Norwegian to drop mandatory face mask requirement

Will face masks be a thing of the past on cruise ship this year? If a recent change to Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) onboard protocols is a sign of anything, it’s quite possible.

The company, on Tuesday (Feb. 8) announced that it will be easing a COVID-19 protocol this March.

All face mask requirements for NCL cruises sailing out of U.S. ports from March 1, 2022, and onwards will be dropped, the company noted in an update to its Sail Safe Health and Safety Program.

“Our cruises will operate with 100 per cent vaccination of crew and guests age five and over, therefore face coverings are not required while onboard,” NCL wrote. “However, we recognize the added protections provided when wearing a mask covering and recommend that all guests do so onboard when indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom.”

“Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when physical distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained. The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest."

For sailings in Europe, local government rules will continue to be in place, which means guests will be required to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when eating or drinking, or while in their stateroom.

Outside, guests need to wear masks when social distancing is not possible, NCL said.

“We will continue to monitor public health guidance, including from the CDC, at the time of your voyage and modify requirements accordingly.”

NCL sailings through Feb. 28 still require guests to wear masks onboard while indoors, except when eating or drinking, the company said. 

In addition, beginning March 1, NCL will require passengers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result within two days before boarding cruises originating in the U.S. and three days prior for voyages departing from a non-U.S. port.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.