Have Cruise Lines Open Back Up Everything You Need to Know

Cruise lines have fully reopened globally, with major operators like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian resuming near-pre-pandemic capacity and lifting nearly all COVID-19 restrictions. Vaccine requirements and testing rules have been dropped by most lines, making cruising more accessible than ever—though health protocols may vary by destination and cruise brand.

Key Takeaways

• Cruise lines are fully operational with enhanced health protocols in place.
• Check vaccination requirements before booking; policies vary by cruise line.
• Book flexible fares to easily adjust for last-minute itinerary changes.
• Onboard capacity is limited—reserve dining and excursions early.
• Review cancellation policies to avoid unexpected fees or penalties.
• Travel insurance is essential for medical coverage and trip interruptions.

Is the Cruise Industry Sailing Back to Normal?

Remember the excitement of boarding a cruise ship, feeling the gentle sway of the ocean beneath your feet, and knowing you were about to explore new ports, meet new people, and escape the daily grind? For many of us, that dream was put on hold during the global health crisis. Cruise ships, once bustling with life, became ghostly vessels anchored in ports or idling at sea. The silence was deafening—not just on the decks, but in our hearts. If you’ve been wondering, “Have cruise lines open back up?” you’re not alone. After years of uncertainty, the cruise industry is finally finding its sea legs again, and the answer is a resounding yes—but with some important changes.

As someone who’s sailed on over a dozen cruises (and even worked on one for a summer), I know how magical these floating cities can be. But I also understand the hesitation. The pandemic forced the entire industry to hit pause, and when the world slowly reopened, cruise lines had to rethink everything—from health protocols to itineraries. Now, as ships return to the water, travelers are asking: What’s different? Is it safe? And most importantly, are the fun and freedom of cruising back? In this guide, we’ll dive into the current state of the cruise industry, what’s changed, and what you need to know before booking your next voyage. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, let’s set sail on this journey together.

The State of Reopening: Where Are Cruises Now?

The short answer: most major cruise lines have resumed operations, but with a phased and cautious approach. By mid-2022, over 90% of the global cruise fleet was back in service, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). However, the pace of reopening varied widely by region, ship size, and local regulations. Let’s break down what’s happening today.

Major Cruise Lines Back in Action

Almost all the big names—Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, and Disney—are sailing again. But they didn’t all restart at once. Here’s a quick look:

• Royal Caribbean: Launched its first post-pandemic cruise in June 2021 with the Freedom of the Seas from Miami. By early 2023, all 26 ships were operating.
• Carnival: Began phased returns in July 2021. Their flagship Carnival Horizon was one of the first to sail, but full fleet restoration took until late 2022.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Started with the Norwegian Encore in August 2021. All 17 ships were back by Q1 2023.
• Disney Cruise Line: Took a slower, family-focused approach. Their first U.S. cruise since 2020 was in August 2022, with enhanced health measures.
• MSC Cruises: Never fully stopped. They operated in Europe throughout 2020–2021 with strict protocols, then expanded globally by 2022.

Smaller lines like Viking and Oceania also resumed, often with smaller passenger loads and longer itineraries to appeal to cautious travelers.

Regional Differences in Reopening

Not all ports reopened at the same time. The Caribbean, a cruise hub, saw ships return first—thanks to its proximity to U.S. homeports. But destinations like Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia were slower to reopen due to stricter border policies. For example:

• Australia: Cruises resumed in May 2022 after a two-year ban. P&O Cruises Australia was the first to sail domestically.
• Japan: Only began welcoming cruise ships again in late 2022, with limited itineraries.
• Alaska: A popular summer destination, Alaska cruises restarted in 2021 but required proof of vaccination for U.S. ports.

Even now, some regions (like parts of Asia) still have restrictions. Always check your destination’s rules before booking.

The “New Normal” of Itineraries

Many cruise lines tweaked their schedules to reduce risk. For instance:

• Shorter cruises: 3–4 day “cruises to nowhere” or short Caribbean trips became popular for first-timers testing the waters.
• Domestic-focused sailings: Lines like Carnival added more U.S. and European itineraries to avoid international complications.
• Longer voyages: Some lines (e.g., Princess) introduced 7–14 day “bubble” cruises to trusted ports with minimal exposure.

Tip: If you’re flexible, look for “repositioning cruises”—ships moving between regions. They’re often cheaper and include unique ports.

Health and Safety: What’s Changed on Board?

Remember the days of buffets, crowded pool decks, and shared shore excursions? Those aren’t gone, but they’ve evolved. Cruise lines invested heavily in health measures to rebuild trust. Here’s what you’ll see now.

Pre-Boarding Requirements

Most lines require:

• Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination is standard, though some lines (like Carnival) now allow unvaccinated kids under 12 with testing.
• Testing: A negative PCR or antigen test within 1–3 days before boarding. Some ships do rapid tests at the terminal.
• Health questionnaires: Online forms asking about symptoms and recent exposure.

Example: On my recent Royal Caribbean cruise, I uploaded my vaccine card and test results via the app. At check-in, they scanned a QR code—no paper hassle!

Onboard Changes

The biggest shifts are in how you interact with the ship:

• Enhanced cleaning: Electrostatic sprayers, hospital-grade disinfectants, and frequent sanitizing of high-touch areas (e.g., railings, elevators).
• Air filtration: HEPA filters and increased fresh air circulation. Carnival’s “CleanAir” system claims to remove 99.9% of viruses.
• Modified dining: Buffets now have servers (no self-serving), and reservations are encouraged for sit-down restaurants.
• Reduced capacity: Some ships sail at 70–90% capacity to allow distancing. Pool decks have fewer lounge chairs.

One thing I missed? The freedom to grab a towel and a drink at the pool without a staff member checking your room card first. But it’s a small trade-off for safety.

Medical Facilities and Protocols

Ships now have:

• Onboard testing labs: For rapid diagnosis of illnesses.
• Isolation cabins: Dedicated rooms for passengers who test positive.
• Medical teams: Larger staff trained in pandemic response.

Pro tip: Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. If you test positive mid-cruise, some lines require you to stay onboard or pay for quarantine in a hotel.

Booking and Flexibility: How to Plan with Confidence

After years of canceled plans, travelers want flexibility. Cruise lines listened—here’s how they’re adapting.

New Cancellation Policies

Most lines now offer free cancellations or changes up to 48–72 hours before departure (vs. the old 30-day policy). Examples:

• Royal Caribbean: “Cruise with Confidence” lets you cancel up to 48 hours before for a full refund or future cruise credit.
• Carnival: “Book with Confidence” offers free changes up to 72 hours before.
• Norwegian: “Peace of Mind” policy allows changes up to 24 hours before.

Note: These policies often apply only to new bookings. Always read the fine print.

Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

If you had a cruise canceled during the pandemic, you likely got an FCC. These can be used for:

• Future sailings (usually within 18–24 months).
• Upgrading to a higher cabin category.
• Booking a more expensive itinerary (with a price difference).

Example: My FCC from a canceled 2020 Alaska cruise let me book a 2023 Caribbean trip—plus a $300 onboard credit. Win!

Booking Tips for 2023–2024

To get the best deals and peace of mind:

• Book early: Popular itineraries (e.g., Alaska, Europe) sell out fast.
• Consider shoulder seasons: May or September cruises are cheaper and less crowded.
• Use a travel agent: They often have access to exclusive promotions and can handle changes for you.
• Check for “bubble” cruises: Some lines offer “no-fly” options where all ports are within a safe zone.

Warning: Avoid last-minute bookings if you need a passport or visa. Processing times can be slow.

What to Expect: The Passenger Experience Today

So, what’s it *really* like to cruise now? Let’s talk about the day-to-day experience—the good, the bad, and the surprising.

The Return of Fun (With a Twist)

Good news: The fun is back! But with adjustments:

• Entertainment: Shows, comedy clubs, and karaoke are happening, but with reduced capacity and spaced seating.
• Bars and lounges: Open, but some require reservations (e.g., Norwegian’s “Bar Central” app).
• Activities: Trivia, dance classes, and cooking demos are back, often with smaller groups.

On my last cruise, the pool deck was lively but not packed. Kids’ clubs had limited spots, but the staff made it feel special.

Shore Excursions: New Rules

One of the biggest changes: how you explore ports.

• Private tours: Many lines now require passengers to book through the cruise line or use approved operators to limit exposure.
• Group sizes: Smaller tours (8–10 people vs. 50).
• Mask policies: Some ports (e.g., Iceland, Canada) still require masks on shore buses or in crowded areas.

Tip: If you want to explore on your own, check the line’s policy. Royal Caribbean, for example, lets you go ashore independently in most ports if you’re vaccinated.

Onboard Costs and Value

Prices have risen slightly due to increased cleaning and staffing costs. But:

• Included amenities: Most lines still include basic drinks, meals, and entertainment.
• Special deals: Look for “free upgrades” or “onboard credit” promotions to offset costs.
• Gratuities: Now often prepaid ($15–20 per person/day). Budget for this.

Example: A 7-day Caribbean cruise on Carnival might cost $1,200/person—but with $200 in onboard credit, it’s a better value.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cruising

The pandemic forced the cruise industry to innovate. What changes are here to stay?

Technology and Contactless Experiences

Expect more:

• Mobile apps: For boarding, dining reservations, and room service (e.g., Carnival’s Hub app).
• Digital keys: Use your phone to unlock your cabin (used on Disney and Norwegian ships).
• Contactless payments: Tap-to-pay at bars and shops.

These aren’t just pandemic fixes—they’re the future of convenience.

Sustainability and Health

Lines are investing in:

• Cleaner fuels: LNG-powered ships (e.g., Carnival’s Mardi Gras) reduce emissions.
• Waste reduction: Less single-use plastic, more recycling.
• Health transparency: Some lines now publish onboard illness rates (like airlines).

MSC Cruises even has a “MSC for Me” app that tracks air quality in real time.

The Rise of “Workcations” and Longer Trips

With remote work here to stay, lines are marketing:

• Work-friendly cabins: With desks, strong Wi-Fi, and quiet zones.
• Extended voyages: 21–30 day “world cruises” with reliable internet.
• Digital nomad packages: Some lines (e.g., Virgin Voyages) offer month-long sailings with coworking spaces.

Data Table: Cruise Line Reopening Timeline

Cruise Line	First Post-Pandemic Cruise	Fleet Fully Operational By	Key Health Measures
Royal Caribbean	June 2021 (Freedom of the Seas)	Q1 2023	Vaccine mandate, rapid testing, HEPA filters
Carnival	July 2021 (Carnival Horizon)	Q4 2022	CleanAir system, reduced capacity
Norwegian	August 2021 (Norwegian Encore)	Q1 2023	Peace of Mind policy, onboard labs
MSC	Continued in Europe (2020)	Q3 2022	Health Shield program, digital health passport
Disney	August 2022 (Disney Dream)	Q2 2023	Enhanced cleaning, family-focused protocols

Final Thoughts: Is Cruising Worth It Now?

So, have cruise lines open back up? Absolutely. But the experience isn’t quite the same as it was in 2019—and that’s not a bad thing. The industry’s response to the pandemic has made cruising safer, smarter, and more adaptable. Yes, there are new rules to follow and a few trade-offs (like fewer buffet options), but the core magic of cruising—waking up in a new port every morning, meeting people from around the world, and feeling the ocean breeze on your face—is still there.

As someone who’s sailed through both the “before times” and the “new normal,” I can tell you this: the joy of cruising is resilient. I’ve seen families reunite on deck, couples renew their vows at sunset, and solo travelers making lifelong friends at a trivia game. The ships may have changed, but the heart of the experience hasn’t. If you’re ready to sail again, do it. Just pack a mask, check the latest policies, and bring an open mind. The sea is calling—and it’s time to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have cruise lines open back up for international travel?

Yes, most major cruise lines have resumed international voyages as of 2023, following updated health and safety protocols. However, itineraries may still vary based on destination regulations, so checking your specific route is recommended.

What safety measures are in place now that cruise lines have opened back up?

Cruise lines have implemented enhanced sanitation, improved air filtration systems, and flexible cancellation policies. Some may also require pre-trip testing or proof of vaccination, depending on the destination.

Are there still COVID-19 restrictions on cruises that have opened back up?

Restrictions vary by cruise line and destination, but many have relaxed mask mandates and testing requirements. Always review your cruise line’s current policy before departure to avoid surprises.

Which cruise lines have fully resumed operations?

Major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises have largely restored their global fleets. Smaller or luxury lines may still have limited schedules, so verify availability for your preferred travel dates.

Do I need travel insurance now that cruise lines are open?

While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or disruptions. Many cruise lines now offer their own insurance plans with pandemic-related coverage.

How can I find deals on cruises that have opened back up?

Look for “reopening specials” or last-minute discounts on cruise line websites or travel agencies. Signing up for newsletters and following social media updates can also help you spot limited-time offers.