Un-vaccinated passengers

[rjack22]

Princess is now allowing 10% of its passengers to be unvaccinated.  I understand that it is on a first come, first served basis.  Does anyone know any more about this?   Are un-vaccinated passengers required to do more testing perhaps?   Or are they going to be restricted in any way?   Does anyone have further information?

 

FYI:   I am fully vaccinated.

[Moondogy]

The following has not been updated since June but here is what it says for departing from US and Canada.

 

Voyages Departing from the United States

Updated: June 24, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type & When to Take Test Before Boarding
		Age: 5 Years and Up
Fully Vaccinated	Received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines with final dose at least 14 days before embarkation.	Antigen within 2 days OR
		PCR within 3 days
Up to Date	Received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible at least 7 days before embarkation.	Antigen within 3 days OR
		PCR within 3 days
Not Vaccinated*	Not fully vaccinated are welcome to cruise. Please contact us to request a vaccination exemption to be presented upon embarkation. If cruise includes a Canadian port, an additional medical exemption is needed.	PCR within 3 days PLUS Antigen at terminal

*Kids age 2 to 4 who aren't eligible for vaccine, are welcome to cruise and will need a PCR within 3 days PLUS Antigen at terminal. Kids under 2 years of age have no vaccination or test requirements. Minimum age to sail is 6 months or 12 months based on cruise itinerary, review Passage Contract for details.

Voyages Departing from Canada

Updated: June 24, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type & When to Take Test Before Boarding
		Age: 5 Years and Up
Fully Vaccinated	Received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines with final dose at least 14 days before embarkation.	Antigen within 2 days OR
		PCR within 72 hours
Up to Date	Received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible at least 7 days before embarkation.	Antigen within 2 days OR
		PCR within 72 hours
Not Vaccinated*	Not able to enter Canada without medical exemption. Please submit medical exemption to Princess for approval before a booking can be guaranteed.	PCR within 72 hours PLUS Antigen at terminal

*Kids age 2 to 4 who aren't eligible for vaccine, are welcome to cruise and will need a PCR within 3 days PLUS Antigen at terminal. Kids under 2 years of age have no vaccination or test requirements. Minimum age to sail is 6 months or 12 months based on cruise itinerary, review Passage Contract for details.

[Moondogy]

Here's the others.

 

Voyages Departing from the United Kingdom

Updated: August 10, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type & When to Take Test Before Boarding
		Age: 5 to 17	Age: 18 and Up
Fully Vaccinated 18 and above	At least 14 days past completion of a primary vaccine series and no more than 270 days (9 months) from the date of disembarkation since receiving the last dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. A booster dose is required for guests 18 and older if the last COVID-19 vaccine dose in series is older than 9 months (270 days) from the date of disembarkation.		Self-administered Antigen OR medically assisted PCR within 3 days
Fully Vaccinated 5 to 17	Received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines with final dose at least 14 days before embarkation.	Self-administered Antigen OR medically assisted PCR within 3 days
Not Fully Vaccinated*	Either not up to date or has not received a complete COVID-19 vaccine series. Please contact us to request a vaccination exemption to be presented upon embarkation.	Medically assisted PCR within 3 days	Medically assisted PCR within 3 days

*Guests ages 12 and over are required to request a vaccination exemption to be presented upon embarkation. Kids 4 years of age and under are welcome to cruise and have no vaccination or test requirements. Minimum age to sail is 6 months or 12 months based on cruise itinerary, review Passage Contract for details.

 

Voyages Departing from Europe

Updated: August 9, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type & When to Take Test Before Boarding
		Age: 5 to 17	Age: 18 and Up
Fully Vaccinated 18 and above	At least 14 days past completion of a primary vaccine series and no more than 270 days (9 months) from the date of disembarkation since receiving the last dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. A booster dose is required for guests 18 and older if the last COVID-19 vaccine dose in series is older than 9 months (270 days) from the date of disembarkation.		Antigen within 3 days OR PCR within 3 days**
Fully Vaccinated 5 to 17	Received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines with final dose at least 14 days before embarkation.	Antigen within 3 days OR PCR within 3 days**
Not Fully Vaccinated*	Either not up to date or has not received a complete COVID-19 vaccine series. Please contact us to request a vaccination exemption to be presented upon embarkation.	PCR within 3 days PLUS Antigen at terminal**	PCR within 3 days PLUS Antigen at terminal**

*Kids 4 years of age and under are welcome to cruise and have no vaccination or test requirements. Minimum age to sail is 6 months or 12 months based on cruise itinerary, review Passage Contract for details.

**For cruises embarking in Greece: The Greek government requires guests to take a PCR test within 3 days of embarkation or an Antigen test within 2 days of embarkation. Tests must be conducted in-person by medical personnel and guests will need a physical letter with the negative results. Test results proctored by video are not accepted.

 

 

Voyages Departing from Australia

Updated: June 3, 2022

Vaccination Status	Definition by Country's Health Authority	Pre-Travel Test Type & When to Take Test Before Boarding
		Age: 6 Months and Up
Fully Vaccinated	Have received their final dose of an Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccine, with the last dose being administered at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and can provide proof of vaccination.	Self-administered Rapid Antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours OR
		PCR within 72 hours
Not Vaccinated*	Not fully vaccinated are welcome to cruise subject to capacity restrictions. Please note a medical exemption is needed and needs to be submitted to Princess for approval before a booking can be guaranteed.	Self-administered Rapid Antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours OR
		PCR within 72 hours

*Kids under 2 years of age are welcome to cruise and have no vaccination requirements. Minimum age to sail is 6 months or 12 months based on cruise itinerary, review Passage Contract for details.

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

Yes, they are now allowing 10% onboard.  First come first served.

This, of course, could vary due to requirements of the Ports visited.

It is, indeed, first come first served.  No extra questions, and no specific  medical exemptions are required.

I understand that you would make the booking (assume minimum deposit), and at that time you put in the request for the exemption, to be allowed to board that sailing.

You would find out fairly quickly, I am hearing in a few days...  And you would receive an emailed letter that you are allowed to cruise.

 

There is additional Covid testing, pre-cruise.  I do not think that there are restrictions onboard.

 

Of course, things can change or vary at times.  There can be confusion. But, from what I am hearing, I really think that this is how Princess is handling vaccination  right now.

[MileHighAko]

We have a large group going next spring where one is unable to be vaccinated. The exemption letter received, to be provided at the terminal as proof of approved status, includes the following requirements:

 

• Show proof of a negative pre-travel COVID-19 RT-PCR test
• Have an embarkation day COVID-10 test performed at the terminal
• May only go ashore according to local government restrictions allow
• Will be denied boarding if you do not comply

 

 

[rbtan]

1 hour ago, rjack22 said:

Princess is now allowing 10% of its passengers to be unvaccinated.  I understand that it is on a first come, first served basis.  Does anyone know any more about this?   Are un-vaccinated passengers required to do more testing perhaps?   Or are they going to be restricted in any way?   Does anyone have further information?

 

FYI:   I am fully vaccinated.

Us too. Oceania(at least in Jan.) had a very good setup. You refused a mask, you were dropped at the next port. Quite a strict policy. Don't think it's that stringent now. Princess needs a good guideline & needs to follow it. Unlike "suggested" dress codes etc. You follow the guidelines or you get the boot.

[rjack22]

Good information.   But as noted that was dated June 24th.   A lot is changing and fast.  Hard to tell what will be required 5 months out.  Thanks everyone.

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

Here is what is on the FAQ information, on their website, regarding sailings from the US and Canada:

 

We're Ready to Welcome You on Board

We want to make sailing with Princess Cruises as easy, hassle-free and safe as possible, regardless of your vaccination status, which is why we rigorously follow guidelines from governmental, health and regulatory organizations throughout the world. Developed with leading medical and health experts, our CruiseHealth™ guidelines have proven effective as we have resumed operations across our fleet.

With the recent easing of CDC vaccination requirements, the options available to unvaccinated guests continue to expand. We can now accommodate more unvaccinated guests on most sailings without burdensome exemptions or vaccine status justification, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Travel Guidelines for Unvaccinated Guests page for more information.

Vaccinated guests must have received their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before the beginning of the cruise and provide acceptable proof at terminal check-in. Boosters are highly recommended for those eligible. At terminal check-in guests must provide proof of a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken before or at embarkation. We also welcome unvaccinated guests, and specific protocols are outlined below. All documentation can be uploaded into our MedallionClass app to streamline the check-in process in the terminal.

Destinations have their own requirements, so please review the FAQ below, visit the Vaccine and Testing Requirements page, Princess communications and official government sites regarding your voyage.

 

HERE IS WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT BEING ONBOARD:

 

The Same Vacation Guests Love

The onboard experience is largely unchanged with our top-rated food, beverage, entertainment, activities, spa and casino available for all to enjoy, with additional cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces and staterooms throughout the voyage.

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

I am hearing the same information posted above by MileHighAko, as well.

[kiwimum]

Made reservations for family trip to Alaska next Summer.  3 grandchildren and daughter are not vaccinated and will not be vaccinated.   Sail dates are June 2023.   Princess only has vaccination exemptions thru May 31, 2023.   CVP has made notes in record of date of request for exemption should this requirement be extended.

[memoak]

35 minutes ago, kiwimum said:

Made reservations for family trip to Alaska next Summer.  3 grandchildren and daughter are not vaccinated and will not be vaccinated.   Sail dates are June 2023.   Princess only has vaccination exemptions thru May 31, 2023.   CVP has made notes in record of date of request for exemption should this requirement be extended.

[memoak]

39 minutes ago, kiwimum said:

Made reservations for family trip to Alaska next Summer.  3 grandchildren and daughter are not vaccinated and will not be vaccinated.   Sail dates are June 2023.   Princess only has vaccination exemptions thru May 31, 2023.   CVP has made notes in record of date of request for exemption should this requirement be extended.

Unless Canada changes their regulations non vaccinated folks are not allowed in the country unless you get an exemption from the country nothing Princess can do about it. I believe only babies and toddlers are not subject to that rule

[Princessfan20]

12 hours ago, rjack22 said:

Princess is now allowing 10% of its passengers to be unvaccinated.  I understand that it is on a first come, first served basis.  Does anyone know any more about this?   Are un-vaccinated passengers required to do more testing perhaps?   Or are they going to be restricted in any way?   Does anyone have further information?

 

FYI:   I am fully vaccinated.

 

I think Princess is probably very lax in this area.  We had one family friend who had vaccination waived by Princess for personal beliefs (they were really political) and it was just a matter of making two phone calls.  

 

We just had a recent family member on a cruise who tested positive for Covid 7 days before cruise.  They got their doctor to write a letter that they had been treated and were asymptomatic even though they tested p[ositive on day 7.  Princess allowed them to board 10 day cruise with that letter and with no further testing.  Both people in their cabin came down with Covid.  

 

One of the stops was Prince Rupert and they were allowed off the ship without questions from any authorities.

 

Princess is basically all talk and no walk when it comes to their Covid protocols it seems.

Edited August 11, 2022 by Princessfan20

[memoak]

2 minutes ago, Princessfan20 said:

 

I think Princess is probably very lax in this area.  We had one family friend who had vaccination waived by Princess for personal beliefs (they were really political) and it was just a matter of making two phone calls.  

 

We just had a recent family member on a cruise who tested positive for Covid 7 days before cruise.  They got their doctor to write a letter that they had been treated and were asymptomatic even though they tested p[ositive on day 7.  Princess allowed them to board 10 day cruise with that letter and with no further testing.  Both people in their cabin came down with Covid.  

 

Princess is basically all talk and no walk when it comes to their Covid protocols it seems.

That still won’t help you if your cruise involves Canada

[Mike45LC]

47 minutes ago, memoak said:

That still won’t help you if your cruise involves Canada

Memoak, PrincessFan20's post stated that the disease-ridden passenger was allowed to tour Prince Rupert.  The last time I checked, that was in British Columbia, which I think is in Canada.  If the US annexed Prince Rupert, the news has been suppressed.

[chisoxfan]

We had received vaccination exemption but ultimately found the rules restrictive...ie PCR test three days before, plus test at embarkation, then additional testing onboard (was different info than when we requested exemption and and were told there would be no special testing requirements) . It appeared testing on board was every four days. So hardly a 'free pass'. 

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

Yes, it can add to the cost to get that PCR test before travel.

These are expensive, and are not always reimbursed by insurance.

Only guarantee is if you get your physician to order the test. like it isn't just your personal travel.

And, then it is, I think, 60.00 per person for the quick antigen at the Port.

 

The additional testing onboard is for longer cruises, and this might depend on requirements of the countries/ports visited.

 

It adds to the cost of already high cruise fares...  But, I wouldn't let that keep me from a cruise I really wanted.

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

11 hours ago, suekel said:

I cannot imagine wanting to cruise without being vaccinated.  My stepson not vaccinated and he was so sick.  Just asking for trouble.  

 

I totally understand those thoughts!!!

But, the way it is now.

The thing is, that the variants now are not like the original.

My son (not yet vaccinated) got Omicron and barely even knew he had it.

My doctor even mentioned this, that it is a problem because everyone is going around, not really feeling ill, and spreading it like crazy.

 

Also, is the fact that vaccination, unless very recently boosted, does not seem to offer real protection.

Boosted people are even coming down with it.

 

I think of you were to look at the actual statistics and odds,  it would more safety to require the testing, than to just let vaccinated passengers off the hook.

[PrincessLuver]

On 8/11/2022 at 5:13 PM, Mike45LC said:

Memoak, PrincessFan20's post stated that the disease-ridden passenger was allowed to tour Prince Rupert.  The last time I checked, that was in British Columbia, which I think is in Canada.  If the US annexed Prince Rupert, the news has been suppressed.

 

Yes this is true.  There was no contact with Canadian authorities and never quite sure what ArriveCAN was about and we never used it entering Canada.

[MTNest93]

We're 322 days out from our trip and I called Princess last week for the vaccination exemption.  They said it was too early and to call back at the 300 day mark and we should have no problem obtaining it.  

[kiwimum]

3 hours ago, MTNest93 said:

We're 322 days out from our trip and I called Princess last week for the vaccination exemption.  They said it was too early and to call back at the 300 day mark and we should have no problem obtaining it.  

They are only assigning exemptions thru the end of May 2023.

Does your cruise meet the new requirements announced today.  https://*****/3QmJw33

Edited August 12, 2022 by kiwimum

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

Princess just announced that there are no longer gong to be vaccine requirements, and no testing, for most passengers for most cruises. 

 

I am so sorry to hear that people like you, retain, are more worried about this, or any, virus or illness.

We haven't cruised since before this pandemic, and I know how that feels!   : (

 

But, the facts still show that it doesn't matter if ones vaccinated or not.  Anyone can still catch, harbor, and spread Covid.   There is no longer any increased or decreased risk for anyone.  Boosters can 'help' by virtue of putting your basic immune system on high alert for a short period of time.  That seems to be it.

 

Mitigation and avoiding exposure is the only real thing anyone can do.

[PRINCESS Sweet Pea]

I would hope that testing is better than no testing at all,  but even testing is not accurate any more.

PCA might be more accurate.  But the FDA has released this:

The Food and Drug Administration issued a statement warning that at-home rapid antigen tests can deliver false negative results and people who need tests should should plan to do so more than once to make sure they are not “unknowingly spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others.”

Health experts recommend tests for people who have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms.

“Today’s recommendations are based on the latest study results from people with likely Omicron infection showing that repeat testing after a negative at-home COVID-19 antigen test result increases the chance of an accurate result,” the FDA said, via safety communication released on Thursday.

Previously, the FDA had advised people to conduct two rapid antigen tests over two or three days to rule out infection.

 

Requiring all passengers to provide a PCA test,  which would have to be allowed to be 3 days before boarding in order to make sure the results are processed, might be the best way to make cruise ships safer.   But, I don't see that happening at all.

 

[MTNest93]

On 8/12/2022 at 3:57 PM, kiwimum said:

They are only assigning exemptions thru the end of May 2023.

Does your cruise meet the new requirements announced today.  https://*****/3QmJw33

Yes - we will no longer need an exemption to cruise!! YAY!  Now hoping they do away with testing before then as well. 😄

Edited August 18, 2022 by MTNest93

[suzyed]

On 8/11/2022 at 7:23 PM, memoak said:

That still won’t help you if your cruise involves Canada

Prince Rupert is in Canada.