Cruise & Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Eases COVID-Related Travel Restrictions

Image: Norwegian Cruise Line ship at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas (photo by Brian Major)
Image: Norwegian Cruise Line ship at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas (photo by Brian Major)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:36 AM ET, Mon August 8, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has updated its health and safety protocols following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) decision to end its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships.

According to a letter sent to NCL's travel partners, the cruise line will welcome all guests regardless of vaccination status, effective September 3. Passengers ages 12 years and older must provide proof of vaccination against coronavirus or a negative test taken within three days of the embarkation date.

NCL guests 11 years old and under will have no restrictions, but the company issued a warning to passengers that it is their responsibility to be aware of local protocols and travel restrictions in place at each destination.

The cruise line will also release an updated list of travel requirements on August 11, including boosters, relevant to the destinations on itineraries that visit the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Cayman Islands and Greece.

Since the CDC eased restrictions on cruise ships, several major companies have lifted previous coronavirus-related health and safety protocols, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America Line, Virgin Voyages and more.

Last week, Norwegian took delivery of the 142,000 gross ton, 3,100-passenger Norwegian Prima at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. It was the first of a groundbreaking class of six ships set to enter service through 2027, as well as NCL's newest class of ships in almost 10 years.

TravelPulse's own Claudette Covey took a tour of the brand new ship with media and travel advisors at the Fincantieri shipyard and provided her unique insight.


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

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...