CruiseHealth™ FAQ: Sailings from Europe

Princess Cruises continues to operate vaccinated cruises. For sailings from Europe and the United Kingdom at least 95% of guests 12 and older will be fully vaccinated. In addition, where local regulations allow, we are managing an exemption process for guests 12 and older, that supports medical, religious and other guest considerations.

Children under five may be booked and are not required to take a pre-cruise COVID-19 test. Children ages five to 11 can sail if they are fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative PCR test taken within three days of embarkation at the terminal before boarding and follow all other requirements for unvaccinated guests.

Fully vaccinated guests must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination (with the dates of doses received) at the terminal prior to boarding. Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. If you are unlikely to be fully vaccinated at the time of departure, please refer to Book with Confidence Policy.

Guests should always ensure they understand all requirements to travel from their home country to the destinations they plan to visit. Requirements are updated frequently and official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries are recommended sources for protocols.

We only accept vaccines that are approved or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA). Some countries and regions on your itinerary may only accept vaccines approved by their regulatory agencies.

Currently approved or authorized vaccines:

For updated authorized vaccine information, refer to:

• See authorized U.S. FDA vaccines
• See authorized World Health Organization vaccines
• See authorized European Medicines Agency vaccines
• See authorised Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration vaccines

For cruises departing from Europe, to be considered "fully vaccinated", a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is required for all guests 18 years and older, if the last dose of the primary course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine series was received more than 270 days (9 months) from the date of disembarkation. There is currently no requirement for guests to receive a second booster dose; nor is there a requirement for guests ages 17 and under to receive an initial booster dose, regardless of when the last dose in an approved COVID-19 vaccine series was received.

It is our guests’ responsibility to comply with the Princess vaccination policy.

Before cruise departure, guests eligible for vaccination will be required to attest through the MedallionClass app that they will be fully vaccinated at the time of embarkation. This means completing all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine series at least 14 days before embarkation. Guests should be ready to show original proof of vaccination at cruise check-in.

Original proof of vaccination should clearly show the guest’s name on the vaccination card or certificate, which matches their photo ID, the dates vaccine doses were given (final dose must have been received at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise), and the name of the facility administering the vaccination. Alternative proof may be required if there are questions and concerns about the submitted proof of vaccination.

Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. Information provided will be subject to our privacy notice on princess.com and shared only as needed with Princess personnel, third parties or local health authorities as part of embarkation-related health protocols.

For UK guests, please note that the record card that is given out at the time of vaccination will not be accepted as proof of your vaccination status. Proof of vaccination can be printed or a digital format (a screenshot is fine) and must be an official certificate of vaccine status issued by your local health authority (e.g. NHS England).

Please visit your relevant NHS or local health authority website for full details of how to obtain an official record of your vaccine status in advance of your holiday (please note that some authorities require up to 10 days to process applications to receive postal certificates). Guests in England can download the NHS app, register with their NHS number and photo ID and gain access to ‘Get your NHS COVID Pass’ – this allows you to download a PDF copy of your vaccine record and/or request to receive an offline copy by email. Alternatively, to prove your vaccination status you can show a screenshot of your vaccination details which appear below your unique 2D barcode within the app. This shows the details of each vaccination and the date given – please note that there are two different screens for vaccination 1 and 2. We are unable to scan the 2D barcode within the app; the teams at the terminal need to see the information shown below the 2D barcode which confirms the dates of vaccination. Please register for the NHS app well in advance of travel as NHS app accounts can take up to 14 days to approve. If using the app, in case of any connectivity issues we’d recommend taking a screenshot so that you can easily show this at the terminal.

Please also see the below useful links:

• England
  We will accept the digital or printed version of the NHS England COVID Pass.
• Wales
  We will accept the printed (or soon to be available digital) version of the NHS Wales COVID Pass.
• Scotland
  We will accept the printed or digital version of the NHS Scotland vaccination status record.
• Northern Ireland:
  We will accept the printed or digital version of the official Department of Health proof of vaccination document..
• Jersey
  We will accept Jersey’s COVID Status Certificate distributed to all vaccinated islanders.
• Guernsey
  We will accept Guernsey’s official proof of vaccination letter distributed to all vaccinated islanders.
• Isle of Man
  We will accept the digital or printed version of the NHS England COVID-19 Pass.
• Europe
  We will accept the EU digital Covid certificate.

For international, non-UK guests, the following formats are acceptable proofs of full vaccination: Digital or paper records, or QR codes, showing the vaccine type, the date of each vaccine administered, the individual’s name and date of birth or other identifier.

Guests sailing are required to be fully vaccinated. Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 or blood antibody tests are not accepted in place of a primary vaccination series.

In a two-dose series, we accept mixed vaccine types only if at least two doses of an authorized vaccine were administered at least 28 days apart, with the last dose given at least 14 days before sailing. See question "Which COVID-19 vaccines will be accepted on board?" for a list of currently approved or authorized vaccines.

For European voyages departing on or after 7 May, COVID-19 vaccine boosters are required for guests 18 years and older whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 9 months (270 days) from the date of disembarkation to be considered "fully vaccinated".

There is currently no requirement for guests to receive a second booster dose; nor is there a requirement for guests ages 17 and under to receive an initial booster dose, regardless of when the last dose in an approved COVID-19 vaccine series was received.

New vaccination entry requirements can change without notice, so we recommend you keep your vaccination status up to date and ensure you are familiar with the requirements for the destinations you plan to visit.

We manage an exemption process for a small number of guests who are ineligible for vaccines, subject to the regulations of the ports we visit. Exemptions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Children ages 5-11 years are not required to apply for an exemption but must still follow all other requirements for unvaccinated guests. Children under five years old are also not required to apply for a vaccine exemption and are not required to take any COVID-19 tests. To request an exemption, please call us:

To request an exemption, please call us:

• North America: 1-800-PRINCESS
• United Kingdom: 0344 338 8663
• Australia: 13 24 88
• New Zealand: 0800 780 717

We’re pleased to welcome aboard all children under five years old. They are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines and will now be permitted to book without requiring an exemption.

Based on current European Union Healthy Gateways (EUHG) guidelines, to board the ship, all guests ages five years and above will require a medically observed, negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within three days of embarkation. These protocols are subject to change and we’ll communicate any updates as they become available. Current testing requirements are as follows:

We recommend guests take a medically observed viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) prior to leaving home to avoid queues and travel disruptions associated with a possible positive result on the day of embarkation. We understand that this may not be possible based on your travel plans. For fully vaccinated guests, we will be able to provide a limited number of antigen tests that meet our requirements, at or near the terminal. For those that wish to take advantage of this convenience, a fee of $60 USD per person will apply as a stateroom folio charge to cover our internal costs.

For fully vaccinated guests who can show proof of testing within the three-day window but did not receive their test results back in time, Princess will provide complimentary testing at or near the terminal on the day of your cruise departure.

All guests ages 12 and above that have been approved for a vaccination exemption, as well as unvaccinated children ages five to 11 years old, will need an embarkation day COVID-19 test performed at the terminal in addition to the pre-cruise PCR test noted in the chart above. Charges may apply.

For cruises embarking in Greece: The Greek government requires guests to take a COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen) within 1 day of embarkation. We understand that it may be difficult to find testing that can provide results within a tight turnaround. Accordingly, if guests do not receive their test results in time or are unable to find a testing location, Princess will provide complimentary testing at the terminal.

Guests who travel internationally should always ensure they understand all entry and airlines requirements to travel from their home country and the destinations they plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel PCR COVID-19 testing to enter a country. Details continue to be updated regularly; official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries are the recommended resources.

U.S. Guests:
Contact your nearest health center, pharmacy (including CVS and Walgreens), state health department, or transiting airport to learn more about their availability for COVID-19 testing.

Princess also recommends a couple of options for FDA-authorized, medically supervised at-home antigen test kits for U.S.-based vaccinated guests.

Optum offers an at-home antigen test kit ($69.99 for two), which can be ordered and shipped to your door in 3 business days or less. These at-home tests include a personal virtually video-supervised visit with an eMed Certified Guide through telehealth services. These guides will help you properly administer the test and verify the results, within 15 minutes. The lab result report is delivered via email and can be printed or displayed on your mobile device during check-in. Please place your order about two weeks prior to your boarding. Order your Optum test kit online^.

Radeas offers an at-home antigen test kit ($45 each), which can be ordered and shipped to your door for free in 5-7 business days. The kit includes a telemedicine consultation. Orders can be shipped within one month of your cruise date. Order your Radeas test kit online^.

U.K. Guests:
For U.K.-based guests, Princess recommends an option for an FDA-authorized, medically supervised at-home antigen test kit through our testing partner Prenetics™ (£30). Order your Lateral Flow Antigen test kit online^.

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Vaccinated guests may use a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as an at-home test) that meets the following criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please note, antigen tests are accepted for fully vaccinated guests, but not for unvaccinated guests.
• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.
• The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Princess has partnered with Optum and Radeas so that U.S.-based vaccinated guests can order an FDA-authorized at-home antigen test kit, shipped to home. These at-home tests include a telehealth service. Please place your order with enough time to be shipped prior to your boarding. Order your Optum test kit^ or Radeas test kit online^.

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Guests must take a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) viral test that's either an antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

• Antigen tests include:
  • Rapid antigen
  • Viral antigen
  • Antigen chromatographic digital immunoassay
  • Antigen chemiluminescence immunoassay
  • Antigen lateral flow fluorescence
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) include:
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • Reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-PCR)
  • Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
  • Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
  • Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
  • Molecular test or molecular diagnostic
  • Isothermal amplification
  • Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
  • Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)

The following formats are acceptable proof of a COVID-19 test: paper COVID-19 test results (original only; no photocopies accepted), digital or emailed COVID-19 test results; or record of COVID-19 testing from a healthcare provider including original digital email notification or personal electronic health record.

The negative COVID-19 test result must include:

• Where the test was administered, including name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test
• Type of test (indicating it is a NAAT or antigen test)
• A specimen collection date within the necessary time frame before cruise departure
• Guest’s name and either date of birth, age, or passport number
• A negative test result using words or phrases including:
  • Negative
  • Undetectable
  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA not detected
  • SARS-CoV-2 antigen not detected
  • COVID-19 not detected
  • Not reactive

Test results marked “invalid” are not accepted.

We have implemented this mandatory testing policy out of an abundance of caution and based on evidence that those who are vaccinated can become infected and spread COVID-19. As always, our primary commitment is to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted to board, together with their family members and close contacts, and should not travel to the ship.

If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are suspected of having COVID-19 and are not permitted to board, you are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

If you are denied boarding at the pier, due to testing positive for COVID-19 on embarkation day,, change fees and reasonable expenses related to shoreside medical care for COVID-19, shoreside quarantine and travel home for you and your immediate travel party will be covered by Princess if not reimbursable from medical insurance, a travel protection plan or other responsible party. Any meals during shoreside quarantine will be covered by a per-diem meal allowance as communicated by a letter provided by staff at the pier. (No receipt retention is required.)

If you have purchased a travel protection plan through us, you and your travel companion may make a claim for a refund under the trip interruption benefit instead of receiving the Future Cruise Credit.

Guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their embarkation, do not need to get a viral test before embarkation if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and produce documentation of recovery from COVID-19 infection.

Documentation of Recovery consists of the following:

• Paper or electronic copies of the positive viral test result from a certified laboratory (dated no more than 90 days ago), or
• A valid digital COVID-19 certificate (DCC) or a document issued by an offcial health or government authority showing confirmed previous infection.

Guests who present these documents will need to go through a secondary screening at the terminal and boarding will be approved at the medical staff’s discretion. If guests are not able to obtain documentation of recovery that fulfills the above requirements, they will need to take the required COVID-19 viral test and show a negative result.

Exceptions may apply for asymptomatic guests who have tested positive for COVID-19 within three months of their embarkation if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, are fully recovered with no symptoms and produce documentation of recovery from COVID-19 infection.

Documentation of Recovery consists of the following:

• Paper or electronic copies of the positive viral test result from a certified laboratory (dated no more than 90 days ago) or
• A valid digital COVID-19 certificate (DCC) or a document issued by an official health or government authority showing confirmed previous infection.

Guests who present these documents will need to go through a secondary screening at the terminal, and boarding will be approved at the medical staff’s discretion.

All guests ages five and older must produce a negative viral COVID-19 test taken before embarkation on all Princess sailings.

We understand that it may be difficult for some of our guests to find testing that can provide results within a tight turnaround. Accordingly, for fully vaccinated guests who can show proof of testing within the three-day window but did not receive their test results back in time. Princess will provide complimentary testing at or near the terminal on the day of your cruise departure.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be denied boarding, together with their family members and close contacts, may be required to quarantine shoreside and may be restricted from commercial air travel. If you, your family members, travel companions or other close contacts are suspected of having COVID-19 and are denied boarding, you will be entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC).

We welcome guests who use oxygen concentrators and those who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Unfortunately we are unable to host guests who are dependent on supplemental oxygen tanks or are undergoing hemodialysis at this time. Our medical experts have determined that, for the guest’s own safety, this is the right decision. We remain optimistic that our approach on future sailings will become more flexible.

Please know that we've had to make some difficult decisions based on general public health guidelines and the overall health and safety of our guests. We did not take any of them lightly.

Yes, our crew will be vaccinated and will receive a booster dose in accordance with U.S. CDC guidelines.

Guests are required to bring all necessary travel documents such as passports (with a minimum of six-months validity after your date of return), visas, proof of citizenship, re-entry permits, or minor's permissions.

Requirements may vary based on guest's nationality, as specified in Travel Document Requirements.

Given the current global travel and health environment, all booked guests are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance prior to departure.

For eligible guests, Princess Vacation Protection provides a broad range of benefits, including reimbursement for COVID-19-related expenses, subject to the plan terms. Guests can also purchase third-party travel insurance as well and should check with the provider for specific details on their coverage terms and policies.

Yes, you may arrange your own transportation to the port; however, you must arrive within your selected time to maintain physical distancing during the check-in and boarding process.

Yes, you may book lodging at your own discretion, following local guidelines. However, guests must fulfill all requirements for pre-cruise testing and post-cruise as the destination requires.

Guests should check official government websites for the latest requirements of the destination to understand the specific documents and tests may be required upon arrival.

Yes, you should complete your health questionnaire no later than 24 hours before you embark the ship, using the MedallionClass app. You’ll be asked to confirm your answers when arriving at the terminal.

If you have any symptoms of illness, you will be separated from other embarking guests to undergo a secondary screening. Depending on the outcome of the screening, you and your travel party may be denied boarding.

During a screening, our medical staff will need to verify your health questionnaire answers, or any corrections, and then consider whether to permit you to board.

If you refuse to be tested or screened, or to follow COVID-19 protocols, you will be denied boarding and no refund or credit will be issued.

The results of any COVID-19 tests, and information provided on the health declaration will be subject to the Princess Cruises Privacy Notice and shared only as needed with Princess personnel, third parties or local health authorities as part of screening and embarkation-related health protocols.

Voyages that include Canada:
In addition to your health questionnaire, within 72 hours of embarkation the Canadian government requires all guests (including Canadian residents) to sign into ArriveCAN^ from a computer or download the mobile app to enter your proof of vaccination and travel information. You will receive an ArriveCAN receipt. Please bring a digital copy of the email or print your receipt to bring with you when you travel.

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We’re requiring all guests to complete online check-in and select an arrival time using the MedallionClass app no later than midnight before their sailing date.

There will be a Princess representative on-site at the terminal to support any guests who are denied boarding. However, if you are denied boarding for failure to produce proof of being fully vaccinated at time of embarkation (which means the final dose must have been received at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise), any costs incurred will be at your own expense.

Guests who are denied boarding at the embarkation port for lack of vaccination proof may be able to join the ship at another port on the itinerary, subject to the agreement of the port. Guests must meet the same proof of full vaccination as required of them on embarkation day. Any costs incurred will be at the guest’s own expense.

Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of venues, though they may be required in select venues or situations. This will be clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality mask. Masks should have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask.

We'll provide complimentary surgical masks on board with replacements available upon request.

Additionally, when going ashore, guests should be prepared to follow all local health guidelines, the status of which will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.

Yes, only now we will have our teammates serve you at some stations. Tables will be cleaned and sanitized upon each use.

Guests can reserve dining times for our main dining rooms and specialty restaurants through Dine My Way in the MedallionClass app.

Yes, hand-washing and/or sanitizing stations are available outside all dining venues. Crew members may remind you to wash or sanitize your hands upon entering food service areas.

Yes room service will be available for guests. You can access the menus through OceanNow delivery in the MedallionClass app and on stateroom television. You can also pre-order breakfast by filling out a stateroom breakfast card.

Absolutely. We will feature entertainment of all kinds – production shows, singers, comedians, musicians, lecturers, arts and crafts, bingo, classes and presentations – as part of your onboard experience.

Larger group events including singing groups, The Voice of the Ocean, behind-the-scenes tours and the Captain’s Champagne Waterfall will not be available during these cruises.

High-touch surfaces, including table game positions, slot machines and cashier areas, undergo enhanced and frequent sanitization.

Guests will enjoy contactless MedallionPay payment for any transaction around the ship and see confirmation of their purchases in their folio. We’re also not allowing guests to try on clothing for sale in the retail shops.

Yes, onboard spa services are offered, but amenities may require reservations and capacity may be limited.

Services, such as haircuts, manicures and massages, are available for guests to reserve. All stations, treatment rooms and other high touchpoints are sanitized after each use and frequently.

Yes, the fitness center remains open. We recommend you bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated during your workout.

We have enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols for the gym, with a focus on frequently touched surfaces. We’re asking guests to clean the equipment after each use, with product disinfection wipes located nearby. Team members will also clean all equipment regularly.

Yes, our youth and teen programs still operate, just with enhanced health protocols.

To limit capacity in the centers, entry will be restricted to youth participants. High-touch surfaces, supplies and equipment are sanitized frequently.

Stateroom stewards will ask guests at the beginning of the cruise their preferences regarding cleaning frequency: twice a day, skip turndown cleaning or opt not to have any cleaning service during their cruise. Guests can always request cleaning service using the portal outside of the stateroom or through OceanNow in the MedallionClass app.

Yes, laundromats are available for guests to use.

In accordance with health authority directives, all unvaccinated guests must follow these COVID-19 protocols:

• Show proof of a negative pre-travel COVID-19 RT-PCR test performed three days prior to sailing.
• Have an embarkation day COVID-19 test performed at the terminal. We must provide testing information and reporting to the destinations we visit. Guests will be responsible for the cost of testing and administration in most destinations. Each test is offered at our internal cost and the number of tests required will vary by length of voyage and local requirements.

  Testing requirement	Cost per test	Charge location
  Terminal COVID-19 test	$60	onboard folio
  Testing on board every 4 days	$10	onboard folio
  Testing required by local authorities to go ashore	$10 ($0 if part of company shore excursion)	onboard folio
  Disembarkation test on board	$10	onboard folio

• You may not be permitted ashore in all ports and, if allowed, may only go ashore through shore excursions sold by or through Princess using tour operators who comply with our COVID-19 protocols. Self-exploration or participation in shore excursions not sold through or operated by Princess will not be permitted.
• You may also be required to have a COVID-19 test performed prior to disembarkation.

If you refuse to be tested or screened or to follow COVID-19 protocols, you will be denied boarding, and no refund or credit will be issued.

Anyone who doesn’t comply with the onboard public health measures may be disembarked at the first available opportunity. Other consequences could include being denied service, required stateroom isolation and being banned from sailing in the future. If you are non-compliant, no refund of the cruise fare for unused cruise days or travel expenses (if flying home) will be covered. If your travel party is impacted and/or they are required or voluntarily choose to leave with you, the same policies will apply to them: no refund of cruise fare for unused cruise days or coverage of travel expenses home.

If you feel you need to change your plans after reading these directives for unvaccinated guests, please refer to our Book with Confidence policy for cancellation options.

Anyone who doesn’t comply with the onboard public health measures may be disembarked at the first available opportunity. Other consequences could include being denied service, required stateroom isolation and being banned from sailing in the future.

If you are non-compliant, no refund of the cruise fare for unused cruise days or travel expenses (if flying home) will be covered.

If your travel party is impacted and/or they are required or voluntarily choose to leave with you, the same policies will apply to them: no refund of cruise fare for unused cruise days or coverage of travel expenses home.

You can request non-urgent appointments by phone or through CrewCall Chat using the MedallionClass app. We use an electronic appointment system to schedule arrival times for non-urgent outpatient consultations. This avoids congregation of patients in the Medical Center and allows the medical staff to pre-determine the best location for the consultation, including your stateroom.

Whenever possible, anyone suspected of COVID-19 will be assessed and treated in their staterooms with all medical first responders wearing full PPE. Medical staff will arrange safe transfer of any unwell individuals to the ship’s Medical Center if additional treatment is required that cannot be provided in the stateroom. Onboard COVID-19-related medical center care and suspected case testing will be free of charge.

Yes, anyone reporting or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be reviewed by the shipboard medical staff and tested for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). COVID-19 cases will be assessed and treated either in their stateroom or in a designated area of the Medical Center in a single occupancy ward.

Positive cases that do not require admission to the ship’s medical center, or medical disembarkation, will most likely be moved to a different stateroom for the duration of isolation.

If you, your family members, travel companions or other close contacts are quarantined or medically isolated during your voyage as a result of a positive COVID-19 test during your cruise or are suspected of having COVID-19, you are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit for missed cruise days, including time in quarantine, for you, your travel party and any confirmed close contacts.

If you have purchased a travel protection plan through us, you and your travel companion may make a claim for a refund under the trip interruption benefit instead of receiving the FCC.

Yes, all ships have COVID-19 viral testing capabilities, including SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, RT LAMP and antigen tests. Protocols for testing for SARS-CoV-2 are based on expert recommendations, including CDC testing guidance. Onboard COVID-19-related medical center care for positive or suspected COVID-19 cases is free of charge.

We have consulted with leading medical experts to create an extensive response plan for managing COVID-19 cases on our ships.

We have also made arrangements with local port, health and transportation authorities to support our vessels should it become necessary.

In addition to the onboard Medical Center, the shoreside Health Operations Center is staffed 24/7 by our team of dedicated medical and public health professionals.

Every ship has dedicated medical staff (doctors, nurses, etc.) operating ship medical centers to serve guests and crew on board.

They are up to date on the latest COVID-19 scientific status and trained on all relevant COVID-19 procedures.

We’ve enhanced our shipboard medical capabilities with the necessary staffing, medications, supplies, oxygen, equipment and procedures to triage and treat multiple COVID-19 cases across the full clinical spectrum including intensive care.

We’ve also expanded onboard medical roles to include staff responsible for overseeing public health issues, including outbreak prevention and response.

The medical staff requirements and equipment on each ship meet or exceed the guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Healthcare Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities.

Where possible, we’ve increased outside air to the maximum practical level for each HVAC unit.

HVAC units have been upgraded with F7 (MERV 13) filters, and some units also have the latest generation ultraviolet light (UVC/UVGI) treatment systems to facilitate high quality recirculated air, where possible within design limitations.

The Medical Center has HEPA filtration and is maintained under negative pressure, which means the ventilation system removes more air than it allows into the room.

The ability for guests to go ashore in ports of call is controlled by the governments of the ports we visit, based on their specific COVID-19 protocols and requirements. Particularly in Europe, vaccination requirements vary widely by port. The maximum validity period set by the European Union is about 9 months (270 days) from the last dose in a primary series. However, many countries have even lower limits starting at 90 days. For guests who are not up to date with their vaccinations, additional testing may be needed to go ashore. Guests will be charged $10 USD for each test needed on board. Local protocols are subject to change. Please ensure you are familiar with the requirements of the destinations you plan to visit.

We highly recommend all guests choose shore excursions with Princess Cruises as our teams are in contact with local officials who oversee health and safety standards for these guides and tours. You can pre-purchase shore excursions through Cruise Personalizer or on board using the MedallionClass app, digital portals, or stateroom TV, subject to availability and capacity restrictions. We recommend that you always carry your proof of vaccination and your negative COVID-19 test results from embarkation when going ashore.

If you or any members of your party refuse to comply with our COVID-19 policies and procedures, you won’t be allowed to board the ship after going ashore. We may also take other steps that, in our sole discretion, we feel are necessary to protect the health and safety of our guests and teammates. If this happens, you won’t be entitled to a refund, credit or compensation of any kind and will be responsible for all costs and fines, including (without limitation) travel expenses.

Select ports, subject to their local government directives, may require guests who do not meet their vaccination requirements (are not up to date with vaccinations) to provide proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test to go ashore. In these cases, viral COVID-19 tests (PCR or Antigen) will be offered and administered on board at a nominal charge, in order to satisfy these port requirements.

Please note that destinations on your itinerary may have various documentation requirements for testing and vaccination. This may include a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), required prior to entry. We strongly recommend completing these requirements before you embark for your cruise. Princess can help guide you through this process on board. However, you are responsible for meeting these requirements and we cannot accept responsibility for denied entry.

Masks are recommended, but not required, while on shore excursions. They may be required in some ports by local authorities. When going ashore, guests should be prepared to follow all local health guidelines, the status of which will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination. Tour guides, escorts and transport staff are expected to maintain and monitor physical distancing. Staff is trained in these health precautions and will monitor excursions for symptoms of COVID-19 and take appropriate actions.

All vehicles adhere to cruise line and/or local government capacity limitations, whichever is stricter.

Cleaning and disinfection of all guest venues that follow COVID-19 protocols will be performed prior to guest arrival as well as in between groups, with frequent attention to hand contact and high traffic areas. All equipment, such as gloves, safety helmets and life jackets, are fully sanitized before each use.

Please note that these protocols are subject to change as further details are established. They may be updated in accordance with guidance from public health authorities.

If a negative COVID-19 test is required for re-entry into your home country, Princess will cover the costs of tests, provided guests can show proof that their flight arrangements are the same day as they disembark the ship. Guests will need to make their own test arrangements if onward travel is not the day they disembark.

Guests are encouraged to review their home country’s health authority and travel websites to understand the latest guidance on required testing and timing for return travel.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during your cruise, you will be reimbursed for expenses for COVID-related medical care, including those incurred during any medically required post-disembarkation quarantine period. This includes air change fees if onward travel plans need to change. Any meals during shoreside quarantine will be covered by a per-diem meal allowance as communicated by a letter provided on board prior to disembarkation. (No receipt retention is required.)

Yes, you may book lodging at your own discretion, following local guidelines. Guests must fulfill all requirements for post-cruise testing, if required by the destination.

Check the latest requirements on the destination’s official government website to understand what documents and tests may be required for a post-cruise extended stay.