As the travel industry adapts to the evolving COVID-19 situation, different Cruise lines have been updating their vaccination policies. While some have chosen to relax their requirements, Viking Cruises has decided to maintain its policy, ensuring that all guests must be vaccinated to sail on their rive cruise, Ocean Cruise, and Expedition Cruise ships.
Richard Marnell, Viking's Executive Vice President of Marketing, revealed that the majority of their guests prefer to have the vaccination policy in place. This commitment to a vaccinated environment offers travelers a sense of security and peace of mind while enjoying their Cruise vacation.
In contrast, other Cruise lines, such as Cunard Line, Lindblad Expeditions, and Windstar Cruise Line, have announced plans to either eliminate or reevaluate their vaccination policies in the near future. Windstar, for example, will no longer require guests to be vaccinated starting June 1, though crew members will still need to comply with the policy.
Windstar's decision comes after the Cruise line upgraded its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to include high-tech air filtration with HEPA filters and UV-C irradiation across its fleet of six vessels. The improvements have led to a cleaner and safer onboard environment, according to Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog.
Other Cruise lines that have already dropped their proof of vaccination requirements include AmaWaterways, Scenic Group, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Additionally, most major cruise lines have also decided to forgo vaccination requirements.
For travelers planning a Cruise vacation, it is essential to stay informed about each cruise line's COVID-19 vaccination policies and other safety measures. As the situation continues to evolve, understanding the precautions in place will allow travelers to make informed decisions about their preferred cruise experience, whether they prioritize the reassurance of a fully vaccinated environment or the flexibility of sailing without such requirements.
