Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lifted its requirement for inbound COVID-19 testing for air travelers entering the U.S., the cruise industry is celebrating the policy change and what it means for the recovery of the travel segment.
"The decision to lift the COVID-19 testing requirement for U.S.-bound air travelers is a strong step forward in easing restrictions, so that the cruise industry can continue to contribute to the rebounding of the U.S. economy,” read a statement from Cruise Lines International Association on the organization’s Twitter account.
The CDC ending its requirement of a negative COVID-19 test for Americans to re-enter the United States is an important step forward in the return to all global travel, including cruising.
Individual ocean and river cruise lines are also applauding the new approach, including Holland America Line (HAL).
"The CDC ending its requirement of a negative COVID-19 test for Americans to re-enter the United States is an important step forward in the return to all global travel, including cruising,” said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL. “The change means that U.S. travelers can pursue their love of cruising Holland America Line voyages from homeports in Europe, Canada and Australia without concern they could be denied entry to return home.”
The news is particularly exciting for HAL, as the line is also seeing the return of all 11 of its ships back into service, joining an ever-growing list of other cruise fleets to do so.
“It removes a barrier to travel for some guests who understandably wanted to avoid the uncertainty of return testing,” Antorcha added. “At Holland America Line, we continue to operate vaccinated cruises and have created a safe and healthy environment for our guests, our teams and the communities we serve, helping to ensure cruising is among the safest forms of socializing and travel. And we continue to offer our Worry-Free Promise to allow flexible cancelation for cruises booked by September and departing through December.”
Some Lines Are Changing Their Onboard COVID-19 Policies
Corporate cousin Princess Cruises is similarly optimistic.
"This is a tremendous development that allows our guests to travel more easily and without stress throughout Europe, as well as experience our Alaska cruises that conclude in a Canadian port,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
In a case of one step forward and one step back regarding lifted travel restrictions, though, Princess also recently revealed that it is reintroducing a mask mandate for all indoor onboard locations for its northbound and southbound Alaska sailings between Whittier and Vancouver until further notice.
Meanwhile, Viking responded to the inbound testing update by saying it will discontinue all onboard COVID-19 testing across its entire ocean and river fleet. Only if a passenger reports symptoms, requests it or if one is deemed necessary by the medical team will a test be administered. Viking is even doing away with its requirement for pre-departure testing unless needed by the destination, such as for select cruises in the U.S. and Canada. The line still recommends testing and requires vaccination before embarkation, however.
The Testing Requirement Change Is Expected to Boost Sales
AmaWaterways co-founder and executive vice president Kristin Karst is also embracing the updated U.S. policy.
Since the start of the pandemic, our U.S. customers expressed that the testing requirement for re-entry is the No. 1 thing holding them back from traveling internationally, and we’re thrilled that this barrier has been lifted.
“The removal of the COVID-19 testing requirement for international air travelers entering the U.S. is a very positive step in allowing the world to return to normal,” she said. “With health and safety continuing to stay top-of-mind, this move will further allow people to more freely participate in activities, including international travel, which brings such joy and rejuvenation by reuniting with loved ones and embracing new experiences. There is a huge pent-up demand in the United States for international travel, and we expect our river cruise sales for the remainder of 2022 to experience a considerable boost from this news.”
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is also looking to boost sales now that the testing burden has been eliminated.
"Since the start of the pandemic, our U.S. customers expressed that the testing requirement for re-entry is the No. 1 thing holding them back from traveling internationally, and we’re thrilled that this barrier has been lifted,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. “We can’t wait to welcome guests onboard, and the timing is perfect as we kick off the summer with special savings on our most-loved European itineraries. For a limited time, we’re giving back to travelers who want to get back out there and explore with even more family and friends with two-for-the-price-of-one trips.”
