Carnival Travel advisory

NOTICE TO PASSENGERS REGARDING ADVICE FROM US CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) ON COVID-19 AND CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL

The CDC regularly issues travel advisories concerning risks associated with COVID-19. The CDC cautions that any travel poses a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, including travel by air, bus or train, automobiles, and cruises. The CDC currently advises that travel to more than 150 countries presents a very high risk in addition to cruises. For most travelers, cruise ship travel is voluntary and should be rescheduled for a future date. If you do go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Do not board a cruise if you are sick, if you know you have COVID-19, or if you were exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
• Cruise passengers are at increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
• Discuss cruise ship travel with your healthcare provider. Older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness if infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you. It’s important to do this everywhere—both indoors and outdoors.
• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are in shared spaces, including when using public transportation.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Do not travel if you are sick.
• If you get sick with symptoms of COVID-19, stay in your cabin and notify the onboard medical center immediately.
• If a threshold of COVID-19 is detected on board the ship, the voyage will be ended immediately, and the ship will return to the port of embarkation. Your subsequent travel home may be restricted or delayed.

Passengers who decide to travel are advised to take the following precautions to protect others for 14 days after their return from a cruise ship voyage:

• Get tested 3–5 days after your trip and stay home for 7 days after travel.
  • Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days.
  • If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
• If you don't get tested, it's safest to stay home for 14 days after travel.
• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
• Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

The above warnings and recommendations above are subject to change without notice. For updated information refer to CDC's website  near the time of your cruise.

Do I have to be tested? All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 test between 5 days and 24 hours before embarkation. They will be required to show proof of a negative test in order to board the ship.

Guests must provide at check-in the original document confirming a negative test result that is legible, identifies the testing entity, date and type of test, and identity of the person signing the test result document.

Any guest who tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of sailing will not be allowed to cruise.  This also includes those who have been in contact with someone who tested positive or is suspected as having COVID-19.

Do I have to wear a mask? All guests will be required to wear a mask while inside cruise ships. Exceptions include inside each stateroom and while eating and drinking seated at a table. Also, masks do not have to be worn while using cardio equipment.

Masks will be required on the outside decks of ships if social distancing cannot be maintained.

Gaiters and bandanas will not be allowed, and face shields are permitted when used with a mask. These requirements apply during all aspects of the cruise, including embarkation, shore excursions and disembarkation.

Can I explore ports on my own? During the early stages when cruises resume, you will only be allowed off the ship if you book an excursion through the cruise line.

All guests will have to comply with Carnival’s physical distancing, mask wearing and all other COVID-19 related requirements. Throughout the duration of the shore excursion, guests will be asked to remain with their cruise companions.

Will the entire ship be open? Public spaces will be limited and all venues will operate at a reduced capacity. Carnival Cruise Line may use a reservation system for their public areas, such as pools, gyms, casinos, restaurants, and bars.

Their physical distancing protocols will be in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations, which is defined at staying at least six (6) feet apart from other people who are not the guest’s cruise companions (family or immediate travel group).

Will the buffets be open? Yes, but service will be modified to eliminate or severely restrict self-service items.  Carnival will have staff members in the buffet serving guests.

Will there be health screenings? Yes, all guests will be required to complete a health questionnaire 72 hours before embarkation. All guests will have their temperature taken before boarding the ship.

Temperature checks may also take place at various points during the cruise.

When will cruises resume? Carnival Cruise Line currently has all cruises canceled through the end of April 2021.  However, it is unknown at this time exactly when they will resume.

Carnival will start sailing with a few cruise ships before gradually expanding service.  The cruise line is working with the CDC and will begin cruises once they get the green light to do so.