Effective immediately, Carnival is making it easier for all guests, irrespective of vaccination status, to sail on cruises of any length from Australia. Proof of vaccination, pre-cruise testing, and application for a vaccine exemption are no longer required. Reservations are now confirmed for all guests, including for those awaiting a vaccine exemption.
Guests who have symptoms of respiratory illness within 5 days of embarkation should test for COVID-19. If you receive a positive result, you will not be able to travel. Please contact Carnival's customer service team at 13 31 94.
Carnival remains unwavering in their commitment to the well-being and safety of their guests, crew, and the communities Carnival visits. Looking ahead, Carnival will continue to abide by their strict and robust hygiene standards, whilst closely collaborating with relevant health authorities.
Booking
Before finalising travel plans, guests need to carefully review the Have Fun. Be Safe. Protocols below and the NSW Health Fact Sheet for Cruises Departing or Entering NSW or the QLD COVID-19 Information for the Cruise Industry to understand their obligations to comply with health requirements.
Vaccines & Vaccines Exemptions (Updated August 29, 2023
Carnival Cruise Line has welcomed the decision to lift all government mandated COVID restrictions for guests in Australia. These changes will be effective immediately across all Carnival Cruise Line operations.
Although vaccines are not required, Carnival encourages all guests, 5 years of age and older, to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, and carry proof of vaccination.
Australian public health authorities also strongly recommend all cruise ship guests receive an annual influenza vaccination at least two weeks before the start of their cruise.
Enhanced Health Screenings
At embarkation: Carnival will refer anyone with signs and symptoms of illness, or who are identified at-risk, for additional medical screening before allowing them to board. Guests will be seen by medical personnel and boarding will be approved at their discretion.
Any guest who is denied boarding by medical personnel will not be able to cruise and are recommended to seek reimbursement through their Travel Insurance provider.
During the cruise: Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) will be performed, if necessary, at the cost of the guest.
QUARANTINE
Carnival has implemented a comprehensive set of protocols with the best interests of the health and safety of their guests, crew, and the destinations Carnival's number one priority. Even with the multi-layered protocols in place, there may be infectious illness cases during your cruise. The ships' medical centres have capabilities for diagnosis and testing. It is important that you are aware of the following information:
Any guests exhibiting symptoms of illness are encouraged to go to the medical centre. Guests who are diagnosed with contagious illnesses may be required to move to an isolation stateroom until the medical team determines if it is safe to resume cruise activities.
Healthy Onboard Environment
Please help Carnival maintain a healthy onboard environment by using the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitiser dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. Carnival will also need guests to follow tehir guidance about the ways to stay healthy onboard and when ashore, through daily programming, entertainment systems, announcements, in-stateroom literature, and the Carnival HUB App.
Masks and Physical Distancing
Masks are not required on board during your cruise. However, Carnival recommends guests wear masks in public indoor spaces, outdoors when in large congregate events if they're feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness.
Going Ashore
Carnival will be following the health protocols for every port they visit, which are under the control of local authorities and subject to change without prior notice. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, must come prepared to follow local guidance pertaining to mask wearing, physical distancing, testing/health screenings, etc. Since destination health protocols continue to evolve, the most up-to-date information will be provided in a stateroom advisory. In Australia, all guests, irrespective of vaccination status, may go ashore to enjoy a Carnival tour or independent sightseeing.
