Carnival Drops Pre-Cruise Testing For Unvaccinated Guests
Another sign that the cruise companies are sailing in a pre-pandemic direction. Carnival Cruise Line dropped pre-cruise testing for all guests effective immediately.
In a statement, Carnival said, “Consistent with the evolving public health guidelines, we have continued to update our protocols over the last several weeks. In summary, vaccines, proof of vaccination, and testing for unvaccinated guests, are no longer required on cruises of 15 nights or less.”
Previously, guests that were not vaccinated had to test three days before their cruise, and come to the pier with proof. So to recap, if you want to cruise on Carnival, book it because no vaccine or testing mandates are holding you back and longer.
On October 14th, Carnival lifted mask mandates for crew members after 16 months. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity lifted theirs a week earlier.
STORY: Carnival Cruise Line Drops Testing For Unvaccinated Guests on Most Sailings
Celebrity Beyond Arrives in the U.S.
Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship has arrived in the U.S. for the first time. Celebrity Beyond, which is the third in the line’s Edge-class, docked in Cape Liberty, New Jersey on Tuesday following her inaugural season of cruises in Europe.
Today, the ship will depart on a nine-night Caribbean and Bermuda cruise to Port Everglades.
In November, Beyond will be officially named and christened during a ceremony at Port Everglades. From Fort Lauderdale, the vessel will spend the winter operating Caribbean itineraries.
STORY: Celebrity Cruises’ Newest Ship Arrives in the United States
Rotterdam Wraps Up 150th Anniversary Cruise
It’s a welcome back to Holland America’s Rotterdam as the vessel wraps up a voyage retracing the original route of the very first cruise the line did 150 years ago.
The ship departed Rotterdam on October 8th, bound for North America. During the voyage, the ship recreated throwback menu items from years’ past, including a bar menu where beer was a quarter and martinis were 75 cents.
The ship pulled into New York Harbor this morning, just like the original vessel did. Over the years many notable people immigrated to the states on Holland America through Ellis Island.
The vessel will eventually arrive in Port Everglades where it’ll be based this winter.
