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NCLH brands shedding pierside COVID tests, mask mandate, NCL will allow kids under 5

Starting March 1, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will no longer require COVID-19 testing at the pier prior to embarkation and masks onboard become optional.

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

February 9, 2022

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

In addition, in a move away from NCL's 100% vaccination mandate, the line will allow unvaccinated children ages 4 and younger. NCL added it's committed to continue following all CDC requirements and limiting the number of unvaccinated travelers 4 and younger to well under 5% of the total passenger occupancy on each cruise. NCL's new protocols are here

Oceania and Regent will continue their 100% vaccination mandates. 

Testing at home still required

At check-in for the three lines, passengers will be required to present provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result administered by a verified third party within two days prior to boarding for cruises originating in the US within three days prior to boarding voyages departing from a non-US port.

For those who don't do so, testing will be available at the terminal at the passenger's expense.

The lines noted rotocols may vary by itinerary and will do their best to communicate itinerary-specific protocols as soon as possible.

Masks go optional

Starting March 1, masks onboard are at passengers' discretion on all three brands.

'We recognize the added protections provided when wearing a face mask covering and recommend that all guests do so onboard when indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom,' NCL said. 'Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained or if required by local regulations when visiting ports of call.'

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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