P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess and Carnival Update Covid Requirements

A number of cruise lines have updated their Covid-19 testing and vaccination requirements, due to come into force on the majority of voyages departing from 6 September 2022.

P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line have all revised their protocols in light of the ever-changing environment. An overview of the changes can be seen below.

P&O Cruises and Cunard

Pre-cruise self-testing for vaccinated guests will be revised from being ‘mandatory’ to ‘highly recommended’ on the majority of P&O Cruises and Cunard sailings. Only those sailing on longer, more complex itineraries will be required to take an in-person antigen or PCR test – and be issued with a fit to travel certificate – prior to their departure. This includes voyages of 16 nights or more.

These new guidelines apply to all P&O Cruises from Southampton, as well as all other departure points. The exceptions to this rule are where government regulations and protocols dictate otherwise, including Australia.

Princess Cruises

Vaccinated guests sailing on Princess Cruises on voyages less than 16 days will no longer be required to test before boarding. Instead, they will need to upload their proof of vaccination while getting OceanReady.

Any unvaccinated guests sailing with Princess Cruises will be required to carry out a self-test within three days of their holiday and upload proof of a negative test before embarkation.

These new guidelines apply to itineraries from all departure ports except where government regulations and protocols may vary like Canada, Greece and Australia.

Guests over the age of five who are sailing on voyages 16 nights or longer, or sailing on full Panama Canal transits, trans-ocean and other specific itineraries, need to take a supervised test within three days of embarkation.

Carnival Cruise Line

Vaccinated guests will no longer be required to carry out a pre-cruise test, unless travelling to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, as per local guidelines, or on voyages of 16 nights or longer. However, they must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status before they set sail with Carnival Cruise Line.

Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and no longer need to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer. Anyone who is unvaccinated will need to present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken within three days of embarkation.

For the most up to date Covid regulations, please refer directly to your cruise line and the protocols that apply to the specific destinations you are visiting.