As industry reviews new CDC guidance, more lines remove COVID testing mandate

The guidance is just as lengthy and detailed as it used to be, however the language is about 'recommendations' and 'considerations' rather than requirements.

For example, when it comes to testing, one section states: 'Cruise ship operators should consider requiring travelers to get tested for current infection with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than three days before travel) and present their negative test result prior to boarding. Testing within one day of embarkation is highly recommended. Cruise ship operators may also consider conducting embarkation testing for all or a subset of passengers.'

Virgin removes testing, resets vaccination level

Some lines — Viking, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Azamara among them — have already removed their pre-cruise testing requirement, provided the port allows it, and today Virgin Voyages joined them, as well as adjusting its vacccination level for passengers to 90%.

For Virgin, testing is going away for EU sailings from July 24 and for US departures from July 27.

Vaccine requirement under evaluation

Vaccine requirements will remain in place for both Scarlet Lady, operating out of the US, and Valiant Lady in the EU. However, Virgin said it's currently evaluating this policy and will announce further updates in the near future. 

US vaccination level now goes to 90%

For US sailings, passenger vaccination requirements will now be marked at 90%. Virgin Voyages said this opens the opportunity for passengers who are not vaccinated to contact the line to book a sailing if this threshold is met. 

Crew on all Virgin cruises will maintain their fully vaccinated status.

Margaritaville at Sea

With the CDC change, Margaritaville at Sea removed testing for vaccinated passengers. But those who are unvaccinated still need to present a negative test completed no more than one day prior to embarkation. The line also recommends vaccinated travelers continue to complete testing in advance of their cruise.