Cruise & Cruise Line

Celestyal Cruises Eliminates COVID-19 Protocols for 2023 Season

Image: The Celestyal Crystal. (photo via Celestyal Cruises)
Image: The Celestyal Crystal. (photo via Celestyal Cruises)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:50 AM ET, Thu September 22, 2022

Celestyal Cruises will remove its COVID-19 vaccination, proof of recovery and pre-departure testing requirements for all guests on sailings commencing on or after March 2, 2023, unless they are required by local regulations.

The cruise line specializing in sailings to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean added that crew members will continue to be fully vaccinated against the virus.

Meanwhile, Celestyal encourages guests aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated before boarding and to get tested at their convenience prior to travel.

Wednesday's news comes less than one month after Celestyal eased its COVID-19 protocols, no longer requiring mask-wearing while indoors or within large crowds. For the remainder of 2022, all guests age 12 and older must continue to be fully vaccinated (with a booster when necessary) and present a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result. Guests who have recently recovered from COVID-19 need a doctor's note, a positive test result proving infection and a negative test result proving recovery. Finally, citizens and residents of EU countries must provide their COVID recovery certificates.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust to the evolving global situation," Celestyal's Chief Commercial Officer, Leslie Peden said in a statement.

"Our crew will continue to maintain our stringent hygiene protocols based upon the most up-to-date guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Greek health authorities. We look forward to welcoming all guests for the immersive experience that we are known for as we explore the unique destinations of the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...