Cruise & Cruise Line

Cunard Eases COVID-19 Testing Requirement for Boarding

Image: Cunard's Queen Mary 2. (photo via Cunard Media)
Image: Cunard's Queen Mary 2. (photo via Cunard Media)
Theresa Norton
by Theresa Norton
Last updated: 4:20 PM ET, Fri August 12, 2022

Cunard has adjusted pre-travel COVID-19 testing requirements.

Starting Sept. 6, 2022, self-testing before travel will change from "mandatory" to "highly recommended" for vaccinated guests on the vast majority of voyages.

Guests on longer, more complex itineraries will be required to have an observed or in-person antigen or PCR test with a fit-to-travel certificate before departure. These include a number of sailings of 16 nights or more and other specific voyages.

These new guidelines apply to all Cunard itineraries sailing from Southampton, England, and all other departure points, with the exception of countries where government regulations and protocols may vary, including Canada and Australia.

The vaccination policy for Cunard guests remains the same and full details can be found by clicking here.

"These updated protocols reflect the current environment across the world and, while certain key elements have relaxed, our commitment to protect the health and well-being of all guests, crew and the communities we visit remains an ongoing and vital consideration," said Matt Gleaves, vice president, commercial-North America and Australasia. "They also ensure that the ease of cruising remains at the fore and that all guests of all ages can enjoy a voyage with unrivaled dining, relaxation and exploration options and unmatched service levels at extraordinary value for money."

The exact requirements will be communicated to all guests in due course with the latest updates posted on the company website in early September.


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