Hapag-Lloyd Cruises adds COVID booster mandate

This applies to ages 18 and older.

Plus, vaccination age drops to 12

In addition, from Feb. 1, vaccination will be required for youngsters 12 and older.

The booster for those 18 and up becomes mandatory for cruises on Europa 2 Feb. 14, Hanseatic Spirit and Hanseatic Nature Feb. 19 and Hanseatic Inspiration and Europa from Feb. 24. The mandate will apply to the Albert Ballin Private Jet cruises from the end of March.

Passengers who have received the primary vaccination less than three months but at least 14 days before the start of their cruise do not require a booster.

Proof of COVID recovery without an additional vaccination is not accepted.

Boosters widely available

The new requirement is not expected to cause issues for Hapag-Lloyd's mainly German passengers: Boosters are readily available from physicians' offices and at vaccination centers and getting an appointment at short notice is no problem. Germany is actively encouraging boosters.