Masks are no longer compulsory on board: cruise lines are relaxing the corona rules
Created: 02/14/2022 10:23 am
By: Franziska Kaindl
From now on, the mask is only recommended on Royal Caribbean ships.
Things are a bit different on European routes.
© Dennis MacDonald/Imago
Although the Omicron wave has not yet been overcome in many places, the first shipping companies are relaxing their corona rules.
Two cruise companies are abolishing the mask requirement.
In order to make cruises possible, many shipping companies have introduced strict hygiene measures and testing requirements in recent months.
On some ships, access is only possible with a 1G pass*.
But despite all the safety precautions, there were always outbreaks of corona on board cruise liners.
However, two shipping companies are not impressed by this balance sheet.
Instead of further tightening the rules, they want to abolish the mask requirement.
Cruise vacation: From now on, masks are no longer compulsory on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean will
eliminate
the mask requirement on February 14 in some areas of the
ships
.
Mouth and nose protection no longer has to be worn outdoors as long as a sufficient distance can be maintained from other passengers.
Masks are no longer needed in the pool or during other activities where guests can get wet.
Indoors, however, guests must continue to wear mouth and nose protection if they are not sitting or eating or drinking anything.
There is an exception for bars, lounges, restaurants or shows, to which only vaccinated passengers have access - the mask requirement does not apply here either.
It has not yet been decided whether the same rules will also be implemented for cruises* in Europe, explains Royal Caribbean.
Guests would be informed of the measures by email before departure.
Also interesting
: cancel a cruise for free: gut feeling is not enough.
Norwegian Cruise Line will abolish mask requirements from March
Vaccination is compulsory for all travelers aged five years and older
on Norwegian Cruise Line cruises
.
Therefore, from March 1st, masks will no longer be mandatory across the fleet.
Nevertheless, the shipping company recommends that its guests wear mouth and nose protection in closed rooms, provided they are not actively eating or drinking or are in their cabin.
In outdoor areas, wearing a mask is recommended if the minimum distance cannot be maintained.
Ultimately, however, it would be at the discretion of the guest.
Also read
: Booster duty on the cruise: Shipping companies are introducing stricter measures.
On
European cruises
, however, the mask requirement applies when staying indoors and outdoors if social distancing is not possible.
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