COVID-19 rules for Carnival cruises have changed again. What to know if you’re sailing from SC

Chase Karacostas
Image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Possibly the last COVID-19 protocol left in South Carolina has fallen.

Carnival Cruise Line, the only large cruise ship operator in the state, will no longer require COVID-19 testing or vaccinations for passengers starting in September for most trips. The Carnival Sunshine ship sails out of Charleston to destinations across the Caribbean.

“Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests, and these guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months,” Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said in a statement earlier this month.

The decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowed its COVID-19 reporting program to end last month.

The new rules aren’t entirely cut and dry, though, so here’s what to know going forward.

  • Vaccinated guests still have to show proof of their immunization status before getting on a ship, but they no longer have to get a COVID-19 test prior to embarkation.

  • Unvaccinated guests do not have to apply for a vaccine exemption anymore, but they must provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test from no more than three days before setting sail.

  • Pre-cruise testing is still required for all guests sailing to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia as well as cruises that are 16 or more nights.

  • Guests under the age of 5 in the U.S. are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements.

Keep in mind that unvaccinated passengers might not be able to disembark at destinations that require a vaccination to enter the country.

Carnival is still in the process of updating all of its websites and other informational materials regarding the new protocols. Be sure to call the company before booking or leaving for the trip with any questions.

“We appreciate the patience of our guests and travel advisor partners as we update all materials, but the end result is a very positive one for all who are looking forward to cruising with us,” Duffy said in a statement.

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