Carnival Cruise Line has updated its pre-cruise testing protocols, especially as they relate to Bahamas cruises.
This had caused some confusion in recent days, as other cruise lines have not required testing on shorter cruises with Bahamian ports, but Carnival still mandates tests for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status or length of cruise, if visit the Bahamas.
Testing is not required for some passengers
In an update on his Facebook page, Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald shared a letter from Christine Duffy, president of the line. The letter has also been sent to booked carnival guests and shared with travel partners.
“We are pleased to share that our COVID protocols continue to evolve.” Duffy said. “Beginning August 8, 2022, guests must be guided by the following testing requirements for COVID-19 in connection with cruises visiting the Bahamas.”
On cruises of 5 nights or less, vaccinated passengers do not need to submit any pre-cruise COVID-19 test results. This is a difference from clarification Carnival Cruise Line provided only three days ago.
However, unvaccinated passengers must show a negative test result to be allowed to sail, even on shorter cruises. This can be either a supervised PCR or an antigen test and can be taken up to three days before departure.
All guests 2 years of age and older – regardless of vaccination status – must present a negative test result for each Carnival cruise, in the Bahamas or to any other destination, if the cruise is 6 nights or more.
As with everything Carnival health and safety protocolsthese requirements can and will likely continue to evolve, and the cruise line remains in contact with its destination ports to ensure compliance with all local protocols.
“We remain, as always, committed to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve.” the message ends.
Less confusion
This clarification is a welcome notice to guests booked on future Bahamas short cruises.
Previously, Carnival Cruise Line required testing for all passengers visiting the popular island nation, despite the Bahamas not mandating that travelers present negative test results upon entry. This claim ended in the Bahamas on June 19, 2022.
While other cruise lines have completed their testing mandates for shorter cruises, no other cruise lines have continued to require testing for Bahamas cruises, in accordance with the country’s health and safety protocols.
The Bahamas is a very popular Caribbean destination for shorter cruises from Florida’s multiple ports of call. Nassau, Freeport and Bimini. Several cruise lines have also leased the Bahamian islands for their private resorts, including Royal Caribbean International’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.
Carnival Cruise Line and other lines in the use of the Carnival family Half Moon Cay as a private destination in the Bahamas as well Princess Cays.
Private islands were never excluded from Bahamas protocols, but as of June 19, there has been no testing mandate to visit these tropical destinations.
It should be noted, however, that Bahamas travel requirements websitestates, very clearly, “These protocols are subject to change at any time in response to new COVID-19 measures.”
If the island nation chooses to reinstate testing requirements for visitors, cruise lines will also have to modify their protocols to be able to continue visiting Bahamian ports of call.
As this situation always remains fluid, cruise passengers should stay in close contact with their cruise line for all updated protocols and requirements for future cruises.
