Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced on July 6 that it was dropping the requirement for pre-embarkation COVID testing, with effect from August 1.
The change in policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“The pre-embarkation testing requirement will remain in place for guests currently travelling on voyages departing from destinations with local testing regulations, including, but not limited to, the US, Canada, Greece and Bermuda,” a release from the company reads.
The relaxation of the testing policy is in line with the rest of the travel, leisure and hospitality industry worldwide as society continues to adapt and return to a state of normality, the company points out.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also still strongly recommends all guests to be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel.
Some other cruise lines have also started removing pre-boarding testing. Currently, Holland America Line July voyages on the Rotterdam, sailing from Amsterdam, do not require testing on voyages to Norway. European brand P&O Cruises has also temporarily rescinded testing on Iona, also sailing to Norway, according to Cruise Radio.