Celestyal Cruises Eases Covid-19 Testing Rules, Drops Mask Mandate

Photo source: @Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises has announced the further relaxation of its Covid-19 health protocols for all its sailings in accordance with updated guidelines from the European Healthy Gateways, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Greek health authorities

“The more flexible requirements provide our guests with the option of testing prior to departing for Greece as well as more flexibility when it comes to masking onboard,” said Celestyal Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden.

Passengers can now test up to 72 hours prior to embarkation

As of August 26, all guests 12 years of age and above must continue to be fully vaccinated including proof of a booster for those of 18 years old and above (if their original vaccine course was completed more than 270 days prior to embarkation).

All guests are required to have a certified negative Covid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to embarkation, as opposed to the earlier requirement of the test being taken 24 hours prior to embarkation.

For citizens of EU countries and countries participating in the EU DCC scheme that have recently recovered from Covid, an EU DCC (Digital Covid Certificate) is required.

Citizens from countries not participating in the DCC scheme (USA, Canada, Mexico and others) that have recently recovered from Covid, can provide a doctor’s note supplemented with the positive test result corresponding to the date which the guest has been diagnosed positive and the negative test result corresponding to the date of recovery.

Masks not required

Masks which were previously mandated in all indoor areas, are no longer required, but instead highly recommended for indoor areas and outdoors when in large crowds.

“We will continue to liaise with the European Healthy Gateways, CLIA and Greek health authorities, as well as all destinations we visit on our cruises to ensure that we are in compliance with all of the latest health protocols with the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve continuing to be our top priority,” Peden said.

Celestyal’s health and safety measures are continuously evaluated and adjusted based on new and updated prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.