Major cruise companies make Omicron Covid protocol changes

The three leading cruise companies have released protocol changes on board their ships in response to the ongoing spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
According to a letter sent to guests who have booked cruises, Carnival Cruise Line has made a number of health and safety protocol changes, that the company says will stay in place until the end of January 2022.
Carnival says that said it is responding to the Omicron variant and the changes now include that all guests two years of age and above will need to wear masks indoors, except when eating or drinking, or when in their cabins, and also when outdoors if in large gatherings and physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Carnival Cruise Line also said that as advised by health authorities, guests are recommended to use higher-grade masks indoors, and in addition, Carnival is banning smoking in on-board casinos until January 31, 2022.
Carnival Cruise Line also said that the CDC has strongly recommended that all persons over 16 years obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination when eligible and that the company strongly encouraged all guests who are eligible to get their booster vaccine at least seven days before boarding.
The company added that they expected these measures to be temporary as the COVID-19 situation continued to evolve.
Royal Caribbean International has announced that guests aboard its fleet will be required to wear masks at all times when indoors until at least January 5, again in a letter sent to guests, who have booked cruises and travel agents.
Royal Caribbean International said, “With the recent uptick of COVID-19 in the world and added Omicron variant concerns, we feel it prudent to temporarily tighten our onboard health protocols to require masks indoors at all times, unless actively eating or drinking”, adding, “This new update also applies to vaccinated areas and venues,” the company said.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also made operational changes to upcoming sailings in a letter sent to booked guests requiring guests to wear masks in indoor areas, adding, “In advance of our upcoming cruises. we want to ensure you are aware of our latest health and safety protocols and requirements,” the company and, “Among the latest developments, we are asking guests to wear masks onboard while indoors, except when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom; wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible; and adhere to local regulations when visiting ports of call.”
Norwegian requires all guests are also required to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure and they must show proof of vaccination at the terminal in order to board the vessel, with the company testing all guests pre sailing and recommending guests self-test at home prior to departure.
The new Norwegian Cruise Line protocols include the December 18, 2021 cruise aboard the Norwegian Escape from Port Canaveral and the Norwegian Joy from Miami and also affected is the December 19, 2021 cruise onboard the Norwegian Breakaway from New Orleans, and the December 19, 2021 departure aboard the Norwegian Gem from New York.
Edited: by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor