The New COVID-19 Regulations for Cruise Passengers
Major cruise companies have come together to establish new regulations requiring all passengers embarking on cruises to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. This initiative is designed to reassure both the cruise industry and travelers that large-scale cruise operations can proceed safely when testing procedures are properly implemented.
A recent statement from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLI), the world’s largest cruise agency association, highlighted that all of its members worldwide have agreed to conduct 100% testing of passengers and crew on ships that can carry 250 people or more. A negative test will be mandatory for embarking on a cruise. “We see testing as an important initial step to a multi-layered approach that validates the industry’s commitment to prioritizing health, safety, and the well-being of passengers, crew, and the communities we visit,” the statement read.
Many internationally renowned brands are members of the CLI, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC. Notably, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, recently spoke at the G20 summit, discussing the company’s role as the first major cruise line to resume operations in Europe last summer. He emphasized the critical need for testing among all passengers and called for the entire travel industry to adopt universal testing protocols, thereby restricting access for travelers who may have been exposed to the virus.
“We have consistently enforced our protocols, denying embarkation to over 100 guests who either tested positive, traveled with someone who tested positive, lacked the correct medical paperwork, or violated our health protocols. Our data indicates that in a pandemic where up to 80% of infected individuals are mild or asymptomatic according to the latest WHO data, testing remains vital,” he stated.
Despite these efforts, many governments continue to advise against cruising. Additionally, experts have raised concerns about testing accuracy, noting that some individuals may test negative despite being exposed to the virus, as it may not be detectable at the time of testing.
