These little miracle workers are absolutely incredible. I normally get seasick, so the days out at sea can be quite hard. I’ve tried many different remedies — from sea bands to homeopathic pills to Dramamine (which has horrible drowsy side effects). But these new motion sickness patches work like magic! On our last cruise, I thought I was going to puke, then remembered I had them. I simply stuck them behind my ears and BAM! I wasn’t sick for the rest of the trip.
2.Quick-Dry Travel Towel
A travel towel is a must-bring on a cruise. Cruise lines say they provide towels — but they can be a bit scarce. When they are available, they’re bulky and too big to carry on day-long excursions. By having your own travel towel, you can ensure that you’ll always have one that is compact and light as a feather. Moreover, this one dries 10x faster than cotton so you won’t have to lug wet towels after a long day at shore.
3.Sand-Resistant Beach Bag
One of the many things we love about cruising is island-hopping, so you can get a taste of each destination and return to the ones you enjoy most! Most stops will involve a beach along the coastline and you’ll want a sand-proof bag. This one is perfect for carrying swimsuits, snacks, changes of clothes, snorkels, etc. and even comes with an insulated cooler at the bottom for keeping your drinks nice and cold. Plus it’s compact and weighs next to nothing when empty.
4.Neck Wallet
Whenever you leave the boat, you will be told to bring your SeaPass (your room key) and a passport (or equivalent ID). This convenient little pouch safely stores your passport, driver’s license, cash, credit cards, and travel documents. If you happen to be stuck in a traffic jam (this happened to us!) or your taxi breaks down on the way back to the port and you miss your boat – you’ll be happy you have your passport with you. Additionally, it will keep everything secure so pickpockets can’t access your valuables at one of the ports.
5.Universal Waterproof Phone Case
Between dreamy beaches, rocky transit boats, playing along the shore at the port, boating excursions, and swimming at the ship’s pool – your phone is likely to get wetter than you’d probably like. Protect your lifeline with an affordable waterproof phone case. This one has a universal fit so any phone will be functional underwater, able to take stunning pictures and mini-movies with sound! It’s also sand-proof and scratch-proof so your camera lenses will be safeguarded. A small investment that could literally save you thousands. Also, consider getting a wrist float strap so that if you drop your waterproof cellphone case overboard, it will float!
6.Natural Hangover Relief Pills
Alcohol and sun are not a good combo and when you’re cruising, you may find yourself getting a lot of both. While you’re making the most of that all-inclusive drink package, use these natural hangover prevention pills made with vitamins, electrolytes, and other safe ingredients like Dihydromyricetin that actually help a lot! The one we like is called Cheers and was featured on Shark Tank. With proven liver support that detoxes alcohol faster, it worked for us!
7.TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
Between flying to the port, handing over your bag for delivery at your suite, and exploring cities that are targeted by pickpockets – these TSA-approved luggage locks are crucial to a worry-free travel experience. Many tourist-filled destinations are hot spots for thieves that work in groups to distract and rob you. We put these locks on our suitcases and backpacks to keep this preventable crime at bay. A lock should deter any sticky fingers and this set is 10x harder to crack than typical 3-digit locks.
8.Packable “Just in Case” Bag
Cruising is an amazing (and duty-free!) opportunity to pick up gifts and souvenirs wherever you drop anchor. There are also luxury stores onboard that frequently sell popular brands and hand-crafted jewelry. This “just in case” bag folds to the size of a large sandwich when empty, but when full, it can carry your tax-free treats like liquor, luxury purses, cosmetics, skincare, clothes, ornaments, photos, art, and exotic souvenirs from your daytrips. If flying to your port, it’s also a brilliant way to save yourself carry-on fees since it counts as a personal item bag.
9.Packing Cubes
Organization is key when packing for a cruise because unless you can afford a penthouse – your stateroom will be tiny! These economical luxury organizers are flexible and zippered so that you can pack them and place them neatly into your luggage and then place them directly into the drawers of your room without needing to unpack. You can label each cube (tops, pants, that sexy dress, swimwear, essentials, etc.), and they keep your items contained so that you never have to rummage around for what you need. Besides offering sanity and bliss, they also free up space for that duty-free merchandise you may be bringing home!
10.Travel Insurance for Cruising
Having good coverage is absolutely critical (especially in the age of COVID). Cruising often makes you think that you’re still in America because that’s often where the boat starts its journey. But think about where you’re going and if you’d like to be in a local hospital in an emergency (keeping in mind that your domestic coverage likely does not protect you when traveling abroad).
We recommend Faye for finding the right plan. Emergencies of many kinds (urgent trips home, medical problems, thefts, COVID-19 evacuations, cancellations, etc.) are all typically covered, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can even get coverage for hurricanes & inclement weather and many plans have the option of “cancel for any reason” (if you buy it within 15 days of your trip) which is handy to have these days!
11.Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger
Considering you will have long days at stops with potentially unpredictable power grids – you will be happy to have a portable charger. This one is our favorite because it’s about the size of a lipstick tube yet charges multiple devices in a day. We throw it in our backpack and can enjoy excursions without worry. It’s also nice because the ship is HUGE and you don’t want to walk (what feels like miles) back to your suite for a quick charge. Party the night away, feel free to explore, and always stay connected with the ability to snap that perfect Instagram selfie when traveling in foreign destinations.
12.Swimsuit Cover-Up
I am madly in love with this cover-up! It’s my go-to whenever cruising or visiting coastal towns. I just throw it over my swimsuit and feel totally comfortable traveling through the boat to the beach or on an excursion. It’s sexy but modest and comfortable enough to wear while walking around the cruise ports or casually exploring the ship. The lightweight material makes it dry super quick and it’s breathable – plus it’ll take up no room in your suitcase.
13.Affordable Underwater Camera
Cruises almost always take you to crystal-clear seas and underwater cameras are really fun to have in tow. We got so many great videos of my little son in the waves, my hubby snorkeling, and me hanging on the beach thanks to ours. We really like this little camera because it’s a fraction of the price of a GoPro but still works beautifully in 4K. Leave the DSLR at home, this camera will help you document all those breathtaking moments or that priceless underwater family self portrait.
14.Virtual Private Network (VPN)
When stopping at ports, you’ll likely want to get on various WiFi’s at restaurants, coffee shops, and beachside hangouts – but if you don’t have a VPN, then there is a chance you’ll compromise your security. This means potentially putting your passwords, credit card details, and online identity at risk of being stolen by hackers who prey on unsuspecting tourists.
A simple tap on your phone or click on your laptop is all you need to activate the VPN on-the-go, and you can then browse the Internet worry-free. NordVPN is our preferred provider. They offer exceptional service at an inexpensive price, so it’s really a no-brainer for any kind of travel.
15.Kid’s Snorkle & Life Vest
While adult rentals are readily available, it is much more difficult to find a child’s snorkel mask that actually fits your little one’s face! In many destinations, rentals may not even be available. This anti-leak snorkel mask is essential for families that plan to do any water activities. The full-face design feels safer to new swimmers because can simply breathe normally without a mouthpiece. Don’t forget a safety life vest that will give your kiddos full confidence in the water!
16.Deet-Free Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Mosquitoes are an issue in most of the places frequented by cruise lines, puerly because all of the most sought-after tropical locations are perfect for these bloodsucking pests. To protect yourself, be sure to bring these mosquito-repellent wristbands that are natural and non-toxic. I always recommend a deet-free option to keep chemical exposure to a minimum. These wristbands are safe and effective, much easier to wear than having to reapply a spray over and over.
17.Windproof Travel Umbrella
Most cruises go to locations that experience a surprising amount of rain. On the several cruises we’ve done, there have always been rainy days where we wished we had a travel umbrella to avert getting drenched! When you’re out at sea, it’s often wildly windy too, so you’ll want one that is windproof. The additional benefit of an umbrella is you can also use it for sun and UV protection on those really hot days that will likely burn you otherwise.
18.Discounted Tickets on Popular Cruise Destination Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are way cheaper than the lame ones offered by the cruise lines (who often jack up the price to take a hefty commission). Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for the most authentic tours purchased directly from the local companies.
Based on the most popular cruising ports – some activities to check out include: Swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, attending an authentic luau in Hawaii, and whale-watching in Alaska. Whether you’re cruising through the Bahamas or the Greek Isles, they offer discounted experiences like snorkeling with wild pigs in Nassau, visiting the best wineries in Santorini, and climbing the ancient Mayan Ruins of the Mexican Riviera.
19.Activated Charcoal (Food Poisoning Remedy)
Do not leave home without these charcoal tablets. Cruising often offers a false sense of security. You think, “Oh I’m on an ‘American’ boat, food will be safe. There shouldn’t be any problem with food poisoning or stomach viruses, right?” Wrong. You will most likely be visiting foreign countries like Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Honduras, Greece, etc., and all of these places are known for serious traveler’s diarrhea. Unfortunately, cruise ships are notorious for folks getting sick at the buffets. These puppies will save the day. No one wants to spend their whole vacation in the tiny ship’s swaying bathroom. Trust me! (Of course, you should always consult your doctor).
20.Long-Sleeved Swim Rash Guard
Being that most tropical destinations are closer to the equator, the sun in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Southern Caribbean can be extremely harsh. I almost never burn and I turned red like a tomato on our first trip! It was a good reminder of the importance of covering up whether on the boat during cruising days or lounging at the beach. My husband is fair-skinned and cannot go to the beach without using a men’s rash guard. This one (pictured) is super stylish and flattering for women while offering serious UPF/UV sun protection – you can’t go wrong with it.
21.Water-Resistant Backpack
A water-resistant daypack is a seriously non-negotiable item for me when cruising. Not only are you literally surrounded by water all day, but the little boats that bring you to excursions and land can easily soak your things. My backpack actually fell in the water once and all of my stuff got ruined… Learn from my mistakes and protect your essentials with this backpack. Whether boating, snorkeling, or just docking – you will be happy to have it. This one folds up into its own tiny storage pouch when not in use.
22.Cooling Towel Set
Most cruise destinations are for hot locations (even during the winter months) so traveling with this cooling towel is a necessity for me. I hate feeling overheated and even though the comfort of air conditioning is available inside the ship, the deck is often scorching and AC is hard to come by at the port. If I’m strolling through the streets, visiting markets or other tourist attractions, I always carry this towel with me. For relief, you simply wet the towel, wring it out and apply it to your neck or shoulders for instant comfort. The towel is chemical-free and comes in a small case that prevents the other items in my daypack from getting damp.
23.Gorgeous Dress
By day, a cover-up may do the trick – but by night, you will need something a bit fancier! From the multiple dining options onboard to the inevitable dance club and lounge visits, this sexy cocktail dress is the ideal evening look. Most people go on vacation to feast and there will be no shortage of meals on a cruise ship, I like that this look covers my tummy yet hugs the curves for a modest look that complements all body types. We’re going for – affordably chic while looking like a million bucks!
24.Slip-On Mesh Water Shoes
In tropical locations, it’s likely that you’ll be in and out of the water while you’re exploring or taking part in shore activities – and flip-flops are not going to cut it. You’ll want something comfortable that can go from land to sea so you can wear them while walking around beachside towns or trails and then hop right into the water for some snorkeling. You don’t want to worry about getting sand or water in your heavy hiking shoes, causing you to slosh around and be weighed down. Plus, there are many beaches and reefs where it’s not a good idea to go barefoot, so these mesh water shoes are a safe solution.
25.Sand-Resistant Beach Blanket
A high-quality beach blanket is hard to find but will be a game-changer when cruising. This one by Wellax is made of parachute-like material that drys in no time, and sand can’t stick to it – no more sand grains in your picnic snacks! It folds up into a little carry bag and even has a pocket for your belongings such as keys and cell phones. Pair it with the travel towel and you will have everything you need for a low-stress day in the sun.
26.Hanging Toiletry Bag
Ships – even big, stable ones like cruise ships – tend to rock back and forth. They also leave a lot to be desired as far as countertop space and you may find yourself shrugging in disbelief at your 25-square-foot bathroom! Because of this, leaving your toiletries or makeup out and on the counter in your room is not a practical idea. A hanging toiletry bag makes packing extremely easy and keeps items organized and in-place so you always have access to what you need. When you’re ready to pack it away, all you do is fold it back up and go!
27.Packable Sun Hat
Since the most popular cruising routes sweep across the Bahamas, Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Hawaii, and Alaska – you will always need a decent sun hat. This one is my go-to because it is wide-brimmed and sweat-resistant, but most of all, it is packable! I’ve never met a hat that didn’t look completely destroyed and disheveled after a day in my suitcase. But this one rolls up to maintain a chic shape, making it ideal for wanderlusters that don’t want the sun in their eyes all day.
Credit For The Article Goes To The Author Lyric Fergusson On April 6, 2023. Information Was Found On https://www.asherfergusson.com/.
Written By Erica
Silverstein – Contributor For Cruise Critic. Com - Updated February
21, 2023
Travelers Rely
On Popular Cruising Myths Like "I'll Get Seasick" And "I'll Feel
Claustrophobic On A Ship" As Their Reasons For Why They've Not Yet Crossed
The Gangway.
At The Same
Time, Compelling Lures, Like Commercials You See On TV Of Families Sliding Down
Onboard Waterslides Or Of Couples Gazing Out To Sea From Their Private Balcony,
Are Tempting. Friends Who Have Cruised And Who Come Home From Holiday Just Raving
About The Experience Make It Sound Even More Tantalizing.
If You're Among
Those Who Are Considering A First Cruise But Haven't Yet Taken The Leap, Cruise
Critic Editors And Members Highlight What They Love Most About Life At Sea.
A Cruise
Vacation Offers Great Value
Cruises Offer
Great Value For Your Vacation Dollar Because The Fares Include Nearly
Everything You'll Need For A Fantastic Trip: Food, Accommodations, Daytime And
Evening Entertainment And Transportation Between Destinations.
We Regularly See
Fares On Mainstream Cruise Lines For Under $100 Per Person, Per Night, Which Is
Astonishingly Cheaper Than You'd Spend On Land For A Hotel, Dinner And A Show.
On Some Lines,
Kids Even Sail Free Or At Discounted Rates When Sharing A Cabin With Two
Adults. Looking For Luxury Cruises? Upscale Lines Are Even More Inclusive,
With Alcohol And Soft Drinks, Gratuities, Shore Tours, Onboard Spending Credits
And Even Flights Bundled Into The Fare. There Are Also Plenty Of Budget
Cruises For You To Peruse And Consider.
See Multiple
Vacation Destinations, But Unpack Only Once On A Cruise
On A Cruise, You
Unpack Your Bags Only Once And Your Floating Hotel Takes You From City To City
Or From Island To Island And There's No Need To Mess With Bus, Train Or Ferry
Schedules-- Or Lug Your Suitcase Along Cobblestone Streets.
Every Morning,
You'll Wake Up In A New Place Without Having To Move Yourself. Can't Decide
Between St. Lucia And Barbados, Or Italy Or Spain? Why Choose? Pick
An Itinerary That Visits All The Cities On Your Wish List.
Cruise Ships Are
Family Friendly
From Tots To
Teens, Grandparents To Grandkids, Cruises Are Fun For All Ages. If You're
Struggling To Find A Vacation That Your Five-, 10- And 15-Year-Old Will All
Love -- And That Has Adult Activities, Too -- Ships Now Have Extensive Kids'
Facilities, Split By Age.
Teens Have Their
Own Cool Hangouts, Far Away From The Play Areas For The Little Ones (And
Certainly A Nice Distance From Parent-Friendly Pools And Bars). How Can You Not
Love A Trip That Features Video Games And Swimming Pools, While
Offering Time For Families To Be Together At Dinner Or On Shoreside
Excursions?
Plus, Parents
Can Even Sneak In A Romantic Dinner Alone By Taking Advantage Of Late-Night
Hours In The Kids' Club.
Cruise Ships
Come In All Shapes And Sizes
The Ideal Cruise
Ship For One Person May Be A Mega-Ship Outfitted With Onboard Rock-Climbing
Walls And Outdoor Movie Theaters, While Another Will Prefer An Intimate Ship
With An Upscale Ambience And Someone Else Will Want The Seafaring Experience Of
A Masted Tall Sailing Ship. Luckily, All Those Different Types Of Cruise Ships
Exist.
From French
Country Waterways' 12-Person River Barges To Royal Caribbean's 5,400-Passenger Oasis
Of The Seas. More Options Range From The Luxurious Seabourn Odyssey To
The Minimalist Sailing Ships Of Star Clippers And Even To
Ice-Strengthened Expedition Ships Like The Hurtigruten Fram.
Ships Offer A Variety
Of Onboard Activities
Today's Cruise
Ships Are Designed To Keep Everyone Happy. Want To Pamper Yourself At The Spa
While Your Spouse Hits The Cruise Ship Casino? Or Lounge In The Sun
Reading A Book While Your Family Plays Basketball? You Can Do It All And Then
Some As There Are Numerous Cruise Ship Activities To Choose From.
You Can Go To An
Educational Lecture, A Wine Tasting, A Computer Class Or A Dance Workshop;
Paint Pottery, Play Bridge, Learn A Language Or Do Yoga; Dine At A Casual
Buffet, A Fancy Sit-Down Restaurant, A Sushi Bar, A Diner Or A Steakhouse; And
Watch A Movie, A Comedy Routine, A Song-And-Dance Show Or Live Music
Performance.
And If All You
Want To Do Is Nothing While The Ship Sails From Port To Port, You Can Do That,
Too. Anything Is Possible Aboard A Cruise Ship.
Cruise Vacations
Are Easy To Plan
Because Cruise
Vacations Package Together Transportation And Accommodations, They're Very Easy
To Plan. Pick Your Ship, Itinerary And Cabin, And Away You Go; No Searching For
Hotels In Your Price Range, No Coordinating Travel Between Cities.
You Can Even Get
Your Travel Agent To Arrange Your Airfare For You -- Or Choose A Departure Port
Within Driving Distance To Eliminate That Extra Planning Step.
It's A Cinch
To Book Group Cruises As Well. Cruise Lines Have Plans In Place For
Group Travel, Eliminating The Hassle Of Coordinating Your 20 Family Members And
Friends From Around The Country Who Want To Vacation With You. Book Enough
Cabins And You'll Even Get Extra Perks, Including A Potential Free Fare.
Cruise Ships Are
Floating Cities
If You're
Concerned About Being Stranded In The Middle Of The Ocean, Relax Because You
Are In Safe Hands. Cruise Ships Are Like Floating Cities With Everything You
Could Possibly Want Or Need Onboard.
Today's Vessels
Are Outfitted With Wi-Fi, Cell Service And Satellite TV So You Can Stay In
Touch With The "Real World" During Your Cruise (If You Even Want To).
Onboard Shops Sell The Toiletries You Forgot To Pack, Medical Centers Can
Provide Medications Or A Doctor's Services If Needed, And Laundry
Facilities Let You Wash Your Clothes Mid-Cruise So You Don't Need To
Over-Pack.
Of Course,
There's Also The Fun Stuff Like Gyms, Multiple Restaurants, Movie Screens,
Spas, Swimming Pools, Theaters And Discos. And, In The Very Rare Emergency,
There Are Always Enough Lifeboats For Everyone Onboard.
Cruise Ships Can
Go Anywhere, Far And Wide
A Cruise Is One
Of The Best Ways To See The Most Exotic And Foreign Destinations In The World
In An Easy And Comfortable Way.
Cruise Itineraries
Offer Calls At Major Cities And Picturesque Villages, All Of Which Will Be
Regional Highlights, So You Don't Have To Do The Research On The Best Places To
Visit In An Unfamiliar Destination.
If You're
Uncomfortable With Independent Sightseeing In A New Locale, Simply Take A
Ship's Tour With English-Speaking Guides. Or Team Up With More Experienced
Travelers You Meet Online Or Onboard To Share A Cab Or Private Guide.
Cruising Is
Romantic For Couples
Anyone Who's
Watched "The Love Boat" Knows That There's A Romance To Sea Travel. The
Wind In Your Hair, The Vistas Of Endless Ocean, The Stars Twinkling Above At
Night-- All Set The Mood For Love And Romance. It May Sound A Bit Cliche, But
They're Real Experiences Onboard Nonetheless.
If You Want To
Rekindle The Spark With Your Sweetie, A Cruise Vacation Provides Plenty Of
Together Time: Sharing Side-By-Side Lounge Chairs By The Pool, A Table For Two
At Dinner, Dancing In The Evening Or Sharing Quality Time Onshore.
Cruise Lines
Also Have Special Packages For Honeymoons, Vow Renewals And Weddings
Onboard And Onshore.
Cruising Is
Great For Socializing And Making New Friends
If You Love To
Meet People From Around The Country And The World, Cruising Provides A
Wonderful Opportunity To Make New Friends. Even Before You Embark, You Can
Connect With Cruisers On Cruise Critic's Roll Call Forums And Create Groups To
Go On Independent Excursions.
Onboard, You'll
Meet People At Your Dinner Table, At The Piano Bar Or By The Pool. The Person
Seated Next To You Might Be From Paris, Texas, Or Paris, France; London, Ontario,
Or London, England. Kids Can Find Playmates Their Own Age During
Youth Activities, So They're Not Always With Adults Or Their Older Or Younger
Siblings.
Looking For Mr.
Or Ms. Right? We Have Proof That Many Long-Term Relationships Begin During A
Vacation At Sea.
The Importance of a Passport: Why Is It So Necessary for Traveling?
Do I need a passport to travel? The answer is yes. A passport is the only acceptable document that will allow you to enter any country in the world. When traveling, it’s important to have all of your documentation go through customs without any trouble. This post will teach you how and why passports are necessary for travelers.
What is a passport?
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that permits the bearer to cross international borders. It typically includes a person’s name, place, date of birth, photo, signature, sex, nationality, or citizenship. Passports are issued by national governments for use by their citizens and serve as valid identification for people who lack other forms of identification, such as driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards.
For Traveling
A passport can be used when traveling by airplane, car, train, or boat between countries. The government requires every person to have one to leave or re-enter the country. Passports are also necessary because of how convenient they make traveling. It is good to check your passport index to know how many countries you can travel to with your passport vice-free. And the ones you need to have a vice. You can’t go through ticket check-ins or security checkpoints without a passport, and you generally won’t be allowed to board your plane if they don’t have one on file.
If your passport isn’t up-to-date, then you may run into trouble with customs officials or even miss out on special flight deals. For example, if your passport expires within six months after a visit to another country and doesn’t allow entry to people with passports that will expire in less than six months, you may be denied entry. In other cases, A US citizen who does not have a valid US passport may not be allowed back into the United States from another country even though they hold citizenship status there too. That is because their passports will expire before their return flight home, which would cause them problems at customs upon returning home (USA).
For Identification
A passport is the only acceptable form of identification for international travel. If you aren’t carrying your passport, it’s virtually impossible to enter another country by airplane or ship without being denied entry. In addition to identifying yourself through your photo and signature, passports are marked with a unique number called an “international standard serial number,” which allows customs officials to access your personal information quickly. The government of a specific nation issues passports rather than private companies like airlines, making having one an integral part of international travel.
If you’re ever denied entry into another country because they didn’t believe you were who you said you were or they couldn’t verify your identity, you’ll probably need to show them your passport. This is especially true if they suspect that you’re carrying false identification or are a citizen of another country traveling on an expired visa, a government-issued travel document that allows people from certain countries to enter and leave.
Having all of this information in one place and easily accessible is the primary reason why you need to carry your passport when traveling internationally. It’s easy for customs officials to verify whether or not you’re allowed into their country, and it will enable them to access important information in case they need it quickly.
Proof of Citizenship
Having a passport is one of the best ways to protect yourself when traveling abroad. Not only does it make life easier and more convenient, but if something goes wrong while you’re away from home, such as losing your luggage or getting sick, at least you’ll have something that proves who you are and where you’re from. It proves you can enter another country if needed, and it usually has an expiration date.
It is essential for children because any parent traveling with their child must have proof of citizenship on hand to cross international borders. If the parents don’t have passports or their travel documents, expire while they’re abroad, or if they decide to stay longer than expected, the child will have to be sent home as soon as possible.
It’s essential to hold a valid passport if you plan on traveling internationally. If it’s expired, lost, or stolen, you need to replace it as soon as possible because this document is the key to your entrance into another country and will allow customs officials to verify who you are when entering their borders.
Credit For This Article: Written By Allen Brown & On www.drifttravel.com
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Richard Branson's cruise line Virgin Voyages has stopped requiring travelers to get tested before embarking on a voyage, becoming the first major cruise line to eliminate testing for sailings in the United States.
The new rules will go into effect on July 24 for sailings on the Valiant Lady and go into effect on July 27 for sailings on the Scarlet Lady, according to the company. Most travelers will still be required to be vaccinated to board, but the cruise line said it would open up to 10% of its capacity to unvaccinated cruisers.
All crew will still be fully vaccinated.
The new policy comes "In response to the discontinuation of the CDC's Voluntary Program for the Cruise Industry," according to Virgin Voyages.
The CDC currently recommends all travelers are "up to date" with their COVID-19 vaccines before boarding a cruise, "highly" recommends cruise ships require testing within one day of embarkation, and asks cruise lines to "consider" operating with at least 90% passengers and 95% crew up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
While Virgin Voyages is the first cruise line to change its testing policy for sailings in the U.S., others have eliminated testing for sailings outside the country, like Azamara, which told Travel Leisure it will eliminate testing on cruises where it is not required by local country regulations starting July 25, including for sailings out of Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Southampton, England.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also eliminated testing for vaccinated travelers for all cruises sailing from any port except in the U.S., Canada, or Piraeus, Greece.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure.
COVID-19 Testing No Longer Required for U.S. Entry as of June 12, 2022
The CDC order requiring persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded, effective on June 12, 2022, at 12:01AM ET. This means that starting at 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, air passengers will not need to get tested and show a negative COVID-19 test result, nor show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for noncitizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.
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