Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to Drop Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Testing 'Where Permitted'

Effective August 1, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ three brands will stop requiring pre-cruise COVID-19 testing unless required by local regulations. The policy includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Due to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations, the new policy will not change anything for U.S.-based cruise itineraries. Other itineraries that won’t be affected include those that visit Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. However, some itineraries sailing out of Europe this summer will be affected. 

According to the company, “The relaxation of the testing policy is in line with the rest of the travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide as society continues to adapt and return to a state of normalcy.”

Vaccines are still required and NCLH does recommend getting tested before cruising.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has had some of the strictest protocols since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but is now one of the first large-ship cruise lines to drop pre-cruise testing where allowed to. Holland America Line last week dropped pre-cruise testing on select cruises departing in July from Amsterdam.