NCLH Revises Vaccination, Testing Protocols

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced revisions to its SailSAFE health and safety protocols which further align the company to the broader travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide.

Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19-related protocols and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations.

This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after Sept. 3, 2022. NCLH notes in its announcement that requirements may differ for guests travelling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda.

The company also said that it continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel.

Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said: “Our long-awaited revisions to our testing and vaccination requirements bring us closer in line with the rest of society, which has learned to adapt and live with COVID-19, and makes it simpler and easier for our loyal guests to cruise on our three best-in-class brands. Health and safety is our top priority and we will continue to modify our robust SailSAFE program as the public health environment evolves.”

Del Rio continued: “The relaxation of protocols coupled with continued easing of travel restrictions and the reopening to cruise in more ports around the globe are meaningfully positive for our business as it reduces friction, expands the addressable cruise market, brings variety to itineraries and provides additional catalysts on the road to recovery.”

Key fleetwide protocols changes, subject to local regulations, effective Sept. 3, 2022 include:

• Vaccinated guests aged 12 and older will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols
• Unvaccinated guests, aged 12 and older, or those who cannot or decline to provide proof of vaccination, will need to present a negative medically administered PCR or Antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding
• Guests aged 11 and under will not be subject to vaccination requirements or testing protocols of any kind
• Vaccinated guests must meet the generally-accepted definition of “fully vaccinated” based on the destination they are embarking and/or travelling to and must provide proof of vaccination.