Carnival Cruises to change mask guidelines

Carnival Cruises is adjusting its mask rules for future embarkations.

The company announced that masks will be encouraged, but not mandated on trips departing on March 1, CNN reported.

The company said in a news release that there will be some events and venues where masks could still be required.

Carnival required masks in many indoor areas of ships in August 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had changed cruises from its “very high risk” category to “high risk” last week.

The CDC said that anyone planning to take a cruise should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise.

Carnival said children under the age of 5 will not be included in vaccinated guest calculations and will not need an exemption to sail.

There will also be some “flexibility in pre-cruise testing requirements” when they become available, the company said.

About 13 million passengers travel on a Carnival-owned ship through the company’s cruise lines, including Princess, Holland America, Cunard and Seabourn, along with the Carnival brand.

Norwegian Cruise Line also eased its rules concerning masks, Reuters reported.

Norwegian is lifting the mask mandate effective March 1 but masks will be at “the discretion of each guest” on ships departing from a U.S. port.

On trips embarking from European ports, guests will still be required to wear masks unless they are actively eating or drinking or when in their staterooms.

Norwegian crew members will still be required to wear masks.

For the latest on masking and COVID-19 mitigation steps, visit the cruise line websites listed below:

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

• Holland America

• Virgin Voyages

• Seabourn Cruise

• Celebrity Cruises

• Royal Caribbean

• Costa Cruises