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Regent Seven Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line Will Make Face Masks Optional for Guests from March 1, 2022. This is a significant change from the current rule, enforced for sailings that begin before 3/1/22, that requires guests to wear a face mask onboard in all indoor spaces, except when actively eating or drinking or in the privacy of the cabin, as well as outdoors when social distancing isn't possible. For both RSSC and Norwegian, all crew will still wear face masks.
Our clients are likely to have a mixed reaction to this news: some prefer the mask requirement as another layer of protection against potentially being infected with COVID-19, since even an asymptomatic or mild infection can pose problems for further onward travel or one's return to the U.S. On the other hand, some clients have been waiting for cruises to relax the mask mandate, since having to wear a face mask much of the time isn't their idea of a vacation.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises Face Mask Optional Policy from 3/1/22
“For voyages beginning on or after March 1, 2022, face coverings will continue to be required for all crew, and are highly recommended but not required for guests on board, subject to local oversight of authorities in the jurisdiction(s) in which the ships are sailing, which may result in face coverings being required for guests.”
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Norwegian Cruise Line Face Mask Optional Policy from 3/1/22
For sailings from a U.S. port: “Guests are not required to wear masks onboard, however, we recognize the added protections provided when wearing a mask covering and recommend that all guests do so onboard when indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom. Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when physical distancing of at least six (6) feet cannot be maintained. The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest.”
For sailings from a European port: “Local government regulations requires all guests to wear masks onboard while indoors except for when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom. Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Face masks that have two or more layers that completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly on your face are permitted. Face masks should block light when held up to bright light source. Masks with exhalation valves or vents; single layer or masks made of thin fabric that don't block light (i.e. neck gaiters) are not permitted.”
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Will Other Cruise Lines Follow?
At time of writing, the other major luxury cruise lines we deal with, Seabourn, Silversea, and Celebrity still have mask mandates in place, including for March 2022 and later sailings.
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Does Regent Seven Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line's mask optional policy for 3/1/22 and later sailings make you more or less likely to cruise with them?
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