Luxury sailing just got a whole lot smoother with Azamara removing its embarkation COVID-19 pre-testing requirement unless stipulated by local country regulations, however cruisers will still need to show proof of vaccination before boarding.
It follows other major cruise lines that have recently ditched pre-departure testing protocol such as select P&O Cruises ships plus Viking, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
From 25 July 2022, Azamara will no longer require pre-cruise COVID-19 tests for guests aboard its cruise ships, excluding the ports where pre-travel testing is still needed due to country regulations.
Countries that still require pre-embarkation testing are Greece, Argentina, Dubai, Hong Kong, Peru, Australia, US, Brazil, Singapore and Japan.
In those cases where a negative COVID-19 test needs to be presented before boarding, the PCR or antigen test results need to be from a lab or licenced test site, or in the case of at-home kits, certified by a medical provider.
Azamara also has antigen COVID-19 testing available for USD$59 in the cruise terminal or on the boarding deck of its ships.
The luxe cruise line still recommends that guests take a COVID-19 test before travelling and physically distance themselves and wear masks while indoors.
Azamara President Carol Cabezas, who recently welcomed the news of the company’s four-ship fleet in action for the first time said: “The easing of our testing policy marks a step in the right direction towards a return to normalcy for the travel and cruising industry.”
To ensure the health and safety of guests and crew, Azamara still requires proof of vaccination before embarkation.
The cruise company requires all guests 12 years or older and Azamara crew to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all COVID-19 vaccine doses.
For more info, visit azamara.com