RETURN TO SERVICE FAQS – VACCINATED VOYAGES
MASKS & PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Do I have to wear a face mask or maintain physical distancing while on a vaccinated cruise?
Vaccinated guests on a vaccinated cruise do not have to wear face masks (except in the medical center) or maintain physical distancing while on board.
All guests must wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation process (at the home port and ports of call), during water shuttle operations, any Carnival-approved shore excursions and while on any transportation vehicles. Additionally, when going ashore, guests must be prepared to follow all local guidance regarding masks and physical distancing. The status of local guidelines will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.
We recommend that all unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older wear masks when indoors or not in their staterooms. Masks will be required for unvaccinated guests in enclosed areas of the ship such as the piano bar, arcade, spa, salon, casino, Fun Shops and medical center. Additionally, masks are required at any indoor activity with children under 12 years, (i.e., Build-A-Bear®, Family Harbor, Sky Zone®).
It is recommended that unvaccinated guests maintain physical distancing as follows:
- Indoors – Remain at least 5 feet from others not in your cruise companion group. As such, we encourage you to take the stairs whenever possible, if you are able to do so.
- Outdoors – Remain at least 3 feet from others when not wearing a mask and not in your cruise companion group.
Guests participating in a “bubble” tour, regardless of vaccination status, will need to follow all tour protocols and local guidance regarding mask wearing and physical distancing.
PRE-CRUISE VACCINE ATTESTATION
What is a vaccine attestation?
In order to manage your sailing, all guests are required to complete a pre-cruise online vaccine attestation. When you receive the vaccine attestation, you will be asked to go to Cruise Manager on Carnival.com to submit your information within 48 hours. A vaccine attestation must be completed for every guest on your reservation. If you submitted a vaccine exemption request, kindly ensure your responses for each guest align with your exemption request. Please go to your profile on Carnival.com and confirm we have your current contact information to ensure you receive this attestation and other important updates. Failure to comply with pre-cruise information requests on a timely basis are grounds for cancellation.
VACCINES
What happens if I am a few days short of completing my second dose within 14 days of sailing?
Unfortunately, guests will not be able to sail unless they are fully vaccinated and received their final dose of the vaccine no later than 14 days prior to embarkation. Please take a few moments to review your vaccination record prior to your cruise and confirm you meet this important requirement. Guests who did not receive their final dose within the required time will not be allowed to sail and no refund will be provided.
What kind of proof of vaccination will Carnival accept?
Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in the form of the original vaccination document issued by the country’s health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination, (i.e., U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccination Record Card). No photocopies or pictures of the document are acceptable.
The name and date of birth on the vaccination card must match the guest’s travel documents, and show the guest is fully vaccinated. Vaccination dates must be clearly visible. This means the guest has completed the full cycle of the required doses for the vaccines administered (i.e., received the second dose in a two-dose series) and the second dose was administered 14 days before the sailing date.
Alternatively, guests may present a digital COVID-19 Certificate (QR code acceptable) and a record of COVID-19 vaccination from a healthcare provider (original digital email accepted), personal electronic health record or government Immunization Information System record.
We recommend you have the contact information (email and phone) immediately available of the healthcare provider or clinic site that issued the certificate, in order to validate the vaccination if needed. A vaccination registry site may also be used.
Are vaccinated guests required to take a pre-travel PCR test?
Due to the extended duration of the 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise on Carnival Pride, October 31, vaccinated guests will be required to present the negative results of a PCR test taken between 72 and 24 hours prior to the sailing date at embarkation. Additionally, guests must be fully vaccinated with the final dose of the vaccine administered no later than 14 days prior to the sailing date.
Generally, on other sailings, vaccinated guests are not required to take a pre-travel PCR test. However, we will refer anyone with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or who are identified at-risk, for additional medical screening before allowing them to board.
What if I forget my vaccination card?
Unfortunately, vaccinated guests who are unable to provide any acceptable proof of vaccination will not be able to board and will not receive a refund.
Do you accept any kind of vaccine?
Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the CDC does not accept AstraZeneca combined with one dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
Am I regarded as fully vaccinated if I received two doses of vaccines but with mixed vaccines types?
To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received the full series of an FDA or WHO authorized COVID-19 vaccine, or a combination of authorized vaccines, and have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day of embarkation.
For cruises departing the U.S., the CDC requires both vaccines in a 2-dose series to be of the same type. They also accept mixing mRNA vaccines only (Pfizer and Moderna). No other vaccine combination meets the criteria to be considered fully vaccinated. So for example, Canadian guests, or other international guests, who received a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer are considered unvaccinated by the CDC. Guests who are not fully vaccinated, according to these criteria, will be considered unvaccinated and need to apply for a vaccination exemption.
Will the crew be vaccinated?
Yes, our crew will be vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidelines.
COVID-19 TESTING AND THE PROCESS FOR EXEMPT UNVACCINATED GUESTS
Are unvaccinated guests allowed to travel on sailings which are operating under vaccinated standards?*
Carnival 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. These exemptions for children and adults are not guaranteed and are capacity-controlled based on the total number of vaccinated guests on board. Unvaccinated guests granted an exemption must abide by certain requirements and protocols.
A request for one of these capacity-managed exemptions must be submitted within 48 hours of making a new reservation. Requests will be processed after the booking is paid in full, in sailing date order, and once we have finalized the estimated vaccinated guest count.
If you are an unvaccinated guest, your reservation is not considered confirmed unless you receive an approved exemption, which will be issued within 14 days of sailing. Any unvaccinated guests whose exemptions are approved will be required to review and agree to all the restrictions and protocols listed above prior to boarding the ship.
If we are unable to approve the request, guests will have the option to cancel the unvaccinated guest(s) from a reservation, move to a future sailing date or cancel with a full refund to the original form of payment. Unfortunately, we cannot assist with expenses related to a denied exemption request, and guests assume all risks related to non-refundable travel costs (i.e., air fare, hotel).
* On Carnival Miracle from Seattle and the 14-day Carnival Pride sailing on 10/31/21 from Baltimore, vaccine exemptions will only be accommodated as required by law.
What are the protocols for unvaccinated guests who are approved for a vaccine exemption?
Unvaccinated guests who are approved for a vaccine exemption agree to abide by the following protocols as a condition for travel. Our protocols continue to evolve and may change without prior notice.
Testing
- Presenting a negative PCR COVID-19 test at check-in, taken within 72 hours prior to the sailing date, taking an antigen test at embarkation, and testing again within 24 hours of debarkation on all cruises longer than 4 days. We must also now provide testing information and reporting to the destinations we visit. A US$150 per person charge will be assessed to the guest’s onboard Sail and Sign account to cover the cost of testing, reporting and health and safety screenings. Children under two are exempt from testing requirements.
- Any guest who tests positive at embarkation, and their traveling companions in the same stateroom along with other close contacts, will not be able to cruise and will be provided a future cruise credit. (A close contact is any individual who has been within 6 feet of an infected/symptomatic person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period within 14 days prior to sailing.)
- If you traveled by air to join your cruise and test positive at embarkation and are not able to cruise – or test positive during the debark testing for unvaccinated guests – you may be required to quarantine before traveling home. While Carnival will help make quarantine arrangements, all guests are responsible for expenses associated with quarantine.
- In the event unvaccinated guests are in close contact with or exposed to any guest or crew members that test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, they will be required to undergo additional testing and may be required to quarantine in their stateroom until our medical team determines it is safe for them to resume their cruise activities.
- Guests on back to back cruises (excluding Alaska voyages), regardless of vaccination status, will be tested at the end of each voyage.
Travel Insurance Requirement — Florida and Texas Based Ships
- Effective with sailings departing July 31, 2021 from Florida, and August 2, 2021 from Texas, unvaccinated guests must also show proof of travel insurance coverage during check-in. This requirement is currently being waived for children under 12 who are ineligible for a vaccine. However, parents are advised that purchasing travel insurance for their children is strongly recommended.
- Each unvaccinated guest must provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy at the time of check-in that has a minimum of US$10,000, per person, in medical expense coverage and US$30,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and without COVID-19 exclusions.
- The insurance policy must name the unvaccinated guest as the policy holder or beneficiary and may be purchased from a travel insurance company of the guest’s choosing or through Carnival Vacation Protection™, which includes the required coverage.
- Please note Carnival Vacation Protection is available for purchase until 14 days prior to sailing for guests residing in the U.S. (excluding New York and Puerto Rico), Canada (excluding Quebec), U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and American Samoa. (Note: your booking must be paid in U.S. currency.) Should you wish to purchase Carnival Vacation Protection, please call 1-800-CARNIVAL, your Personal Vacation Planner or your travel advisor.
- Unvaccinated guests without the required proof of insurance will not be permitted to sail and no refund will be provided.
Mask Wearing
- We recommend that all unvaccinated guests 2 years of age and older wear masks when indoors or not in their staterooms. Masks will be required for unvaccinated guests in enclosed areas of the ship such as the piano bar, arcade, spa, salon, casino, Fun Shops and medical center. Additionally, masks must be worn at any indoor activity with children under 12 years, (i.e., Build-A-Bear®, Family Harbor, Sky Zone®).
- In addition, all guests must wear masks during the entire embarkation and debarkation process (at the home port and ports of call), during water shuttle operations, any Carnival-approved shore excursions and while on any transportation vehicles.
Physical Distancing
- We recommend you maintain physical distancing as follows:
- Indoors – Remain at least 5 feet from others not in your cruise companion group. As such, we encourage you to take the stairs whenever possible, if you are able to do so.
- Outdoors – Remain at least 3 feet from others when not wearing a mask and not in your cruise companion group.
Children’s/Youth Programs
- Unvaccinated youth and teenagers will not be permitted to participate in supervised Circle “C”® and CLUB O2® youth programs.
- Supervised children’s programs for children under the age of 12 in Camp Ocean™ will not be offered at this time.
Spa
- Unvaccinated guests may not access the sauna or purchase the thermal suite pass. Those who booked Cloud 9 Spa® staterooms may take advantage of all the amenities, except the thermal suite.
Shore Visits and Excursions
It will be necessary to follow the health protocols for every port we visit, which are under the control of local government and subject to change without prior notice.
- There is no independent sightseeing in ports of call for unvaccinated guests, who may only debark if booked on a Carnival-sponsored bubble tour.
- Guests must follow all local protocols and we cannot guarantee that additional restrictions will not be imposed by local authorities in the destinations we visit. For example, based on our port agreement with San Juan, unvaccinated guests will have to remain on board during that call.
- Carnival-approved bubble tours are excursions that operate in a controlled environment. In the event you choose not to purchase a bubble tour, bubble tours are sold out, or cancelled due to weather, unvaccinated guests will have to remain on board.
- Guests will be escorted from and to the ship, upon return from the shore excursion. No unscheduled stops are permitted (i.e. gift shops, bars, restaurants, etc.).
- Guests participating in a bubble tour, regardless of vaccination status, must follow all tour protocols and local guidance regarding testing/screening, mask wearing, physical distancing, etc.
- Guests who do not comply with the controlled environment of a bubble tour will be removed from the tour.
- In private ports of call, such as Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, unvaccinated guests may participate in independent exploration or purchase any of our tours.
What kind of proof of testing will Carnival accept?
Acceptable proof of PCR COVID-19 testing is as follows:
- Laboratory test record
- Digital certificate
- Healthcare record
The results must show:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Type of test
- Date and time the sample was taken
- Test result is stated as "NEGATIVE" or "NOT DETECTED"
- Laboratory or testing site, and/or healthcare provider details are stated
If there is doubt as to the authenticity or validity of the test, and the healthcare provider is not able to be contacted to verify the test, embarkation may be denied.
As an unvaccinated guest, do I need to send you my test results in advance?
No, all unvaccinated guests will be required to submit, at embarkation, the negative results of a PCR COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours prior to the day of sailing. You will also receive an antigen test at embarkation. We ask that you register in advance for the antigen test by completing an online form that will be sent to you before sailing.
What happens if I have a positive COVID-19 test within 14 days of sailing?
Unfortunately, even if you are vaccinated, if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of sailing, you must cancel your cruise. Please do not go to the cruise terminal. Refer to our COVID-19 Refund and Cancellation Policy for details on your options.
What if I forgot my test results?
Unvaccinated guests who are unable to show proof of their negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to sailing will not be allowed to board and no refund will be given.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do unvaccinated guests need to purchase travel insurance in order to cruise with Carnival?
Unvaccinated guests on ships sailing from homeports in Florida (effective with sailings departing July 31) and Texas (effective with sailings departing August 2) must show proof of travel insurance coverage during check-in. Currently, we will waive this requirement for children under the age of 12 who are ineligible for vaccines. However, parents are advised that purchasing travel insurance for their children is strongly recommended.
Each unvaccinated guest must provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy at the time of check-in that has a minimum of US$10,000, per person, in medical expense coverage and US$30,000 coverage for emergency medical evacuation and without COVID-19 exclusions. The insurance policy must name the unvaccinated guest as the policy holder or beneficiary and may be purchased from a travel insurance company of the guest’s choosing or through Carnival’s Vacation Protection, which includes the required coverage.
Please note Carnival’s Vacation Protection is available for purchase until 14 days prior to sailing for guests residing in the U.S. (excluding New York and Puerto Rico), Canada (excluding Quebec), U.S. Virgin Islands (excluding St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and American Samoa (note: your booking must be paid in U.S. currency.) Should you wish to purchase Carnival’s Vacation Protection, please call 1-800-CARNIVAL, your Personal Vacation Planner or your travel advisor.
Unvaccinated guests sailing out of Florida or Texas without the required proof of insurance will not be permitted to sail and no refund will be provided.
Although not required for sailings out of other homeports, it is always a good idea to purchase travel insurance.
HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE & SCREENING
If I forget to complete the online health questionnaire, can I complete it at check-in?
Yes, if you did not submit your health questionnaire ahead of time, you can complete it at the time of check-in.
What happens if I develop a fever after I’ve submitted my online health questionnaire?
Please call 1-800-Carnival to cancel your cruise. Guests with any symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to sail.
What happens if I am vaccinated but have travelled internationally (excluding Canada) within 14 days?
You will receive an antigen test at embarkation.
I am booked on back-to-back cruises. Do I have any special requirements?
Guests booked on back to back cruise (except Alaska voyages), regardless of their vaccination status, will have to be tested at the end of each voyage.
EMBARKATION/BOARDING
Do Platinum and Diamond guests still have priority boarding and early access to their staterooms?
Given our focus on the implementation of new health and safety protocols, we have adjusted how we deliver priority check-in. All guests will need to complete Online Check-In, which will open 14 days prior to sailing. Platinum and Diamond guests will be given two days advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. It is important that guests arrive on a timely basis as early arrivals cannot be accommodated and will be asked to return at their assigned time. Due to enhanced cleaning and sanitation, staterooms may not be ready at the time of boarding for the early Arrival Appointments. We appreciate our guests’ understanding as we manage through many changes with an eye on your health and safety.
If I miss the ship at the home port, will I be able to join at the first port of call?
Guests who miss the ship at the home port will not be able to join at the first port and no compensation will be provided.
Will we still have to congregate for the safety drill?
No, but guests will now have to complete a self-muster process. This means that as soon as they get on the ship, they should locate their muster station (it’s on their boarding pass and on the Carnival HUB App) and find their way there to check-in with our team. We will provide a demonstration on how to wear a life jacket. Afterwards, they should watch our safety briefing which will play on the in-stateroom TV.
ONBOARD EXPERIENCES
Do I have to purchase an internet package to use the HUB App? What if I don't have a smart phone?
We encourage you to download the Carnival HUB App, available for free on the App Store and Google Play. Our team has worked hard to enhance the features of the Carnival HUB App to make your cruise experience easier. If you don't have a smartphone and need assistance, our team will be happy to help. Using the app, guests will be able to locate their muster station and see how to get there, check out what’s happening around the ship, chat with friends, make reservations at any of our open or specialty dining restaurants, book shore excursions and spa appointments, and so much more.
Will you still have a buffet on Lido?
The Lido Marketplace buffets and seating will be open for our guests to enjoy.
Are there any activities and events that won't be offered?
Most of our usual fun activities and events will be offered. However, the following events will be temporarily not available: Seuss-a-palooza™ Parade, Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast, Photo Time! With Dr. Seuss®, Zumbini® classes, Lip Sync Battle™:Carnival, Chef’s Table (on all ships except Carnival Miracle®) and Behind the Fun Tour.
Will my kids be able to participate in the youth program on board?
Supervised children’s programs for children under the age of 12 in Camp Ocean will not be offered at this time. Unvaccinated youth and teenagers will not be permitted to participate in supervised Circle “C” and CLUB O2 youth programs.
Will my stateroom still be serviced? What if I don’t want it to be serviced?
All staterooms will be serviced once daily. However, you may opt out of the daily stateroom service. Just contact your stateroom attendant to let them know. Should you need any service, your stateroom attendant will be only a phone call away.
I have an approved vaccination exemption. Are there any areas of the ship that are off limits?
Unvaccinated guests may not access the sauna or purchase the thermal suite pass. Those who booked spa staterooms may take advantage of all the amenities except the thermal suite. Unvaccinated children/teenagers are currently not allowed to participate in the youth camp program.
How have you improved your medical center?
Our medical center facilities have been enhanced and protocols improved to provide the necessary care for any COVID-19 related cases that may arise. When necessary, medical appointments will be scheduled virtually or in your stateroom. In the event we have suspected cases of COVID-19, we will be able to isolate, test and treat patients and will coordinate assistance with our group of health experts and relevant public health authorities.
Have you improved your indoor ventilation systems?
Indoor ventilation systems have been enhanced to provide frequent exchanges of fresh ocean air and modified for greater particle filtration.
GOING ASHORE
Do I need to purchase a Carnival shore excursion to go ashore? After my shore excursion, can I explore the port on my own?
Guests who are vaccinated may purchase a Carnival tour or engage in independent sightseeing.
It will be necessary to follow the health protocols for every port we visit, which are under the control of local government and subject to change without prior notice. In most destinations, unvaccinated guests may NOT engage in independent sightseeing. Consequently, guests will be offered the option to purchase Carnival-approved bubble tours, which are excursions that operate in a controlled environment. In the event guests choose not to purchase a bubble tour, bubble tours are sold out, or cancelled due to weather, unvaccinated guests will have to remain on board. Guests will be escorted from the ship to their excursion and back to the ship immediately upon return from the shore excursion. No unscheduled stops are permitted (i.e. gift shops, bars, restaurants, etc.). Guests participating in a bubble tour, regardless of vaccination status, must follow all tour protocols and local guidance regarding testing/screening, mask wearing, physical distancing, etc. Guests who do not comply with the controlled environment of a bubble tour will be removed from the tour.
In private ports of call, such as Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, unvaccinated guests may participate in independent exploration or purchase any of our tours.
What happens if a guest doesn’t follow the health protocols?
We hope this isn’t an issue, given how much our guests want to get back to cruising. Consistent with our other policies on guest behavior, any guest who fails to comply with the onboard and destination public health measures may be disembarked at the first available opportunity, at the guest’s sole expense. If needed, guests may also be quarantined and have onboard privileges suspended, and no refunds or other compensation will be offered.
GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
If I require oxygen and/or dialysis during my cruise, may I still travel?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept guests who are dependent on oxygen or dialysis at this time. This includes guests who use oxygen concentrators. Our medical experts have determined, that for the guest’s own safety, this is the right decision.
We’ve had to make some difficult decisions based on general public health guidelines and the overall health and safety of our guests. We remain optimistic that our approach on future sailings will become more flexible.
