Carnival Cruise Line updated a number of health and safety protocols that will be valid through January 2022. The company announced that these updates are due to the Omicron variant and notified the guests, without exception aged two and above are required to wear masks indoors, except while eating or drinking; when in their cabins; and during large gatherings outdoors, where physical distancing is impossible. The company made the changes after two other major cruise lines (Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line) have drawn their measures tight in order to increase the safety for guests and crew on board.   

They officially start on December 18, 2021, through January 31, 2022.  Except the masks increased awareness, the cruise line is also no longer allowing any smoking in the casino.

In a letter to guests, Carnival says, “Our Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols and procedures have proven very effective during our restart and have been developed in consultation with our medical experts, and they are designed to be adaptable as our current public health situation evolves.”

Additional change is that Carnival now strongly suggests a booster vaccination for the 16 years old and above at least 7 days before guests go to their cruise. Boosters have become an essential defense against the new Omicron variant, as detailed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The cruise line continued, “In preparation for your voyage, we want to update you on the COVID-19 protocols we are implementing fleet-wide for sailings through January 31, 2022, as we respond to the Omicron variant.” When it comes to the casino, smoking will no longer be allowed at any time. That’s the only change in addition to the previous rules that have already been in place for several months.

The cruise line also says “Guests aged two and older will still have to be required to wear masks in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment venues, all retail shops, in the casino and at any indoor activity with children under 12 years.”

The goal of Carnival Cruise Line is for the entire fleet to be back by the end of March 2022, regardless of the forced cancelling of a port visit to one Carnival’s cruise ship due to COVID-19. The company strongly believes that its protocols are successful in providing a safe environment for thousands of guests so far.