how princess is focusing on health and safety
Princess' CruiseHealth protocols and procedures have been designed to maximize the health and safety of our guests and crew while delivering a memorable vacation experience. Below are the measures currently planned for the vaccinated cruises sailing from the United States through December 31, 2021.
Some of these protocols and procedures are subject to change based on the port of embarkation (if outside the United States).
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AGAINST COVID-19
Updated 03-23-2022
Vaccines
Guests must have received the last dose of a licensed COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the cruise and present acceptable proof at check-in.
We currently operate vaccinated cruises as defined by the CDC, with at least 95% of guests fully vaccinated. Children under the age of five are welcome on cruises without the need for a waiver. Fully vaccinated guests must;
have received their last dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the cruise
confirm your status as fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
present proof of vaccination before boarding.
submit a negative COVID test.
PROTOCOLS FOR GUESTS AND TRAVEL
Before finalizing travel plans, carefully review our protocols and recommendations from government health authorities. If you're travelling internationally, make sure you understand all entry and airline requirements to go from your home country to the destinations you plan to visit, including where health authorities may require pre-travel COVID-19 testing.
Things change so details continue to be updated regularly. We recommend checking out official websites and apps developed by government agencies and tourism ministries.
The MedallionClass® Experience
Now available on all ships, Princess MedallionClass lets you decide who you interact with and how. Enjoy TrulyTouchless™ experiences and personalized service that makes everything easier, including physical distancing.
- crowd-free, simplified safety training
- JourneyView® activities timeline
- OceanNow® service on demand
- MedallionPay™ contactless payment
- More digital entertainment and gaming
Enhanced Health Screenings
You'll need to complete an online health questionnaire in the MedallionClass app within 24 hours of your sailing and undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screenings, which will include confirmation of your responses, validation of vaccination documents and any required COVID-19 testing. We will refer anyone with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or who are identified at-risk, for additional medical screening before allowing them to board. Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) will be performed when necessary. Contact tracing is planned for every cruise.
Mask Recommendation
Masks are recommended, but not required. Exceptions may apply where masks are required in certain venues. We’ll clearly designate any situations in which masks are required with signage and onboard communications.
We always recommend you wash or replace your mask daily and choose a good quality mask.
Ventilation
Ships feature enhanced air filtration with upgraded HVAC systems. These systems are designed to replace air within public spaces and staterooms every five to six minutes. HEPA filters are used in key areas, such as medical centers and dedicated isolation rooms, as a further safeguard.
Onboard Health Practices
We encourage everyone to use the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitizer dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. We also ask you to follow health information about the ways to stay healthy on board and when ashore through daily programming, entertainment systems, announcements, in-stateroom literature and our app. There will be no self-service for meals. We’ll do the serving for you. And we'll clean public areas and staterooms thoroughly and more frequently using a safe disinfectant proven to quickly kill coronaviruses.
Youth and Teen Programs
Our youth and teen programs will continue to operate with enhanced health protocols. To limit crowding in the centers, entry will be restricted to youth participants. High touch surfaces, supplies, and equipment will be sanitized frequently.
Safe Experiences Ashore
While some ports allow independent tours and exploration, we highly recommend you choose a Princess shore excursion as these follow the same health and safety protocols that we have on board. You will be required to follow the health protocols for every port we visit. This includes local government guidance for mask wearing, physical distancing, testing/health screenings, etc. Protocols may be subject to change without notice. We'll share the status of local guidelines with you prior to disembarkation at each destination.
Medical Care
Our highly-trained medical staff includes doctors and nurses capable of caring for a broad range of medical conditions, including COVID-19. Medical centers are equipped with COVID testing and treatment capabilities. We require all team members to wear Princess-approved face masks.
Online Check-In
The MedallionClass app makes completing important OceanReady® steps and cruise check-in a breeze. These include:
- selecting a preferred port arrival time to help stagger boarding
- completing the health questionnaire
- confirming the passage contract, COVID-19 acceptance and vaccination attestation
It’s important that you arrive at your assigned time because we can't accommodate early arrivals and you'll be asked to return at that time anyway.