In accordance with updated entry requirements from the Bermuda government, Carnival Cruise Line has updated its pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirements for guests visiting the island.
Communications have been sent to cruise partners with updated requirements and guests must follow the instructions or they will be denied boarding for their cruise.
Testing is required for all Bermuda passengers
In a notice sent to travel partners, Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that a “document of recovery” from COVID-19 will not be acceptable in lieu of a negative pre-cruise test for COVID-19 cruises to Bermuda.
This means that all passengers, regardless of vaccination status or whether they have recently recovered from illness, must present a negative test result within the appropriate pre-travel window before their cruise.
If guests are fully vaccinated, they can have a PCR test within 72 hours of departure for a Bermuda cruise, or an antigen test within 48 hours of departure. The same requirements apply if guests are up-to-date with their vaccination, which includes not only the full series of primary vaccinations, but also a booster vaccination.
Even if guests qualify for a second booster, the additional vaccine is not required to be considered up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines.
Boarding may be refused
Carnival is taking all possible steps to keep guests informed of changes in testing, vaccination and documentation requirements. However, this can be challenging, as different destinations update their individual protocols and different cruises can have different requirements even by just a few days.
However, guests must fully comply with the stated protocols in order to be allowed to navigate.
According to the notice sent to travel partners regarding Bermuda’s testing requirements: “Unfortunately, guests who do not comply with this requirement will be denied boarding and no refunds will be provided.”
This updated requirement, including denial of boarding if non-compliant, is scheduled to be in effect for all Bermuda cruises with departure dates through December 31, 2022.
However, visitors should note that the protocols may be updated at any time and travelers will be required to agree to any updates. Staying in close contact with the cruise line is essential for passengers to ensure they meet all requirements for the departure of their Carnival cruise in the coming months.
For now, both The class of dreams The magic of carnivalssailing from New York this summer and Norfolk in October, as well Spiritual class The legend of carnivalssailing from Baltimore, are offering cruises to Bermuda.
Guests booked on future sailings of either ship should stay in touch with Carnival Cruise Line as well as their travel agent (if applicable) for updates as the sailing date approaches.
