With the recent uptick of COVID-19 in the world Norwegian Cruise Line has strengthened mask wearing protocols and will require COVID-19 testing at the terminal prior to boarding amid the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant and following outbreaks onboard their ships.
In a letter to guests and travel advisors, NCL announced that the company will require face coverings to be worn indoors except when actively eating or drinking. The company will also require COVID-19 testing at the pier just before boarding saying that “due to the evolving health environment surrounding COVID-19, we have determined it will be best to continue the practice of administering COVID-19 antigen tests to all guests at embarkation.”
“In order to provide the highest level of health and safety during your voyage, as of December 18th, 2021 all Norwegian Cruise Line vessels have implemented a mandatory masking policy for guests onboard with the following exceptions”
- - While indoors unless actively eating/drinking or seated at a table in a dining setting.
- - While outdoors when physical distancing cannot be achieved.
- - While in your stateroom.
Norwegian Cruise Line mandates 100% of guests and crew to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before sailing and did not previously require masks to be worn by passengers. Now this requirement is mandatory on all sailing starting December 19, 2021. The decision also comes after the outbreak of coronavirus on board NCL’s Norwegian Breakaway in which at least 17 people tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, including a South African crewmember who the company said, was "suspected" to be infected with the omicron variant.
