Cities On Water.

As the travel industry gears up for the summer and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be distributed globally, government officials aren’t the only ones changing travel requirements for vaccinated visitors. After canceling itineraries for several months—and in some cases, even more than a year—cruise lines are starting to implement their own regulations to get back out on the high seas. These are the major cruise lines requiring all passengers and crew members to get fully vaccinated before sailing aboard their ships.

American Queen Steamboat Company

In February, American Queen Steamboat Company and sister company Victory Cruise Lines announced that they would begin implementing a vaccination requirement for all sailings beginning July 1, 2021. Crew members and non-shipboard employees across all seven vessels in both company fleets will also need to be fully vaccinated by that date.

Crystal Cruises

Travelers hoping to embark on a Crystal Cruises sailing will need to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their cruise. To ensure this regulation is properly adhered to, passengers will be required to provide proof of vaccination before boarding the ship. Even before booking their cruise, passengers will also have to fill out a form acknowledging this vaccination requirement. As for the crew, they hail from places worldwide and will be expected to get vaccinated, depending on the availability of vaccines in their home countries.

Virgin Voyages

Just four months ahead of its first sailing scheduled for July 1, Virgin Voyages announced it would require all passengers and crew members to be fully vaccinated before embarking the ship.

“Safety and security is our number one priority, and always has been our number one priority. We’ve heard the president talk about the acceleration of vaccines out there, whereby May, all adults could be vaccinated. So, we think that that’s an important criterium to create a safe environment on our ships,” Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in an interview aired on ABC News ’Good Morning America.

Royal Caribbean

Although the vaccination requirement is not yet a company-wide policy, Royal Caribbean did announce that inoculation will be mandatory for guests in two specific areas.

In North America, all crew will be vaccinated, and any passenger above the age of 18 will also be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine. In Israel, Royal Caribbean made headlines.

With its plans to offer “fully vaccinated sailings,” where both are, and guests above the age of 16 will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises will begin sailing the Caribbean from St. Maarten starting on June 5, 2021. All crew members will be vaccinated, and adult passengers above 18 must also be fully vaccinated. For children under the age of 18, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of embarkation will be required.

Feeling Cooped Up Too Long?

As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed across the globe, countries looking to boost their tourism numbers—and economies—are changing their entry requirements and restrictions, making it easier for vaccinated travelers to visit.

Here is a list of the countries already welcoming American tourists who are fully vaccinated and their new travel policies.

Belize

According to the Belize Tourism Board, this Central American country will waive its COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers who can prove that they have been fully vaccinated. International travelers must book their stay at a government-designated “Gold Standard Hotel” and download its health app.

Non-vaccinated travelers can also visit Belize, but they must prove a negative PCR COVID-19 test was taken within 96 hours of travel, or a negative rapid test was taken within 48 hours. The traveler also has the option to test upon arrival at the airport for $50.

GEORGIA

IN GEORGIA, the U.S. Embassy has stated that American travelers who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are welcome to enter the country without getting tested before arrival. They will also not be required to quarantine.

Un-vaccinated visitors must arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours, get a follow-up PCR test on their third day in the country, and complete an application with their contact details and travel history.

SEYCHELLES

Seychelles is welcoming fully vaccinated travelers as long as they can prove that at least two weeks have passed since they received their second dose. Unlike other countries with new rules for vaccinated travelers, proof of a negative COVID-19 test still is required. The person must have taken within 72 hours of traveling. Travelers must also fill out a health travel authorization showing their certificate of vaccination, test results, flight confirmation, and accommodation details. According to the Seychelles tourism board, once the majority of the country’s population is vaccinated, it will reopen to all travelers regardless of their vaccination status.

ROMANIA

Previously, travelers headed to Romania were required to quarantine upon arrival. Now, the country’s National Committee for Emergency Situations has eased that restriction for vaccinated visitors. Travelers have to prove that at least ten days have passed since they received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

GREECE

Although it is no yet, Greece is aiming to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists on May 14. International tourists with coronavirus antibodies or negative test results will also be welcomed to visit, though official requirements have not been announced. In the meantime, the country is hoping to increase its vaccination numbers, and plans are in place to begin vaccinated tourism workers once the elderly and medically vulnerable populations have received a vaccine.