In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discontinuing its COVID-19 program for cruise ships, Virgin Voyages is renouncing its pre-cruise testing requirement.
In a press release, the line said it “immediately responded to the CDC’s decision to discontinue its voluntary COVID-19 program for cruise ships and will mirror the rest of the travel industry by eliminating pre-boarding testing for voyages beginning of July 24”. Departures from the EU, and from July 27 on departures from the US.”
Vaccination requirements will remain in effect for both of your cruises; Scarlet Lady sailing from Miami and Valiant Lady sailing in Europe. The line is currently evaluating its vaccination policy.
For cruises from the United States, 10 percent of passengers will now be able to sail without being vaccinated. This opens the opportunity for guests who are not vaccinated to contact Virgin Voyages Navigation Services to book travel if these thresholds are met.
Other health and safety measures will remain in place, including enhanced air purification and deep cleaning and disinfection.
Virgin is one of several cruise lines that are suspending testing on all or most of their ships. Earlier this week, Azamara announced that pre-cruise testing will no longer be required beginning July 25, except in destinations that continue to be required.
Last month, Viking abandoned testing on all but two of its ships, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings suspended pre-cruise testing in all regions except those where local regulations still require it. Holland America and P&O Cruises also dropped the trial mandate for select voyages to Norway this summer.