Are masks mandatory on my cruise?

It will depend on the health protocols specific to the cruise line you are travelling with. You may be required to wear mask at the port during embarkation, disembarkation and while using tender boats. Some destinations may also require you to wear masks when ashore and we recommend taking one with you whenever you disembark the ship. Mask policies are continually evaluated as public health standards and government regulations evolve.

Current mask wearing rules for the main cruise lines below (please note that these rules are subject to change at short notice):

P&O - Highly recommend that guests wear masks on board, they are only required in the theatre, cinema, or if you visit the medical centre. Your mask must cover your nose and mouth and be of good quality (ideally medical grade). Re-usable masks should be washed regularly, and visors and face shields aren’t accepted as a substitute for a face mask.

Cunard - As above

Princess - Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of venues, though they may be required in select venues or situations. This will be clearly designated through signage and on-board communications

Celebrity - Face masks are optional on-board for all vaccinated guests. Masks will continue to be required for unvaccinated guests, at all times indoors, except while eating or drinking

Azamara - Azamara no longer requires masks to be worn on its ships, although it still recommends them. The line also warns that masks could be required by ports of call their ships visit

RCI - Sailings departing from Europe

Masks are optional for vaccinated guests and recommended for unvaccinated children while on-board. In cruise terminals, masks are optional unless required by local regulation. Some destinations we visit may require masks. Guests under 2 years old don't need to wear a mask.

RCI - Sailings departing from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Canada

Masks are optional for vaccinated guests and recommended for unvaccinated children while on-board. In our terminals, masks are optional unless required by local regulation. Some destinations we visit may require masks. Guests under 2 years old don't need to wear a mask.

RCI - Sailings departing from Singapore

Masks are required to be worn at all times indoors on the ship for all guests aged 6 and above. While in outdoor settings, masks are optional but encouraged.

MSC - Face masks will be required when in public areas, however, masks do not need to be worn when seated in restaurants, bars, lounges, and when sitting on the sun deck. Face masks will be available throughout the cruise

Marella - For sailings departing from 1 May 2022

Marella is starting to relax mask-wearing protocols. Local guidance will be followed in the visited destinations and you might need to wear a mask to move around the ship. You will be asked that you continue to bring enough masks for your whole cruise, including any time ashore. Italy currently has a strict FFP2 mask-wearing requirement. If your itinerary calls in at an Italian port, please bring FFP2 masks with you, or you can buy them on-board for £1 each.

Fred Olsen - Guests are no longer required to wear a mask while on-board (unless you choose to do so). You will be asked though to keep your mask on during check-in until you have confirmation of a negative result and some destinations may still require you to wear a mask; if this is the case, Fred Olsen will let you know before arriving at your destination.