News
When do cruises restart?
Details of cruise line restarts are below, along with each line’s current regulations regarding vaccination, Covid-19 testing and the wearing of face masks. This information is updated regularly; you can find all the latest cruise news here.
A-Rosa
A-Rosa River Cruises has now restarted cruises on the Rhine/Moselle/Main, the Danube and the Douro.
Due to hygiene and health protocols, more staff are required and, because of quarantine regulations for international crew members, some are experiencing delays in taking up their roles. As a result, cruises on A-Rosa Flora have been suspended until September 24.
Cruises on the Seine and Rhone will not resume in 2021.
Regulations: Before departure, all guests (six years and older) require proof of a negative PCR test (maximum 72 hours old) or rapid antigen test (maximum 48 hours old, no self-test) or a complete Covid-19 vaccination (14 days after last vaccination dose) or recovery from Covid-19 (proof of a positive PCR test at least 28 days, max. six months old). Guests should take a sufficient number of medical masks and the line recommends carrying FFP2 masks, as in some regions they are compulsory. More information here.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has restarted European river cruises on the Douro, Danube, Rhine and also in France.
Guests impacted by European sailings suspended from July until October 31 will be contacted directly. All Mekong River cruises through Vietnam and Cambodia have been suspended until November 30.
Regulations: Guests must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days (in the case of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca or 28 days for Johnson & Johnson) prior to their sailing date. We also recommend all guests, regardless of vaccination status, take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and bring documentation of a negative result with them on their sailing, as a precautionary measure.
Prior to boarding, an online health and contact screening questionnaire will be required and at embarkation, guests’ temperatures will be taken with no-contact infrared thermometers. Guests are required to wear face coverings when moving through interior spaces and medical grade or N95/KN95 masks are recommended. More information here.
APT Touring
APT Touring is hoping to resume tours and cruises from October.
In the meantime, the company is offering 100 per cent future holiday credit (FHC) valid on any of their brands up to December 31, 2023.
Regulations: APT has adopted the Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) recommendations and actioned increased health screenings and protocols for all cruises, both on board and prior to boarding, for all passengers and crew. More information here.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways has restarted its European river cruises on the Seine, Rhine, Danube and Rhône. Sailings on the Moselle resume on September 10.
It says: “All 2021 travel bookings automatically come with our Peace of Mind Travel Plan – free of charge. This plan gives guests the ability to move their booking to another destination, vacation, brand or simply a different 2021 or 2022 departure date, no questions asked. For as long as the Covid-19 pandemic is still affecting, travel, all bookings for 2022 travel dates are also covered by the Peace of Mind Travel Plan, extending the ability to move travel dates to 2023.”
Regulations: Proof of a full Covid-19 vaccination is required. There will be reduced ship capacity and social distancing guidelines, plus mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew at embarkation. More information here.
Azamara
Azamara has resumed sailing on Azamara Quest. Azamara Journey will operate Mediterranean cruses from October 13.
Regulations: The line says it is collaborating with government health authorities and Clia to develop its boarding screening process and updated health protocols, which are not yet finalised. More information here.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line has restarted cruises in North America.
Carnival Magic, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Valor, Carnival Legend and Carnival Radiance are due to return to service in November.
Australia voyages aboard Carnival Spirit are suspended until September 12 and Carnival Splendor until September 17.
Regulations: Vaccinated cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to embarkation day and have proof of vaccination. Additionally, fully vaccinated guests must present the negative results of a Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days of their embarkation. The line will continue to welcome unvaccinated guests, including children under 12 who are not eligible for a vaccine. The application process has its own set of procedures that must be carefully followed. More information here.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises has now resumed sailings in Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska and the Galápagos.
Regulations: All guests and crew above the age of 18 must vaccinated against Covid-19. Those under the age of 18 must have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of embarkation. More information here.
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises resumed operations in June, but following the conclusion of its summer season it has decided to postpone its autumn and winter sailings and will resume operation in March 2022, as per the scheduled programme.
All named and paid individual guests impacted by the postponement of sailings from September until December will have the option of receiving full refunds or applying their deposits to 2022 or 2023 sailings with a 20 per cent bonus value to be applied to their future sailing.
Regulations: All guests will have to provide proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of embarkation. There will be thermal screening at embarkation and daily contactless monitoring throughout the vessel. More information here.
CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope has restarted most European river cruises, French canal cruises and its ocean cruises from Croatia and Corsica.
Regulations: Guests will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test prior to embarkation. More information here.
Crystal
Crystal has resumed sailings with the majority of its ocean and river fleet. Crystal Esprit’s return has now been delayed until September 27.
Regulations: All guests will be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and a mandatory test with negative results will be required prior to departure. Guests will also have their temperature checked both prior to boarding ship or venturing ashore and Crystal operates what it calls a “responsive mask policy”. More information here.
Cunard
Cunard has resumed sailing with a series of Staycation voyages from Southampton on Queen Elizabeth.
As a result of continuing global travel restrictions, the line has reviewed their international sailing plans.
All voyages on Queen Elizabeth after October 18, 2021 and on or before March 9, 2022 are now cancelled and will be replaced with new voyages to the Iberian Coast and the Canary Islands.
The World Voyage on Queen Mary 2 from January 3, 2022 is now cancelled and will be replaced with new roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Caribbean via the Canary Islands and New York.
Queen Victoria will remain out of service until late April 2022 and all voyages between September 10, 2021 and April 29, 2022 have been cancelled. Some of these cancelled voyages will transfer to Queen Elizabeth.
The line will be will be contacting all impacted guests regarding their options.
Regulations: All guests aged 18 and over will be required to have completed their vaccination course a minimum of 14 days prior to sailing. All guests aged 17 and below will need to have completed their vaccination course a minimum 14 days prior to sailing or will require a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to travel. All guests will also require a negative Covid-19 test at the terminal. Appropriate social distancing in line with latest guidance for cruise lines. The requirement to wear a face mask, with no exceptions, in specific areas including the terminal, when moving around indoors on board, and when seated in the theatre. More information here.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has resumed sailing, with Disney Magic operating staycation cruises from UK ports and Disney Dream from Port Canaveral in Florida.
The line is currently preparing Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder to welcome guests once again and will share more information soon.
Regulations: Disney Magic at Sea sailings are for UK residents only. Guests aged 18 and older must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Guests under 18 must provide proof of a negative PCR test result prior to embarkation. All guests, including those who have been vaccinated, are also required to undergo an antigen Covid-19 rapid test prior to boarding. Daily temperature checks and health questionnaires will be required for all guests during the cruise. Masks are required in public areas. More information here.
Emerald Cruises
The Scenic Group, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises has started a limited number of European river cruises. All other river cruises and land tours have been suspended.
All guests with a booking scheduled to depart between July 1, 2021 and December 31 will receive a Future Travel Voucher (FTV) for the full amount that has been paid to date, valid for travel until June 2024.
Regulations: All guests are required to have received the required dose(s) of an approved Covid-19 vaccine. More information here.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has resumed sailing. New itineraries include a Welcome Back series of British Isles cruises, plus the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, the Balearics and the Canary Islands.
Regulations: All guests must be full vaccinated and will have to wear a face mask when moving around inside the ship and where social distancing is not possible. They have introduced ‘social bubbles’ on board, allowing guests up to five companions with whom they can dine and drink with. More information here.
G Adventures
G Adventures has started a limited number of tours. All other G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures tours are suspended until September 30.
It says: “Our Book With Confidence policy lets you cancel and rebook a tour closer to the time of departure, giving you added flexibility and peace of mind. Until December 31, 2021, book travel with us departing before December 31, 2022, and you can cancel and rebook up to 14 days prior to your departure date.”
Regulations: Passengers on all trips departing on or after October 1, 2021 will be required to comply with G Adventures’ Travel-Ready policy, which requires either full Covid-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 14 days prior to the start of the tour or the receipt of a negative PCR test within 96 hours prior to the start of your first welcome meeting. More information here.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line has restarted cruises from Greece, with sailings from Piraeus on Eurodam on sale now.
Regulations: Holland America Line cruises from Greece will be available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved Covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. More information here.
Hurtigruten
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises has resumed operations with UK and international sailings.
It says: “We’ll be as flexible as we possibly can if Covid-19 means your cruise needs to be cancelled. We’re constantly reviewing the latest travel advice around the world and will work with you to take whatever the right action is for your particular circumstances. If you can’t sail due to not being vaccinated, you can change or cancel your booking for free.”
Regulations: Anyone aged 18-years and older will be required to have had both Covid-19 jabs at least seven days before travelling. Guests of all ages must also provide proof of a negative lateral flow test before boarding. More information here.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has restarted with a programme of British Isles cruises on board its flagship MSC Virtuosa departing from its new terminal in Southampton.
They also have updated itineraries in the Mediterranean and across Europe for the summer 2021 season, but until the end of September these are only available for residents of Schengen countries.
Regulations: All UK residents over 12 years of age will be required to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before embarkation. Children between two and 11 years old will need a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before embarkation. In addition, all guests over two years of age will have to undergo an antigen test at the terminal upon embarkation, as well as a second test during the cruise. It is mandatory for all guests to have a comprehensive Covid insurance policy. More information here.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has resumed operations from Greece in July, with Spain and Italy following in September.
Itineraries from Seattle have also restarted, with other US and international ports following from this autumn on the following dates. Norwegian Joy (Miami, October 19); Norwegian Breakaway (New York, October 24); Pride of America (Honolulu, November 6); Norwegian Bliss (Los Angeles, November 7); Norwegian Encore (Miami, November 14); Norwegian Escape (Port Canaveral, November 20); Norwegian Pearl (Miami, December 23); Norwegian Jewel (Panama City, January 20, 2022); Norwegian Sun (Hong Kong, January 28, 2022); Norwegian Spirit (Sydney, February 9, 2022).
Regulations: For cruises up to October 31, guests will be required to be fully vaccinated and tested prior to boarding. Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has launched its SailSAFE Health and Safety Program, which includes enhanced health screening protocols and collaboration with land-based tour operator partners to extend health and safety measures to each destination. More information here.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises has resumed operations, with sailings to Scandinavia and Western Europe on the 1,250-guest Marina from Copenhagen.
It has also announced that Riviera will resume cruises beginning with a sailing from Istanbul on October 18; Insignia will resume sailings with the December 21 Panama Canal voyage from Miami, before the sold-out 180-day Around the World cruise from Los Angeles to New York; Sirena will start sailings with the January 22, 2022 Caribbean voyage from Miami to Panama City.
“This is an exciting day for our guests and team members alike as we begin to prepare another three ships to resume sailing in Europe, the Caribbean, and the eagerly anticipated kickoff of our epic Around the World in 180 Days voyage for 2022,” said Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises.
Regulations: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least two weeks prior to embarkation, in order to board. All guests will be required to take Covid-19 antigen tests prior to boarding and disembarkation. Face coverings are currently required for guests while indoors and when physical distancing is not possible. More information here.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises has restarted with a series of short-break and week-long UK cruises on its ships Britannia and Iona.
Their phased international restart plan continues for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022. Following the UK summer staycations, Britannia will begin her planned western Mediterranean itineraries on September 25 and Iona will sail from Spain and Portugal from the same date.
Cruises on Ventura are paused until October 3; Azura until December 10; Arcadia until March 27, 2022; and Aurora until April 13, 2022.
Also, due to a lack of availability of charter aircraft on Caribbean routes,all seven and 14-night Britannia fly-cruises which start or end in St Lucia between October 2021 and March 2022 have been cancelled.Caribbean fly-cruise holidays starting and ending in Barbados are still going ahead as planned.
Regulations: The sailings on Britannia and Iona will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated guests only. Pre-embarkation Covid-19 tests may also be required. More information here.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises is hoping to restart from September 25.
Regulations: All guests will be asked to present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test at embarkation and will undergo a health check and screening by the ship’s medical staff. More information here.
Ponant
Ponant has restarted cruises around Iceland and in the Mediterranean.
Regulations: All guests must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure and a PCR test will be carried out before embarkation. Wearing a mask is mandatory when moving in all public areas. More information here.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises restarted with a series of Seacations from Southampton on board Regal Princess and Sky Princess. Sailings from US ports resume this month.
It says: “These resort-style Seacations offer the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some time off. We believe that these cruises will appeal to both our loyal guests who are eager to get back onboard our beautiful MedallionClass ships and holidaymakers looking to experience Princess for the first time.”
Regulations: The Seacation sailings will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated guests only. More information here.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises restarts with an 11-night round-trip cruise from Southampton on September 11 on board new ship Seven Seas Splendor.
Regulations: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least two weeks prior to embarkation, in order to board. All guests will be required to take Covid-19 antigen tests prior to boarding and disembarkation. Face coverings are currently required for guests while indoors and when physical distancing is not possible. More information here.
Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel has resumed its European river cruises, but all six summer sailings on its ocean vessel, MS Seaventure, have been cancelled.
Regulations: All guests are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or to have presented a negative PCR test before travelling. More information here.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International has restarted cruises in the Caribbean, the US and Europe, including a series of Ocean Getaways and British Isles Cruises from Southampton on board Anthem of the Seas.
The phased restart of its fleet will continue as follows: Liberty of the Seas (October 3, 2021 departing from Galveston, Texas); Spectrum of the Seas (October 5, departing from Hong Kong); Explorer of the Seas (November 7, departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico); Navigator of the Seas (November 19, departing from Los Angeles, California); Quantum of the Seas (December 1, departing from Singapore); Grandeur of the Seas (December 5, departing from Bridgetown, Barbados); Brilliance of the Seas (December 16, departing from Tampa, Florida); Enchantment of the Seas (December 23, departing from Baltimore, Maryland); Vision of the Seas (January 24, 2022 departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida); Voyager of the Seas (April 24, 2022 departing from Copenhagen, Denmark); Radiance of the Seas (April 29, 2022 departing from Vancouver, Canada); Rhapsody of the Seas (May 23, 2022 departing from Civitavecchia, Italy)
Regulations: The cruises on Anthem of the Seas are only be available to UK residents over the age of 18 who are fully vaccinated. The line will publish more protocols as they are developed. Booked guests will be advised of their specific requirements before setting sail. More information here.
Saga
Saga Cruises has restarted with a series of UK itineraries on board Spirit of Discovery and new ship Spirit of Adventure and international sailings to Tallinn and Copenhagen.
Regulations: All guests are required to be fully vaccinated for Covid‑19 at least 14 days before boarding. The ships are operating at a reduced capacity to allow social distancing and the line has received the independent Shield+ accreditation from Lloyd’s Register. More information here.
Scenic
The Scenic Group, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises has started a limited number of European river cruises. All other river cruises and land tours have been suspended.
All guests with a booking scheduled to depart between July 1, 2021 and December 31 will receive a Future Travel Voucher (FTV) for the full amount that has been paid to date, valid for travel until June 2024.
Regulations: All guests are required to have received the required dose(s) of an approved Covid-19 vaccine. More information here.
Seabourn
Seabourn has restarted cruises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with Seabourn Ovation sailing from Greece and Seabourn Odyssey from Barbados.
The remainder of the fleet resumes operations on the following dates: Seabourn Quest (November 7), Seabourn Sojourn (January 11, 2022), Seabourn Encore (April 17, 2022).
Regulations: All guests must be vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding. Seabourn is currently finalising its other Covid-19 protocols. More information here.
Silversea
Silversea has restarted cruises in the Greek islands on Silver Moon; the Galápagos Islands on Silver Origin; Alaska on Silver Muse; Iceland on Silver Shadow; and Northern Europe on Silver Spirit.
Their remaining fleet returns to service on the following dates: Silver Explorer (November 10), Silver Cloud (November 14), Silver Whisper (November 17), Silver Dawn (November 19), Silver Wind (November 20).
It says: “As the world opens up, so too will our itineraries. We are looking forward to sailing with you again, and helping you get back to discovering the authentic beauty of the world in unwavering confidence.”
Regulations: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated and are required to take a Covid-19 test prior to boarding. Guests will be required to wear a mask in all indoor public areas, terminals and during shore excursions. More information here.
Titan
Titan has resumed tours and cruises.
It says: “We want to reassure you that the wellbeing of our customers and staff are of the utmost importance. As this is a fluid situation our team is working around-the-clock to ensure all updates are updated as quickly and as accurately as possible to ensure all travellers depart on holiday with confidence, in the knowledge that they are in safe hands with Titan.”
Regulations: A health declaration will be required and will be collected prior to boarding. Guests’ temperature will be checked before boarding using an infrared thermometer, and luggage will be sanitised. There will be a socially distanced boarding process. More information here.
Uniworld
Uniworld has resumed its European river cruises.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment and are beyond thrilled to be back on the rivers,” says Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld. “Our guests are like family to us, and their safety is our main priority, which is why we’re taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure they’re comfortable when they’re ready to explore the rivers with us again.”
Regulations: All guests on Uniworld cruises until December 31, 2021, are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel. Guests will be required to wear a mask while walking around public area. More information here.
Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises has restarted its ocean cruises with a series of Welcome Back voyages from Portsmouth, Valletta (Malta), Reykjavík and Bermuda. It has also resumed select river cruises in Europe.
It says: “With our new protocol enhancements in place, we believe there will be no safer way to travel the world than on a Viking voyage and we look forward to welcoming UK guests back on board very soon.”
Regulations: All Viking sailings will be available exclusively for vaccinated guests until further notice. They may require a PCR test as part of the embarkation process. Physical distancing measures are in place in public areas on board, and face masks may be required for all guests and crew while moving about, depending on conditions at time of sailing. More information here.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has finally set sail with the Summer Soirée series of cruises along the south coast from Portsmouth on Scarlet Lady. From October the same vessel will be sailing to the Caribbean from PortMiami.
Regulations: All passengers must be over 18 and fully vaccinated at least 14 days beforehand. A Covid-19 antigen test may be required before boarding. The Summer Soirée sailings are for UK residents only. More information here.
Windstar
Windstar Cruises has been restarting cruises in a phased manner, with the majority of its fleet now sailing again. Star Pride returns the Caribbean from November 3.
Regulations: Proof of a current Covid-19 vaccination at least 14 days before the embarkation date. A free Covid-19 antigen test will be administered prior boarding. More information here.