If you need oxygen or dialysis, you can't cruise with these lines right now
If you need oxygen or dialysis, you won't be able to sail with Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line or Princess Cruises right now. The same goes for passengers who are unable (or unwilling) to wear masks.
According to Holland America's Travel Well FAQ and Princess Cruises' Health FAQ, the lines are "... unable to accept guests who use supplemental oxygen or are on dialysis at this time for 2021 cruises. This includes guests who use oxygen concentrators. Our medical experts have determined that, for the guest's own safety, this is the right decision. We've had to make some difficult decisions based on general public health guidelines and the overall health and safety of our guests. We remain optimistic that our approach on future sailings will become more flexible."
Carnival has similar wording on its Have Fun. Be Safe. FAQ page, as well.
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Affected passengers who are currently booked on sailings through 2021 can choose one of three options:
- A full refund of payment.
- A future travel credit worth 110% of payment.
- A rebooking for next year at the same time on the same itinerary at the same price.
Additionally, the lines -- all of which are part of Carnival Corporation -- require passengers to wear masks in indoor public areas onboard, except while eating or drinking.
"All guests will be required to wear a face mask -- with no exceptions -- in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops and in the casino except when eating or drinking," the websites state. "Guests will also be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the buffet area, and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate."
The lines say passengers who refuse to comply could be denied boarding or disembarked at the first available opportunity, with no refund, and they will be responsible for all expenses incurred as a result.
As for other major cruise lines, Norwegian hasn't changed its policies on mask-wearing. Nor has it limited passengers with existing medical conditions under its Sail Safe protocols. It will, however, require 100% vaccination for all passengers and crew.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, both of which are operated by Royal Caribbean Group, have also not barred cruisers with existing conditions.
However, Royal Caribbean has tightened its vaccination policy for cruises departing from Florida. To comply with new Bahamian health requirements, the line will now require vaccination proof for anyone 12 or older who plans to sail, despite an executive order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, which makes it illegal for businesses to demand proof of inoculation.
Earlier this month, a Florida court granted a preliminary injunction to Norwegian, which challenged DeSantis' order, allowing the line to make proof of vaccination a requirement for boarding.
Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its cruise guidance to say, "It is especially important for people with an increased risk of severe illness to avoid travel on cruise ships."
According to the CDC, people at increased risk include the elderly and people with medical conditions (including those who require dialysis or oxygen), even if they're fully vaccinated.
The CDC has also issued a Level 3 travel health notice -- the second most severe level -- for cruisers who are not fully vaccinated.
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
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- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
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- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
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3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
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Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees