You want to sail. We want to keep you safe. So, before we go, we need to chart a course for health and safety. After all, the health and safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit have always been our number one priority. That's why we've engaged leading public health experts to make sure cruising is leading in vacation safety on water or land. All to get you back to sailing safely, so you can Feel Free.
With a science backed plan and expert guidance, we've developed our comprehensive and multi-layered Sail Safe health and safety protocols that span the entire cruise journey. We will continue to constantly evaluate these protocols as science, technology and our knowledge of the virus evolve and will provide guests with all relevant information, including any changes to protocols prior to setting sail. These protocols focus on three key pillars:
We have developed a comprehensive and multi-layered set of health and safety protocols that span the entire cruise journey, guided by the expert advice from our Healthy Sail Panel. We will continuously refine and improve these protocols as science, technology and our knowledge of the virus improve and will provide guests with all relevant information or any changes to protocols prior to setting sail.
Pre-Cruise and Onboard ProtocolsSAFETY FOR OUR GUESTS And CREW
Mandatory Vaccinations Against Covid-19 on Initial Voyages
All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated, at least 2 weeks prior to departure, in order to board. Guest vaccination requirements are currently for all sailings embarking through October 31, 2021- we will follow the science to make determinations on requirements for all other future sailings.
Universal testing & Pre-Embarkation Protocols
All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test, administered and paid for by the cruise line, prior to boarding and receive a negative result. Guests are also responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements which may include additional testing.
Socially Responsible Check-In
We’ve designed an enhanced, staggered embarkation process and new check-in system to streamline check in for guests by allowing documents to be signed electronically.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are currently required for guests while indoors except for in their own accommodations and while eating and drinking in restaurants, bars and lounges or outdoors when physical distancing is not possible.
Controlled Guest Capacity
We will initially control the guest capacity onboard each ship to provide even more space for responsible physical distancing. We have also increased spacing in dining and entertainment venues and other onboard spaces.
Contactless Food Service Ship-Wide
Contactless food and beverage service will be provided across all ships with service staff stationed ship-wide, including all restaurants and lounges.
Hand Sanitation
All guests will be required to engage in frequent handwashing and hand sanitizer will be prominently placed and easily accessible throughout the ship.
Vaccines that have been authorized for use by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be accepted.
Cruises with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021: All guests sailing aboard cruises with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021, are required to be fully vaccinated, at least 2 weeks prior to departure, in order to board. Vaccines combined with multi-layered and robust preventative health and safety measures, including universal COVID-19 testing prior to embarkation, will help us provide a uniquely safe and healthy vacation environment that we believe exceeds all other vacation choices on land and at sea. Each guest must submit proof they have completed the full cycle of required doses for the vaccine administered at least 2 weeks prior to their sail date. Guests who are not old enough to be vaccinated or otherwise not eligible to be vaccinated will not be allowed on these sailings.
Cruises with embarkation dates beginning November 1, 2021: Given the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, the accelerating rollout of the vaccine, and the speed of scientific learnings, it is premature to make decisions on our health and safety protocols for cruises with embarkation dates beginning November 1, 2021. We will continue to evaluate our health and safety protocols and rely on science and our expert council as we make decisions and evolve our policies and procedures.
Yes, if a guest has an active reservation as of April 5, 2021 for a cruise with a vaccination requirement (currently all sailings through October 31, 2021), that the guest is unable to comply with; guest will be permitted to apply the full value of all amounts paid to a new future cruise credit or, at their discretion, be provided a cash refund in an amount equal to their original cash payment by visiting https://www.ncl.com/case-submission. Refund amount will be subject to Norwegian's cancellation fee policy communicated to our guests at time of booking and can be found on our website https://www.ncl.com/about/cancellation-fee-schedule
The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our number one priority. In order to provide the safest cruise experience possible, all guests and crew will need to be fully vaccinated for all sailings with embarkation dates prior to October 31, 2021. Therefore, minors who have not yet been eligible to be vaccinated will not be permitted to sail on these voyages. Minors who have been fully vaccinated are welcome to sail.
We look forward to the day when we can safely welcome these guests back onboard our ships, when the public health environment allows us to modify our protocols accordingly. We will continue to constantly evaluate our health and safety protocols with our expert Council and will follow the latest science to determine requirements for all future sailings embarking beginning in November 2021. We commit to keeping guests apprised of any policy changes as far in advance as possible of their scheduled vacation.
In order to provide the safest cruise experience possible, all guests and crew will need to be fully vaccinated for all sailings embarking through October 31, 2021. We will continue to constantly evaluate our health and safety protocols with our expert Council and will follow the latest science to determine requirements for all future sailings embarking beginning in November 2021. We commit to keeping guests apprised of any policy changes as far in advance as possible of their scheduled vacation.
Global travel requirements are quickly evolving and vary by country of departure. Communication will be sent to all booked guests in the 30 days prior to setting sail, to share the latest requirements for each departure port. Make sure to download our app and update your contact information so that we know how to reach you.
Given the fluidity of the current public health environment, all guests are strongly advised to monitor travel requirements and advisories for their home countries and are responsible for monitoring and complying with applicable travel restrictions.
At this time, we expect each guest will need to provide the following:
For cruises with embarkation dates through October 31, 2021, all guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at least 2 weeks prior to their sail date with an authorized vaccine;
Any documentation required from the country where you are embarking the vessel. This could include proof of a negative COVID-19 test result for entry into the country and will vary by departure country and is the responsibility of the guest;
Negative COVID-19 antigen test result prior to embarkation, which will be administered and paid for by cruise line;
Completed health questionnaire;
Typical travel documents, including passport or any visas as required by the departure country.
We are closely monitoring the evolving global public health environment and to the extent any itineraries are affected, we will notify impacted guests in a timely fashion and update our booking requirements. Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries.
Communication will be sent to all booked guests in the 30 days prior to setting sail, to share the latest requirements for each departure port along with updates to health and safety protocols. Make sure to download our app and update your contact information so that we know how to reach you.
If a guest, or member of their party, is denied entry to the country due to a positive COVID-19 test within 2 weeks of their sail date, they will be permitted to apply the full value of all amounts paid to a future cruise credit or, at the guest’s discretion, be provided a cash refund.
If a guest is denied entry due to non-compliance with travel requirements and/or health and safety protocols a refund will not be provided.
We will comply with all local regulations at all destinations we visit. These regulations are continuously evolving and if an additional test is required at a port of call we will provide advanced notice to all guests.
All guests are required to accept the terms and conditions in our guest ticket contract. In addition, guests will be required to agree to abide by all of the cruise line's health and safety protocols and acknowledge the risks associated with COVID-19 during their voyage and shoreside experiences. Guests who fail to agree to these terms and conditions will not be permitted to board.
If one person in the party tests positive for COVID-19, immediate family members, those travelling in the same cabin as the guest who tested positive and those identified as a close contact will be denied boarding.
If you are denied boarding due to a positive COVID-19 test at embarkation, the cruise line will coordinate and cover costs for travel arrangements, for you and those travelling with you if they are also denied boarding. The cruise line will not be able to assist with travel arrangements if a guest is denied boarding as a result of a violating the cruise line's health and safety protocols.
Guests and members of their party who are denied boarding due to a positive COVID-19 test result, within 2 weeks of their sail date, will be permitted to apply the full value of all amounts paid to a future cruise credit or, at the guest's discretion, be provided a cash refund. Guests who are denied boarding due to a violation of protocols, for example not testing in advance, will not receive a refund.
We are controlling the guest capacity onboard each ship to provide even more space. To further support physical distancing, we have increased spacing in dining and entertainment venues and other onboard spaces.
Nearly all onboard venues and activities, including entertainment, spas and casinos, will still be available with some temporary modifications or changes to activities due to the current public health environment. While onboard, guests will be guided through any additional health and safety protocols.
Guests who test positive for COVID-19 during their cruise and are required to quarantine will receive a pro-rated cash refund or a pro-rated Future Cruise Credit. If a guest followed all of the cruise line's health and safety protocols, the cruise line will coordinate and cover the cost of necessary COVID-19 related medical treatment, required land-based quarantine and travel arrangements to get the guest safely back to their home.
All refund requests must be made within six months of the date they cancelled their voyage or the scheduled embarkation date, whichever is earlier, or they will be entitled to a Future Cruise Credit for the amount specified. To apply for a refund guests should visit https://www.ncl.com/case-submission.
No, due to enhanced health and safety measures we have put into place prior to embarkation we cannot accommodate guests joining the cruise once the sailing has commenced. Guests will not be eligible for a refund or any type of compensation if they miss the ship's departure.
No, we do not currently have any restrictions or limitations for guests with pre-existing health conditions. All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing.
Increased Sanitation, Upgraded Air Filtration, Enhanced Health ServicesSafety Aboard our Ships
Comprehensive enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, using EPA approved disinfectants, have been implemented throughout the cruise experience.
Upgraded Medical-Grade Air Filters
We are strategically installing medical-grade air filters of the highest filtration grade, MERV 13 or HEPA, capable of removing 99.9% of airborne pathogens, including COVID-19, and implementing new bi-polar ionization technology.
Enhanced Onboard Medical Teams & Health Services
We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing relative to capacity and enhanced facilities including new and upgraded equipment and onshore medical institution partnerships.
Dedicated Public Health Officer
All ships will sail with a dedicated Public Health Officer on board that will oversee the day-to-day sanitation and cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations.
Guests who have symptoms of COVID-19 while onboard should immediately contact the onboard medical centre for further instruction. Complimentary consultations and treatments are provided for respiratory illnesses as well as dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise. Medical centres will be equipped to test for SARS-CoV-2 onboard and if a positive case is identified, contact tracing for that individual will begin immediately and occur at the same time as treatment.
We have also enhanced our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing and enhanced facilities. This includes an increase in intensive care unit capacity, new and upgraded equipment, onshore medical institution partnerships, telemedicine capabilities and additional robust consultation and treatment options. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available.
We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing directly related to sailing capacity, new and upgraded equipment and enhanced facilities. All vessels will have COVID-19 testing capabilities on board and results onsite. We have increased intensive care units (ICU) capacity onboard and ICUs are equipped with infusion pumps, IV treatments, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, cardiac pacemakers and ventilators.
Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place, including Cleveland Clinic Florida, to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. Vessels are equipped with an onboard laboratory, which can administer Complete Blood Counts (CBC), Blood Chemistry, Coagulation tests, and Influenza tests. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies.
Complimentary consultations and treatments are provided for respiratory illnesses as well as dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise.
If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the cruise line will coordinate and cover the costs related to necessary COVID-19 related medical treatment, required land-based quarantine and travel arrangements to get the guest safely back home. We will also cover the same costs for identified close contacts if they are required to quarantine onboard or are removed or denied re-boarding due to being in close contact to a guest who tests positive.
We constantly monitor the health environment across the globe and will modify or cancel itineraries to affected areas as needed.
Partners in Prevention
We’re partnering with our local destinations and tour operators to extend our comprehensive health & safety protocols to shore.
Shore Excursions
During our first full month of operations, July and August 2021, guests will be required to purchase a Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursion. This policy will be continually evaluated with our Sail Safe expert council and we will modify requirements accordingly.
Thorough & Effective Mobilization Plan in Event of OutbreakMOBILIZATION & RESPONSE
Contact Tracing
If a positive case of COVID-19 occurs, we have various contact tracing methodologies to identify and notify those who may have been exposed.
Isolation/Quarantine
Dedicated isolation and quarantine accommodations will be available if needed.
Debarkation Scenarios
We have developed a thorough mobilization and response plan focused on providing medical treatment, collaborating with local authorities and coordinating safe passage home for all guests and crew should the need arise. We have also established relationships with onshore medical institutions and enhanced our telemedicine consultation capabilities.
Guests cannot opt out as contact tracing is necessary for all guests and crew to facilitate an effective mobilization response to keep everyone safe if there is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 onboard. Medical information for all guests and crew will be securely maintained and protected in the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant medical software.
We have developed a comprehensive and multi-layered set of health and safety protocols that span the entire cruise journey, guided by the expert advice from the Healthy Sail Panel and our Company's SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council. We will continuously refine and improve these protocols as science, technology and our knowledge of the virus improve and will provide guests with all relevant information and any changes to protocols prior to setting sail.
All guests and crew are required to comply with our health and safety requirements to protect everyone onboard, at the terminal and at destinations we visit. Individuals who do not comply with requirements will be denied boarding or disembarked from the cruise.
We strongly encourage guests to download the Cruise Norwegian app. In addition to the variety of features and enhancements that will make the cruise journey seamless, guests will save time at the pier by completing the online check-in, which includes the Company’s new Health & Safety section which is required to be completed by all guests prior to sailing.
Guests can preview and book onboard activities, dining reservations, shore excursions and entertainment both before boarding and while on the ship. They can also review important trip details, access the day's schedule, view Latitudes loyalty information, call and message guests including group chat*.
*Calling and messaging package has a nominal one-time fee for making unlimited onboard calls and messages during your cruise.
It's Finally Time to BREAK FREE
Let’s get cruising! Check out our first available cruises in The Caribbean and Europe on Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem starting this summer.