COVID-19 FAQS - VACCINATED VOYAGES
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to cruise?
All guests 12 years and older are required to be 'fully vaccinated' with a COVID-19 vaccine that is approved or recognised by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is strongly recommended that children under 12 years of age are also fully vaccinated against COVID-19, when eligible, before travelling on a cruise. Children under 12 and teens/adults with a medical condition preventing vaccination will have to apply for a vaccine exemption which is limited and not guaranteed.
What COVID-19 vaccination types are accepted to sail?
Guests will be considered fully vaccinated if they have completed a primary course, including a mixed dose schedule, of TGA approved or recognised vaccines, with the last dose given at least 14 days prior to the cruise departure date (not including embarkation day).
Please refer to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Website for a list of the current approved or recognised vaccines and dosages.
Do I need a COVID-19 booster to cruise?
Although boosters are not currently required, it is strongly recommended you are ‘up to date’ with your COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes the primary course plus booster, when eligible.
Australian public health authorities also strongly recommend all cruise ship guests receive an annual influenza vaccination at least two weeks before the start of their cruise.
How do I provide proof of my vaccination status?
Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with VeriFLY, a secure, free digital health application, that allows guests to complete their vaccine attestation, upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, declare their negative COVID-19 test result, and complete a health assessment. Once completed and all details and documents have been verified, you will receive a green tick on the VeriFLY app, which you will need to present at the cruise terminal, along with your digital boarding pass (eTicket). More information on VeriFLY will be shared in the coming weeks.
Do you offer any exemptions to your vaccination policy?
Vaccine exemptions are limited to a very small number of unvaccinated children under 12 and teens/adults with a medical condition preventing vaccination. Prior infection with COVID-19 infection is not grounds for an exemption.
Requests are typically processed within 90 days, after the booking is paid in full, in sailing date order, and once we have finalised the estimated vaccinated guest count.
Please refer to our Have Fun. Be Safe. page for further information.
Do I have to take a COVID-19 test before my cruise?
All guests are required to take a self-administered Rapid-Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours of boarding or a PCR test within 72 hours prior to boarding. Declaration of a negative result is required.
If I am denied boarding for failing to provide valid proof of vaccination, will I receive a refund, have my out of pocket expenses reimbursed, and will you cover the cost of my travel home?
If you fail to take all necessary steps to cruise in line with Carnival Cruise Line and government guidelines, you will be denied boarding, and any cost incurred, including cancellation fees and travel back home will be at your own expense.
What health care is available on board?
Our medical centre facilities have been enhanced and protocols improved to provide the necessary care for any COVID related cases that may arise. When necessary, medical appointments will be scheduled virtually in a guest's stateroom. In the event we have suspected cases of COVID-19, we will be able to isolate, test and treat patients and will coordinate assistance with our group of health experts and relevant public health authorities. Initial COVID related consultation and testing will be complimentary.
Non-COVID-19 related medical consultations, treatment and medication will be charged at private rates, and must be paid for by the guest and should be claimed on guests’ international travel insurance.
Do I need to wear a face mask on board?
Guests 12 years and over are required to wear masks indoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, except when eating, drinking or in their own stateroom. Masks are also required during the entire embarkation and debarkation process and on water shuttles. We recommend masks be worn outdoors when in large congregate events where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
How are you maintaining a healthy onboard environment?
In addition to operating vaccinated voyages and requiring pre-cruise COVID-19 testing of all guests, our crew is also fully vaccinated and boosted, when eligible, and required to wear a face mask at all times when indoors. Ships have been equipped with additional hand sanitisation stations, and crew members may remind you to wash or sanitize your hands upon entering food service areas. Public areas and staterooms are subject to rigorous cleaning processes; and we have also enhanced our ventilation systems to allow for frequent exchanges of fresh ocean air and modified for greater particle filtration.
Do I have to book a Carnival Cruise Line shore excursion to leave the ship?
The ability for guests to go ashore in ports of call and the procedures they must follow is controlled by the governments of the destinations we visit. Fully vaccinated guests may participate in a Carnival Cruise Line shore excursion or enjoy independent sightseeing.
Unvaccinated guests may not be permitted ashore in all ports and, if allowed, may only debark if they are participating in a Carnival Cruise Line shore excursion. Independent activities, including shore excursions not run by Carnival Cruise Line tour operators, are not permitted. Unvaccinated children under 12 may go ashore on a Carnival tour or enjoy independent activities with their fully vaccinated parents/guardians.
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend all guests purchase comprehensive international travel insurance, even for domestic cruises, to ensure they are covered if things do not go according to plan.