Carnival implements mask requirements for all guests, pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Carnival Cruise Line on Wednesday announced changes to its onboard mask policy and pre-cruise testing requirements.

All guests will be asked to wear masks in certain indoor areas of Carnival’s ships, the cruise line said. The new policy goes into effect with all cruises that depart beginning Saturday through Oct. 31.

Carnival has also added a pre-cruise testing requirement for all vaccinated guests effective with cruises departing between Aug. 14 and Oct. 31. All fully vaccinated guests must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of embarking.

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Testing in the terminal will not be available, Carnival said. Vaccinated guests are require to come with their negative test results and proof of vaccination for boarding.

Carnival will continue having its crew fully vaccinated, the cruise line said.

Guests who are unvaccinated will continue to follow requirements previously announced, which include pre-cruise testing, testing prior to boarding and testing within 24 hours of debarking on cruises of five days or longer.

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Unvaccinated guests approved for an exemption are charged $150 for testing and health screening costs. For cruises departing from Florida and Texas, unvaccinated guests are also required to show proof of insurance.

“These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while on board, and to continue to provide confidence to our homeports and destinations that we are doing our part to support their efforts to protect public health and safety,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a news release. “We expect these requirements will be temporary and appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Our first month of guest operations has been met with tremendous enthusiasm and very positive guest feedback, and we are committed to continue our restart with both fun and safety in mind.”

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Video: Carnival’s Mardi Gras cruise ship set to sail from Port Canaveral Guests got a sneak peak of Carnival’s new flagship, The Mardi Gras, on Friday and some undoubtedly notice some changes. (WFTV)

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