Marella Cruises, a market leader in the UK for All-inclusive and Fly-Cruises announced the relaxation of its COVID vaccination requirements onboard its voyages, meaning customers traveling on sailings from May 1st, 2023 will no longer have to provide proof of their vaccination status.
The change applies to all cruises, except for destinations that require proof of COVID vaccination as an entry requirement to the country as set by local authorities, like the USA and US territories. The arrival of a ship in port is considered an entry to the destination, regardless of whether a cruise passenger disembarks the vessel.
For any customers traveling on/before April 30th, 2023, Marella Cruises’ existing vaccination rules apply, requiring everyone aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated to sail. Kids aged 2-11 must follow the entry requirements for the destinations on their voyage.
According to Chris Hackney (Marella's managing director), health and safety was always their number one priority for all their guests and crew, and that decision had been carefully assessed by their teams. Many destinations no longer required vaccination as a condition of entry, and relaxing those rules was the natural next step as the travel and cruise industry progressed after the COVID crisis.
"We want to ensure our customers have a great cruise from start to finish, and we hope the relaxation of these rules means our guests can enjoy an easier pre-travel experience. We look forward to continuing to welcome both new and existing customers onboard our ships in the near future.”