Articles in this section

See more

Norwegian Cruise Line | Travel Requirements & Safety Protocols

  • Updated

Great news! Norwegian Cruise Lines is back in the water in the US! We are your resource for the most up to date information around vaccination & testing requirements, whether you will need a mask, taking shore excursions, and health & safety measurements taken by the cruise line.

**********

 

Need to know Information

Pre-cruise boarding checklist:

  • Complete online check-in for each guest and reserve arrival time, register each guest to get COVID-19 testing on embarkation day. (You will lose the opportunity to Check-in online 3 days prior to sailing).
  • Proof of Vaccine - indicating the guests 5 and over have completed the required doses no later than 14 days prior to the sail date
  • Negative COVID-19 test
  • Masks are recommended but optional for guests
  • Passport Book or Passport Card, valid for at least six months after your cruise, is recommended
    • No passport? Bring a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate + a valid Driver's License or picture ID issued by the government for age 16 and older
    • If the name doesn't match, bridging documents are required, like a Marriage Certificate

**********

 

Norwegian Health & Safety FAQs

Do I need to take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival at the terminal?

Cruises with embarkation dates beginning March 1, 2022: At the time of check-in, all guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party of via medically supervised home test within two days prior to embarkation date for cruises originating in a U.S. port and within three days prior for voyages departing from a non-U.S. port.

Guests under 12 (unvaccinated):

  1. Provide a negative PCR test, administered by a verified third party, that was taken within 72 hours (3 days) before arriving at the pier for sailings departing from a U.S. port. If not tested using a PCR test they will be denied boarding.
  2. In addition to the aforementioned PCR test, all unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 sailing from, or to, a U.S. port will be required to take additional tests at the pier, at embarkation and disembarkation, as part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters. Norwegian Cruise Line will facilitate and cover all costs associated with embarkation and disembarkation testing at the pier for non-vaccinated guests under the age of 12.

Guests under 12 (Vaccinated):

  1. Provide proof of vaccination
  2. Provide a negative antigen or PCR test administered by a verified third party
    • From US ports: The test must be taken within two (2) days prior to sailing
    • From non-U.S. ports: The test must be taken within three (3) days before sailing

If they did not test before arriving, they can test at the pier at their own cost.

 

How can I take my Covid 19 Test prior to travel?

At time of check-in, all guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result administered by a verified third party or via medically supervised home test.

What Vaccines will be accepted?

Any U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and/or World Health Organization (WHO) authorized single brand vaccination protocol ≥2 weeks after receipt of the final dose.

  • Including, J&J Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford(Vaxzevria & CoviShield), etc.
  • Note: Individuals receiving a Janssen COVID-19 vaccine before or after another COVID-19 vaccine are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after receipt of the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
  • Current Unauthorized Vaccines: Sputnik V, COVAXIN, Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero-Cell), Novavax, Covovax.
  • Vaccines received via clinical trials will not be accepted as they do not specify vaccine received.

To be fully vaccinated means to complete the full brand vaccination protocol of one brand of vaccine OR two doses of a mixed vaccination combination, and therefore a single shot of AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm or Sinovac after COVID-19 recovery is NOT considered being fully vaccinated.

Booster Vaccination requirements for voyages embarking, disembarking, and sailing in Europe only:

In addition to above, EU Healthy Gateways currently defines individuals as “Fully Vaccinated” against COVID-19 if they carry proof of vaccination with at least 14 days and no more than 270 days passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series or if they have received a third or booster dose. To clarify, guests that have received a booster dose can travel regardless of the amount of time that has passed since their booster dose.

  • Please note that any guest whose primary COVID-19 vaccination will be beyond 270 days at the time of disembarkation from their voyage MUST HAVE a COVID-19 “booster” prior to embarkation.

 

What documents will be required to show proof of vaccination?

Guest must acknowledge vaccination status prior to their sailing (check-in) and bring proof of vaccination to the terminal for their cruise.

Preferred proof form is the original vaccination record document issued by either the country’s health authority that administered the vaccination or the guest's medical provider that completed the vaccine administration, however, a photo of the vaccination record document will also be accepted.

  • Electronic vaccination records will be accepted for residents of countries where electronic documentation is the standard issued form.
  • Confirmation email of vaccination appointment will not be accepted.
  • Communication regarding proof of vaccination submission will be sent to all booked guests in the 30 days prior to setting sail.

We do not collect vaccination cards or store proof of vaccination. Those cruise lines that have vaccine requirements to cruise will likely ask for proof at the time of boarding.

 

Are masks required onboard?

For sailings originating from a U.S. port:

  • Norwegian cruises will operate with 100% vaccination of crew and guests age 12 and over, therefore face coverings are not required while onboard. However, the added protection provided when wearing a 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.
  • Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when physical distancing of at least six (6) feet cannot be maintained.
  • The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest.

For sailings originating from a European port:

  • Local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Mask Recommendations:

  • Face masks that have two or more layers that completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly on your face are permitted.
  • Face masks should block light when held up to bright light source.
  • Masks with exhalation valves or vents; single layer or masks made of thin fabric that don't block light (i.e. neck gaiters) are not permitted.

Can I explore on my own while in port?

As delivering the best experience for our guests is always a top priority, after working closely with destination partners, we anticipate that guests will be free to explore certain ports of call on their own. Please keep in mind that this is largely dependent on the local health authorities and the evolving regulations, which are subject to change.

In order to keep our guests as safe as possible, we highly recommend taking Norwegian's organized shore excursions as a more controlled environment for you to enjoy your time in each of the destinations.

These restrictions are under the control of local government and are subject to change without advance notice, so we encourage guests to come prepared for potential mask requirements ashore.

Sailings Through Canada:

  • The Canadian government requires all guests to complete ArriveCAN, found here, submission within 72 hours of embarkation. ArriveCAN receipt must be presented at check in on embarkation day.
  • All guests are required to have all the necessary documentation including proof of vaccination and boosters if necessary for the countries they are visiting; negative COVID-19 test result; visas and passport readily available to present to the check-in staff upon arrival. 
 
Pre Cruise & Embarkation Day

Vaccination Requirement

  • Mandatory Vaccinations on Initial Voyages - All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least 2 weeks prior to departure, in order to board. Guest vaccination requirements are currently for all sailings embarking through October 31, 2021.

    • Each guest must submit proof they have completed the full cycle of required doses for the vaccine administered at least 2 weeks prior to their sail date.

    • Guests who are not old enough to be vaccinated or otherwise not eligible to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings. Therefore, minors who have not yet been eligible to be vaccinated will not be permitted to sail on these voyages. Minors who have been fully vaccinated are welcome to sail.

Enhanced Screening Protocols

  • All guests will undergo an enhanced pre-embarkation health screening, and those considered at risk will undergo additional screening. Additionally, all crew will undergo extensive screening prior to embarkation and constant monitoring throughout the voyage.

Temperature Screenings

  • Touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage will help identify potential health issues, offering an additional layer of prevention and protection. Touchless temperature checks will occur prior to embarkation

Crew Screenings

  • We’re enhancing our existing Pre-Employment Medical Examination process, which already screens for a wide variety of infectious diseases, to ensure the health and safety of our crew.

Increased Sanitization Measures

  • All ships are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to every voyage in accordance with company protocols, which are developed in partnership with CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
  • Embarkation terminals will be sanitized continuously, and, where possible, fogged before and after each embarkation and debarkation.

Responsible Social Distancing

  • To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, guest capacity on board will be reduced.
  • Staggered embarkation and online check-in will be implemented for proper social distancing.

Online check-in and staggered embarkation

  • We continue to work with port and government authorities to determine procedures that are in accordance with CDC and global health agencies’ guidance, to implement protocols that allow for proper social distancing during the embarkation process, including staggered embarkation and advanced check-in procedures.

Onboard

Increased Sanitization Measures

  • All staterooms, suites and public areas will be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected at an increased frequency, and including the use of Electrostatic Spray Technology. Increased sanitation efforts include:
    • HOCl Fogging in Staterooms & Public Area: Fogging in staterooms and public areas with the disinfectant hypochlorous acid (HOCI). Hypochlorous acid is a non-toxic, powerful oxidant that effectively kills bacteria, spores, and viruses. It is natural and safe to use in open areas since it is comprised of natural elements such as water and salt, and electric charge.
    • Increased frequencies of cleaning: Our 24/7 prevention schedule will feature continuous disinfection of public areas and high-traffic touch points. We will ensure that cleaning occurs continuously for all elevators and all public areas during on and off-peak hours.
    • Full Service Buffets: Buffets and beverage stations will be full service with staff available to serve guests.
    • Personal Hygiene: All guests will be strongly encouraged to engage in frequent handwashing, including when entering food and beverage venues, and hand sanitizer will be prominently placed and easily accessible throughout the ship.

 Facility Upgrades

  • New medical-grade air-filters, H13 HEPA, that remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens are being installed across our entire fleet to ensure the air you breathe is clean.
  • H13 HEPA is one of the highest grades of particulate air filter, removing 99.95% of all particulates 0.1 microns or larger.
  • For comparison purposes, COVID-19 is 0.125 microns (25% larger), a single blood cell is 10 microns (10,000% larger) and a single human hair is 75 microns (75,000% larger).

 Temperature Screenings

  • Touchless temperature checks and continuous monitoring of guests and crew throughout the voyage will help identify potential health issues, offering an additional layer of prevention and protection. Touchless temperature checks will occur:
    • Upon returning to the ship from a port of call
    • Prior to all meals in dining venues
    • Prior to all activities in public venues
    • Prior to disembarkation

 Crew Screenings

  • A healthy crew helps ensure healthy guests. Constant monitoring of crew health includes temperature checks multiple times per day as well as rigid sanitation protocols.
  • We’re exploring on board testing capabilities that will allow crew members to undergo the latest, most advanced form of COVID-19 testing at any time throughout their employment contract

 Responsible Social Distancing

  • To provide even more space for responsible social distancing, guest capacity on board will be reduced. We are committed to reducing capacity in all public areas throughout the voyage.
  • All onboard activities will still be available, although operated at a reduced capacity, and in some cases, slightly modified in order to ensure safe social distancing.
  • We’ll take necessary precautions and follow applicable public health guidelines to ensure guest health and safety, which is our highest priority at all times.

Enhanced Medical Resources

  • Onboard medical centers will be fully equipped with the latest testing kits and medical supplies. We are also increasing our medical team fleetwide. Additionally, each ship has dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise. Testing kits and medical supplies include:
    • Advanced on-site rapid diagnostic testing for COVID-19
    • Increased inventory of medical oxygen equipment
    • Increased inventory of vaccinations
    • Increased inventory of medication to treat COVID-19

 Enhanced Health & Safety Trainings and Continued Education for Crew Members

  • We will introduce a newly created onboard position of Public Health Officer, responsible for the oversight of all sanitation and outbreak prevention initiatives.
  • Additionally, they will monitor the day-to-day cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations, maintaining compliance with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

 Extended Ship to Shore Safety

  • We’re partnering with our local destinations and tour operators to ensure our industry-leading health and sanitation protocols extend to the shoreside experience.
  • We will only visit safe, open ports of call which may cause changes to your itinerary. Keeping our guests up-to-date with the latest confirmed changes impacting their itineraries is a top priority.
Was this article helpful?
3 out of 3 found this helpful
Return to top