccination Find Out Here

Yes, some cruise lines do not require vaccinations, offering sailings for unvaccinated travelers—especially on shorter domestic routes or private charters. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian now allow unvaccinated guests on select voyages, though testing and documentation rules may still apply. Always check the latest policies before booking, as requirements vary by itinerary and region.

Key Takeaways

• Check policies: Always verify current vaccination rules before booking any cruise.
• Exceptions exist: Some lines allow unvaccinated guests with negative tests.
• Destinations matter: Local laws may override cruise line health policies.
• Children exempt: Many lines don’t require vaccines for kids under 12.
• Private charters: Smaller yachts or charters often have flexible requirements.

Do Any Cruise Lines Not Require Vaccination? Find Out Here

As global travel continues to rebound from the disruptions of recent years, cruise vacations are making a strong comeback. For many travelers, the open seas and all-inclusive luxury of a cruise ship represent the perfect escape. However, one lingering question remains: do any cruise lines not require vaccination? With health and safety protocols evolving rapidly, the answer isn’t always straightforward. While most major cruise companies adopted strict vaccination mandates at the height of the pandemic, the landscape is shifting. Some lines are relaxing their requirements, while others maintain strict policies. For travelers who prefer not to be vaccinated—or who are unable to due to medical reasons—understanding these nuances is essential to planning a stress-free and enjoyable cruise.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the current vaccination policies of major and niche cruise lines, explores exceptions and alternatives, and provides practical tips for booking a cruise that aligns with your personal health choices. Whether you’re seeking a fully unvaccinated-friendly voyage or simply want to know your options, this article will equip you with the latest data, real-world examples, and actionable advice. From mainstream giants to luxury and expedition-focused lines, we’ll uncover which cruise operators are welcoming all guests—regardless of vaccination status—and what you need to know before booking your next sea adventure.

Current Vaccination Policies Across Major Cruise Lines

The cruise industry has taken a varied approach to vaccination mandates, with policies differing by company, region, itinerary, and even ship. While most major lines initially required full vaccination for all adult passengers, many have since adjusted their rules in response to changing public health guidance and consumer demand. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current vaccination policies among the largest cruise operators.

Carnival Cruise Line: Conditional Requirements

Carnival Cruise Line, one of the world’s largest operators, currently maintains a conditional vaccination policy. As of 2024, vaccination is required for all guests aged 12 and older on most sailings. However, there are exceptions:

• Guests aged 5–11 are not required to be vaccinated but must provide a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
• Unvaccinated guests aged 12+ may sail on select itineraries if they provide a negative test (PCR or antigen) within 72 hours of boarding.
• These exceptions apply primarily to sailings departing from U.S. ports and do not extend to international or transatlantic voyages, where vaccination is mandatory.

Tip: Always check the specific itinerary page on Carnival’s website, as policies vary by departure port and destination. For example, a 4-night Bahamas cruise from Miami may allow unvaccinated travelers with testing, while a 14-day Mediterranean cruise requires full vaccination.

Royal Caribbean International: Mostly Vaccinated, with Testing Option

Royal Caribbean has maintained one of the stricter vaccination policies in the industry. As of mid-2024, all guests aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to sail on most voyages. However, the company introduced a testing-based alternative for unvaccinated travelers:

• Unvaccinated guests aged 12+ may sail if they provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
• This option is only available on sailings departing from U.S., Canadian, and certain European ports.
• Unvaccinated guests must also undergo additional health screenings and may be subject to restrictions on shore excursions in certain ports.

Note: This testing exception does not apply to cruises to countries with stricter entry requirements, such as Australia or New Zealand, where vaccination remains mandatory for all international arrivals.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Vaccination Required with Limited Exceptions

NCL’s policy is similar to Royal Caribbean’s. As of 2024, full vaccination is required for all guests aged 12 and older. The only exceptions are:

• Guests with a valid medical exemption, documented by a physician and approved by NCL’s medical team.
• Children under 12, who are not required to be vaccinated but must test negative before embarkation.

NCL does not currently allow unvaccinated adults to sail with only a negative test. This means travelers seeking a completely unvaccinated-friendly cruise should look elsewhere.

MSC Cruises: Region-Specific Rules

MSC Cruises, known for its European focus, has adopted a region-based approach to vaccination. For example:

• In Europe, vaccination is no longer required for most sailings as of 2023, aligning with relaxed EU travel guidelines.
• In the Caribbean and North America, vaccination is still required for guests 12+ on most itineraries.
• Unvaccinated guests may sail from U.S. ports with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.

This makes MSC a viable option for unvaccinated travelers booking European voyages, especially in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, where testing is the only requirement.

Disney Cruise Line: Strict Vaccination Mandate

Disney Cruise Line maintains one of the strictest policies. As of 2024, all guests aged 5 and older must be fully vaccinated to sail. There are no testing-based exceptions for unvaccinated adults. The only flexibility is for children under 5, who are not required to be vaccinated or tested.

Why this matters: If you’re traveling with unvaccinated family members over age 5, Disney cruises are not currently an option unless they meet the vaccination requirement.

Smaller and Niche Cruise Lines with Flexible Policies

While major cruise lines often follow industry-wide trends, smaller and niche operators—especially those targeting specific demographics or destinations—are more likely to offer flexibility. These lines often cater to travelers seeking unique experiences, such as expedition cruises, river voyages, or ultra-luxury journeys, and may have more adaptable health protocols.

Expedition and Adventure Cruises: Less Stringent Rules

Expedition-focused cruise lines, such as Lindblad Expeditions (in partnership with National Geographic) and Quark Expeditions, have adopted more lenient policies due to their remote destinations and smaller passenger counts. As of 2024:

• Lindblad does not require vaccination for most sailings, including those to Alaska, the Galápagos, and Antarctica.
• Instead, guests must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.
• Quark Expeditions follows a similar model, with testing replacing vaccination mandates on Arctic and Antarctic voyages.

Why this works: These cruises often operate in remote regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, so pre-embarkation testing is deemed sufficient to mitigate risk. Additionally, passenger loads are small (often under 200), reducing transmission potential.

River Cruises in Europe: Testing Over Vaccination

Many European river cruise operators, such as AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking River Cruises, have moved away from mandatory vaccination. As of 2024:

• Viking River Cruises no longer requires vaccination for most itineraries, including Danube, Rhine, and Douro river cruises.
• Instead, guests must present a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding.
• AmaWaterways and Uniworld follow similar policies, with testing as the primary health requirement.

Practical tip: Always confirm the policy with the cruise line at the time of booking, as rules can change based on local regulations. For example, a cruise departing from a city with a recent outbreak may temporarily reinstate vaccination requirements.

Luxury and Boutique Lines: Personalized Approaches

Ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises have taken a hybrid approach. While they previously required vaccination, as of 2024:

• Regent allows unvaccinated guests to sail with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.
• Silversea permits unvaccinated guests on select sailings, provided they test negative and agree to enhanced health screenings.
• Both lines offer private excursions and reduced passenger capacity, which reduces the need for strict mandates.

Example: A Silversea voyage from Lisbon to the Canary Islands in October 2024 allows unvaccinated travelers with testing, while a round-trip Antarctic expedition still requires full vaccination due to the extreme environment.

Specialty and Charter Operators: Fully Unvaccinated-Friendly

A handful of specialty and charter cruise companies now openly welcome unvaccinated passengers. These include:

• Oceania Cruises: While not fully unvaccinated-friendly, Oceania allows unvaccinated guests on select sailings with testing. Their “Travel with Confidence” program includes rapid testing at embarkation.
• Chartered luxury yachts and private sailings: Companies like Yacht Charter Fleet or Bluewater Yachting operate private charters where health policies are set by the charterer. This means unvaccinated groups can book entire vessels with no vaccination requirements.
• Small-ship lines in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific: Operators like Orion Expeditions (Australia) and Blue Lagoon Cruises (Fiji) do not require vaccination, relying instead on pre-departure testing and health questionnaires.

Pro tip: For maximum flexibility, consider booking a private charter. While more expensive, it offers complete control over health policies and guest lists.

How to Verify Vaccination Requirements Before Booking

With policies constantly evolving, it’s crucial to verify the current vaccination rules directly before booking. Relying on outdated information can lead to denied boarding or last-minute cancellations. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting accurate, up-to-date details.

Check the Official Cruise Line Website

The most reliable source is the cruise line’s official website. Look for a section titled:

• “Health & Safety Protocols”
• “Travel Requirements”
• “Pre-Cruise Information”

For example, Royal Caribbean’s “Health & Safety” page clearly outlines which itineraries allow unvaccinated guests with testing. Use the itinerary-specific tool to filter by departure port and destination.

Contact Customer Service Directly

Even if a website states a general policy, exceptions may exist. Call or email customer service with your specific itinerary and passenger details. Ask:

• “Can an unvaccinated adult aged 30 sail on the [Ship Name] from [Port] to [Destination] on [Date]?”
• “What type of test is accepted, and when must it be taken?”
• “Are there any restrictions for unvaccinated guests on shore excursions?”

Example: A customer booking a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing from New York to Bermuda was initially told vaccination was required, but after calling, learned that unvaccinated guests could sail with a negative PCR test—a policy not clearly stated online.

Use Travel Advisories and Port Regulations

Cruise lines must comply with the health rules of every port they visit. A ship may allow unvaccinated passengers, but a destination like Canada or Australia may deny entry. Check:

• The U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Centre
• The World Health Organization (WHO) country-specific guidance

Tip: Even if the cruise line allows unvaccinated guests, you may need to skip certain ports or provide additional documentation. Always plan for flexibility in your itinerary.

Review Booking Contracts and Cancellation Policies

Before finalizing a booking, read the contract carefully. Look for clauses related to:

• “Force majeure” or “health-related cancellations”
• Refund policies if vaccination rules change
• Travel insurance coverage for denied boarding due to health status

Best practice: Purchase cruise-specific travel insurance that covers medical exclusions and policy changes. Companies like Allianz and Travel Guard offer plans with “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) options, which can reimburse up to 75% of non-refundable costs.

Alternatives and Workarounds for Unvaccinated Travelers

If your preferred cruise line requires vaccination, don’t despair. There are several alternatives and strategies to still enjoy a sea vacation without compromising your health choices.

Choose Testing-Based Itineraries

Many cruise lines now allow unvaccinated guests to sail with a negative test. To maximize your options:

• Book shorter voyages (3–5 nights) from U.S. or European ports, where testing is widely accepted.
• Opt for domestic sailings (e.g., U.S. to Bahamas, U.S. to Alaska) rather than international ones.
• Schedule your cruise during periods of low community transmission to reduce the risk of testing positive before departure.

Example: A 4-night Carnival cruise from Miami to Cozumel allows unvaccinated adults with a negative test, while a 10-night transatlantic crossing does not.

Explore River and Coastal Cruises

River cruises and coastal voyages in regions like Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean often have less strict policies than ocean cruises. These trips:

• Have smaller passenger capacities
• Spend more time in port, reducing time spent in enclosed spaces
• Are subject to fewer international regulations

Try: A 7-day AmaWaterways cruise on the Danube River, which requires only a negative antigen test for unvaccinated guests.

Consider Private Charters

For groups of 6–20 people, private charters on luxury yachts or small ships offer complete control over health policies. You can:

• Set your own vaccination requirements (or lack thereof)
• Choose destinations with flexible entry rules
• Customize itineraries to avoid high-risk areas

Cost note: Prices range from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on vessel size and duration, but per-person costs can be competitive for groups.

Look Into Domestic and Local Operators

Smaller, regional cruise operators often have more relaxed rules. For example:

• American Queen Voyages (U.S. river cruises) allows unvaccinated guests with testing.
• Holland America Line permits unvaccinated guests on select Alaska and Pacific Northwest sailings with testing.
• P&O Cruises Australia has no vaccination requirement for domestic sailings within Australian waters.

Data Table: Cruise Line Vaccination Policies (2024)

Cruise Line	Adult Vaccination Required?	Testing Option for Unvaccinated?	Children Under 12 Policy	Notes
Carnival Cruise Line	Yes (with exceptions)	Yes (PCR/antigen within 72h)	Not required, must test	Applies to U.S. and select European sailings
Royal Caribbean	Yes	Yes (PCR within 72h)	Not required, must test	Testing option not available on transatlantic cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line	Yes	No (medical exemptions only)	Not required, must test	No testing-based alternative for adults
MSC Cruises	Region-dependent	Yes (in U.S./Europe)	Not required, must test	No vaccination required in most European itineraries
Lindblad Expeditions	No	Yes (PCR within 72h)	Not required, must test	Applies to all sailings in 2024
Viking River Cruises	No	Yes (antigen/PCR within 48h)	Not required, must test	Applies to all European river cruises
Regent Seven Seas	Yes (with testing option)	Yes (PCR within 72h)	Not required, must test	Testing option available on select sailings
Private Charters	No	Optional	No	Policy set by charterer

Conclusion: Your Cruise Options Are Broader Than You Think

So, do any cruise lines not require vaccination? The answer is a resounding yes—but with important caveats. While major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian still require vaccination for most adult passengers, they increasingly offer testing-based alternatives for unvaccinated travelers. Meanwhile, smaller and niche operators—especially in expedition, river, and luxury segments—have moved away from mandates entirely, relying instead on pre-departure testing and health screenings.

The key to finding the right cruise lies in understanding your options: researching itinerary-specific policies, contacting customer service for clarity, and considering alternatives like private charters or regional operators. With the right planning, unvaccinated travelers can still enjoy world-class cruise experiences, from the glaciers of Alaska to the vineyards of the Danube. As the industry continues to adapt, flexibility and informed decision-making will be your greatest allies.

Remember, the cruise landscape is dynamic. Policies can change with little notice, so always verify requirements within 7–14 days of departure. By staying informed and proactive, you can set sail with confidence—whether you’re vaccinated, unvaccinated, or somewhere in between. The open sea awaits, and your dream vacation is within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do any cruise lines not require vaccination for passengers?

Yes, some cruise lines have relaxed their policies and no longer require COVID-19 vaccination for all passengers, though rules vary by destination and sailing date. Always check the cruise line’s latest health guidelines before booking.

Which cruise lines have dropped vaccine mandates in 2024?

Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, have eliminated blanket vaccination requirements for most sailings, but unvaccinated guests may need to provide negative test results. Policies differ by itinerary, so confirm directly with the cruise line.

Can unvaccinated children cruise without vaccination requirements?

Most cruise lines that don’t require vaccination for adults also exempt younger children, but age cutoffs and testing rules apply. For example, unvaccinated kids under 12 may need pre-travel testing on certain ships.

Do any cruise lines not require vaccination but still recommend it?

Yes, many cruise lines that don’t mandate vaccination still strongly recommend it for all eligible guests. This is especially common on longer voyages or international sailings with higher health risks.

Are there cruise lines with no vaccination or testing requirements?

A few smaller or luxury lines, like Virgin Voyages (on select sailings), now offer trips with no vaccination or testing mandates. However, these policies can change quickly based on local regulations and outbreaks.

Do cruise lines without vaccination rules still have health protocols?

Even without vaccination mandates, most cruise lines enforce other health measures like enhanced sanitation, mask recommendations in crowded areas, and optional testing for unvaccinated guests. Check the cruise line’s current policy for specifics.