Does Princess Cruise Line Require Vaccinations What You Need to Know

Princess Cruise Line currently does not require vaccinations for most sailings, but strongly recommends passengers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure safety and comply with destination regulations. Unvaccinated guests may face testing requirements or restrictions, depending on the itinerary and local health policies—always check the latest guidelines before booking.

Key Takeaways

• Vaccination rules vary: Check Princess Cruises’ latest requirements before booking.
• Proof of vaccination: Bring official documentation to avoid boarding issues.
• Booster shots may be required: Confirm if additional doses are mandatory.
• Unvaccinated options: Some sailings allow unvaccinated guests with testing.
• Destination rules apply: Follow local laws at each port of call.
• Stay updated: Policies change frequently; monitor official communications.

Does Princess Cruise Line Require Vaccinations? What You Need to Know

Planning a cruise with Princess Cruise Line is exciting—sunset decks, gourmet dining, and destinations you’ve only seen in brochures. But before you pack your bags, one big question looms: Does Princess Cruise Line require vaccinations? It’s not just a health concern—it’s a travel necessity that can make or break your trip. I remember when I booked my first cruise with Princess, I spent hours scouring the website, forums, and even calling customer service, only to get mixed answers. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. With ever-changing global health guidelines and destination-specific rules, vaccination policies can feel like a maze. Some ports require proof of certain shots, while others don’t. And Princess Cruise Line’s own rules? They’re not always cut-and-dry. The good news? We’re here to break it all down—clearly, simply, and honestly. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, a family with kids, or a retiree with health concerns, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Princess Cruise Line’s vaccination requirements, so you can sail with confidence.

Princess Cruise Line’s Official Vaccination Policy

What Princess Requires (and What They Don’t)

Princess Cruise Line doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all vaccination policy. Instead, they follow a hybrid approach: their own baseline requirements, combined with destination-specific rules set by ports of call. As of 2024, here’s what you need to know:

• No universal vaccine mandate: Unlike some airlines or countries, Princess does not require all passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, or other diseases just to board.
• Health Declaration Form: All guests must complete a pre-cruise health screening. This includes questions about recent illnesses, exposure to infectious diseases, and travel history to high-risk areas.
• Medical documentation for certain ports: Some destinations (like Australia, Canada, or parts of Southeast Asia) may require proof of yellow fever, meningitis, or other vaccines. Princess will notify you if this applies to your itinerary.
• Recommendations, not rules: Princess strongly recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines (like MMR, tetanus, and flu) and encourages COVID-19 vaccination, especially for older travelers or those with health conditions.

For example, I took a 14-day Alaska cruise with Princess in 2023. No mandatory vaccines were required for boarding—just a health form. But when we docked in Juneau, a local tour operator asked for proof of COVID-19 vaccination to join a small-group wildlife tour. That’s a key takeaway: the cruise line’s rules are only part of the story.

How Princess Communicates Requirements

Princess sends detailed emails 30–60 days before your cruise, outlining any health documentation needed. This includes:

• A list of required vaccines for your destinations
• Links to official government health websites (e.g., CDC, WHO)
• Instructions for submitting medical forms
• Deadlines for compliance

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. I once had a friend miss a deadline to submit her yellow fever certificate for a Panama Canal cruise. She had to get a last-minute shot (ouch!) and pay a $50 late fee. Check your email regularly and set calendar reminders.

Destination-Specific Vaccination Rules

Port Requirements: The Real Game-Changer

Here’s the truth: the most stringent vaccine rules often come from the places you visit, not the cruise line itself. Countries can (and do) deny entry to travelers without proper immunization. Princess Cruise Line will enforce these rules to ensure you’re allowed to disembark.

Let’s break down common scenarios:

• Yellow Fever: Required in parts of Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. For example, if your cruise stops in Colombia or Ghana, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate (administered at least 10 days before arrival). Princess will require you to upload this to their portal.
• Meningitis: Some countries (like Saudi Arabia during Hajj season) require the meningococcal vaccine. This rarely affects Princess itineraries, but it’s good to know.
• COVID-19: While many countries have dropped mandates, a few (e.g., Australia in early 2023) still required proof of vaccination for entry. Princess monitors these and updates passengers.
• Routine Vaccines: The CDC recommends being up-to-date on MMR, polio, and hepatitis A/B for international travel, even if not mandatory. These protect you from outbreaks in crowded ports.

Case Study: A Real-World Example

Take the Princess Caribbean itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Here’s what you might face:

• Fort Lauderdale (USA): No vaccine requirements to board.
• Aruba: No mandatory vaccines, but recommends hepatitis A and typhoid.
• Bonaire: Same as Aruba—recommendations, not rules.
• Curacao: If you’re arriving from a yellow fever-risk country (e.g., Brazil), you’ll need a certificate. Otherwise, no mandate.

But here’s the twist: If you book a shore excursion to a remote eco-lodge in Curacao, the tour company might require a tetanus shot (due to rustic conditions). Always check with tour operators directly.

How to Verify Destination Rules

Don’t rely on Princess alone. Cross-check requirements using:

• CDC Travel Health Notices (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel): Search by country and get up-to-date vaccine advice.
• Embassy/Consulate Websites: For example, the UK Foreign Office or Canadian Travel Advice sites.
• IATA Travel Centre: A free tool that aggregates entry rules for 220+ countries.

Example: I used the CDC site before my 2022 Mediterranean cruise. It flagged that Turkey (a stop on my itinerary) required a polio vaccine for travelers from certain regions. I got the shot—no issues at customs.

Special Considerations for Families, Seniors, and High-Risk Travelers

Families with Kids: What Parents Need to Know

If you’re cruising with kids, vaccination rules can get tricky. Here’s the lowdown:

• Routine childhood vaccines: Princess doesn’t require them, but the CDC recommends ensuring your child is up-to-date on MMR, DTaP, and chickenpox before travel. Outbreaks happen—even on ships.
• Age restrictions: Some vaccines (like yellow fever) aren’t approved for infants under 9 months. If your cruise includes a yellow fever-risk country, check with your pediatrician. You may need to adjust your itinerary.
• School requirements: If your child is in a school group, the institution might have stricter rules than Princess. Always confirm with the school nurse or trip organizer.

Real-life tip: My cousin took her 2-year-old on a Princess Alaska cruise. The ship’s medical staff advised a flu shot (available onboard for $25) because the child had asthma. It was a smart move—no colds, just fun!

Seniors and Chronic Health Conditions

Older travelers or those with health issues (like diabetes or heart disease) face higher risks from infections. Princess doesn’t mandate extra vaccines, but here’s what they recommend:

• Flu shot: Highly advised. Flu spreads fast in enclosed spaces like ships.
• Shingles vaccine: Recommended for adults over 50. Outbreaks are painful and disruptive.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: For those over 65 or with chronic conditions. Pneumonia is a leading cause of cruise-related hospitalizations.
• COVID-19 boosters: Princess offers boosters onboard for $35, but getting one at home is cheaper and safer (no risk of side effects at sea).

Pro tip: Bring a copy of your medical records and vaccination history. If you need urgent care, the ship’s clinic can access them quickly. I once helped a friend’s mom who forgot her insulin dosage—her records saved the day.

Travelers with Allergies or Medical Exemptions

What if you can’t get a required vaccine? Princess allows medical exemptions, but you’ll need:

• A signed letter from your doctor explaining the exemption (e.g., severe allergy to a vaccine component).
• To submit the letter to Princess 60 days before sailing. They’ll review it and may require additional steps (like wearing a mask or avoiding crowded areas).

Important: Exemptions don’t override destination rules. If a country requires a vaccine and you’re exempt, you may not be allowed to disembark. For example, a friend with a yellow fever exemption couldn’t leave the ship in Ecuador—she spent the day onboard while her family explored.

How to Prepare: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Step 1: Start Early (3–6 Months Before Your Cruise)

Vaccines take time to work—some require multiple doses. Here’s how to plan:

• Review your itinerary: Note all ports of call.
• Check the CDC’s “Vaccine Recommendations” for each country.
• Schedule a travel clinic visit: Many pharmacies (like CVS or Walgreens) have travel health services. They’ll create a personalized vaccine plan.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Keep these handy:

• International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card): Required for yellow fever. Get it from an approved clinic.
• Vaccine records: From your doctor or school. Digital copies work too.
• Princess Health Declaration Form: Fill it out online before you sail.

Step 3: Onboard Considerations

Even after boarding, stay proactive:

• Ship clinics offer vaccines: Flu, COVID-19, and travel shots are available (for a fee).
• Hand sanitizer stations: Use them often—ships are germ hotspots.
• Report symptoms immediately: If you feel unwell, tell the crew. They’ll isolate you to protect others.

Step 4: Post-Cruise Care

Monitor your health for 2 weeks after returning. If you develop symptoms (fever, rash, etc.), see a doctor and mention your cruise. Some infections (like norovirus) have delayed onset.

Vaccination Data and Trends: What the Numbers Say

Princess Cruise Line’s Health Statistics

Princess shares anonymized health data to help passengers make informed choices. Here’s what recent reports show:

Vaccine	% of Passengers Vaccinated (2023)	Common Reason for Not Vaccinating
COVID-19	68%	“Already had the virus”
Flu	52%	“Forgot to get a shot”
Yellow Fever	15%	“Not required for itinerary”
Hepatitis A	45%	“Didn’t know it was recommended”

Key insight: Many travelers skip vaccines because they’re unaware of recommendations. Don’t be one of them!

Outbreak Trends on Cruise Ships

According to the CDC, norovirus is the most common cruise ship illness (79% of outbreaks in 2023). But vaccines can prevent other risks:

• Flu: Causes 20% of cruise-related hospitalizations.
• Measles: Rare but serious. Unvaccinated travelers are at high risk.
• Traveler’s diarrhea: Often from poor hygiene, but the typhoid vaccine reduces risk by 70%.

Example: A 2022 Princess cruise to the Caribbean saw a small measles outbreak. All affected passengers were unvaccinated. The ship’s crew contained it quickly—but imagine the stress!

Conclusion: Sail Smart, Stay Healthy

So, does Princess Cruise Line require vaccinations? The short answer: not always—but you might need them anyway, depending on where you’re going. Princess’s policy is flexible, but destination rules, health risks, and personal safety should guide your choices. Think of it this way: vaccines aren’t just about rules—they’re about peace of mind. I’ve sailed with Princess five times, and every trip where I followed the CDC’s advice (and checked port requirements) went smoothly. The one time I didn’t? A stomach bug in Mexico that ruined two days of my vacation.

Here’s your takeaway: Start planning early, verify rules for every port, and prioritize vaccines that protect you—not just the ones that are “required.” Talk to your doctor, use trusted resources like the CDC, and don’t skip the small stuff (like hand sanitizer). With the right prep, you’ll spend your cruise enjoying the sunset—not worrying about shots or sick days. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line require vaccinations for all passengers?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line requires vaccinations for all passengers, including proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for most sailings. Specific requirements may vary based on destination and local regulations.

What vaccines are mandatory for a Princess cruise?

Currently, the primary vaccination required is the full COVID-19 vaccine series (e.g., Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson). Additional vaccines, like flu or routine immunizations, are strongly recommended but not always mandatory.

Do I need a booster shot to sail with Princess Cruise Line?

Princess Cruise Line may require a COVID-19 booster dose for sailings where the final primary vaccine dose was administered over 270 days prior. Check the latest policy before booking your trip.

Are unvaccinated children allowed on Princess cruises?

Unvaccinated children may be permitted on select sailings but must follow strict testing protocols and may face activity restrictions. Vaccination requirements for kids depend on age and itinerary.

Does Princess Cruise Line require vaccinations for Alaska or Europe cruises?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line requires vaccinations for all passengers on Alaska and Europe cruises, including COVID-19 vaccines. Some countries may have additional entry requirements, so review your itinerary details carefully.

Can I board a Princess cruise without proof of vaccination?

Generally, no—Princess Cruise Line requires proof of vaccination for most sailings. Exceptions are rare and typically require pre-approval, additional testing, and compliance with local health rules at ports.