What will cruising be like once ships are allowed to sail again? We’ll provide details closer to our return so you’ll have the most up-to-date information. But here are a few of the measures we’re pursuing as we work with public health officials and medical experts to develop our health and safety protocols. Please know that these are just the start as we adapt to the latest science and ever-evolving situation.
Stepping up Screenings
We're making sure our mandatory health screenings reflect best practices by including:
Enhancing Sanitation Procedures in Embarkation Terminals
Embarkation terminals are thoroughly sanitized using a safe disinfectant proven to quickly kill novel coronaviruses, and highly touched surfaces are cleaned continuously.
Cleaning Everywhere!
We’re enhancing our already rigorous cleaning protocols, developing sanitization measures in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include:
Ventilation Systems
We’re also taking a closer look at the air on our ships, enhancing fresh air distribution through public spaces and staterooms and adding HEPA filtration systems to key areas, such as medical centers and isolation rooms.
Physical Distancing
We’re making it easier to practice physical distancing by managing the timing, size and flow of groups in onboard venues and for events. We're also offering reminders about all the ways to stay healthy when on board and ashore.
Keeping Our Crew Healthy
It's critically important that we keep our crew members well, which is why we’re reinforcing healthy behaviors and protocols. Our crew will undergo enhanced health screenings and anyone showing signs of illness will not be permitted to board. Health checks throughout the cruise will also be implemented as appropriate.
Staying Prepared
Nothing is more important than being prepared, we’re making sure we’re ready for potential cases whether on board or in port.
We're equipping the Medical Center and staff on board with what they need to handle potential issues:
Stay Healthy While Cruising
Here are some healthy travel habits recommended by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control — be sure to practice them on your next Princess® cruise!
Local Partners in Health
We are working with local health authorities and government officials in the destinations we visit to make sure our health measures align with theirs.
Itinerary Optimizations & Proactive Planning
We are monitoring global health activity, health regulations and adjusting itineraries as necessary.
Where can I learn more about COVID-19?
The World Travel & Tourism Council and Carnival Corporation hosted a Global Scientific Summit on COVID-19 on July 28, 2020 featuring a panel of leading experts, who discussed the virus, disease, prevention, treatment and cure. The sessions are available to view at https://covidsciencesummit.com.
For more information about coronavirus please visit:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
What happens if a guest or crew member tests positive for COVID-19 during a voyage?
Health checks will take place during the cruise for guests and crew. In case of onboard illness, protocol will involve COVID-19 testing capabilities, rapid response and contact tracing. Isolation and quarantine rooms will be available as needed. Onboard medical centers are equipped to handle a broad range of medical conditions, including needs for critical care. In these facilities, HEPA filtration systems known to filter out nanoparticles smaller than the coronavirus will offer an added layer of protection.
How will you ensure guests don’t sail sick or bring sickness on board?
All guests and crew embarking a ship will undergo enhanced pre-embarkation health screening in accordance with best practices such as health questionnaires and touch-free temperature checks as appropriate. Anyone exhibiting signs of illness will be denied boarding.
In situations where social distancing is difficult (embarkation, disembarkation, muster, dining, theater), what will the experience be like?
As the return to sailing approaches, more details will become available regarding onboard experience. However, measures will be in place to actively manage the flow, timing and size of groups to allow for responsible physical distancing. We can also share that additional handwashing facilities and hand sanitizing stations will be positioned in high-traffic areas throughout the ship.
Will everyone be required to wear masks? Is there a particular type and will they be provided?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained is helpful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 when combined with other preventative actions. For this reason, many guests will choose to wear them. We will assess the situation to formalize our policy prior to when we start sailing again based on the latest scientific and medical information available as well as guidance from public health experts.
Please visit the CDC for more information about how to safely wear a mask.
Will I get my money back if the voyage is disrupted due to cases of COVID-19 on board?
We are currently working through the protocols for our return to sailing and will share details as they become available.
Which future voyages have been modified or cancelled?
View the Impacted & Cancelled Cruises page for the latest announcements regarding voyage modifications and cancellations.
Where can I go to get updates from Princess Cruises?
Updates are available at Princess Cruises' Notices & Advisories.