Carnival Announces Updated Protocols for July 2021 Sailings Out of Galveston

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Carnival Cruises Updated Protocols For July 2021 Sailings Out of Galveston

Booked on, or considering sailing on either the Carnival Vista for a 7-night cruise, or a 4/5-night cruise on the Carnival Breeze out of Galveston, Texas, these protocols will affect you.  Do be aware that these protocols are subject to change between now and the date of your ships departure.

Please find below an excerpt from an official email that we received from our Texas Travel Partner representative, Karen Needham, of Carnival Cruises, dated today, June 9, 2021:

PROTOCOLS FOR GALVESTON SAILINGS IN JULY

• The July Galveston cruises will operate with at least 95% of fully vaccinated guests, who will be required to present proof of vaccination at time of check-in. 
  Vaccines must be approved by either the CDC or WHO (World Health Organization).

“We appreciate the progress and support for our U.S. restart from the CDC and other key federal agencies; however, the current CDC requirements for cruising with a guest base  that is unvaccinated will make it very difficult to deliver the experience our guests expect, especially given the large number of families with younger children who sail with us.  As a result, our alternative is to operate our ships from the U.S. during the month of July with vaccinated guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

• Vaccinated guests will not be required to wear a facemask or maintain physical distancing while on board. 
  Guests will have to follow all necessary local guidance at the destinations we visit. 
• The CDC’s guidelines for operating a highly vaccinated cruise provide the ability to accommodate a small number of unvaccinated guests   (children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated and exemptions as required by federal law) on restricted voyages, based on the total number of vaccinated guests on board. 

We plan to accommodate a small number of exemptions.  Such guests are being asked to put their names on our list (online submissions only) for follow-up communication.

There will be testing, mask requirements and other restrictions for unvaccinated guests who are granted an exemption.

• Guests who determine the time is not right to sail have the ability to rebook or request a full refund until Monday, June 14.   After that date, our regular fare rules will apply.

Please note that the above vaccine requirement and protocols are for July Galveston departures.  We remain optimistic that requirements for cruising from the U.S. will continue to evolve and our approach to future sailings will become more flexible.  However, at this time we must follow the guidance we have as of today for these first cruises back.

Thinking about joining Carnival and being on of the first people to be on one of these sailings?  Please reach out to us at Cruise Planners as they are now on sale, and we will strive to work for and with you and Carnival to make your vacation the best it can be at no additional cost to you!  Contact us now!