Cruise operators Virgin Voyages and Ponant have relaxed their COVID protocols to allow guests more freedom onboard and ashore.
Virgin Voyages is now allowing unvaccinated passengers to sail without a negative test result.
It said on its website: “As of 09/18/22 on Valiant Lady and 09/21/22 on Scarlet Lady, we’re opening up our voyages to everyone, including unvaccinated sailors.”
It added that ‘unvaccinated sailors are required to bring a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours’ or could pay a $75 fee to test at the terminal on the embarkation date.
The company made assurances that its crew would remain fully vaccinated and boosted.
Meanwhile, Ponant has relaxed what it calls ‘anti-COVID’ measures. It’s now no longer necessary to present proof of a negative test before boarding any of the ships in its fleet.
Guests must be fully vaccinated or show proof of recovery from COVID.
Ponant said masks are longer mandatory but are still recommended on board and ashore. It added that mask wearing may still be required depending on the local authorities’ rules at each port or destination. Ponant’s crew members will be wearing masks.
