After several policy updates in August, most major cruise lines now require guests to wear masks.
Here are the mask rules for ten of the world’s largest cruise operators:
Carnival Cruise Line
With eight ships currently crossing, Carnival Cruise Line updated its facial mask policy on August 7th. And tail areas.
“In any (indoor) area where there are a lot of people gathered and when you don’t eat or drink, we will require you to wear a face mask,” John Heald, Carnival’s senior cruise director, explained at the time of the change.
The rule applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers.
Royal Caribbean International
All guests and crew must wear a mask aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise.
“Specifically, guests should wear face masks in almost all public settings regardless of physical distance measurements, but they should not be wearing face masks in their own cabin,” the cruise line said on its website .
However, there are exceptions, such as restaurants, where guests can eat and drink without masks when seated, as long as physical distancing is observed.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Operating fully vaccinated cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line does not require guests to wear masks when on board. The policy is currently valid until December 31st.
Cruises in Europe, however, have different rules. According to Norway, local regulations in the region require passengers to wear masks inside, except when they are actively eating or drinking or when they are in their cabin.
MSC Cruises
Facial masks are needed during various situations aboard MSC Cruises ships.
“You will need to wear a mask throughout the cruise while you are indoors and in common areas. The use of outdoor masks is not required. When social distancing is not possible outdoors, the use of masks is recommended for all guests, ”the company said.
Masks are also mandatory during disembarkation and throughout the terminal.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises updated its facial mask policy in August in response to the “growing number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. caused by the Delta variant.”
The brand now “strongly encourages” guests to wear masks when indoors and is required to wear face masks in designated elevators and indoor entertainment areas, at all retail stores and at the casino, except when eating. or drink.
Guests should also wear face masks before sitting in all dining areas. Princess also reserves the right to ask passengers to wear a mask in other designated areas where a larger number of guests may be meeting.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity facial mask policy varies by region and vaccination status.
“Navigations outside of North America may require face masks to be worn inland, except when we eat or drink,” the company said on its website.
In other regions masks will not be required for vaccinated guests, following CDC guidelines.
However, unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 should wear face masks indoors when they are not in their cabin, eating or drinking.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line “strongly encourages” guests to wear masks when they are in public spaces indoors.
“All guests must wear a face mask (without exception) in the designated lifts and indoor entertainment areas, in all retail stores and at the casino, except when eating or drinking. Customers will also have to wear face masks before sitting in our main dining rooms and in the buffet area and occasionally in other designated areas where a larger number of guests can gather, ”the company stated on its website.
The current policy is valid until October 31, 2021.
Costa Cruises
With four ships in service in Europe, Costa states that “facial masks are essential as long as adequate social distancing cannot be observed.” According to the Italian brand, they include outdoor areas, swimming pools and restaurants and bars before sitting down.
Facial masks are also required at the ship’s terminals and public areas.
Dream Cruises
Sailing from Singapore and Hong Kong, Dream Cruises states that all guests must wear face masks in common areas, except when eating and practicing strenuous sports and physical activities.
According to the Asia-based company, the measure is a requirement of local authorities in both Singapore and Hong Kong.
TUI cruises
With most of its fleet in service in Europe, TUI Cruises requires guests to wear face masks inside. Masks should also be worn outdoors as long as a distance of 1.5 m cannot be maintained.