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Greece lifts cruise-related COVID-19 testing (updated)Greece lifts cruise-related COVID-19 testing (updated)

Greece removed COVID-19 testing for cruise passengers, becoming one of the last major European destinations to do so.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

October 10, 2022

1 Min Read
CRUISE Celestyal selfie
Celeystal dropped its requirement for proof of vaccination but will keep pre-cruise testing through the end of the 2022 season for 'peace of mind'PHOTO: CELESTYAL CRUISES

The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy informed Cruise Lines International Association that the National Committee of Public Health is doing away with the required testing for passengers embarking on cruises from Greece and on ships that embark in other countries and call at Greek ports. 

Routine crew testing ends, too

Also eliminated is the requirement for routine crew testing. Greece had previously required testing at a rate of 50% of each department, within 48 hours before Friday of each week.

Celestyal lifts vax mandate but will continue testing to season's end

In response, Celestyal Cruises is immediately removing its mandate for proof of vaccination or a recovery certificate. However, 'for peace of mind,' the line said it will still require passengers to test ahead of their cruise for the remainder of the 2022 season.

Celestyal will accept either a rapid antigen test taken up to 48 hours before embarkation or a PCR test up to 72 hours before embarkation.

The line had earlier announced it would waive pre-embarkation testing and proof of vaccination or a recovery certificate starting with March 2, 2023 cruises, unless required by local regulations.

Celestyal said its crew will continue to be fully vaccinated, and the company encourages passengers 12 and over to be fully vaccinated.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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