In line with other major cruise lines, Virgin Voyages will soon drop its vaccination mandate for guests sailing on its ships. In a note on its Voyage Well health and safety website, the cruise line said that “In accordance with our industry standards and with consideration and guidance from the CDC, we are adjusting our protocols.”

From September 18, 2022, unvaccinated guests will be able to sail on the Valiant Lady. Valiant Lady is currently sailing in Europe, but will move to Miami in mid-October. From September 21, 2022, the same will apply to guests aboard the Scarlet Lady from Miami.

In order to sail, unvaccinated guests must still show a negative COVID-19 test result. It must be taken within 72 hours of the sailing date, or they can take a test at the cruise terminal for $30.

Currently, Virgin Voyages sails with 90 percent of its guests vaccinated, which leaves 10 percent of each voyage's capacity open to unvaccinated passengers. However, as it is percentage controlled, unvaccinated guests were not necessarily guaranteed a booking and had to call Virgin Voyages to book.

Opening up all travel to unvaccinated guests with no percentage to meet makes it much easier for unvaccinated travelers to book and know immediately that they have a guaranteed reservation.

Back in July, Virgin Voyages was the first US cruise line to waive the testing requirement. However, it has reinstated that requirement for unvaccinated guests now that it has opened up all its sailings to them without restrictions.

 The vaccination mandate remains in place for Virgin Voyages crew members.