Virgin Voyages announced today that it is lifting its pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirements across its fleet. The company will drop the testing mandate on cruises out of Europe from July 24, 2022 and on U.S. sailings from July 27, 2022. The move follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) announcement earlier this week that it had ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships.
Vaccination requirements remain in place for Scarlet Lady, which operates out of Miami, and Valiant Lady, which operates out of Barcelona. Virgin Voyages requires 90% of its passengers to be vaccinated. Unvaccinated passengers wishing to sail with Virgin Voyages are asked to contact the Sailor Services to enquire about available bookings.
Crew on all Virgin Voyages’ sailings are fully vaccinated.
In a press statement, Virgin Voyages said that it will continue to consider the recommendations of the CDC, while also adhering to policies outlined by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). It also said that like the rest of the cruise industry it “welcomes the update and autonomy that has been afforded the rest of the travel sector over the past several years. The news comes as the cruise industry continues to regain post-pandemic momentum.”
Earlier this week, Azamara also announced plans to drop its pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirement from July 25, 2022, excluding ports where testing mandates remain in place in accordance with the local country’s regulations. Guests aged 12 years and older are required to be fully vaccinated to travel with Azamara.
For more information, visit virginvoyages.com/voyage-well.
