The ultra-premium travel brands Azamara and Silversea joined other major cruise lines in dropping COVID vaccine requirements.
Azamara said it would scrap its vaccination requirement for passengers on the Caribbean or European sailings beginning December 1, 2022. The change is subject to local requirements.
Azamara previously dropped its embarkation testing requirement back in July.
In a news release the company said that regardless of vaccination status, Azamara would continue to encourage all passengers departing from any port to get tested at leisure before travel "to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience."
On Wednesday, August 31, Silversea announced a similar change. The company will welcome all travelers regardless of their vaccination status where local rules permit starting September 5, 2022, according to a news release.
Silversea is also rolling back its COVID testing requirements, and will no longer require vaccinated guests to take a test before boarding. Unvaccinated passengers must show proof of a negative COVID antigen/PCR test taken within 3 days of their voyage. Those changes are subject to local rules.
Major companies like CCL-Carnival Cruise Line, HAL-Holland America Line, and MSC, have also dropped their COVID vaccine requirements for many voyages and eased COVID testing rules in recent weeks after the CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended the COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships.