Since cruising resumed post-pandemic, I've been on more than 30 sailings, and I have several more planned. At this point, cruise lines have eased restrictions such that wearing a mask is largely optional.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowed its voluntary Conditional Sailing Order to expire in January 2022. It replaced the order with a now-defunct, color-coded, opt-in system that rated cruise lines based on the percentage of passengers for whom COVID-19 vaccinations were required. Now, however, the guidelines are merely recommendations, and all lines have rolled back their masking policies.
The first to do so was Norwegian Cruise Line, which shocked the industry, given the line's notoriously strict stance on pandemic protocols.
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So, which cruise lines require masks? Here, you'll find a line-by-line breakdown of whether masks are required on board and, if so, where and when.
Azamara Cruises
Azamara no longer requires passengers to wear masks on its ships, although it still recommends them. The line also warns that masks could be required by some ports of call its ships visit.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival no longer requires masks on its ships. Passengers are encouraged to wear them during embarkation and disembarkation, as well as in areas with large crowds. Masks may also be required when ashore, per local guidelines. Cruisers must wear masks in the onboard medical center.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity has made masks optional for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status. This policy may vary based on local port requirements.
Cunard Line
Cunard only requires cruisers to wear face masks that cover their noses and mouths when in the medical center, as well as when required by local regulations.
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Disney Cruise Line
Face coverings on Disney Cruise Line are optional throughout the line's ships. Unvaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks while on board. Masks are mandatory in select ports if required by local protocols.
Holland America Line
Masks are optional but recommended in most areas on Holland America Line's ships. Certain ports of call might require passengers to wear face coverings while ashore.
MSC Cruises
Masks are optional on MSC cruises, but the line recommends them for unvaccinated passengers. Face coverings might also be required in certain ports per local regulations.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian no longer requires passengers to wear masks on any of its voyages.
Oceania Cruises
Passengers on Oceania sailings are not required to wear masks, but they are strongly encouraged to do so. These regulations may change based on local port requirements.
Princess Cruises
Princess no longer requires masks on board.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Passengers on Regent voyages no longer need to wear masks, but they will be strongly encouraged to do so. The policy is subject to change based on local port requirements.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean has dropped its mask mandate for vaccinated passengers. The line also recommends that unvaccinated children wear masks in all indoor areas, including the youth center.
Seabourn Cruises
Seabourn cruisers are not required to wear masks, but they are encouraged to do so in areas where crowds congregate.
Silversea Cruises
It's no longer mandatory for Silversea passengers to wear masks. However, they are encouraged to do so on shore excursion buses and must do so in destinations where there are mask requirements.
Viking Cruises
For its ocean, river and expedition sailings, Viking has made face masks optional, but its ships' onboard medical teams can require passengers to put them on at any time if conditions warrant it. Face coverings could also be required in select destinations, based on local regulations.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages passengers are no longer required to wear masks on board the line's ships. However, face coverings might be compulsory during embarkation, disembarkation and during port visits, per local rules.
Windstar Cruises
When sailing with Windstar, cruisers are no longer required to wear masks, but the line does encourage the practice. Face coverings might be required in some destinations.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
