Passengers on most cruise ships in US territories will soon be able to ditch the face masks and once again feel the salt air and ocean breezes on their cheeks.
Cruise majors Carnival Corp, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will lift their mask mandates for US waters in coming weeks.
Arnold Donald-led Carnival said US-based brands Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn will not require passengers to wear masks as of 1 March.
“Masks on board will be recommended but not required,” the New York-listed shipowner said.
“There may, however, be certain venues and events where masks will be required.”
As of 25 February, Royal Caribbean flagship brand Royal Caribbean International will not require fully vaccinated passengers on ships leaving the US and Puerto Rico to wear masks.
“At this time, we have not yet determined our health and safety protocols for 2022 sailings departing from Europe,” Royal Caribbean International said.
“Guests will be advised of specific requirements via email before setting sail.”
Norwegian Cruise Line on 8 February announced that passengers on ships in US waters will not need to wear masks on its ships as of 1 March.
“The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest,” the company said within its Sail Safe protocols listed on its website.
But passengers on ships originating from European ports must wear masks onboard while indoors, as well as outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
The Big Three cruise majors have also opted to follow the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated Program for Cruise Ships Operating in US Waters.
The programme allows cruise providers to adhere to the CDC’s extended Framework for Conditional Sailing Order on a voluntary basis after it expired on 15 January.
“We will also continue to closely monitor the evolving situation, and we will be well-prepared to comply and adjust to changing circumstances while serving the best interest of public health,” Carnival said.
Several other cruise companies have also opted into the voluntary CDC programme, including MSC Cruises, Disney Cruises, Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages.
