Have All Cruise Lines Cancelled Find Out the Latest Updates Here

Not all cruise lines have cancelled operations—while major disruptions occurred during recent global events, most major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian have resumed sailings with updated health protocols. Check real-time updates and itinerary changes directly through official cruise line websites or trusted travel advisories to confirm current status and future departures.

Key Takeaways

• Not all cruise lines are cancelled: Check specific line updates before assuming your trip is affected.
• Monitor official sources: Always verify cancellations via cruise line websites or customer service.
• Flexible booking policies: Many lines offer free changes or credits for future sailings.
• Health protocols vary: Review each line’s safety measures to assess your comfort level.
• Consider travel insurance: Protect investments with policies covering cancellations or disruptions.
• Regional impacts differ: Some destinations resume sailings while others remain restricted.

Why the Cruise Industry Is Still Sailing—Just Differently

Remember that dreamy cruise vacation you planned? The one with the endless ocean views, midnight buffets, and ports of call in places you’ve only seen on postcards? You’re not alone if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Have all cruise lines cancelled?” It’s a question that’s echoed across social media, family group chats, and travel forums since the pandemic turned the world upside down.

Let me take you back to early 2020. Cruise ships were docked. Headlines screamed about outbreaks and quarantine zones. It felt like the entire industry had hit pause. Fast forward to today, and the story is far more nuanced. The short answer? No, not all cruise lines have cancelled. But the landscape has changed—permanently in some ways. Some ships still sail with limited capacity. Others have introduced new health protocols, altered itineraries, or even paused operations temporarily. The truth is, the cruise world isn’t what it used to be, but it’s far from over.

Current Status of Major Cruise Lines: Who’s Sailing and Who’s Still on Pause

If you’ve been refreshing cruise websites hoping for a clear “yes” or “no,” you’re not alone. The reality is more like a patchwork quilt—some lines are full steam ahead, others are treading water, and a few are still docked. Let’s break it down by the major players.

Carnival Corporation: A Mixed Bag of Resumptions

Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most recognizable names in cruising, resumed operations in mid-2021 but with a staggered approach. As of late 2023, over 80% of its fleet is active, including popular ships like the Carnival Horizon and Carnival Breeze. However, some vessels—like the Carnival Fascination—remain in long-term layup, with no return date announced.

What’s changed? Carnival now requires all guests 12 and older to be fully vaccinated (with boosters recommended). They’ve also introduced enhanced air filtration systems and contactless check-ins. But here’s a tip: if you’re booking a Carnival cruise, check the specific ship’s status on their website. Not all ships are created equal in terms of readiness.

Royal Caribbean: Leading the Charge with Innovation

Royal Caribbean has been one of the most aggressive in restarting operations. Their Freedom of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas were among the first to return to sea in 2021. Today, over 90% of their fleet is sailing—often at full capacity.

One standout: their “Healthy Sail Panel,” a group of medical experts who helped shape their safety protocols. These include mandatory pre-cruise testing, upgraded HVAC systems, and even wearable tech for contact tracing. The downside? Some itineraries have been shortened or rerouted to avoid high-risk ports. For example, a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise might skip San Juan and add a sea day instead.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Flexibility is the Name of the Game

NCL made headlines with its “Peace of Mind” policy, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure. That’s a big shift from pre-pandemic rules. As of 2023, all 18 ships in their fleet are operational, but they’ve introduced “flex itineraries”—routes that can change based on port availability or health advisories.

One passenger I spoke with booked a 10-day Alaska cruise, only to have the final stop changed from Juneau to Ketchikan due to a local health alert. “It wasn’t ideal,” she said, “but at least I got a refund for the excursion I’d pre-booked in Juneau.” That kind of flexibility is now a selling point—not a flaw.

MSC Cruises: Europe-Focused and Steadily Expanding

MSC, a major player in Europe, has been sailing consistently since summer 2020. Their Mediterranean routes are especially popular, with ships like the MSC Grandiosa operating at near-full capacity. But their U.S. operations started later—only resuming in late 2021.

One unique feature: MSC’s “MSC Health & Safety Protocol,” which includes mandatory testing for all guests and crew. They’ve also partnered with local health authorities at each port to monitor outbreaks. If you’re eyeing a European cruise, MSC is a solid bet—just keep an eye on country-specific entry rules.

Celebrity Cruises and Silversea: Luxury Lines with Higher Standards

These higher-end lines have taken a more cautious approach. Celebrity Cruises resumed in 2021 but with stricter vaccination requirements (including boosters) and pre-cruise testing. Silversea, known for ultra-luxury, didn’t restart until 2022 and still requires all guests to be vaccinated.

The trade-off? Smaller ships, fewer crowds, and more personalized service. But be prepared: these cruises often cost 20-30% more than pre-pandemic prices. As one travel agent told me, “People are willing to pay for peace of mind—and space.”

Why Some Cruise Lines Are Still Cancelled (or Delayed)

So why hasn’t the entire industry roared back to life? It’s not just about health concerns. A mix of logistical, financial, and regulatory hurdles has kept some ships in port—or even out of commission entirely.

Port Restrictions: The Hidden Roadblock

Even if a cruise line wants to sail, they need ports to welcome them. Some countries—like Australia and New Zealand—only reopened to cruise ships in 2023. Others, like Canada, require ships to meet strict environmental standards before docking.

Take the Queen Mary 2’s 2022 transatlantic voyage. It was supposed to stop in Halifax, but the Canadian government imposed last-minute testing requirements. The ship skipped the port, disappointing hundreds of passengers. “It felt like a game of whack-a-mole,” said one traveler. “Every time we thought we were back to normal, something changed.”

Supply Chain and Staffing Challenges

Imagine running a floating city with 3,000 guests and 1,200 crew members. Now imagine doing it with a skeleton staff. That’s been the reality for many cruise lines. The pandemic led to massive layoffs, and rehiring has been slow.

One crew member I spoke with, who worked on a Princess Cruises ship, said, “We were short-staffed for months. The galley ran on 60% of its normal crew. It was exhausting.” Some lines have turned to temporary workers, but training takes time—and mistakes happen. In 2022, a Carnival ship had to cut short a cruise due to a kitchen fire caused by an untrained cook.

Financial Strain: The Cost of Restarting

Restarting a cruise ship isn’t like flipping a switch. It takes millions to re-certify safety systems, restock supplies, and retrain staff. For smaller lines, like Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas, the cost has been prohibitive. Some have taken longer to resume operations, while others have sold older ships to cut losses.

And let’s not forget: cruise lines are still paying interest on loans taken during the pandemic. That means higher prices for passengers. A 7-day Caribbean cruise that cost $1,200 in 2019 now averages $1,500–$1,800. “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” said a frequent cruiser. “I love cruising, but I’m not sure I can justify the cost.”

How Cruise Lines Are Adapting to the New Normal

The industry isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving. Here’s how major lines are adapting to keep ships sailing and passengers safe.

Health and Safety: Beyond Masks and Sanitizer

Gone are the days of buffet tongs and crowded elevators. Cruise lines have invested heavily in health infrastructure:

• Enhanced air filtration: HEPA filters and UV-C lights in HVAC systems.
• Contactless tech: Mobile check-in, digital room keys, and app-based dining reservations.
• Onboard medical upgrades: Dedicated isolation rooms and PCR testing labs on larger ships.

Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas even has a “medical center with ICU capabilities,” a first for the industry. But here’s the catch: if you test positive onboard, you may be quarantined for days—and responsible for medical costs. Always check the fine print.

Itinerary Flexibility: The New Standard

“Flex itineraries” are now common. Lines like NCL and Princess Cruises allow changes up to 24 hours before departure. This means:

• Port stops can be swapped or skipped due to local outbreaks.
• Excursions can be refunded or rescheduled.
• Cruises may be extended or shortened based on port availability.

For example, a Holland America cruise to Alaska in 2023 had its final stop in Ketchikan changed to Sitka due to a norovirus outbreak. Passengers received a $100 onboard credit as compensation. “It wasn’t perfect,” one guest said, “but they handled it well.”

Smaller Ships and “Boutique” Cruising

With demand shifting toward smaller, more intimate experiences, lines like Viking Cruises and Windstar are gaining traction. Viking’s ocean ships hold just 930 guests—half the size of a mega-ship. They’ve also introduced “no kids” policies and longer port stays.

One traveler who booked a Viking cruise in the Mediterranean said, “I felt like I was on a private yacht. No crowds, no noise. It was exactly what I needed.”

What This Means for Travelers: Tips and Realities

So, what should you do if you’re planning a cruise? Here’s what seasoned travelers and industry insiders recommend.

Check the Fine Print (Seriously)

Cancellation policies have changed. Look for:

• “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance: Covers cancellations even if the line doesn’t.
• Health-related waivers: Some lines offer refunds if you test positive within 10 days of departure.
• Port substitution clauses: Know if you’ll be refunded if a port is skipped.

One couple I spoke with booked a 14-day South Pacific cruise with a CFAR policy. When their flight to Fiji was cancelled, they got a full refund—no questions asked.

Pack Like You’re Prepared for Anything

Your cruise packing list now includes:

• Rapid antigen tests (for pre-cruise and onboard use).
• High-quality masks (N95 or KN95).
• Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
• Portable air purifier (some cruisers swear by these).

And don’t forget: some ports require proof of vaccination or testing to disembark. Always check the cruise line’s website 48 hours before departure.

Be Flexible—and Patient

Things will go wrong. A port might be closed. A show might be cancelled. Your excursion might be overbooked. But as one veteran cruiser told me, “The key is to roll with it. That’s what cruising is about—letting go and enjoying the ride.”

Data Snapshot: Cruise Line Operations in 2023

Cruise Line	% Fleet Active	Vaccination Requirement	Testing Required	Notable Changes
Carnival	80%	12+ years	Pre-cruise (PCR/antigen)	Enhanced air filtration
Royal Caribbean	90%	12+ years (boosters recommended)	Pre-cruise + onboard (if symptomatic)	Contact tracing wearables
NCL	100%	12+ years	Pre-cruise (PCR/antigen)	Flex itineraries
MSC	95%	All ages	Pre-cruise + onboard (random)	Partnered with port health authorities
Celebrity	85%	12+ years (boosters required)	Pre-cruise + onboard (if symptomatic)	Smaller group excursions

The Bottom Line: Cruising Is Back—But Not the Same

So, have all cruise lines cancelled? Absolutely not. But the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The industry has been reshaped by challenges we couldn’t have imagined in 2019. Ships are sailing, but with new rules, new risks, and new expectations.

For travelers, this means doing your homework. Read the fine print. Pack smart. Stay flexible. And most importantly, go in with an open mind. The magic of cruising—the sunsets, the destinations, the sense of adventure—is still there. It’s just wrapped in a new package.

I recently took a 5-day cruise on the Disney Wish with my family. Yes, we had to test before boarding. Yes, the buffet was replaced with table service. And yes, a port stop was changed last minute. But when we stood on the deck watching the sunrise over Nassau, with the kids laughing and the ocean stretching endlessly—it felt like normal again. Not the old normal. A new kind of normal. And honestly? I’ll take it.

The cruise industry isn’t cancelled. It’s recalibrating. And if you’re willing to adapt, there’s still a world of adventure waiting—just a little differently than before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have all cruise lines cancelled their upcoming voyages?

No, not all cruise lines have cancelled their upcoming voyages. While some sailings—especially those in high-risk regions or with strict local regulations—may still face disruptions, many major cruise lines have resumed operations with modified health protocols. Always check directly with your cruise line for the latest updates.

Which cruise lines are currently operating?

Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises, are actively sailing on select itineraries. However, the availability of voyages depends on the destination, departure port, and local regulations. Use your cruise line’s official website to confirm if your trip is proceeding.

Are cruise cancellations still happening in 2024?

Yes, some cruise lines are still issuing cancellations or adjustments for 2024, particularly for sailings in regions with changing travel restrictions or health concerns. While the frequency has decreased, it’s essential to monitor communications from your cruise line to stay informed about potential changes.

How can I find out if my cruise has been cancelled?

The best way to find out if your cruise has been cancelled is to log in to your cruise line’s official website or app, where real-time updates are posted. You’ll also receive email notifications if your sailing is affected. Proactively checking ensures you don’t miss critical “have all cruise lines cancelled” updates.

Will I get a refund if my cruise line cancels the trip?

Most cruise lines offer a full refund or a future cruise credit (FCC) if they cancel your voyage. Refund policies vary by company, so review the terms when you book. In many cases, refunds are processed automatically, but you may need to request a cash refund instead of an FCC.

Are new cruise bookings safe to make right now?

Yes, new cruise bookings are generally safe, especially with flexible cancellation policies now offered by most cruise lines. Many companies have introduced “cruise with confidence” programs, allowing changes or cancellations without penalties. Always verify the current policies to protect your investment.