SAIL SAFE

Unless otherwise stipulated by local regulations (Cruise Travel Requirements by Country) that would supersede our policy, at time of check-in, all guests age 2 and over will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test (I.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party or via medically supervised home test within two days prior to embarkation date for cruises originating in a U.S. or Canadian port and within three days prior for voyages departing from a non-U.S. port. Guests must bring digital or printed proof of negative test results. If a guest is unable to provide proof of a negative result at the time of embarkation, only antigen testing will be available at the terminal at the guest’s expense. Please note that PCR testing will not be available at the terminal, and if this part of the pre-embarkation requirement you will be unfortunately denied boarding. Laboratory Test results need to be in English and include the following information:

• Your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
• Your date of birth
• The result of the test
• The date the test sample was collected
• The name of the test provider
• Confirmation of the type of test provided

In order to facilitate, Norwegian has partnered with Inspired Diagnostics lab to ensure that guests have access to a quick, efficient and easy way to access the required FDA-approved proctored in-home antigen test prior to embarkation from the comfort of their own home. Inspired Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Inspire Health Alliance, a leader in best-in-class health services. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple.

• Sign up on the testing site https://inspirediagnostics.com/ncl/
• Receive the test kit(s) by UPS
• Schedule an on-line proctoring consultation
• Receive certified results via email

Should you have any questions about Inspired Diagnostics’ in-home testing services, please visit https://inspirediagnostics.com/ncl/, call Inspired Diagnostics at 949-207-3315, or email info@inspirediagnostics.com. Please be certain to identify yourself as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Guests are also responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements which may include additional pre-embarkation testing at the terminal. On select sailings where local government or health authorities may require guests to partake in additional COVID-19 testing on embarkation day, NCL will provide this testing free of charge at the terminal. This would be in addition to NCL’s pre-embarkation COVID-19 testing requirements listed above. Please refer to Cruise Travel Requirements by Country for country specific requirements.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding.

Additionally, unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canada port will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.

Other available pre-embarkation testing services:

Additionally, the following services offer a verified third party or medically supervised at home testing: eMed or BioReference-Scarlett Concierge testing service – BioReference sends a trained Scarlet Health Professional to your home to collect your COVID-19 test specimen.

Locate a Covid-19 Testing Provider Prior to Your Cruise:

Should you need to locate a testing provider prior to beginning travel or while traveling prior to your cruise, please visit TestForTravel.com, an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world. Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. It also allows you to search by test type – PCR or Antigen.

To understand the earliest you should test prior to your cruise vacation, see below:

As a reminder, all guests are responsible for checking on travel restrictions and complying with all requirements, which may include additional pre-embarkation testing at the terminal. NCL recommends for all guests to follow, and where possible, sign up for notifications from their local government on international travel regulations that may prevent, restrict, or require additional documentation when traveling to another country for embarkation or during their cruise.

For additional information, please visit www.ncl.com/travel-requirements-by-country.

• Individuals that test positive within 90 days of their scheduled embarkation date are exempted from the pre-arrival testing.
• They must have one of the below acceptable forms of COVID-19 Recovery (dated no less than 10 days and no more than 90 days (US) & 180 days (EU) before the date of embarkation) available during check-in.
• On European sailings ONLY In lieu of, a booster dose 270 days after the primary series, guests may present a government recognized or official medical “Certificate of Recovery”. 
• For European Citizens, this would include an EU Green Pass or comparable certificate. 
• For all others unable to present an EU Green Pass (i.e., US Citizens) a doctor’s note, plus a laboratory-confirmed PCR test result with the proper information (i.e., Name, Date, Date of Birth, Positive Result, etc.)

All guests age 12 and over, as well as all crew, must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure, in order to board. While we welcome unvaccinated children under the age of 12 onboard, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing.

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding.

Additionally, unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canada port will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.

It is important to note that many countries, especially in Europe, are now requiring guests who have been fully vaccinated more than a certain number of months to also be ‘boosted’ in order to visit.

Please review What vaccines will be accepted? For full details.

Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries – make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements.

For All Norwegian Cruise Line Ships:

• Any U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and/or World Health Organization (WHO) authorized single brand vaccination protocol ≥2 weeks after receipt of the final dose.

• i.e. J&J Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford (Vaxzevria & CoviShield), Novavax and Covovax, Sinopharm or Sinovac, etc.
• A mixed vaccination combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO Emergency Use Listed (EUL) COVID-19 two-dose series with a minimum interval of 17 days.
• Note: Individuals receiving a Janssen COVID-19 vaccine before or after another COVID-19 vaccine are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after receipt of the single dose of the Janssen vaccine.
• Current Unauthorized Vaccines: Sputnik V
• To be fully vaccinated means to complete the full brand vaccination protocol of one brand of vaccine OR two doses of a mixed vaccination combination, and therefore a single shot of AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinopharm or Sinovac after COVID-19 recovery is NOT considered being fully vaccinated.
• Any guest who is required to be vaccinated must 1) be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, 2) acknowledge vaccination status prior to sailing and 3) present proof of vaccination at the pier at embarkation in order to board.  Guests must be vaccinated per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO)and European Medicines Agency (EMA) in order to sail. See below for specific vaccine requirements for children. As science, technology and government regulations evolve, we will update our health and safety protocols as needed and appropriate.
• Vaccines received via clinical trials will not be accepted as they do not specify vaccine received.

Children and Teens between the ages of 12 and 17: Full vaccination protocol at least two weeks after receipt of the final dose of Pfizer-BioNTech only.

For EU sailings, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be accepted for vaccinated children and teens between the ages of 5 and 17 and Moderna (Spikevax) for children 12-17 years of age.

Please review “Will all guests be required to be vaccinated prior to the cruise?” and “What vaccines will be accepted?” for vaccine requirements. As science, technology and government regulations evolve, we will update our health and safety protocols as needed and appropriate.

Guests age 2 and over who have purchased a pre-cruise Cruisetour in Hawaii with Norwegian Cruise Line will undergo a COVID-19 antigen test at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki the evening prior to embarkation. This test will be paid for by Norwegian Cruise Line. Further details on location and time will be outlined in your Welcome Letter when you arrive to the hotel.

Guests age 2 and over who have purchased a pre-cruise Cruisetour in Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line will undergo a COVID-19 antigen test during their program. This test will be paid for by Norwegian Cruise Line. Further details will be outlined by your Tour Manager while on the program.

At this time, our Cruisetour vendors do not require any pre-tour Covid-19 testing; however, Norwegian Cruise Line still recommends all guests participating take a test prior to joining the Cruisetour. Please note that for unvaccinated children ages 2 through 11, the pre-embarkation testing requirements as listed on https://www.ncl.com/sail-safe are required to be met.

If a Cruisetour guest receives a positive COVID-19 result when testing at the pier upon arrival, they will be denied boarding and will likely be required to quarantine by local officials. Norwegian Cruise Line will assist with expenses related to any mandatory quarantine that are not covered by their travel insurance only if the guest provides proof of negative COVID-19 NAAT test (I.e. PCR) or antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to Cruisetour start date. Guests age 2 and over who are unable to provide proof of a negative test taken within 48-hours of their Cruisetour start date will not qualify for reimbursement should the applicable expenses not be covered by their travel insurance. Proof of negative COVID-19 NAAT test (I.e. PCR) or antigen test taken within 48-hours of Cruisetour start date must show guest name, date of birth and date the test was taken in order to be eligible.

Please visit https://www.ncl.com/refund-and-cancellation-policy-covid-19 for the most up to date information on refund eligibility including how to request a refund should you or your travel companions qualify.

Children and Teens under the age of 12 can sail aboard our ships unvaccinated. All unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding.

Additionally, unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canada port will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 traveling with vaccinated parents will be welcomed at all venues not restricted by age requirements. Children will be prohibited from adults-only venues, such as Vibe Beach Club.

Guests age 12 and older must acknowledge vaccination status prior to their sailing and bring proof of vaccination to the terminal for their cruise. Preferred proof form is the original vaccination record document issued by either the country's health authority that administered the vaccination or the guest's medical provider that completed the vaccine administration, however, photo of vaccination record document will also be accepted. Electronic vaccination records will be accepted for residents of countries where electronic documentation is the standard issued form. Confirmation email of vaccination appointment will not be accepted.

Global travel requirements are quickly evolving and vary by country of departure. All guests are encouraged to download our Cruise Norwegian App to update their 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:

• Any documentation required from the country where the guest is embarking. This could include but is not limited to proof of a specific negative COVID-19 test result. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest;
• Proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19:
  • All guests age 12 and older must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an authorized vaccine at least two weeks prior to their sail date;
• Negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result prior to embarkation, as follows:
  • Unless otherwise stipulated by local regulations (Cruise Travel Requirements by Country) that would supersede our policy, at the time of check-in, guests age 2 and over will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within two days prior to boarding for cruises originating in a U.S. or Canadian port and three days prior for voyages departing from a non-U.S. port. If you are unable to provide proof of a negative result at the time of embarkation, antigen testing will be available at the terminal at the guests’ expense (cost may vary depending on the port and the vendor).
  • All unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding.
    • Additionally, unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canada port will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.
• Completed health questionnaire (prior to embarkation);
• Standard travel documents, including passport or any visas as required;

Any documentation required from the country the guest is traveling to, after the cruise. This could include but not be limited to proof of a specific negative COVID-19 test result. These requirements will vary by country and will be facilitated by Norwegian Cruise Line during the sailing at the responsibility of the guest’s request.

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.

For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country.

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. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country.

*Please note, in the event a port included as part of an itinerary requires additional COVID-19 testing in order for guests to disembark, Norwegian Cruise line will facilitate the testing onboard.

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.

Antigen Tests

COVID-19 antigen tests prior to disembarkation will be administered on board and paid for by the Cruise Line for those guests who require a test to return home.

PCR Tests

Effective for all disembarkations beginning January 8, 2022, PCR tests will only be available onboard to confirm a positive antigen test, or to test a symptomatic patient. Those guests requiring a PCR test to return home will be responsible for expense and must obtain the test shoreside after the disembarkation either at a company designated facility, at the airport prior to flying out, or at a nearby clinic of their choice. At all US disembarkation ports, Norwegian Cruise Line has engaged a vendor to administer PCR testing at the terminal for those guests requiring a PCR test to return home. If guests choose this service, the guests will proceed to a designated area in the terminal for their PCR test at the guests' expense which varies by port, then proceed with their travel plans as they await their test results which will be sent electronically approximately 90 minutes after the test.

In non-U.S. ports availability may be available for PCR testing prior to flying home in the terminal, however guests are free to book their PCR test at the airport or a local clinic at their convenience. Please allow the proper time in your travels to obtain the result before flying home.

Estimated PCR test costs by port are as follows:

• All current US departure ports (except those listed below) - $125 per person
• New Orleans - $180 per person
• New York - $250 per person
• San Juan - $150 per person
• All current Europe departure ports - $125 per person

We will continue to update as additional services become available.

If a guest booked a post-cruise hotel, it is the responsibility of the guest to make their own arrangements to get re-tested at their own expense.

Yes, all guests age 12 and over and crew will be required to be fully vaccinated even if they have antibodies from prior infections, regardless of the guest’s citizenship and their local government’s regulations. For details about what is considered to be fully vaccinated, refer to "What vaccines will be accepted?" question.

For sailings originating from a U.S. port:

Guests are not required to wear masks onboard, however, we recognize the added protections provided when wearing a mask covering and recommend that all guests do so onboard when indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom.   Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when physical distancing of at least six (6) feet cannot be maintained.  The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest. 

For sailings originating from a European port:

Local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Face masks that have two or more layers that completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly on your face are permitted. Face masks should block light when held up to bright light source. Masks with exhalation valves or vents; single layer or masks made of thin fabric that don't block light (i.e. neck gaiters) are not permitted.

Please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country for more information about the destinations and mask type required.

For all sailings:

All crew members are required to wear face coverings while onboard.

In addition, local regulations must be adhered to while in port.

We will initially control the guest capacity onboard each ship to provide even more space per guest.

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 on board, guests will be guided through any additional health and safety protocols.

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.

Yes, we offer guests the option to purchase travel protection plans. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19.

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.

Guests who have symptoms of COVID-19 while onboard should immediately contact the onboard medical center for further instruction. Complimentary onboard consultations and treatments are provided for respiratory illnesses as well as dedicated isolation accommodations should the need arise. Medical centers will be equipped to test for COVID-19 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 centers 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 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 centers are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies.

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.

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.

As delivering the best experience for our guests is always a top priority, after working closely with our destination partners, we anticipate that guests will be free to explore certain ports of call on their own. Please keep in mind that this is largely dependent on the local health authorities and the evolving regulations, which are subject to change. In order to keep our guests as safe as possible, we highly recommend taking our company organized shore excursions as a more controlled environment for you to enjoy your time in each of the destinations.

For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country.

On US based vessels, Norwegian does not require a disembarkation test. However, this does not supersede home country requirements. For Europe based vessels, an antigen disembarkation test is required and will be administered onboard and cost will be covered by Norwegian Cruise Line. There will be no PCR tests available to guests onboard unless required to confirm a positive antigen test or for symptomatic guests.

In addition, all unvaccinated guests ages 2 through 11 on sailings from or to a U.S. or Canadian port will be subject to additional disembarkation as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters. NCL will facilitate and cover all costs associated with disembarkation testing for non-vaccinated guests under the age of 12.

Yes, guests age 2 and over will be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test and show a negative result before continuing on the second leg of a back-to-back sailing. The antigen test will be conducted onboard during the end of the first cruise and will be paid for by the Cruise Line.