As travel requirements around the world have eased, so have our guidelines. We invite you to explore the world with Princess!
Our protocols for cruising have been lifted. This means that for most voyages there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements. Read on to learn what you can expect when you sail.
Princess welcomes everyone on board to enjoy our one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Protocols to cruising have been lifted. This means that for most voyages there are no longer vaccination or testing requirements– it's easier than ever!
This applies to itineraries from all departure points except where government regulations may vary like Australia and New Zealand and on a few enhanced guidelines voyages that have their own vaccination and testing requirements.
Note that guests who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to enter the United States by cruise or by air travel. These U.S. entry requirements are separate from our cruise protocols.
Guests who test positive for COVID-19 within 5 days prior to boarding will not be allowed to sail and should not travel to the ship. Guests who recently contracted COVID-19 with symptoms may be permitted to sail if it’s been at least 6 full days since their last positive test and their symptoms are improving.
These guests must also provide a negative laboratory confirmed COVID-19 viral test before boarding the ship. Close contacts of confirmed cases can sail if they have no symptoms and agree to testing at embarkation and on board.
We encourage all booked guests to purchase travel insurance before departure. For eligible guests, Princess Vacation Protection provides a broad range of benefits, including reimbursement for COVID-19-related expenses, subject to the plan terms. Guests may also be able to purchase third-party travel insurance and should check with the provider for specific details on their coverage terms and policies.
As part of terms and conditions, it is mandatory for all UK guests to have suitable travel insurance cover to cruise with us. Travel insurance enables our guests to relax and enjoy their holiday with peace of mind that they are covered for most eventualities.
This includes unforeseen incidents before their holiday, while travelling or while they are away. Typically, travel insurance covers cancellation of your holiday, stolen belongings and medical treatment. Insurance documents will be checked at the terminal and boarding will be denied, at guests’ own expense, for anyone without appropriate cover.
For UK guests, we have partnered with Holiday Extras to offer cruise-specific cover for our holidays. When travelling with us, insurance must include medical and repatriation cover of £2 million minimum that includes cover for emergency evacuations and medical expenses related to COVID-19.
Guests using oxygen concentrators or undergoing peritoneal dialysis are welcome on all voyages.
Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of onboard venues, though you may need to wear them in select venues or certain situations. Mask requirements are clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.
We’ll provide complimentary surgical masks on board with replacements available upon request.
Additionally, when going ashore, guests should be prepared to follow all local health guidelines, the status of which will be shared before debarkation at the destination.
Anyone reporting or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be reviewed by the shipboard medical staff and tested.
Positive cases that do not require admission to the ship’s medical center, or medical disembarkation, will most likely be moved to a different stateroom for the duration of isolation.
If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are isolated or disembarked during the voyage, due to a positive test or being suspected of having COVID-19, you and they are entitled to a FCC for the unused portion of your cruise fare. For full details, see our Cancellation Policy.
Yes, all ships have COVID-19 viral testing capabilities, including SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, RT LAMP and antigen tests. Protocols for testing for SARS-CoV-2 are based on expert recommendations, including CDC testing guidance. Onboard COVID-19-related medical center testing and assessment is free of charge.
Guests are welcome to go ashore either by purchasing an excursion through Princess or touring independently. This is subject to change at any time. We highly recommend you book shore excursions through Princess, as our teams are in contact with local officials who oversee health and safety standards for these guides and tours.
The ability for guests to go ashore in ports of call is controlled by the governments of the ports we visit, based on their specific protocols and requirements. There are ports that do not allow unvaccinated guests ashore. We are currently aware of restrictions that do not allow unvaccinated guests to go ashore in the following destinations:
Guests should consult with the government websites for details on vaccine and testing requirements for the countries they will be visiting. Please be aware that as destination conditions change, you may be required to take a Princess shore excursion to go ashore or be prohibited from going ashore if unvaccinated.
Masks are recommended, but not required, while on shore excursions unless mandated by local authorities.
When going ashore always carry your Medallion® device and proof of identification.