Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has taken the decision to eliminate all COVID-19 testing, mask and vaccination requirements for its passengers effective today, though passengers will still be governed by country-specific travel requirements, the cruise line said in a statement.
NCL calls on Nassau’s cruise port regularly, as well as its private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
NCL President Harry Sommer suggested that some travelers have been “patiently waiting” to vacation without the restrictions and said, “We cannot wait to celebrate their return.”
He added: “Health and safety are always our first priority, in fact we were the health and safety leaders from the very start of the pandemic.”
The statement noted that with the relaxation of these protocols, NCL is further aligned with other global travel organizations.
“Given the significant, positive progress in the public health environment, the cruise line updated its health and safety guidelines…,” the statement read.
It added: “With the easing of the cruise line’s health and safety protocols, NCL will continue to follow the travel guidelines as required by the destinations it visits.”
The Bahamas’ mask mandate fell away Saturday, loosening a protocol that has long been called for by the hotel and other industries.
The mandate remains in place for some institutions, including schools, healthcare facilities and homes for the elderly.
The country eliminated COVID-19 testing requirements for unvaccinated people traveling to The Bahamas with effect on Tuesday, September 20.
Previously, vaccinated travelers were not required to present a negative test to enter The Bahamas, but unvaccinated travelers had to present a negative test no older than 72 hours.
The testing requirement was among the last remaining
COVID-related restrictions still in effect in The Bahamas.
US President Jospeh Biden recently declared that the COVID-19 pandemic is over.