Have Fun. Be Safe.

HAVE FUN. BE SAFE.™ COVID-19 GUEST PROTOCOLS

Last updated 10 August 2022

Our dedication to the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit is reflected in our Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols and procedures, which were developed in consultation with our medical experts and have proven effective and adaptable to the evolving public health situation.

In line with government protocols, until further notice, we will operate vaccinated cruises with our enhanced protocols. All our operations will follow these guidelines so we can maintain the confidence of the destinations we visit and deliver on our itineraries and guest experience.

BOOKING

Before finalising travel plans, guests need to carefully review our Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols and the NSW Health Fact Sheet for Cruises Departing or Entering NSW to understand their obligations to comply with health requirements and accept the COVID-19 Risk Acknowledgment.

PRE-BOARDING INFORMATION: In order to manage our vaccinated sailings, it is very important for all guests to complete their pre-cruise vaccine attestation. Guests are asked to update their profile on Carnival.com.au with their current contact information as we will be communicating through a series of emails. Please read all our correspondence and complete all requests for pre-boarding information on a timely basis.

VACCINES

Vaccinated cruises are available for guests 12 years and older, who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the sailing day (not counting embarkation day) and have proof of vaccination. Should the definition of fully vaccinated evolve to require the booster shot, our policy will adapt accordingly. Any vaccine approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) meets this requirement. Our crew is also fully vaccinated and receive boosters, when eligible.

VACCINE EXEMPTIONS FOR SAILINGS THROUGH 31/12/2022

Vaccine exemptions are limited to a small number of guests under the age of 12 and teens/adults with medical conditions preventing vaccination. Exemptions are capacity-controlled based on the total number of vaccinated guests projected to be onboard. If you are an unvaccinated guest, your reservation is not considered confirmed until you receive an approved exemption. Exemptions are typically approved starting 90 days prior to sailing, after bookings are fully paid, and in the order in which requests are received. If we are unable to approve your request, you and your travelling companions in the same stateroom will be eligible for a full refund of the amount paid to Carnival. Unfortunately, we cannot assist with expenses related to a denied exemption request, and guests assume all risks related to non-refundable travel costs, (i.e., air fare, hotel, etc.).

The number of exemptions we are able to grant is far fewer than the requests we receive. While the decision to vaccinate yourself or your children is obviously a personal one, if you want to guarantee your ability to sail together, we encourage you to consider your vaccination options.

If you or a member of your party meet the criteria for a vaccine exemption, you may apply after August 15 by visiting this page.

TESTING

All guests, regardless of vaccination status, 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 to cruise. If you receive a positive result, you will not be able to travel and can contact our customer service team on 13 31 94 to obtain your Future Cruise Credit (FCC). You must also report the positive test to local health authorities through existing processes.

ENHANCED HEALTH SCREENINGS

All guests will be asked to complete an online health questionnaire within 72 hours prior to sailing and undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screenings, which will include confirmation of their health screening responses, validation of their vaccination documents and any required COVID-19 testing.

We will refer anyone with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or who are identified at-risk, for additional medical screening before allowing them to board. Guests will be seen by medical personnel and boarding will be approved at their discretion. Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) will be performed when necessary.

Any guest who tests positive at embarkation, and their traveling companions in the same stateroom, along with other close contacts, will not be able to cruise and will be provided an FCC. If guests travelled by air to join their cruise, they and their close contacts may be required to quarantine before travelling home.

QUARANTINE

We have implemented a comprehensive set of protocols with the best interests of the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the destinations we serve as our number one priority. Even with our stringent, multi-layered protocols in place, there may be positive COVID-19 cases during your cruise. Our ships' medical centres have capabilities for diagnosis and testing and are equipped for contact tracing. It is important that you are aware of the following information:

Any guest reporting or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms must report to our medical centre and they and their close contacts will be provided a complimentary medical consultation and any required COVID testing. It may be necessary for them to move to isolation staterooms until our medical team determines it is safe to resume cruise activities.
For guests who must quarantine locally, Carnival will arrange isolation accommodation and/or transport at no cost to the guest.

HEALTHY ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT

Please help us maintain a healthy onboard environment by using the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitiser dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. We will also need guests to follow our guidance about the ways to stay healthy onboard and when ashore, through daily programming, entertainment systems, announcements, in-stateroom literature, and the Carnival HUB App.

MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING

We recommend masks be worn outdoors when in large congregate events where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

GOING ASHORE

The ability for guests to go ashore in ports of call is controlled by the governments of the ports we visit and is subject to change without prior notice. In Australia, vaccinated guests can go ashore on a Carnival tour or enjoy independent sightseeing.

Unvaccinated guests 12 years and over may only debark in Australian ports of call if they are participating in a Carnival Cruise Line shore excursion and are not permitted to undertake independent shore activities. Children under the age of 12 may go ashore on a Carnival tour or enjoy independent sightseeing with their vaccinated parents/guardians.

All guests must come prepared for potential requirements ashore which may include health screening/testing, mask wearing, physical distancing, organized tours, etc. Since destination health protocols continue to evolve, the most up-to-date information will be provided in a stateroom advisory.

Itinerary Adjustments

Should it be necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. However, if we are unsuccessful in doing so, there will be no compensation for missed ports, beyond a refund of any pre-purchased Carnival shore excursion.

ONLINE CHECK-IN

Due to new embarkation processes, all guests are required to complete Online Check-In and select an Arrival Appointment. Online Check-In is available for Suite, Platinum and Diamond guests at 16 days prior to sailing; general access begins at 14 days prior to sailing. It is important that guests arrive on a timely basis as early arrivals cannot be accommodated and guests will be asked to return at their assigned time.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Carnival Youth Programs are open for children and teens ages 2 to 17. All youth must be registered to participate; registration should be completed onboard. Once onboard, families may view the Camp Ocean™ activity sessions available during the cruise. Activity schedules for Camp Ocean™ (ages 2-11), Circle “C”© (ages 12-14), and Club 02® (ages 15-17) are available via the HUB App. Youth Programs may have capacity limits.

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.

Carnival Cruise Line Refund* and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19

The following information applies to all sailings until further notice. Except as specifically stated below, or as otherwise provided in the Ticket Contract for your cruise, the standard cancellation policies and penalties described in the Ticket Contract apply.

Cruise Cancelled by Carnival

If your cruise is cancelled by Carnival, or boarding is delayed by three days or more and you elect not to sail on the delayed voyage, you are entitled to a refund of the amount paid to Carnival or an optional Future Cruise Credit (“FCC”).

Cruise Cancelled by Guest

If you, your family members living with you in the same household or travelling companions assigned to the same stateroom cancel a cruise booking due to testing positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of embarkation, you and they are entitled to an FCC for the amount paid to Carnival. If you have close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case within 10 days of embarkation, and Carnival deems you are unfit to travel because of the confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case, you are eligible for an FCC.

Denial of Embarkation or Reboarding; Quarantine and/or Disembarkation

If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are denied embarkation or reboarding, or quarantined or disembarked during the voyage, due to a positive COVID-19 test or being suspected of having COVID-19, you and they are entitled to an FCC for the amount paid to Carnival in the event of denial at embarkation, or a pro-rated FCC of the unused portion of your cruise fare in all other cases.

If you are denied embarkation or reboarding, or are disembarked or quarantined during the voyage, for failure to comply with the Carnival COVID-19 Guest Protocols in effect at the time of the cruise, you shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. Please refer to the Ticket Contract issued for your cruise for complete details.