Carnival Cruise Line says the steps it is taking to protect guests and crew from COVID-19 go well beyond the safety protocols outlined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Carnival Cruise Line’s policy is that everyone must be vaccinated, with a very small number of exceptions for children under 12 and those unable to be vaccinated [for medical reasons]. This approach exceeds the requirements for vaccinated cruises under the CDC’s guidance, and meets requirements set by the destinations we sail to on our cruises,” says the liner in a release.
With breakthrough cases of COVID-19 being seen among the vaccinated, it adds, a decision was taken to have all guests tested for the novel coronavirus before each cruise. Carnival now also requires guests to beef up their mask wearing while on board and on excursions during stops. There are also clearly defined procedures for shore visits.
“Unvaccinated guests cannot go ashore in the ports of call on their own. Guests may only debark in the ports of call if booked on a Carnival-sponsored bubble tour,” says the cruise liner, which explains that these tours operate in a controlled environment that does not permit unscheduled stops.
“Guests participating in a bubble tour, regardless of vaccination status, must follow all tour protocols and local guidance regarding testing/screening, mask wearing, physical distancing, etc. We cannot guarantee that additional restrictions will not be imposed by local authorities in the destinations we visit. Guests who do not comply with the controlled environment of a bubble tour will be removed from the tour,” it says.
