Carnival, Holland America Line and Seabourn Remove Vaccination Requirements for Most Sailings

(Updated 1:20 p.m. EDT) -- Additional cruise lines continue to remove vaccination requirements and tweak testing protocols related to COVID-19.

Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and luxury brand Seabourn have all announced the removal of vaccination requirements for passengers sailing on its cruises, with the exception of sailings scheduled to call on ports in Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia.

The lines become the latest to adjust its policies and protocols around COVID-19, following on the heels of major announcements from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Princess and Royal Caribbean, along with minor tweaks to policies from lines including Cunard, and UK-based P&O Cruises.

Beginning with departures taking place on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 or later, Carnival, Holland America and Seabourn will eliminate the need for fully-vaccinated passengers to have a negative, pre-departure COVID-19 test, and will allow unvaccinated passengers to set sail, with the latter providing a negative test result at embarkation.

Fully vaccinated guests must still provide proof of vaccination in order to be eligible to embark without a pre-cruise COVID-19 test. Both CarnivalAll three lines state guests under the age of five years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements from the United States, and under the age of 12 from sailings that depart from Australia.

The above changes apply to all voyages under 16 nights in duration -- most of Carnival Cruise Line's sailings fall into this category, but many Seabourn sailings can easily run over 16 nights in duration. Sailings over 16 nights, plus sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, still require passengers to be fully vaccinated and tested against COVID-19.

"Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests, and these guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

"Our goal is to offer a luxury vacation experience that is unmatched in quality, safety and joy." said Josh Leibowitz, president Seabourn. "These updated guidelines reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. We look forward to welcoming all guests on board and delivering unforgettable Seabourn Moments."

"Our guests have been excited to return to cruising, and these changes will make it easier for more guests to explore the world in a safe and enjoyable environment," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "The new, simplified protocols recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19 while still ensuring we protect the health of our guests, team members and the communities we visit."

Keep up to date with testing and vaccination requirements across all lines with Cruise Critic's comprehensive guide.